EVENT PROGRAM
THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025
PECHANGA RESORT CASINO | TEMECULA, CA
FEATURING
William H. McRaven
U.S.
NAVY FOUR-STAR ADMIRAL (RETIRED)
Pechanga Welcomes
Western Riverside Council of Governments
Over twenty years ago, our Tribe celebrated its most significant enhancement to our gaming operation with the opening of the Pechanga Resort Casino. The resort was the culmination of years of labor, sacrifice, and dedication by the Tribe to secure self-reliance for generations to come.
Since then, the Tribe has supported our shared community with quality jobs for thousands of our neighbors, contributed over $6 million towards local education and over $30 million to non-profits, protected the place of the Sacred Creation Area for all Luiseño Indian People and quality of life for Temecula through the conservation of Pu’éska Mountain, and more.
We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with fellow governments to move our region forward collectively.
Western Riverside Council of Governments pays homage to the indigenous ‘Atáaxum (Luiseño people) and acknowledge the land on which the 34th Annual General Assembly and Leadership Address is located and upon which we are gathered is part of their Traditional homeland. Today, Pechanga is one of six federally recognized Luiseño Bands whose Traditional territory encompasses western Riverside County, northern San Diego County, and the Southern Channel Islands. The Pechanga people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:
CHAIR'S WELCOME
Welcome to the 34th Annual General Assembly & Leadership Address! It’s a true pleasure to gather once again with leaders from across our region to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate the progress we’ve made together.
We are especially honored to welcome four-star Admiral William McRaven, US Navy (Ret.), as this year’s keynote speaker. Admiral McRaven is also a #1 New York Times bestselling author, known for The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy) and his viral University of Texas commencement speech that inspired Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...and Maybe the World. His insight and experience have made him a global voice on leadership, and his message will leave us all inspired and ready to take on what’s next.
Thank you to our many generous sponsors, whose support allows us to host this signature event without using any public funds. Their investment helps bring government and business leaders together in meaningful ways, creating a space where collaboration can grow and new ideas can flourish. Many of them are here tonight—please take a moment to meet these incredible partners and thank them for the work they do to support our communities.
I’d also like to express my appreciation to my colleagues on the WRCOG Executive Committee. Your guidance and leadership have helped shape important regional decisions that strengthen our resilience and drive sustainable progress.
And of course, thank you to the WRCOG staff—a small but mighty team of dedicated professionals whose work continues to support our member communities. Your efforts behind the scenes make this night to celebrate our regional successes possible.
Finally, don’t forget—the evening doesn’t end after the program! Join us for the Post-Event Reception located right next door in Summit A/B, sponsored by NAIOP. It’s a great opportunity to keep the conversations going, make new connections, and end the night on a high note.
On behalf of WRCOG and our 22 member agencies, thank you for joining us and for your continued partnership. Enjoy the evening!
Sincerely,
Brenda Dennstedt Chairwoman, WRCOG
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
William H. McRaven
U.S. NAVY FOUR-STAR ADMIRAL
(RETIRED)
Admiral William H. McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy Four-Star admiral and the former Chancellor of the University of Texas System. During his time in the military, he commanded special operations forces at every level, eventually taking charge of the U.S. Special Operations Command. His career included combat during Desert Storm and both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He commanded the troops that captured Saddam Hussein and rescued Captain Phillips. McRaven is also credited with developing the plan and leading the Osama bin Laden mission in 2011.
As the Chancellor of the UT System, he led one of the nation’s largest and most respected systems of higher education. As the chief executive officer of the UT System, McRaven oversaw 14 institutions that educated 220,000 students, and employed 20,000 faculty and more than 80,000 health care professionals, researchers, and staff.
McRaven is a recognized national authority on U.S. foreign policy and has advised Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and other U.S. leaders on defense issues. He currently serves on the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the National Football Foundation, and the Board of Directors of CoconoPhilips.
McRaven has been recognized for his leadership numerous times. In 2011, he was the first runnerup for TIME magazine’s “Person of the Year.” In 2012, Foreign Policy magazine named McRaven one of the nation’s “Top 10 Foreign Policy Experts.” In 2014, Politico magazine named McRaven one of the “Politico 50,” citing his leadership as instrumental in cutting though Washington bureaucracy. In 2015, he received the Intrepid Freedom Award for his distinguished service in defending the values of democracy. In 2016, McRaven was named the recipient of the Ambassador Richard M. Helms Award by the CIA Officers’ Memorial Foundation and in 2018, he received the Judge William H. Webster Distinguished Service Award for a lifetime of service to the nation.
McRaven is the author of several books including, SPEC OPS: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare, Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World, based on his 2014 UT Commencement Speech that received worldwide attention, and Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations, The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived. In 2023, he released The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy). An instant #1 New York Times Bestseller, the book draws on countless experiences from Admiral McRaven’s life, including navigating crises, management debates, organizational transitions, and ethical dilemmas, to provide readers with the most important leadership lessons he has learned over his forty years of service.
He met his wife, Georgeann, while they were students at UT Austin, and they have three grown children. McRaven is now a leadership consultant and stays active with his writing, speaking, and board commitments.
We are proud to support WRCOG’s 34th Annual General Assembly and Leadership Conference
It is a privilege to be a partner with WRCOG and serve as trusted counsel addressing multi-disciplinary issues and regulatory challenges.
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EVENT AGENDA
WELCOME
Brenda Dennstedt WRCOG Chair
Mark Macarro Tribal Chairman
INVOCATION Lt. Kurt King
PRESENTATION OF COLORS & FLAG SALUTE
Naval Junior Reserve Officers
Training Corps (NJROTC)
Chaparral High School, Temecula
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
SPEAKER: COMMITTEE MEMBER SERVICE MILESTONES
STAFF RECOGNITIONS
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Valerie Geason
Tonight was unforgettable — and now you can relive it all! Scan the QR code to browse photos from the Speaker’s (VIP) Reception, the main event, and the After Party. Find your favorite memories, share the fun, and celebrate an incredible evening with us! https://cherishedmemoriesphotography.com/wrcog/
WRCOG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee is WRCOG’s decision-making policy board. The Executive Committee is comprised of elected officials from each of WRCOG’s member agencies and meets monthly to discuss policy issues and consider recommendations from WRCOG’s Technical Advisory Committee.
Jeff Cervantes Calimesa
Bob Karwin Menifee
Joseph Morabito Wildomar
Dr. Edwin Gomez RCOE
Christian Dinco Eastvale
Michael Vargas Perris
David Slawson EMWD
Lori Stone Murrieta
Mark Terry Canyon Lake
Elena Baca-Santa Cruz Moreno Valley
Chuck Washington County of Riverside District 3
Brian Tisdale Lake Elsinore
Chuck Conder Riverside
Brenda Dennstedt WMWD
Jacque Casillas Corona
Karen Spiegel County of Riverside District 2
Crystal Ruiz San Jacinto
Kevin Bash Norco
Yxstian Gutierrez County of Riverside District 5
Mike Lara Beaumont
Sheri Flynn Banning
Joe Males Hemet
Jessica Alexander Temecula
Jose Medina County of Riverside District 1
Chris Barajas Jurupa Valley
Body
Since 1950, EVMWD has proudly delivered safe, reliable water to the communities we serve. As we celebrate 75 years of service, we honor our legacy while looking ahead to a sustainable, thriving future. Join us for our 75th Anniversary Celebration on Sept. 15, 2025, at Launch Pointe. We're inviting community partners and regional leaders to help make this milestone unforgettable.
Lewis Brisbois is proud to support
WRCOG’s 34th Annual General
WRCOG LEADERSHIP
WRCOG MEMBERS
CITY OF BANNING
CITY OF BEAUMONT
CITY OF CALIMESA
CITY OF CANYON LAKE
CITY OF MENIFEE
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY
CITY OF MURRIETA
CITY OF NORCO
CITY OF PERRIS
CITY OF RIVERSIDE
CITY OF SAN JACINTO
CITY OF TEMECULA
CITY OF WILDOMAR
COUNTY
RIVERSIDE
CITY OF CORONA
CITY OF EASTVALE
CITY OF HEMET
CITY OF JURUPA VALLEY
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
Congratulations to the Western Riverside Council of Governments on another successful year!
RTA is proud to sponsor
General Assembly and Leadership Address
RTA is honored to partner with WRCOG to launch the regional Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Program to help our jurisdictions move development projects forward while providing benefits to the community.
WHAT IS WRCOG?
WRCOG is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), consisting of the County of Riverside, 18 cities, two regional water districts and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools. Recognizing that issues related to growth are not constrained by city or county boundaries, WRCOG focuses on a number of regional matters important to the future of Western Riverside County. By working together through its committee structure and utilizing existing resources, WRCOG enables strong advocacy, and strengthens Western Riverside County’s standing in southern California and the state. WRCOG’s program areas are varied and range from transportation to air quality, solid waste, environment, energy, resiliency, sustainability, and growth.
Our programs include:
• Energy (PACE, Streetlights)
• Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN)
• Environment and Recycling (Clean Cities Coalition, Solid Waste Cooperative, Regional Food Rescue Program, Used Oil Recycling, Love Your Neighborhood, Community Transportation Needs Assessment)
• Public Service Fellowship Program
• Grant writing assistance
• Regional Planning
• Transportation (TUMF, Active Transportation Plan, VMT Mitigation, Transportation Modeling Services)
• Water Task Force
THE SUBREGION
WRCOG SELECTED AS ALL-AMERICA CITY FINALIST
SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS WRCOG'S DOCUMENTS
We are proud to announce that WRCOG has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious 2025 AllAmerica City Award! Out of communities across the nation, we are honored to be one of just 20 finalists — and one of only two from California — advancing to the final competition in Denver this June. WRCOG is also the first Council of Government to receive this recognition in the Awards’ 71 year history. This achievement is only possible because of the collective leadership and innovation of our member agencies, who continue to drive meaningful change throughout Western Riverside County. We also extend our thanks to the dedicated WRCOG and (Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (RCHCA) staff whose hard work, creativity, and collaboration have been instrumental in bringing our region's story to the national stage.
2025 SPONSORS
TITLE SPONSOR
Pechanga Band of Indians
PLATINUM SPONSORS
County of Riverside
Waste Management
GOLD SPONSORS
Best Best & Krieger LLP
Ontario International Airport
SILVER SPONSORS
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
IDI Logistics
Lewis Brisbois
Lewis Group of Companies
Majestic Realty
March Joint Powers Authority
Riverside Transit Agency
The Energy Coalition
Western Water
HEADSHOT SPONSOR
Tripepi Smith
NEIGHBORHOOD SPONSORS
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc
Frontier Energy
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
Promeli Videoworks
SUPPORTER SPONSORS
California Apartment Association
Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
Rancho Water
SAWPA
SoCalGas
South Coast Air Quality Management District
FULL PAGE AD SPONSORS
ESA (Enviornmental Science Associates)
Bedford at Corona (Pacific Ventures)
Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc.
Iteris, Inc.
HALF PAGE AD SPONSORS
PARS MNS Engineers
The WRCOG Supporting Foundation recognizes and thanks our many sponsor partnerships for the 34th Annual General Assembly & Leadership Address!
PREMIERE SPONSOR
Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN)
POST-EVENT RECEPTION SPONSOR
NAIOP Inland Empire Chapter
CENTERPIECE SPONSORS
Eastern Municipal Water District
Western Water
CREATIVE SPONSORS
DeGrave Communications
RMG Communications
PROGRAM SPONSOR
FPC Graphics
WINE SPONSOR
Wilson Creek Winery
BRONZE SPONSORS
Albert A. Webb Associates
AMR Riverside
Athens Services
Bechtel
Building Industry Association of Southern CaliforniaRiverside County Chapter
Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Citizens Business Bank
CR & R Environmental Services
DTA Public Finance
EPD Solutions, Inc.
Fehr & Peers
GHD
ICF International Inc.
Kimley-Horn
Mark Thomas
Metropolitan Water District
National CORE / Amplify Communities
OPR Communications, Inc
PlaceWorks
Richland
Riverside University Health System
Southern California Association of Governments
Southern California Edison
Stafford HR Consulting
Twintel
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITION
EASTVALE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
The Eastvale Chamber of Commerce is recognized for its outstanding commitment to fostering economic growth, regional collaboration, and community engagement. Through strategic partnerships, including its work with the City of Eastvale’s Economic Development Team, the Chamber has led initiatives such as lunch-and-learn workshops, business recognition programs, and the celebration of Eastvale’s Top 25 Sales Tax Generators.
Beyond business support, the Chamber enriches the broader community by hosting impactful events like the National Day of Prayer Breakfast, Fire and Police Appreciation Breakfast, and the Taste of Eastvale Festival—each benefiting local nonprofits and schools.
With an open-door philosophy, the Chamber’s influence extends beyond city limits, supporting businesses throughout Western Riverside County and neighboring cities. Its dedication to building a thriving, connected, and inclusive business community makes the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce a distinguished recipient of the WRCOG Community Service Award.
RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION
Riverside Community Health Foundation (RCHF) is honored for its exceptional leadership and generous support in advancing youth health and wellness in the City of Riverside. On May 11, 2024, more than 100 fourth-grade students at Longfellow Elementary School received free bicycles and helmets thanks to a collaborative effort led by RCHF, in partnership with the City of Riverside and a network of community organizations.
This first-of-its-kind bicycle giveaway included a safety demonstration by the California Highway Patrol and brought together partners including Riverside University Health System, Longfellow Elementary, PedalPower bike shop, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), and others. The event was such a success that the City is now expanding the program to additional schools.
Programs like these not only promote physical activity and improve classroom focus, but also foster social connection and community pride. RCHF’s leadership—and the dedication of team members like Senior Health Educator Miguel Lujano—helped make this initiative a joyful and impactful experience for students and families alike. WRCOG is proud to recognize Riverside Community Health Foundation for its continued commitment to community well-being.
CULTIVATING INCLUSION
Cultivating Inclusion is a remarkable community-driven organization that provides a safe, supportive environment where individuals—many with special needs—can engage in meaningful work, gain hands-on skills in farming and gardening, and participate in horticultural therapy. What began as a volunteer-led effort in 2015 on a 3-acre city-owned plot has blossomed into a vibrant community garden that serves 75–100 new participants each week.
Under the leadership of Mary Ann Tam, Cultivating Inclusion partners with local school districts and is proudly endorsed by Care Rite Vocational and Towards Maximum Independence, both of which serve adults with special needs. The garden is entirely funded through donations and powered by a dedicated team of volunteers.
A core part of its mission is to give back to the community. In 2024 alone, Cultivating Inclusion harvested more than 9,200 pounds of fresh produce—all donated to local food banks, including Western Eagle, Community Mission of Hope, the Murrieta Food Bank, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Through inclusion, education, and generosity, Cultivating Inclusion continues to sow seeds of compassion, growth, and community spirit throughout the City of Murrieta and beyond.
SUSAN OLMSTEAD -BOWEN
Susan Olmstead -Bowen is a highly respected CPA who has selflessly dedicated her time and expertise to support numerous local nonprofit organizations. Through her pro bono accounting and compliance services, Susan has helped establish new 501(c)(3) charities, guided struggling organizations back into IRS compliance, and safeguarded nonprofits from costly penalties—enabling them to raise vital funds for their communities
Susan is a steadfast supporter of women-founded and women-led organizations, including Happiness on 4 Hooves, Trinity Therapeutic Riding Center, and Heaven’s Ranch Rescue. Her financial leadership ensures these groups remain grant-eligible, financially stable, and focused on their missions.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Susan serves on the City of Norco’s Measure R Committee and as Treasurer for several local groups, including the Kiwanis Club of Norco Foundation and the Norco Horsemen’s Association. She also lends her support to local schools by providing scholarships and helping restructure nonprofit financial systems to ensure long-term sustainability.
Susan was named the 2024 Norco Area Chamber of Commerce Community Champion of the Year. Her commitment to public service, financial stewardship, and community betterment makes her a truly deserving recipient of recognition.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITION (CONTINUED)
GLORIA SANCHEZ
Gloria Sanchez exemplifies the spirit of "service over self" through her unwavering dedication to the Menifee community and beyond. As Chair of the City’s Senior Advisory Committee, she has been a tireless advocate for the well-being of older adults, working to enhance services and quality of life for Menifee’s senior population.
In addition to her leadership role, Gloria actively volunteers with the Lake Menifee Women’s Club and the Oasis Community, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to civic engagement and community service.
Her advocacy extends to the national level as well—Gloria was appointed to the National Family Caregiver Advisory Council, where she provides critical recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to strengthen support for family caregivers across the country.
Gloria’s compassion, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:
FISCAL YEAR 25/26
BUDGET AT A GLANCE
TOTAL BUDGET
$25,677,989 $24,769,895
REVENUES EXPENDITURES
BUDGETING PRINCIPLES
• Ensuring the fair distribution of funds and funding requests,
AGENCY GOALS
AGENCY FISCAL GOALS
Ensure fiscal solvency and stability of the Western Riverside Council of Governments 1 2 3
Develop a process to vet fiscal impacts and potential risks for all new programs and projects.
Maintain sound, responsible fiscal policies.
Provide detailed financial statements for public review online.
WRCOG’S STRATEGY
In addition to the Strategic Plan Goals, the Executive Committee directed a longerterm look at the Agency’s finances to better identify and mitigate potential risks. This resulted in a fiscal modeling exercise that demonstrated the long-term fiscal health of each fund based on current activity, recessions, and other scenarios.
This year’s budget was built on a set of guiding principles:
• requiring non-comprehensive programs (those which do not benefit the entirety of the member agencies) to be self-sustaining,
• focusing on the long-term health of each fund, and
• moving toward these goals in an incremental way when full scale immediate changes are impractical.
TUMF PROGRAM
One of WRCOG’s largest Programs and provides funding for transportation projects. Since its inception, over $1 billion in TUMF projects has been funded.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC SERVICE: WRCOG’S FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM BUILDS LOCAL TALENT
WRCOG’s Public Service Fellowship Program is a paid, ninemonth opportunity for local college students to gain handson experience in government. Fellows are thoughtfully matched with host agencies across Western Riverside County, contributing to vital projects in areas like transportation and economic development.
Alongside their placements, Fellows attend WRCOG-led sessions focused on professional development and networking. The program bridges classroom learning with real-world impact, preparing students for meaningful careers in public service.
100 FELLOWS
100,000 HOURS OF SERVICE
“The WRCOG Public Service Fellowship gave me invaluable hands-on experience in the public sector. As a public administration graduate student, I had the privilege of working with the City of Menifee's Engineering Department, where I learned about land development, stormwater management, and regulatory processes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally alongside such strong leadership.”
Teresa Aguilera
WRCOG
Fellow, City of Menifee
“My time as a planning fellow with WRCOG has been an experience filled with professional and personal growth. I have enjoyed working on various planning related projects throughout the region, such as assisting with the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) program. I have strengthened my Excel skills, as I use the software daily in my work. I am able to connect the knowledge from my master's program to the projects I am working on, putting planning theory and skills into practice. This experience has solidified my goal to work in Riverside County as an urban planner. A highlight from this program has been being able to connect with other fellows and public service professionals.”
Sophia Hernandez
WRCOG
Fellow, Western Riverside Council of Governments
HELP US CONTINUE THE MISSION
WRCOG believes in investing in our future leaders. By supporting this program, you are shaping the next generation of public servants who will lead our region. If you'd like to donate to the cause and help expand the reach of this incredible program, please connect at the QR code to the right.
SPONSOR:
ESA is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm.
We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore—for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 55 years strong in 21 offices throughout California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Climate Change & Resilience
Cultural & Historic Resources
Environmental Permitting & Compliance
Environmental Review & Documentation
Fish and Aquatic Sciences
Flood & Stormwater
Management
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Restoration Technology
Water Resources
PARS has served the retirement benefit needs of public agencies in Riverside County and throughout California since 1984 and is a leading provider of innovative retirement and trust solutions including:
Pension Rate Stabilization Program (PRSP)
OPEB Prefunding Trust (OPEB)
Supplemental Defined Contribution Plans 401(a) (SDC)
Social Security Alternative (ARS) for part-time employees
rsanders@pars.org (800) 540-6369 x121 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT : Rachael Sanders Vice President, Consulting
www.pars.org
Since 1927, Mark Thomas has set the stage for countless California roadways, structures, and bicycle/pedestrian facilities. Combining our technical skills with a true understanding of a project’s physical, social, and environmental dynamics is the very essence of what we do. Mark Thomas is more than a transportation planning and design firm. We are creating a better way for all of us to Move Forward.
Structures
Construction
Landscape
markthomas.com
National CORE has been transforming lives and communities for more than 30 years. An award-winning affordable housing developer, National CORE has created a platform for individual and community change. In partnership with the Hope through Housing Foundation, National CORE provides impactful resident programs and services to help children and teens achieve success, improve families’ financial well-being, and promote senior health and wellness.
www.nationalcore.org | www.hthf.org
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:
Let the Iteris ClearMobility® Platform combine cloud computing, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and expert advisory services to keep your roads safe, travel efficient and communities thriving.
Building a stronger California— together.
I-REN is a collaboration between WRCOG, CVAG, and SBCOG. We bring equitable energy efficiency initiatives to communities throughout the Inland Empire, creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Learn more at iren.gov.