Assemblymember Berg, unavailable to attend in person, sent her Chief of Staff, Brendan Twohig to read her statement into the record. Berg said, "My major concern is that the decision to request this "Urgency Petition" occurred with no public input." She continued, "I firmly believe that any decision related to flows in the Russian River must be thoroughly vetted with the public and arrived at using the best and most sound science available. The Russian River is truly a gem and much too valuable a resource that deserves nothing less."

Over a hundred local residents packed the hearing room in Sacramento to voice their opinions regarding the urgency petition as well as the Low Flow project. Many of these same residents contacted Berg's office when they learned the petition had been filed without public comment. Assemblymember Berg was instrumental in working with the Board to schedule the hearing.

At the close of the hearing, Art Baggett, Chair of the State Water Board stated that a new proposal would be drafted by the close of business Monday that would include many of the recommendations made at the hearing on Thursday.