Podcasts about state water project

Did you miss them? Darcy B. has literally been traveling the world, and Darcy V. has been planting acres and acres of tomatoes. They are finally back in the studio and are catching up on everything that happened while Darcy B. was globe-trotting including the Central Valley Project (Federal) and the State Water Project allocations, Metropolitan's new General Manager (Deven Upadhayay), Metropolitans Climate Adaptation Master Plan and Business Model, another Canyon Lake Fish Kill, future guests, and more.  Send us a textWe Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Contractors State PAC and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

First, Darcy and Darcy send their concern and sympathy for those impacted by the horrific southern California fires. We hope you're safe, and the fires are extinguished soon. To start 2025 off, Mitch Partovi, a water broker from The Water Agency, is back!  Mitch joins Darcy and Darcy and discusses California's current water supply, what activities are going on in California's water market, and what might be expected. As our listeners have learned, the federal, or Central Valley Project, operates differently than the State Water Project.  Farmers are deciding now whether to carry over their water or not.  As Darcy V put it, “It's a roll of the dice.” Darcy B took that to mean use or lose it, but nothing is quite that simple. Get the details by joining the conversation!Send us a textWe Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Contractors State PAC and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

In the first episode of this two-part series, we sit down with Karla Nemeth, Director of the California Department of Water Resources, to explore the past, present, and future of the State Water Project. Join us as we dive into the story of one of the nation's most critical—and most vulnerable—pieces of infrastructure.

In the second episode of our two-part series, we're joined by Dr. David Sunding, Professor in the College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley and a leading expert in environmental economics, to explore the pivotal role of California's State Water Project. Together, we examine how this vital infrastructure supports sustainable water management and secures California's economic future.

California has one of the most ambitious and highly engineered water delivery systems on the planet, and it's being eyed for a new extension. The Delta Conveyance Project is Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal for a 45-mile underground tube that would tap fresh water from its source in the north and carry it beneath a vast wetland to users in the south. The Delta is the exchange point for half of California's water supply, and the tunnel is an extension of the State Water Project, which was built in the 1960s. It's a 700-mile maze of aqueducts and canals that sends Delta water from the Bay Area down to farms and cities in Central and Southern California. This is a local story about a global issue, the future of water. In a three-part series of field reports and podcasts, Bay City News reporter Ruth Dusseault looks at the tunnel's stakeholders, its engineering challenges, and explores the preindustrial Delta and its future restoration. Ruth is joined by Felicia Marcus, the Landreth Visiting Fellow in Stanford's Water in the West program and former chair of the California Water Resources Control Board. This is a production of Bay City News, presented in collaboration with Climate One and Northern California Public Media. For more on this story and other news in the Greater Bay Area, visit localnewsmatters.org. Special thanks to Dan Rosenheim, Kat Rowlands, Jonathan Westerling, Monica Campbell, Marco Werman, Katharine Meiszkowski, Kurt, Max, Quinn and Nick Wenner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the latest agriculture news in today's AgNet News Hour, hosted by Sabrina Halvorson. On today's show, the long-term drought plan for the State Water Project is published and USDA begins accepting applications to help cover organic certification costs. Tune in for these news stories, interviews, features, and more.

Get the latest agriculture news in today's AgNet News Hour, hosted by Sabrina Halvorson. Today's show highlights concerns about EPA's new herbicide strategy and another increase in water allocations for the State Water Project. Tune in for these news stories, interviews, features, and more.

In this week's episode, join host Troy Edgar as he talks with Brett Barbre, President of Yorba Linda Water District. California, the fourth-largest economy globally relies heavily on water for various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and tourism. With over 30 years of experience, Brett has served on the boards of the Municipal Water District of Orange County and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. He is considered an expert on water importations from northern California via the State Water Project and from the Colorado River via the Colorado River Aqueduct. This system supplies water to approximately 20 million residents - the largest population served by any water district worldwide.  Brett shares insights on water policy and the state of California's water infrastructure along with the intersection of politics and public service.  Episode Links: Colossus: The Turbulent, Thrilling Saga of the Building of Hoover Dam by Michael Hiltzik Richard Nixon Library

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! On today's episode, we talk with Amanda Dwyer Sales and Business Development Manager and Dayna Winchell Conservation Planner/Project Manager with Westervelt Ecological Service about Mitigation and Conservation Banking, Company Culture, and Ecological Work.   Read their full bios below.Thank you to this episodes advanced sponsor Westervelt Ecological Services (WES). Wes is an environmental mitigation company based in the US. They specialize in providing ecological restoration, conservation, and mitigation banking services. WES works with both public and private sector clients to address environmental challenges and achieve regulatory compliance.WES undertakes a variety of projects related to wetland and stream restoration, habitat enhancement, and species conservation. Their initiatives often involve the creation, enhancement, or preservation of natural habitats to offset the environmental impacts of development projects. These efforts aim to restore or improve the ecological functions of ecosystems, enhance wildlife habitats, and promote biodiversity. Check them out at https://wesmitigation.comShowtimes: 2:59 Nic & Laura discuss mitigation banking7:45 Interview with Amanda Dwyer & Dayna Winchell starts18:56 Mitigation & conservation banking26:02 Ecological work29:05 Field Notes32:10 Company culturePlease be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.Connect with Amanda Dwyer at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwyeramanda/Connect with Dayna Winchell at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayna-winchell-6a0b8258/Guest Bio:Amanda Dwyer currently serves as the Sales and Business Development Manager for Westervelt Ecological Service's Western Region Office. In this position, Amanda coordinates with a variety of clients to identify their mitigation needs and possible solutions to ensure their projects are completed in a cost-effective and timely manner. Prior to joining Westervelt Ecological Services, Amanda worked at the California Department of Water Resources doing environmental permit compliance for salmonid restoration projects in conjunction with water infrastructure improvements for California's State Water Project. Amanda received her bachelor's degree in 2014 from the University of California, Davis, in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning.Dayna Winchell is a Conservation Planner/Project Manager with Westervelt Ecological Services. As a conservation planner Dayna prepares the mitigation documents and coordinates with the regulatory agencies to get approval of the mitigation and conservation sites. Before working at Westervelt, Dayna worked as a biologist for various environmental consulting firms where she completed species habitat assessments and wetland delineations. She has a master's in Conservation Biology from the University of Queensland and currently resides in Sacramento, CA.Music CreditsIntro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace MesaOutro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs MullerSupport the showThanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Asm. Joaquin Arambula (D–Fresno) has hit a roadblock in his attempt to reform the Fresno County Transportation Committee. Arambula proposed AB 650, which would add four members to the board to represent specific constituencies.  After Arambula presented the bill, there was awkward silence on the committee for a minute. The committee chair, Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Yolo County, declared the bill dead. The West may be out of the woods in ensuring its water supply this year, but the water crisis is still very much alive, experts caution. The California Department of Natural Resources announced that the state would receive 100% water allocation for the first time since 2006, meaning that communities and farmers under the State Water Project would receive all of its water requests for the year. v Democrats in the California Senate on Wednesday said they want to raise taxes on some of the largest corporations so they can cut taxes for nearly every other business. All California businesses pay a state tax rate of 8.84% on income, a figure that has not changed since 1997. This new proposal would create two tax rates for businesses in California. Companies would pay 6.63% on the first $1.5 million they make. Any money made above that would be taxed at 10.99%. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DWR has allocated 100% for the State Water Project, first time since 2006See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get the latest agriculture news in today's AgNet News Hour, hosted by Danielle Leal. Today's show covers Amazon having to pay California DPR nearly $5 million, updates to the Walnut Marketing Order, and details on the Water Commission's final 2022 State Water Project briefing. Tune in to the show for these news stories, interviews, features and more.

Sweeping restrictions on outdoor water use go into effect on Wednesday for more than 6 million residents in Southern California as officials work to conserve water during a severe drought. The conservation rules, among the strictest ever imposed in the state, were set by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, one of the largest water distributors in the country. Households are now forbidden from watering their lawns more than once a week in many jurisdictions. The goal is to slash water use by 35 percent as the state enters its third straight year of drought. The rules come after California officials in March announced they were cutting State Water Project allocations from 15 percent to 5 percent of normal amid declining reservoir levels and reduced snowpack. California's two largest reservoirs have already dropped to critically low levels, and the state this year experienced its driest January, February and March on record. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweeping restrictions on outdoor water use go into effect on Wednesday for more than 6 million residents in Southern California as officials work to conserve water during a severe drought. The conservation rules, among the strictest ever imposed in the state, were set by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, one of the largest water distributors in the country. Households are now forbidden from watering their lawns more than once a week in many jurisdictions. The goal is to slash water use by 35 percent as the state enters its third straight year of drought. The rules come after California officials in March announced they were cutting State Water Project allocations from 15 percent to 5 percent of normal amid declining reservoir levels and reduced snowpack. California's two largest reservoirs have already dropped to critically low levels, and the state this year experienced its driest January, February and March on record. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For all of the high-tech advancements California is famous for, one part of the state's infrastructure – providing enough water for its environment, cities and farms – is lacking. It has been more than four decades since the last major water storage facility was built in the Golden State, and our total population has nearly doubled since that time. Proposed for the west side of the Sacramento Valley, Sites Reservoir provides an opportunity to dramatically boost water storage capability, which would help safeguard the state during drought, like what we are currently enduring. Sites would provide up to 1.5 million acre-feet of additional water storage, with a dedicated supply of water for environmental uses,  including a significant amount of water for our state's wildlife refuges, particularly in dry years, to support the ducks, geese and other wildlife who greatly rely on our system of refuges to survive and thrive. The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is not taking a position on Sites. They do have an interesting concept to help the environment, should the project be completed – an environmental water budget. “This approach to water for the environment would have really big advantages,” said PPIC Senior Fellow Jeff Mount. “Right now, the way we manage everything, it's all set on minimum in-stream flow and water quality standards. It's kind of like a hydrologic flatline- it doesn't change enough.  We're suggesting that the most efficient and effective use of water has to have some flexibility in that use – especially if you want to mete it up with investments in physical habitat.  That's why we're promoting an ecosystem water budget managed by a trustee of some kind –a restoration administrator like on the San Joaquin River. This is probably the best way to go. It's nimble. It sets the environment as a partner, working with the people who are managing the operations of storage all the time. And there's certainty. The key bottom line is the flexibility this would bring.” Sites would also provide more water for urban needs, something very appealing to many, including General Manager Valerie Pryor of Zone 7 Water Agency, which serves the East Bay Area. “Our community places a lot of value on increasing water storage and especially the Sites Reservoir,” Pryor remarked. “Our board and community are excited about this prospect. Seventy percent of our water comes from the State Water Project, and that supply is increasingly less reliable. Also, we are not all the way to build out, so we do expect to add population over the next 30 years, so we need additional water supply – both to make up for decreasing reliability and also for growth. The Sites Reservoir really helps with that equation.” This enthusiastic support, plus increased momentum from favorable state and federal reviews of the project, are welcome developments for those trying to get this reservoir built – including the top person tasked for this job. “I am 100 percent confident that Sites Reservoir will be built,” remarked Jerry Brown, General Manager of the Sites Project Authority. “It must be built. The thing that we are striving for, and I believe is a need in order to proceed, is that we must do this together.” Episode Transcript Kai Tawa: We had a really good start to the water year with that atmospheric river event in late October. A lot of the valley got somewhere between 4 to 8 inches of rain. Quite historic, really. Jim Morris: Meteorologist Kai Tawa of Western Weather Group in Chico commenting on the positive start of the water year, building hope that the drought might be broken. Kai Tawa: From there our luck really continued going into December with some more atmospheric river storms with things looking good. Jim Morris: Unfortunately, 2022 has been underwhelming for rain and snow. Kai Tawa: We know it was certainly one of the driest January's recorded throughout northern California, and now we're going into February here. The medium to long-range models are pretty confident that we're going to remain quite dry. Jim Morris: Today, we take a look at California's water shortage and how long-term planning can help the state survive and thrive. Jim Morris: Welcome to Ingrained, the California rice podcast. I'm your host, Jim Morris. Proud to have worked with California farmers and ranchers for the past 32 years to help tell their stories. As if the pandemic wasn't enough, this year has started with little rain and snow fueling concerns that once winter is all over we may be in another dry year. That would be painful for our environment, cities, and farms. It's been more than 40 years since the last major water storage facility has been built in our state and our population nearly doubled over that time. Many are eyeing Sites Reservoir as a big part of a more stable water future. Proposed for the west of the Sacramento Valley in Colusa and Glenn counties, Sites would provide a major boost to the amount of water that can be stored during wet years to help during the dry ones. Jerry Brown is general manager of the Sites project authority, and Jerry, it would be good to get caught up on how the project is proceeding. I understand there's important news from the California Water Commission, so can you tell us a little bit about some of the latest developments with the Sites project. Jerry Brown: Just last month, the state made a feasibility determination for the project, which they went through a very extensive review process of several elements of the project and came to the determination that the project continues to be feasible and investible from the state's perspective under the Prop 1 storage program. That compliments the earlier decision by the federal government for a similar feasibility determination, and between those two that represents anywhere from 30 to 40% of the project. Beyond those investors, there's the local agencies, and they are going through a process right now to evaluate their continued participation in the project, and we're getting really good and positive responses from the local agencies. Collectively we're looking really strong as far as where we are, and the funding levels to proceed with the project, and have a lot of momentum to move forward with some great work in the coming years. Jim Morris: Those who are unfamiliar with Sites, this would be an off stream reservoir fed by excess water from rainstorms. Is that right? Jerry Brown: That's right, Jim. Sites is not your old dam. It is a reservoir that is set off the Sacramento River, but does receive water diverted out of the river, but only taken during the highest flow periods in the river, pretty much the very wet times like 2017, 2019 would be the timeframes, that would store the water in the reservoir during those periods until we need it in the drier times when we would release it back into the river for meeting demands of our participants or directly serving demands within the area of the reservoir. It's really an insurance policy for those drier times which we're seeing more often and more severely. It's something that we need in order to prepare ourselves for our future. Jim Morris: Past years, we've certainly seen, we've had tremendous amounts of rainfall and we haven't been fully able to capture all of it. Is it feasible to think if we have an incredibly wet year, that Sites can fill rather rapidly? Jerry Brown: If you look at averages and the analysis that we've done, we're expecting that we could fill the reservoir in anywhere from five to seven years. But from my experience in my prior life as the general manager of Contra Costa, we were able to fill Los Vaqueros on first spill in one year, and we had originally anticipated a five to seven year fill period as well. That's a question that a lot of people ask me is how long is it going to take to fill, and it couldn't be anywhere from one year to, on average, five to seven years. Jim Morris: The environment is talked about a lot in California and for good reason, it's vital, of course. The diminished salmon runs come up a lot, and at the rice commission, we're working with UC Davis on a pilot project raising salmon and rice fields. There's also promising work where fish food is being produced in rice fields and then returned to the river to help salmon. Jerry, what would Sites do to help this area? Jerry Brown: There's two aspects to Sites that I think need to be understood. First, the state is an investor in the project, and as such, they are receiving benefits for the environment. There will be a dedicated storage space and amount of water that is provided for the state to manage for the benefit of the environment, including the salmon, and including the delta smell, for example, is another species that could be helped with the project. What they will be able to do is storing this water in the wet years for use in the dry years. In these dry times like we've been seeing and the effects that we're seeing on the salmon, this water could help the salmon survive these periods, so that's number one. Number two, being where we are on the Sacramento River and where we are located relative to Shasta and Orville and Folsom Lake, there are opportunities to coordinate the site's operations in a manner that could provide for greater cold water in those reservoirs. Cold water can, especially in the dryer years, can enhance our ability to help the salmon survive in the river. Jim Morris: Yeah, keeping that water temperature at a certain level is critical for the survival of the salmon. Projects like this take time. What is a realistic timeframe to get Sites completed? Jerry Brown: Our current working estimate of our schedule is that we will be operational and complete by 2030, so within this decade, the project will be built. Jim Morris: To help that process, I think it sounds like good news that you have now an engineering and construction manager starting soon as well. Can you comment on that? Jerry Brown: A very important component of our upcoming work is to advance the engineering to a level that will give us more confidence in the cost estimate for the project. That's something the investors really need in order to proceed. With that ramp up of work, we need some additional oversight and some additional capabilities, and so we've hired a gentleman by the name of JP Robinette, who has actually worked on the project for a couple years and has a lot of experience and great capabilities to help us advance this part of the work. One of the other aspects of JP's background is that he grew up in an area in southern Oregon similar to where we're trying to build the project, so he has a real sense of the local community's needs and will be able to bring that to the project. Jim Morris: I could speak with you a hundred times, and I have to ask you this every time out. Sites is a very polarizing topic for many people. Some people love it and they understand the value of it, other people are negative and they feel it would never get done. What level of confidence do you have, Jerry, that Sites is going to be built? Jerry Brown: I am 100% confident that Sites Reservoir will be built. It must be built. The thing that we are striving for, and I believe is a need in order to proceed, is that we must do this together. There is, as you said, polarizing effects from surface storage project of this nature, but I think we've reached a point in our development of the project where we've been able to address many of the areas of concern that people have had. We've reached a point where we are at a spot where it makes sense. We can do this safely and protective of the species and all of the other concerns and considerations that go into building something like this, but we must do this and we must do it together. Jim Morris: Speaking of that, can you comment a little bit about the level of support that you're seeing locally, broader terms as well? We have very different sections of water in California environment, urban, agriculture. What level of support are you seeing for the project? Jerry Brown: Probably the one area that stands out most for me is the local support. We would not be able to do this project without that support. We're seeing that in other big projects across the state where local support just doesn't exist, and there's a lot of difficulty moving forward. It's because of that local support that we're able to move forward, recognizing that our board is made up of the local community leaders. That is important to everyone on the project, not just the folks that are in this area, but other folks that are to be served by the project that are located outside of this area. I think that aspect of it makes it unique and also makes it possible. Jim Morris: An important part of the water supply equation is meeting urban needs. Climate change and several other factors have put pressure on that supply. Valerie Prior is general manager of Zone 7 Water Agency, and Valerie, can you tell me a little bit about your agency, the region you cover, and who you serve? Valerie Prior: We are largely a water supply wholesaler, and we serve the East Bay area. We serve the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and portions of San Ramon. We are a state water project contractor, and we deliver state water project water through four retail agencies. Those agencies are the ones that serve water to homes and businesses. In zone seven, we actually also serve 10 to 15% of our water supply directly to agriculture. Those water supplies go to largely to the Livermore valley wine growing region, which is an important economic center for our community. Our local water supplies include some local groundwater, some local runoff, and then the retailers provide recycled water as well. I'd also like to mention that we are the groundwater sustainability agency for the region, and we recharge a groundwater basin with that state water project water that I mentioned, and we've been sustainably managing the basin for several decades now. Jim Morris: You have a lot of different clientele, a lot of different ways to get the water. As we're in another dry period unfortunately, there are short-term ways to make that water go farther, conservation, innovation included, but still long-term answers needed in California. How much value do you put on increasing water storage specifically with the Sites Reservoir? Valerie Prior: Our community places a lot of value on increasing water storage and especially the Sites Reservoir about which our board and our community's very excited. I mentioned that 70% of our water comes from the state water project and that water supply is increasingly less reliable. Also, we are not all the way to build out, so we do expect to add population over the next 30 years, and so we need additional water supply both to make for decreasing reliability and also for growth. The Sites Reservoir really helps us with that part of the equation. It compliments the state water project, so our thought process is in wet years we take state water project water, and in wet years we could store water in Sites Reservoir. Then in dry years, we'd be calling on the storage and the Sites Reservoir to meet our community's needs. Jim Morris: Sites Reservoir is proposed for a very agricultural area and the Sacramento valley, but just to be clear, this project would help urban areas as well. Valerie Prior: Very much. We are an urban area, and we're very interested in this project. One of the many things that's very exciting about the Sites Reservoir is that it meets environmental needs, agricultural needs, and urban needs. It's very nice to be participating in a project where all those needs come together to work on the project. Jim Morris: Any in-depth discussion of water in California would benefit from covering the environmental side of things. Jeff Mount is senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California's Water Policy Center. He's an emeritus professor of earth and planetary sciences. I also understand you're a geomorphologist. Never heard that before. Can you tell me what that is Jeff? Jeff Mount: It's the people who study the surface of the earth and the processes that shape it. Jim Morris: Very good. I learned something already, so that's awesome. You also were founding director of the Center for Watershed Sciences at UC Davis, and that has been critical for the rice commission and rice growers and a lot of interesting environmental work. I'd like to start by asking you about that. What are your thoughts about rice farming in California? How it's changed, how birds and now salmon are being aided by those rice fields. Jeff Mount: Yeah, this is one of the classic examples of multi benefit uses. Twenty years ago rice was vilified as this big water hog, and then we started to discover it was extremely important for wildlife, the Pacific flyway being the classic example. Then in these last 10, 15 years, we really have caught on to the value of those rice fields as food production factories for salmon. This is actually pretty exciting. I don't know of another crop that you can point to that has anything quite like that. Jim Morris: One of the major priorities in the state is making sure the environment is protected. I believe your institute is reviewing a concept that may help and may involve the site's project. Can you explain what that might look like? Jeff Mount: For some years now we've been saying the problem is we treat the environment like a constraint all the time, rather than a priority or better yet a partner. What we're proposing is we think about the environment as a partner in managing water. One of the ideas we've been promoting is the notion of setting aside a block of water for the environment that can be managed, kind of like a water right. Flexibly it can be managed that way. The advantage such an approach is it's great for the people on the other end who are looking for certainty, how much waters go into the environment, and it's a guarantee that the environment will get a certain amount of water. Now, the novel idea is how to do it with reservoirs. An environmental water budget in a reservoir, that's a set aside of water that can be flexibly managed for the environment. Jeff Mount: If the Sites project is built, it is my understanding there's a proposal to do just such a thing, to set aside a portion of that storage for the environment. This has really big advantages. Right now, the way we manage everything, it's all set on minimum instream flow and water quality standards. It's like what you'd call a hydrologic flat line. It doesn't change enough, yet the biota that evolved here all depended on a lot of variability. We're suggesting that the most efficient and effective use of water has to have some flexibility in that use, especially if you want to mate it up with investments in physical habitat. That's why we're promoting this idea of an ecosystem water budget managed by a trustee of some kind, a restoration administrator like on the San Joaquin River, is probably the best way to go because it's nimble. Jeff Mount: It sets the environment as a partner, that is the environment's in there working with the people who are managing the operations of storage all the time, and there's certainty, and a key bottom line, I can't stress this enough, is flexibility. Hey, a storm is coming next week. Maybe we should hold onto our environmental water, and when the storm comes, we should let some of it go to move salmon farther down the system, or put salmon out onto the flood plain, for example, or, hey, the spring, we really need a little extra flow, a little boost in the river this spring so that water that we've stored, that belongs to the environment, can be released to help push the salmon out to sea, or we need a pulse flow to help bring cues for salmon to come up. Jeff Mount: Those are examples. The problem is the way we do it now it's just, you got to let out this set amount of water and have this quality all the time. The argument would be give some flexibility so we can be adaptive and responsive and nimble just like somebody who has a water right or somebody who owns water. Jim Morris: When you look at water, it's incredibly contentious in California. We never seem to have enough. How important is it to have divergent interest coming together for a common goal? Jeff Mount: At PPIC, we have been crystal clear on this for seven years now. Almost every year we say the same thing. Litigation is not the solution. It's expensive. It takes forever, decades to resolve. Meanwhile, nothing gets done for the environment. There's no benefit for the environment. The real progress comes through negotiated solutions. We call them comprehensive solutions. People call them voluntary agreements, whatever you want to call it. But when you have multiple people at the table, multiple interests at the table, so that they're interests are represented, and they're people of goodwill and good faith who are willing to give something up to get something. That something that they get is durable instead of every five years you're back in court trying to deal with these things. We strongly advocate for people negotiating solutions to water problems rather than the usual approach, which is litigation. Jim Morris: It seems like that there is a little more cooperation in this region than perhaps some other areas of the state. What are your thoughts about that? Jeff Mount: At PPIC we've been saying for sometimes perhaps the most environmentally progressive groups in the farm community are in the Sacramento Valley. It helps that you have lots more water in the Sacramento Valley, one can't ignore that, and you have crops in the Sacramento Valley, which are ideal for working with the environment. I mean, in particular, the fall wet up for the Pacific flyway and the ability to start thinking about using these agricultural fields for raising fish and restoring that most essential element of access to the flood plain. What's been particular is that I don't know how to put it. I'll put it simply, people are a little more friendly to these ideas in the Sacramento Valley than they are in other places and that's great. That's the first step, by the way, to getting toward those negotiated solutions where people of goodwill are willing to give up something in order to get to where they want to be. Jeff Mount: I've just been impressed over the years, the evolution in the Sacramento Valley and the willingness of landowners to be involved. The fact of the matter is let's be direct on this. Most farmers are stewards of the land, and so they consider themselves stewards of the environment also. For some reason, they seem more stewardish in the Sacramento Valley, and I have no explanation for that, but they just are. Jim Morris: That will wrap up this episode, although we will, of course, have updates as the year progresses about the water outlook and impacts to our region and state. Thank you to Kai Tawa, Jerry Brown, Valerie Prior, and Jeff Mount for their time and expertise. You can go to podcast.calrice.org to find out more and listen to other episodes and subscribe. Thanks for listening.

Dr. Beth Rose Middleton Manning is a Professor of Native American Studies at UC Davis.  In this episode, we learn about water rights in California and how Native lands and communities have been treated as sacrifice zones for national priorities of irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric development. Beth Rose shares her research on the North Fork of the Feather River and California's State Water Project, with a focus on Indigenous resistance and activism. We discuss how Indigenous history can better inform conservation measures and the need for Indigenous restitution and recognition.Get InvolvedBeth Rose Middleton ManningUpstream: Trust Lands and Power on the Feather RiverSogorea Te' Land TrustMaidu Summit Consortium Amah Mutsun Land TrustSave California SalmonPetition to Stop Salmon Fish KillsTwitter  Instagram  Facebook 

Former President Donald Trump tore into President Joe Biden in a wide-ranging interview Thursday, suggesting that the administration is "knowingly" destroying the country and is distrusted by the American people. Former president Donald Trump tested positive for Covid-19 three days before he went on stage to participate in the first presidential debate against Joe Biden and around a week before he announced another positive test on Twitter. Ryan Jacobson calls in to talk about how the Department of Water Resources Director, Karla Nemeth, announced the initial State Water Project allocation would be 0%, except for critical health and safety needs.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major milestones were accomplished in the '80s, including the operation of the Royer-Nesbit Water Treatment Plant and the completion of the Lloyd W. Michael Water Treatment Plant in 1989. For the first time ever, CCWD enhanced its connection to the State Water Project and expanded its water supply portfolio to include imported water from northern California. 

The State Water Project has released its first water allocation numbers for 2021…and it’s a small number. Which county is the number one county in the country for ag production? It’s here in California. There’s a record California pistachio crop this year. We have the numbers. And, it’s a great season for Christmas tree and poinsettia sales, we talk with two Northern California businesses who are deeply involved with these important seasonal commodities.

Operators of the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project must work together for the good of California farms and families.

According to the California Department of Water Resources, about 12% of the state's total energy consumption is related to moving, treating and heating/cooling water. The sources of energy used to power these water activities is directly tied to the volume of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Southern California's allotment of water from the State Water Project has a much higher energy intensity than other parts of the state. Today we will talk with two water management experts about California's water/energy nexus and large proposed projects in southern California that will save energy and water and limit the transport of water across the state. Projects include a greater use of local water supplies and water recycling. Water and energy savings projections will be shared.

According to the California Department of Water Resources, about 12% of the state’s total energy consumption is related to moving, treating and heating/cooling water. The sources of energy used to power these water activities is directly tied to the volume of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Southern California’s allotment of water from the State Water Project has a much higher energy intensity than other parts of the state. Today we will talk with two water management experts about California’s water/energy nexus and large proposed projects in southern California that will save energy and water and limit the transport of water across the state. Projects include a greater use of local water supplies and water recycling. Water and energy savings projections will be shared.

Following the lead of the Central Valley Project, the State Water Project is increasing its allocations of summer water to California’s farmers. But they’re saying don’t expect any more this year. We have the numbers. It’s picking time for some of our state’s tastiest crops: blueberries and cherries. We talk with a Lodi cherry grower about this year’s harvest. More details are emerging about the Coronavirus Food assistance program for farmers. We have the latest. All that, crop progress reports, the week ahead in weather, and a lot more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

In this episode we discuss the water infrastructure in Orange County—where we get our water, who manages it, and the future of our water as the effects of climate change intensify. To learn more about water management in Orange County visit: Cycle of Insanity: the Real Story of Water (20 minute video produced by Surfrider volunteers): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPDvhJXYCWw   Residents for Responsible Desalination http://r4rd.org/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/Residents-for-Responsible-Desalination-190410121007356/   Orange County CoastKeeper https://www.coastkeeper.org/   Surfrider Foundation https://www.surfrider.org/   State Water Project (imported water from northern California): https://water.ca.gov/Programs/State-Water-Project   Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (distributes imported water from Colorado River and State Water Project): http://www.mwdh2o.com/   Municipal Water District of Orange County (countywide wholesale of imported water): https://www.mwdoc.com/   Orange County Water Department: https://www.ocwd.com/   Pacific Institute study of economic water management alternatives: https://pacinst.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/PI_TheCostofAlternativeWaterSupplyEfficiencyOptionsinCA_ExecutiveSummary.pdf   Pacific Institute Desalination Response (great response to some of desalination proponents' talking points) https://pacinst.org/national-geographic-scienceblog-the-future-of-desalination-in-california-is-still-in-the-future-california-israel-and-australia/  

Join us as we talk about everything from SB-1, to Initiative 19-0012, to our inalienable rights SB-1 California Environmental, Public Health, and Workers Defense Act of 2019 SB-49 Energy: appliance standards and State Water Project assessment AB-5 Worker status: employees and independent contractors Josh Harder on Meals on Wheels Initiative 19-0012: Amends the California Constitution to Replace the Bicameral Assembly and Senate with a Unicameral Non-partisan Legislature and Increase the Number of Members Serving the Legislature

According to the California Department of Water Resources, about 12% of the state's total energy consumption is related to moving, treating and heating/cooling water. The sources of energy used to power these water activities is directly tied to the volume of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Southern California's allotment of water from the State Water Project has a much higher energy intensity than other parts of the state. Today we will talk with two water management experts about California's water/energy nexus and large proposed projects in southern California that will save energy and water and limit the transport of water across the state. Projects include a greater use of local water supplies and water recycling. Water and energy savings projections will be shared.

According to the California Department of Water Resources, about 12% of the state’s total energy consumption is related to moving, treating and heating/cooling water. The sources of energy used to power these water activities is directly tied to the volume of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Southern California’s allotment of water from the State Water Project has a much higher energy intensity than other parts of the state. Today we will talk with two water management experts about California’s water/energy nexus and large proposed projects in southern California that will save energy and water and limit the transport of water across the state. Projects include a greater use of local water supplies and water recycling. Water and energy savings projections will be shared.

It's been a week of good news and bad news for California's farmers. On the downside, the northern San Joaquin Valley cherry crop is officially a disaster. Three counties have filed for federal aid. If you have a wild pig problem on your property, don't expect much help from the feds. The USDA recently launched a $75 million dollar feral swine eradication project, but none of that money is headed to California, despite the fact that our state has the fourth largest population of wild pigs in the country. The wet spring means more puncture vine this summer. We explore this troublesome weed in-depth. Oh, the good news? The State Water Project has upped its allocation of water to its customers. And, the weather is kinda nice here, isn't it? All that, crop reports, and more….on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

It’s been a week of good news and bad news for California’s farmers. On the downside, the northern San Joaquin Valley cherry crop is officially a disaster. Three counties have filed for federal aid. If you have a wild pig problem on your property, don’t expect much help from the feds. The USDA recently launched a $75 million dollar feral swine eradication project, but none of that money is headed to California, despite the fact that our state has the fourth largest population of wild pigs in the country. The wet spring means more puncture vine this summer. We explore this troublesome weed in-depth. Oh, the good news? The State Water Project has upped its allocation of water to its customers. And, the weather is kinda nice here, isn’t it? All that, crop reports, and more….on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Congratulations, you've just enjoyed the wettest winter on record in the United States. And this spring and summer, California's farmers will see increased water allocations from the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project. We have the numbers. The deadliest pest to California's citrus industry has found its way into Sacramento County. The Asian Citrus Psyllid, which vectors citrus greening disease, was found earlier this month in the city of Sacramento. The County's Agricultural commissioner will tell us how that find will effect the way citrus is handled on both residential and commercial levels. The farmers of tomorrow may be getting their start at Sacramento's Cosumnes River College. We chat with the head of that school's Horticulture Department. All that, and more, on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

Congratulations, you’ve just enjoyed the wettest winter on record in the United States. And this spring and summer, California’s farmers will see increased water allocations from the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project. We have the numbers. The deadliest pest to California’s citrus industry has found its way into Sacramento County. The Asian Citrus Psyllid, which vectors citrus greening disease, was found earlier this month in the city of Sacramento. The County’s Agricultural commissioner will tell us how that find will effect the way citrus is handled on both residential and commercial levels. The farmers of tomorrow may be getting their start at Sacramento’s Cosumnes River College. We chat with the head of that school’s Horticulture Department. All that, and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Central Valley Farmers and Southern California water users may see some steep rate hikes ahead. They and other State Water Project water customers may be on the hook for the costs of the majority of repairs at Oroville Dam, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. All because the Federal Government says they won't cover those costs. We'll tell you why. The wet California winter is a combination of good news and bad news for the state's farmers. We'll explain. The EPA is proposing making gasoline containing 15% ethanol available year round. But farmers and rural residents who own typical small farm implements such as chain saws, mowers, tillers and more need to be very careful about what they put in those fuel tanks. We'll tell you why. All that, crop reports, and more….on this week's KSTE Farm Hour. Let's Get Started!

Central Valley Farmers and Southern California water users may see some steep rate hikes ahead. They and other State Water Project water customers may be on the hook for the costs of the majority of repairs at Oroville Dam, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. All because the Federal Government says they won’t cover those costs. We’ll tell you why. The wet California winter is a combination of good news and bad news for the state’s farmers. We’ll explain. The EPA is proposing making gasoline containing 15% ethanol available year round. But farmers and rural residents who own typical small farm implements such as chain saws, mowers, tillers and more need to be very careful about what they put in those fuel tanks. We’ll tell you why. All that, crop reports, and more….on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour. Let’s Get Started!

The atmospheric rivers of rain that have inundated California recently have area almond growers concerned about the 2019 crop. On the other hand, all that precipitation has raised water allocations for California farmers who contract with the Central Valley Project or the State Water Project. We chat with a fifth generation Yolo County farmer, Bruce Rominger, about his efforts at sustainable farming on his 6,500 acres of crops. And, why California is buzzing with bees right now in the state's orchards. All that, and more, on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

The atmospheric rivers of rain that have inundated California recently have area almond growers concerned about the 2019 crop. On the other hand, all that precipitation has raised water allocations for California farmers who contract with the Central Valley Project or the State Water Project. We chat with a fifth generation Yolo County farmer, Bruce Rominger, about his efforts at sustainable farming on his 6,500 acres of crops. And, why California is buzzing with bees right now in the state’s orchards. All that, and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

We've got lots of good news for California's farmers this week. It's only late February, but already the Sierra snowpack is at its April 1 average…meaning there will be plenty of irrigation surface water coming your way from the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project. And the CVP has made its initial allocations of water availability. We have those nice numbers. What's more important than water? Your children. And we put the spotlight on some of the best and brightest youngsters who are the future of California farming. These are standout California high schoolers who are getting ready to become this state's next generation of successful farmers. We hear their stories. You want more good news? OK. It's gonna rain and snow some more! All that, and more….on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

We’ve got lots of good news for California’s farmers this week. It’s only late February, but already the Sierra snowpack is at its April 1 average…meaning there will be plenty of irrigation surface water coming your way from the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project. And the CVP has made its initial allocations of water availability. We have those nice numbers. What’s more important than water? Your children. And we put the spotlight on some of the best and brightest youngsters who are the future of California farming. These are standout California high schoolers who are getting ready to become this state’s next generation of successful farmers. We hear their stories. You want more good news? OK. It’s gonna rain and snow some more! All that, and more….on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Don't believe all the negativity about this year's water supply for California farmers. The Department of Water Resources has encouraging news about this year's Sierra snowpack, water that will eventually find its way to Central Valley Project and State Water Project customers. We have the numbers. THere's an ever so slight opening in the door to increased trade with China. And it could be a big deal for California's rice growers. We kick the tires on the newest tractors with fewer diesel emissions. And, we have tips for commercial beekeepers from a long time bee expert. All that and a lot more, on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

Don’t believe all the negativity about this year’s water supply for California farmers. The Department of Water Resources has encouraging news about this year’s Sierra snowpack, water that will eventually find its way to Central Valley Project and State Water Project customers. We have the numbers. THere’s an ever so slight opening in the door to increased trade with China. And it could be a big deal for California’s rice growers. We kick the tires on the newest tractors with fewer diesel emissions. And, we have tips for commercial beekeepers from a long time bee expert. All that and a lot more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Michael Anderson talks with Steve Bennett about water, immigration, and much more relating to Ventura County. Steve Bennett, Ventura County Supervisor Water is a big issue in Ventura County. Will the State Water Project help? Will Desalinization help?  How is Immigration a part of Ventura County's economy, what are the major points? Talk to us about Foster parenting in Ventura County. Education, Groundwater and much more. Learn more about Steve Bennett online: Ventura.org For more information on how to become a foster parent please call 805-654–3220 or go to fostervckids.org Non-Profit Spotlight Steve Doll from the Downtown Lion's Club of Ventura is our non-profit spotlight. The local club started in 1923, one of the global initiatives deals with vision and diabetes. A few of the local projects include the american flags near the pier, supporting the East-West Football game and much more.  Feel free to visit the club, they meet the first 3 Thursdays from Noon-1:30 at the 2nd floor of the Derby Club at the VC Fairgrounds. Learn more online at venturalions.org/ What's in the News this week? We have Tim Gallagher former editor of the Ventura County Star, as our news correspondent. He talks about the high school students walking out of school earlier this week. Thank you for listening this week.  If you would like to speak with our host, Michael Anderson about your financial situation, contact him for a no-cost initial consultation. Online: Maranantha.com Email: Michael@allocationlink.com or Leave a Message by phone: 805-665-3767 Special Thanks to our Sponsors: Geico Local Office – Greg Mauk (805)487-7847 Spanish Hills Country Club  Preview Membership (805)388-5000 Matt's All Haul — For all of your junk removal and hauling needs. .fusion-widget-area-88 {padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.fusion-widget-area-88 .widget h4 {color:#333c4e;}.fusion-widget-area-88 .widget .heading h4 {color:#333c4e;}.fusion-widget-area-88 .widget h4 {font-size:18px;}.fusion-widget-area-88 .widget .heading h4 {font-size:18px;}Subscribe to PodcastApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsAndroidby EmailRSS

On February 5, the House of Representatives passed a bill that takes away California's right to divide its dwindling water supply. The bill forces California to take water away from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta and give it to Agribusiness in the San Joaquin Valley, voiding a bunch of State and environmental laws in the process. Summary of the Bill HR 3964: "Sacramento- San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act" This is the second time the Republican-controlled House of Representatives has passed this bill. A similar bill was passed during the 112th Congress. TITLE I: Eff The Fish [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Water would be diverted away from this delta and given to Big Agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley[/caption] Section 101: Makes sure that water currently dedicated to fish and wildlife is given Central Valley Project contractors by December 31, 2018. Most Central Valley Project contractors are agricultural in the San Joaquin Valley. Section 102: New terms for water contracts: Eliminates a provision that makes sure the EPA approves new contracts for water delivery. Extends the renewal length of existing contracts from 25 years to 40 years and eliminates requirements for environmental reviews Adds a provision that contracts must only charge water customers for the water actually delivered Section 105: Water usage will be prioritized to go towards agricultural, municipal, and industrial purposes Section 107: Private for-profit organizations would be eligible for water storage and delivery contracts paid for with taxpayer money, which is not currently allowed. If by September 30, 2018, the Central Valley doesn't get an additional 800,000 acre-feet of water, all non-mandatory water uses will be cut off until the Central Valley gets their water. Section 108: Rules will revert back to the law as of 1994. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="314"] The delta smelt, the "stupid little fish" the House GOP is pretending is the only species affected by drying up the delta[/caption] Operations of this new water plan "shall proceed without regard to the Endangered Species Act" Prohibits the Federal government and any agency of the State of California from enforcing a State law that restricts water usage for the Central Valley Project or State Water Project (which gives water to Southern California) to protect any species affected by this new water diversion. Prohibits the State of California from enforcing any of their laws that restricts Central Valley "water rights" "under the Public Trust Doctrine. No costs associated with diverting water to Central Valley contractors will be paid by Central Valley contractors "California law is preempted" from restricting the size of a fish allowed to be taken out of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers or the Sacramento-San Joaquin Rivers Delta. Section 111: Federal agencies can not be forced to change their actions by a National Environmental Protection Act determination. *New to the 113th Congress version* Section 112 & 113: Gives 10 year water contracts to the Oakdale, South San Joaquin, and Calaveras County water districts if it doesn't take water away from the Central Valley *New to the 113th Congress version* Section 114: A pilot program to remove "non-native" bass species from the Stanislaus River. The districts will pay 100% of the costs The government "shall issue" permits for the program under the Endangered Species Act within 180 days; if it's not done in 180 days, the permits "shall be deemed approved" Permitting can be outsourced to "any qualified private contractor' National Environmental Protection Act "shall not apply" to permitting for the program. "Any restriction imposed under California law" on catching fish in the Stanislaus River "is herby void and is preempted" Pilot fish-murdering program will sunset in seven years. TITLE II: Overturns a Court Settlement The Settlement ruled in 2004 that the Bureau of Reclamation illegally dried the San Joaquin River and ruled that they will have to release water from the Friant Dam for the first time in 55 years in order to allow the fish - specifically salmon- in the river to survive. The lawsuit was first filed in 1998 and was one of California's longest running water disputes. It also restores water supplies to farmers near Stockton Section 201: Repeals the settlement and enacts a whole new plan. The new plan "preempts and supersedes any State law" that imposes stricter requirements. Central Valley water contractors are allowed to sue the Federal government if it fails to enact the new plan. Section 211: Repeals a requirement that salmon be reintroduced to the San Joaquin River TITLE III: Payments to Central Valley water contractors Section 301: Federal government has to reimburse water contractors for construction costs already accrued by January 31, 2018; future costs need to be reimbursed by the government within five years. Power revenues can't be used towards construction cost reimbursement TITLE IV: Water Allocations Section 403: Agricultural water contractors in the Central Valley will get 100% of their promised water in Wet - Below Normal years, 75% in a "dry" year, and "50% in a "Critically dry" year Section 404: The Federal government must make sure that the Endangered Species Act and goals of "addressing environmental needs" do not cause any "adverse water supply or fiscal impacts" to Central Valley water contractors. TITLE V: Precedent Section 501: The coordination of water rights "require assertion of Federal supremacy to protect existing water rights", says "these circumstances are unique to California", and therefore "nothing in this Act shall serve as precedent in any other State." Section 502: "Nothing in this Act shall affect in any way the Proclamation of State of Emergency and associated Executive Order issued by Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr. on January 17, 2014." Representatives Quoted in This Episode (In Order of Appearance) Rep. Doc Hastings of Washington Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California Rep. Tom McClintock of California Rep. Devin Nunes of California Rep. Mike Thompson of California Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah Rep. John Garamendi of California Rep. Anna Eshoo of California Rep. Jared Huffman of California Rep. Grace Napolitano of California Additional Information Water War Boils Down to Farmers vs. Fisherman by George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, February 19, 2014. Jennifer Briney's appearance on Start Talking and Recording Today with Nick Seuberling YouTube video of Congressional Dish supporter David's 12 year old son, Sam Levin, and his impressive musical talents Music in this Episode Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Are You Thristy? by Mighty Men of Faith (found on Music Alley by mevio) Get Out of Our House by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio)