Ventura County Public Works Agency gives lessons at CSUCI’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) can add college educators to its impressive body of work. The agency has been invited to lead an 8-week course for California State University, Channel Islands’ Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLL) program, which kicked off last month.

Moderated by VCPWA Director Jeff Pratt, the course will present an overview of the history and strategic management of Ventura County water use. Each week, course material will be presented by regional water experts who will cover a range of water-related topics from watersheds, water systems and aquifers, to floods, droughts, water suppliers and conservation. The course will also examine public policy topics such as water sources, water infrastructure, the history of regulation and the regulatory and legal environment, and the evolution and future of water supply and management.

The course culminates in a roundtable discussion with elected officials, regulatory offices, and practitioners on Monday, Oct. 31. Panelists include: State Senator Fran Pavley, County Supervisor Steve Bennett, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Executive Officer Sam Unger, Southland Sod Owner Jurgen Gramckow, and United Water Conservation District General Manager Mauricio Guardado.  

The course is being presented to the members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands. OLLI is a program at CI that offers university-level courses to adults (50 or older) in and around Ventura County.

“We are excited that we were offered the opportunity to help lead a discussion and educate the community about water use,” said Pratt. “Now more than ever it must be viewed as a valued commodity and it’s important that we invite all stakeholders to the table to have an important discussion about this precious resource.”