A PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE, IN WHICH THE STATE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER A REGIONAL WATER PROJECT, IS SLATED TO BE CONDUCTED TODAY. CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY WANTS APPROVAL TO START BUILDING the BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A DESALINATION PROJECT IT HOPES WILL PROVIDE MORE WATER. THAT’S IN RESPONSE TO THE STATE-ORDERED CUT-BACK OF THE COMPANY’S PUMPING FROM the CARMEL RIVER.