California State Sen. Steve Padilla urged community members and stakeholders to set aside “petty historic differences” during his keynote speech at the Imperial Valley Salton Sea Conference, held Friday, May 9, at Imperial Valley College. The event, co-hosted by Los Amigos de Comunidad Inc., Imperial Valley College, and the Pacific Institute, marked the first major conference focusing on the Salton Sea from an Imperial Valley perspective. The conference brought together regional leaders, environmental advocates, scientists and state officials to discuss both the challenges and opportunities presented by the deteriorating lake. Padilla’s call for unity came as he reflected on decades of political and community division that he said have stalled meaningful progress for the Salton Sea and surrounding communities. 

Other water meeting news:

• University of Nevada, Reno: News release: Regional water and environmental stakeholders gather for annual symposium
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