California's Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee convened on March 11, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding flood management and climate resilience in the state. Mark Strudley, representing the Power Regional Flood Management Agency, emphasized the urgent need for updates and replacements of aging flood protection infrastructure, including levees and flood walls, which are vital for safeguarding communities from flooding.

Strudley highlighted the unique challenges faced by coastal areas, where agricultural practices and geography limit the capacity for flood management. Unlike the Central Valley, where flood-tolerant crops can be cultivated, coastal regions are home to sensitive crops that cannot withstand flooding. This situation complicates the implementation of multi-use landscapes that could otherwise mitigate flood risks.

The discussion also touched on the historical inadequacies of existing flood protection systems, particularly in the Pajaro Valley, where a levee system built in the 1940s has proven insufficient. Strudley pointed out that the current infrastructure only protects against floods that occur on average every eight years, a stark contrast to the potential flooding that could happen every two to five years without such measures.

The committee's focus on these pressing issues underscores the importance of proactive flood risk reduction strategies as California continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change. As the state moves forward, the need for enhanced funding and innovative solutions in flood management remains critical to protect both lives and livelihoods.