Staff and legal counsel from the district discuss the concept, strategy, and successful completion of the Pure Water Soquel program for new recycled water facilities that will halt seawater intrusion into the local groundwater basin. The program will discuss selection of progressive design-build as the delivery method, the procurement process, key terms and negotiation of the phased agreement, technical challenges, use of a Project Neutral for disputes, and successful resolution of claims.

Rebecca Takacs and David Gehrig: “Pure Water Soquel: from Day 1 to Done”

This session will focus on Social Security coverage basics, potential Social Security coverage pitfalls and associated liability your agency may face, what agencies can do to ensure their employees have Social Security coverage, when intended, and how to use the Social Security modification process to obtain Social Security coverage, as well as other ways to reduce your agency’s risk in this area.

Nancy Hilu: “What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Social Security Coverage Issues for Public Agency Employees”

This MCLE program provides a practical introduction to civil appellate practice in the California Court of Appeal for the First Appellate District. The presentation will cover key procedural steps, common filing requirements, briefing and record preparation, oral argument, and practical guidance for avoiding frequent appellate mistakes. Designed for attorneys new to appellate work or seeking a refresher, the program will offer useful insights for handling civil appeals effectively and efficiently.​

This session examines the emerging legal risks associated with robotics, autonomous systems, and machine-driven operations across industries. We will explore evolving liability frameworks, contractual risk allocation, evidentiary challenges, and insurance considerations related to automation. We will discuss how claims professionals and defense counsel must adapt to incidents involving human-machine interaction, algorithmic control failures, and evolving standards of care.

Attending the QSBS Summit is an opportunity to hear directly from the most active Qualified Small Business Stock advisors and practitioners in the industry. Leave with the awareness and strategies to maximize QSBS for the clients, founders, and investors in your network.

Christopher Karachale: “Building a QSBS Team:Founding to Exit”

This year’s CALRC conference provides exceptional programming and diverse case studies centered on critical land recycling topics, including housing equity, climate resilience, and regulatory innovation. Attendees will benefit from expert-led sessions and collaborative panels designed to share creative funding strategies and promote community-led land reuse across California.

Louise Dyble: “AAI and After: The Narrow Path for Preserving Liability Protections”

This presentation examines the three cornerstone fiduciary obligations every trustee must uphold during trust administration. Under state laws a trustee owes a duty of loyalty — requiring them to act in the best interests of beneficiaries and avoid conflicts of interest — a duty of care — requiring the exercise of reasonable skill and prudence in managing trust assets — and a duty of impartiality — requiring fair and equal treatment of all beneficiaries.

The Valley Made Manufacturing Summit is the largest gathering of manufacturers in the region, bringing together over 950 industry leaders, business executives, educators, and policymakers to drive the future of manufacturing in California and beyond. Now in its 11th year, this premier event serves as a catalyst for innovation, workforce development, and industry collaboration, ensuring that manufacturing remains a driving force for economic growth and global competitiveness.

This year’s conference promises to be engaging and full of valuable networking opportunities, with dedicated ways for both vendors and attendees to connect and participate.

Jenica Maldonado: “Top 10 Labor & Employment Pro Tips for Fire Chiefs” 

In this candid fireside chat, Gino Brogdon, celebrated mediator, trial lawyer, retired judge, and star of the YouTube Personal Injury Court channel, joins Merton Howard, a seasoned defense attorney recently certified as a court-appointed mediator. Together, they pull back the curtain on what really happens, and what often goes wrong, during the mediation of product liability cases. Drawing on decades of combined experience, they will walk through the most common and costly mistakes made by the defense while providing insight about what goes on in the plaintiff’s room.