Background

The Advisory Committee plays a key role in shaping groundwater management in the Salinas Valley by providing input and consensus-based recommendations to the SVBGSA Board of Directors. The Advisory Committee reflects a broad range of perspectives, representing agencies and groundwater users across the region. Members collaborate to support the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act through the integrated execution of six Groundwater Sustainability Plans. The Advisory Committee roster is made of up of six Subbasin Committee seats, the four Partner Agency seats, and up to three of the Board-Designated seats. Members collectively represent the diverse interests of groundwater users, partner agencies, and subbasin implementation areas. The Committee’s charge emphasizes:
  • Reviewing groundwater issues relevant to SGMA implementation in the Salinas Valley
  • Developing consensus-based recommendations that incorporate community and stakeholder perspectives
  • Supporting the Board by identifying areas of agreement and disagreement and presenting clear, well-considered options.

This work is based on a commitment to good faith deliberation, productive discussion, and respect for differing viewpoints. Committee members are expected to serve as effective advocates, collaborate with one another, and commit the time needed to understand complex and evolving issues. SGMA implementation in the Salinas Valley remains one of the most consequential long-term efforts in the region. The Advisory Committee plays a critical role in ensuring that decisions are informed by:

  • A broad range of groundwater users and perspectives
  • Subbasin-level knowledge and experience
  • Community concerns, opportunities, and priorities
  • Practical understanding of the regulatory and technical landscape

By design, this Committee is where difficult questions can be worked through in a collaborative environment that is accessible, open to the public, and protects the integrity of the process. The Committee’s work helps the Board navigate the complex challenges of groundwater sustainability — balancing scientific information, legal requirements, diverse stakeholder needs, and real-world constraints. The Charter and Bylaws set expectations for how members are expected to approach discussions and decision making. The Advisory Committee works as a team, in an environment that values honesty, respect, open communication, and constructive problem-solving. This is echoed in the Agency’s Code of Conduct, which calls for civility, integrity, and commitment to the common good.

The Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet the third Thursday of even months at 2 p.m., with additional special meetings throughout the year as needed. Upcoming meeting dates can also be found on the Calendar. Meeting agendas, which include meeting locations, are published under Upcoming Events and the agenda should be referenced for any changes in regular meeting dates, times, locations or meeting cancellations.

Useful Resources

This section is dedicated to providing SVBGSA Advisory Committee members with a curated list of valuable resources. These materials are intended to support the Committee’s work, enhance the members’ understanding of groundwater sustainability issues, and keep everyone informed of important developments. Resources include links to external websites, relevant pages within the SVBGSA site, and downloadable PDF documents.

NEW INFORMATION

FOUNDATIONAL INFORMATION

INFORMATION COMING SOON

  • Integrated Implementation Strategy (IIS) Draft Sections 3-4
  • IIS/Valley-wide HCM
  • IIS/Current Conditions and SMC

Advisory Committee Roster

Member Seat
Horacio Amezquita Board Designated
Christopher Bunn Eastside Committee
John Huerta Jr. Board Designated
Ryan Kelly Langley Committee
Robbie Long Monterey Committee
Roger Moitoso Upper Valley Committee
Shaunna Murray Monterey County Water Resources Agency
Allan Panziera Forebay Aquifer Committee
Kevin Piearcy Board Designated
Remleh Scherzinger Marina Coast Water District
Paul Sciuto Monterey One Water
Adam Secondo  180/400 Committee
Curtis Weeks Arroyo Seco Groundwater Sustainability Agency