Rep. Fong, Homeland Security Chairman Garbarino Hold Local Cybersecurity Roundtable

RIDGECREST, CA - Last week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) hosted a cybersecurity roundtable with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), local military installations, local officials, and infrastructure sectors.

The discussion focused on current, existing, and future cybersecurity challenges facing the Central Valley and California, developing a local workforce ready to combat cybersecurity threats, and protecting utility providers and local governments and their infrastructure from cyberattacks.

"Cybersecurity is national security. As threats grow and evolve, we must constantly be at the ready," said Rep. Fong. "That means bringing together leaders from every level of government and the private sector to strengthen our defenses and stay ahead of emerging risks. The Central Valley is home to vital infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transportation, and military assets that must be protected. This roundtable will enhance our strategies, ensuring our region is prepared to respond to emerging threats while building a strong cybersecurity workforce for the future."

"The cyber threats facing critical infrastructure that Americans rely on have evolved dramatically in recent years, with our adversaries growing increasingly sophisticated. Attacks targeting sectors like telecommunications, energy, water, and transportation systems require a proactive, whole-of-society response," Chairman Garbarino said. "I appreciate Congressman Fong bringing together such an extraordinary group of public and private sector leaders who are on the frontlines of protecting these systems and know the challenges we face firsthand. From bolstering the cyber workforce and information sharing, to ensuring our state and local partners have the tools and resources from CISA to defend our communities, today's discussions were invaluable as we work together to strengthen our cybersecurity posture."

"As the Nation's cyber defense agency, we are excited to engage with critical infrastructure entities where they are," said Chris Butera, CISA Acting Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity. "By joining Rep. Fong and Chairman Garbarino's roundtable, we are strengthening collaboration with critical infrastructure and communities to share insights, address emerging threats, and help them enhance their security and resilience."

The roundtable was hosted at Cerro Coso Community College, where Rep. Fong helped secure $1.1 million in federal funding for the expansion of their cybersecurity program.

Participants discussed the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, as well as the need for improved information sharing and rapid response capabilities. Attendees also highlighted opportunities to expand education and training programs to develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce in the region.

The roundtable underscored the importance of continued investment in cybersecurity resilience and reinforced the commitment of federal and local partners to safeguard the Central Valley's critical systems and communities.

A list of attendees included:

Bases

• NAWS China Lake
  • Rear Admiral Keith Hash, Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
• Edwards AFB
  • Lt. Col. Matthew Frebert, 412 Test Wing Communications Squadron Commander
  • Jason Schalow, Special Mission Flight Chief
• NAS Lemoore
  • Captain Jeff "Lou" Findlay, Executive Officer
• Cerro Coso Community College
  • Dr. Sean Hancock, President
  • Nicole Griffin, Dean, Career Technical Education
  • Paul Kuttig, Cybersecurity Program Director

CISA

• Chris Butera, Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity (Acting)
• Thomas Gonzalez, Deputy Regional Director, Region 9
• Joseph (Joe) Oregon, Chief of Cybersecurity, Region 9

Ridgecrest

• Mayor Travis Endicott
• Travis Reed, City Manager
• Mario Ysit, Chief of Police
• Rebecca McCourt, Executive Director Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce
• April Moore, Sierra Sands Unified School District (NAWS China Lake)

Lemoore

• Mayor Patricia Matthews

Visalia

• John Lollis, Assistant City Manager

Hanford

• Police Chief Stephanie Huddleston

Tehachapi

• Patrick Wilson, Adventist Health
• Clare Scotti, Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

Mojave Air and Space Port

• Dr. David Smith, CEO

Kern County

• Jay Schlosser, KernCOG Executive Director

Kings County

• Abraham Valencia, Manager, Kings County Emergency Services

Tulare County

• Servando Quintanilla, Tulare County Association of Governments

Utilities

• PG&E: Nicole Villaruz
• SoCal Edison: Cal Rossi
• SoCal Gas: Rob Duchow

Base Advocates

• Alexia Svejda, Griffiss Institute
• Stephen Farmer, China Lake Alliance
• Stu Witt, S.O. Witt & Associates
• Scott O'Neil, Indian Wells Valley Economic Development Corporation