This is a interesting point and I believe touches on a core point.  Individuals can have the same information at their fingertips and come up with different interpretations of the data.  To ameliorate this at CPC we often employ "consensus based" approaches to developing outlooks meaning that we do not rely on a single forecaster but a group based decision process.  I'm not familiar with the specific conference you are discussing, but it is possible they were discussing how even If California gets a normal or above normal rainfall winter this year, that would still not replinish the large deficit and drought could continue in many parts of the state.