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We Grow California

We Grow California

By: Darcy Villere
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We chat to people in the water industry to find out the latest news© 2026 We Grow California Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Water’s Movers & Shakers with Meena Westford, San Diego County Water Authority

    Water’s Movers & Shakers with Meena Westford, San Diego County Water Authority
    Jun 17 2026
    California’s water challenges are getting tougher; they are not just complicated, but more complex. If your water agency is going “with the flow,” you are most likely headed for very turbulent water ahead. Even Darcy V’s small community water system is embarking on its first metered water rate study. They know they can’t continue doing business the way they always have and expect different outcomes. The reality is that today’s water challenges require innovative solutions, courage, and relationships—not just thinking outside the box, but literally blowing the box up. This week’s guest, Meena Westford, Director of Imported Water for the San Diego County Water Authority (The Authority) shares the inside scoop on new water transfer agreements with other Metropolitan Member Agencies, a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding that will allow interstate water transfers, and how customer messaging matters now more than ever. These new-ways-of-doing-business deals didn’t happen overnight; timing is everything. The right people are in the right places – smart, seasoned, and thinking differently to solve today’s problems without yesterday’s baggage; Meena is one of those people. Darcy & Darcy discuss litigation history, the Colorado River, and why these issues matter to all Californians, as well as those who benefit from what California produces. Listen in! Let us know what you’re thinking! You can provide comments, suggestions, questions, or recommendations at https://www.ecwaterpac.com/podcast/. Thanks for tuning in!


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    We Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Contractors State PAC and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
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    45 mins
  • We’re Back & We Missed You

    We’re Back & We Missed You
    Jun 10 2026

    Darcy and Darcy are back – finally – from their unplanned sabbatical! Darcy V has been doing what farmers do: farming and solving major problems in the field. He’s also been coaching Tee Ball and busy with life. Darcy B has been doing what she does best – influencing water policy at all levels, preaching water quality and public health—and is super excited to bring Darcy V, and you, up to speed. This episode will give you the California water updates you need including big changes at the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), Friant Water Authority, infrastructure projects, and everyone’s least favorite mussel – the Golden Mussel. Darcy and Darcy tried to cover all the bases and are glad to be back!

    Let us know what you’re thinking! You can provide comments, suggestions, questions, or recommendations at https://www.ecwaterpac.com/podcast/. Thanks for tuning in!

    Send us Fan Mail

    We Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Contractors State PAC and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
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    37 mins
  • Westlands Solar Project is More than Energy Generation, It’s Thrivability with Allison Febbo and Patrick Mealoy

    Westlands Solar Project is More than Energy Generation, It’s Thrivability with Allison Febbo and Patrick Mealoy
    Feb 4 2026

    Darcy and Darcy welcome back Westlands General Manager Allison Febbo to discuss their Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan. Joining them is Westlands' solar/energy partner, Patrick Mealoy from Golden State Clean Energy. Darcy V, a Westlands grower, shares that he is excited about this project. Darcy B. takes a little more time to warm up to what she thinks is just another mega solar install, but she quickly learns that it's not at all! And although when fully operational, it is estimated 136,000 acres will be producing solar energy or providing battery back-up, it's not about energy; this is about taking assets (farm land) that are losing value because of water unreliability and putting them to work, making them valuable, and providing Westlands growers, California agriculture, and farming communities an opportunity to thrive. The Darcys have always said California needs to invest in water infrastructure to improve its overall water reliability for all sectors: urban, ag, industrial/commercial, and the environment, and until that happens, this plan takes lemons and truly makes lemonade. You have to hear the details, how it works, what the long-term plans are, and more. Listen in!

    Send us Fan Mail

    We Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Contractors State PAC and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
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    52 mins
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