DAILY DIGEST, Labor Day weekend edition: Facing ‘dead pool’ risk, CA braces for painful water cuts from Colorado River; NorCal winter predicted to be dry; Could auctions help CA make better use of its water?; S.F. Bay may see more ‘major fish kills’ this weekend; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

Facing ‘dead pool’ risk, California braces for painful water cuts from Colorado River

“California water districts are under growing pressure to shoulder substantial water cutbacks as the federal government pushes for urgent solutions to prevent the Colorado River’s badly depleted reservoirs from reaching dangerously low levels. … Without major reductions, the latest federal projections show growing risks of Lake Mead and Lake Powell approaching “dead pool” levels, where water would no longer pass downstream through the dams. Though the states haven’t agreed on how to meet federal officials’ goal of drastically reducing the annual water take by 2 million to 4 million acre-feet, the looming risks of near-empty reservoirs are prompting more talks among those who lead water agencies.  Though Trujillo and Touton have stressed their interest in collaborating on solutions, they have also laid out plans that could bring additional federal leverage to bear. Their plan to reexamine and possibly redefine what constitutes “beneficial use” of water in the three Lower Basin states — California, Arizona and Nevada — could open an avenue to a critical look at how water is used in farming areas and cities. … ”  Read the full story at the LA Times here: Facing ‘dead pool’ risk, California braces for painful water cuts from Colorado River

Northern California winter predictions have arrived. Here’s what the experts are saying

“With temperatures in the triple digits Labor Day weekend, the idea of winter is either the light at the end of the tunnel or a faraway fantasy. Either way, winter is coming, and weather predictions for the season are here. It won’t be a winter wonderland in California this season.Mild temperatures and drier than normal conditions are expected to come to the California region, according to the Farmer’s Almanac 2022-2023 Extended Winter Forecast. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Northern California winter predictions have arrived. Here’s what the experts are saying

Could auctions help California make better use of its water? This leading economist believes so

“California is in a megadrought. Like many other places across the world, climate heating and unsustainable water usage have brought California close to a potentially devastating water shortage. But some help may come from an unexpected place: economics.  To economists, Paul Milgrom is a familiar name. The Stanford economist has been extremely influential with his work on game theory and market design. But one field, in particular, has brought him widespread recognition: auctions. Milgrom was even awarded a Nobel Prize for his work on auctions, alongside Robert Wilson. The two used innovative auction formats to make markets more effective.  For instance, Milgrom convinced the Federal Communications Commission to use an auction format that he and Wilson had designed to sell its spectrum broadcast frequency, raising over $60 billion for the U.S. Treasury in the process for something that was previously given away practically for free. Now, Milgrom wants to do the same thing to California’s water markets and make everything more efficient — through auctions. ... ”  Read more from ZME Science here: Could auctions help California make better use of its water? This leading economist believes so

Blue-green algae not sighted this year in Lake Oroville

“In a series of tests gathered and conducted after Memorial Day, no signs of harmful blue-green algae have been identified in Lake Oroville or connected waterways so far.  Each year, the California Department of Water Resources, which oversees Lake Oroville, the Feather River and the Thermalito Afterbay and Forebay, conducts a series of tests to determine the safety of the water from toxins caused by blue-green algae blooms.  According to the latest Lake Oroville Community Update, those using the waterways for recreation should keep an eye out for the substance and keep both pets and children away if its suspected that an algal bloom is in the water.  “Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a natural component of ecosystems,” the update said. “Under certain conditions, including warmer temperatures and increased nutrient loads, algae can grow rapidly causing “blooms.” Algal blooms sometimes produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals.” … ”  Read more from the Oroville Mercury-Register here: Blue-green algae not sighted this year in Lake Oroville

Study: Groundwater pumped from subsided islands back into Delta channels can be laden with excess nitrogen

“Groundwater pumped from subsided islands back into Delta channels through 200 or more active outfalls can be laden with excess nitrogen transported from island soils, report the authors of a new study. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta contains more than 50 peat islands. Most have subsided—some as much as three meters — as a result of drainage for farming, and must maintain artificial water tables below the land surface via managed pumping. According to researchers from the University of California at Santa Cruz and the US Geological Survey, these pump stations are an underappreciated source of nutrients in nearby waters, with potentially significant implications for habitat and water quality. … ”  Read more from Esutary Pearls here:  Study: Groundwater pumped from subsided islands back into Delta channels can be laden with excess nitrogen

State to boost beaver efforts

“California will spend big bucks on beavers to try to boost their numbers and reap some of the benefits—including slowing wildfire—these ecosystem engineers can provide. After years of advocacy by beaver “believers,” the state has allocated funding for a beaver restoration program. The $1.67 million in license plate funds for fiscal year 2022-23 and $1.44 million the following year represents a new way of thinking about beaver management in California, says Kate Lundquist, of the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center. “Until recently, the Fish and Game Code has focused on recreational and commercial beaver trapping and permitting the depredation of nuisance beaver,” she explains. … ”  Read more from Estuary Pearls here: State to boost beaver efforts

No Water Out There:  After a water expert resigned in protest, will California get serious about aridification?

“California’s years-in-the-making water management crisis finally produced its first high-profile professional casualty. Max Gomberg, an environmental program manager with the California State Water Resources Control Board, resigned from the agency this summer, saying that he could no longer countenance what he saw as the state’s long-standing failure to stop the destruction of California’s environment.  In his scathing July 15 resignation letter, Gomberg — a ten-year agency vet who ran the climate and conservation unit at the Office of Research, Planning and Performance — had a stark warning for his former colleagues still working inside state agencies charged with helping to save the environment: you are part of the problem, not the solution. … Among water activists, Gomberg’s resignation represented a historic moment wherein someone inside the proverbial system was finally confirming their deepest criticisms of California’s water policies. “When there’s a crisis, things start to change,” said Carolee Krieger, president and executive director of the California Water Impact Network, a nonprofit advocacy group. “He’s an insider acknowledging what everybody knows and saying what nobody wants to say.” … ”  Read the full article at the California Water Impact Network here: No Water Out There:  After a water expert resigned in protest, will California get serious about aridification?

DWR takes steps to support statewide energy grid during climate emergency

“As California faces an extreme heat wave over Labor Day Weekend, DWR is doing its part to support the statewide energy grid during extreme climate-driven events like heat waves or wildfires. It’s all part of a coordinated, statewide effort to keep lights on and air conditioners running for millions of Californians.  The State Water Project, operated by DWR, is the fourth largest producer of power in the state, producing clean, hydro-electric power. It is also one of the largest power consumers in the state.  During extreme heat events like the one expected over Labor Day weekend, DWR will increase power generation at all its plants during peak usage hours, typically 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Additionally, DWR will minimize water pumping operations during peak hours to reduce the system’s energy consumption. Instead, the State Water Project will deliver water overnight when electrical demand is lower. … ”  Read more from DWR News here: DWR takes steps to support statewide energy grid during climate emergency

Extreme weather is weakening U.S. hydropower and stressing energy grids

“Scorching temperatures are baking the American Southwest this Labor Day weekend. And amid the neighborhood pool parties and backyard barbeques, residents are wondering what will break first: the heat, or their power supply.  Extreme, prolonged heat waves strain electric grids because everyone cranks their power-slurping air conditioners at the same time, driving up energy demand. Meanwhile, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants run less efficiently and have less capacity when temperatures are high. The strain on the electric grid this weekend is so worrying that the California Independent System Operator (ISO), which oversees the state’s power system, is asking residents to not charge electric vehicles, to set thermostats to 78°F or higher, and to reduce overall energy use. The goal, it says, is to prevent energy shortages. ... ”  Read more from Time Magazine here: Extreme weather is weakening U.S. hydropower and stressing energy grids

PFAS-disclosure legislation moves to Governor’s desk

“In a continuing effort to address concerns surrounding consumer goods containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a broad class of chemicals commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” the California legislature passed AB 2247 on Aug. 30, 2022. If the measure becomes law, it will require the registration by 2026 of all products sold, distributed or imported into the state of California containing intentionally added PFAS, with few exceptions. Violations of this law would be subject to civil, but not criminal, penalties. Gov. Newsom can either sign or veto the law by Sept. 30, 2022, or the bill will become law without his signature. … ”  Read more from Brownstein Hyatt here: PFAS-disclosure legislation moves to Governor’s desk

California lawmakers pass bill creating statewide heatwave ranking system

“In a somewhat ironic twist of fate, on the final day of the session and on the first day of a major heatwave, the California legislature passed AB 2238, which will establish a heatwave ranking system.  The idea behind this bill – introduced by assembly members Luz Rivas, Cristina Garcia, and Eduardo Garcia – is to create a system by which the California EPA will categorize or otherwise rank incoming heatwaves. Think of it like the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. … ”  Read more from Channel 10 here: California lawmakers pass bill creating statewide heatwave ranking system

Newsom’s call now: Tracking California bills passed in the 2022 legislative session

“After eight months, California’s legislative session came to a close this week with a final flurry of frantic activity. Lawmakers rushed to pass hundreds of remaining bills before the clock struck midnight Wednesday. For a select few measures, with urgency clauses that allow them to take effect immediately upon the governor’s signature, the votes stretched into early Thursday. … Now Newsom has until the end of September to either sign or veto the bills that did pass — and his choices will likely be more closely watched than ever as speculation builds about whether he is positioning himself to run for president.  Here are some of the interesting and consequential bills that CalMatters is tracking — bookmark this page and keep checking back as we update the fate of each … ”  Read more from Cal Matters here: Newsom’s call now: Tracking California bills passed in the 2022 legislative session

Return to top

In commentary this weekend …

Failure to act to save the Colorado means we all lose

Pat Mulroy, former general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, writes, “The year was 2002 … it marked the moment when Southern Nevada’s water reality changed forever.  The Colorado River had always experienced years with less-than-normal snowpack, but since the completion of the dam system, it had not experienced 25% of normal runoff. Lake Powell crashed, signaling the onset of a much drier future for a river that everyone had taken for granted.  Southern Nevada’s response was remarkable, transforming itself from the poster child of water waste to the global example of urban water conservation. Unprecedented cooperation emerged among the states and two countries that rely on this resource, and the world watched in awe. Even at that time, we realized that this was more than a drought, and we were experiencing the onset of the consequences of climate change — the speed at which the aridification has occurred was not baked into the forecast.  So here we are just 20 years later and effects that were expected in 2050 or beyond are upon us. … ”  Read more from the Las Vegas Sun here:  Failure to act to save the Colorado means we all lose

Latest attack on proposed Sites Reservoir – not enough water

Edward Ring, contributing editor and senior fellow with the California Policy Center, writes, “When it comes to attacking anything that will make so much as a scratch in the earth, California’s environmentalists never run out of arguments, and their litigators never run out of money.  So it goes with the proposed Sites Reservoir, which is enduring a withering new bombardment from environmentalists in the wake of Governor Newsom’s recently announced Water Supply Strategy in which the governor endorsed the Sites Project and even had the temerity to suggest environmentalist obstruction is stopping as many good projects as bad ones.  As reported in the San Francisco Chronicle earlier this week, and dutifully highlighted in Maven’s Notebook, “California’s largest reservoir in nearly 50 years may be derailed by water shortages.” Apparently there isn’t enough water flowing down the Sacramento River to fill the 1.5 million acre foot reservoir. But that entirely depends on who you ask. … ”  Read more from the California Globe here: Latest attack on proposed Sites Reservoir – not enough water

No wet people without wetlands

Columnist Larry Wilson writes, “I have often heard Californians who claim they are concerned about water conservation in the state say: “Why do we let rivers run all the way to the sea?”  I hear them, and I have no idea what they mean.  I mean, that’s what rivers do. They run to the sea. Flow, river flow, and all that. We live on a blue planet, not on some engineered man-made construction.  It is not because I think the Pacific Ocean needs the addition of the fresh waters that have for thousands of years flowed from the few rivers we have in Southern California and the many in Central and Northern California in order to stay filled up.  It’s that … really? I simply don’t understand the question. … ”  Read more from the OC Register here: No wet people without wetlands

In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

A Pacific waterfowl oasis ran out of water. These duck hunters are footing the bill for some more

“After a few years of extreme drought conditions, the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges on the California-Oregon border ran out of water this week. Sit back and chew on that for a minute.  Convenience stores run out of water. Natural disaster relief shelters run out of water. But two national wildlife refuges, one of which was founded as the first waterfowl refuge in America, running out of water? If that sounds apocalyptic, it’s because it is—or at least it is for the millions of birds traveling the Pacific Flyway that rely on the area’s wetland habitat as a rest stop. … ”  Read more from Outdoor Life here:  A Pacific waterfowl oasis ran out of water. These duck hunters are footing the bill for some more

Yurok Tribe discovers disease-killed adult Chinook salmon on lower Klamath River

“Over the past week, the Yurok Tribe has discovered a total of approximately 65 dead adult Chinook salmon in the lower Klamath River.  In the past three days, Yurok Fisheries Department monitoring crew observed approximately 30 dead salmon. Last weekend, the Department discovered approximately 35 disease-killed adult salmon and many other sick fish on a 40-mile segment of river from Blakes Riffle to Weitchpec, according to a press statement from the Tribe.  The Fisheries Department continues to monitor the Klamath River for sick and dying salmon. The Tribe said the current quantity of dead fish does not yet constitute a “major fish kill event,” which is characterized by 50 fresh dead salmon in a 20-kilometer reach. The Tribe’s team of fisheries experts said they expect more fish to die, but it is too early to tell if there will be a catastrophic disease outbreak. … ”  Read more from the Daily Kos here:  Yurok Tribe discovers disease-killed adult Chinook salmon on lower Klamath River

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Hope is green and soggy in the Sierra Nevada

“It was July 28, 2021, I was sitting in my living room overlooking Lake Almanor in the Northern Sierra Nevada, having spent the morning raking fir needles and covering attic vents, I was hunched over the air purifier sucking in as much fresh air as I could get.  That night, as the evacuation sirens blared, I had had enough. I packed up as much as I could fit in our Toyota Corolla, including my kids’ two parakeets, and drove through the night for cleaner air in southern California. From there I spent the next month watching as the growing fire engulfed most of the Upper Feather River watershed, including many of our long-term Point Blue study sites. Before it was extinguished by the record rainfalls, the Dixie Fire would burn nearly 1 million acres, the largest in Sierra Nevada history and second largest in California. It threatened our home, our Sierra field station, and my community.  For the past 15 years we have studied the effects of fire on forest birds, bats, and vegetation throughout the Sierra Nevada. …  After I learned that my house was safe from the fire, my thoughts focused on how the many meadows we have studied, restored, or were in the process of restoring had fared. … ”  Read the full post at Point Blue Conservation Service here: Hope is green and soggy in the Sierra Nevada

Officials say Keys invasive weeds test working; 1st turbidity curtain being removed

“Officials say the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association test project to control the largest infestation of aquatic invasive weeds in the Tahoe Basin through the use of herbicides is proving successful.  A foul odor with extensive algae and widespread discoloration in the Tahoe Keys are due to decomposing invasive weeds, as well as the prolonged isolation and lack of circulation, officials said on Friday.  Conditions have improved somewhat over the last week and should continue a return to normal as air and water temperatures begin to drop, said a news release. … ”  Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Officials say Keys invasive weeds test working; 1st turbidity curtain being removed

Toxic algae discovered in Lake Tahoe area just in time for Labor Day

“Recent tests have found that the Indian Creek Reservoir in the South Lake Tahoe area is infested with harmful algal blooms, or HABs, government sites confirmed. According to the advisory, humans and pets should stay out of the water and avoid eating shellfish from the reservoir. Owners should also ensure that their pets don’t drink water or eat scum on the shore. Though they are particularly harmful to children, when humans ingest or come in contact with cyanobacteria or cyanotoxins, they can cause distinct flu-like symptoms within 48 hours of exposure. Government resources also say they can cause skin irritation, abnormal breathing and gastrointestinal symptoms within just minutes to days. In animals, they can cause seizure and death. ... ”  Read more from SF Gate here: Toxic algae discovered in Lake Tahoe area just in time for Labor Day

The unbuilt dam that created California’s tallest bridge

“On Labor Day 1973, the Foresthill Bridge opened to the public. At an astounding height of 730 feet, it was the second-highest bridge in the world at the time and the highest in the state of California.  The bridge outside of Auburn still holds the record as the state’s highest bridge by deck height and is the third-highest bridge in the country, according to National Geographic.  The bridge towers over Sacramento’s 423-ft. Wells Fargo Center, the tallest building in the city, and provides some of the most breathtaking views of the foothills and the Sierra Nevada.  However, the bridge was made in preparation for an even bigger project that never came to be: the Auburn Dam and subsequent Auburn Lake. … ”  Read more from KRON here: The unbuilt dam that created California’s tallest bridge

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Funding in state budget will provide relief for communities affected by drought

“The California Legislature this week approved a new $75M drought relief grant program designed to help small businesses that support production agriculture. The program also allocates 20 percent of the funds for small or socially disadvantaged farmers. Once signed by the Governor, the grant program will be open to dryers, mills, suppliers, service providers, aircraft, and trucking that supports agriculture, as well as small or socially disadvantaged farmers with 100 or fewer employees.  With the unprecedented dry year in the Sacramento River watershed, this program will be very helpful to the small businesses throughout the region who are vital to our communities and farming, which supports the essential economy and the environment in the Sacramento Valley. … ”  Read more from the Northern California Water Association here: Funding in state budget will provide relief for communities affected by drought

Water managers plan to insure water supply as climate change threatens the American River Basin

“This week, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released the findings of a study designed to explore the impacts of climate change on the American River Basin.  Climate change will likely increase the air temperature and water temperature of the basin as precipitation events become more variable with longer periods of drought.  According to data from the study, air temperatures may increase another 4 to 7 degrees by the year 2085. This could lead to increased evaporation in the summer and shifts in the timing of runoff, both of which are important factors that water managers consider when determining how much water to store and release in reservoirs. … Without any adaption on our end, all of these factors would combine to create a water shortage in the basin, which serves as a water source for most of Sacramento and Placer counties.  “It’s a scary problem if we don’t have solutions,” said Andy Fecko, the general manager for the Placer County Water Agency. “The good news is from this study, we do have solutions.”... ”  Read more from KCRA here: Water managers plan to insure water supply as climate change threatens the American River Basin

NAPA/SONOMA

Drought in Sonoma County could continue at least through November

“Sonoma County held a drought town hall on Thursday which touched on all aspects of water– and the lack of it– in the county and state and how it will affect residents, fire risk, and the future.  Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey led the discussion, which involved representatives from the county, nonprofits, Sonoma Water and the National Weather Service.  First up was an overview of where the county stands water-wise. On the state’s categories of drought severity, Sonoma County stands in the “middle,” according to Coursey, who said it is experiencing “severe” drought. The first seven months of this year have been the driest in 128 years, Coursey said, with rainfall 20 inches below normal. … ”  Read more from NBC Bay Area here: Drought in Sonoma County could continue at least through November

BAY AREA

Depleted oxygen levels from harmful algal bloom in SF Bay could trigger large-scale aquatic deaths

“As the massive harmful algal bloom (HAB) stretching throughout the San Francisco Bay appears to be in decline, the State Water Resources Control Board, San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) are warning that depleted oxygen levels could lead to large-scale aquatic deaths in the days ahead.  Better known as a “red tide” since it has turned much of the Bay a reddish-brown color, the HAB was first detected in Alameda in late July and has grown to become the largest in the Bay’s recorded history. Already, the HAB has been responsible for the deaths of thousands of fish, including large sturgeon, sharks, striped bass, bat rays and anchovy. While this type of HAB is not considered a health threat to humans, it is recommended that people avoid swimming until further notice. The cause of the HAB is still not known. … ”  Read more from the Department of Fish & Wildlife here: Depleted oxygen levels from harmful algal bloom in SF Bay could trigger large-scale aquatic deaths

S.F. Bay may see more ‘major fish kills’ this weekend as heat wave strikes

“More fish in San Francisco Bay could soon die, due to a combination of the weekend heat wave and — oddly enough —the dissipation of the enormous algae bloom.  “It’s good to prepare the public for the possibility that there may be some major fish kills in the South Bay” this weekend, said Eileen White, executive officer of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, the region’s water quality regulatory body.  At least 10,000 fish — and likely many more — have already died from the algae bloom, according to a Thursday statement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  That includes about 10,000 yellowfin gobies, hundreds of striped bass and white sturgeon, and three reported green sturgeon, a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: S.F. Bay may see more ‘major fish kills’ this weekend as heat wave strikes

How the algae bloom spreading across S.F. Bay is impacting water sports

“Water sport groups who use the San Francisco Bay for recreation classes said they’ve seen a spike in cancellations last month, likely as a result of the harmful algae bloom spreading across the region.  While rowing and similar water sports does not require people to intentionally enter the water, participants often get splashed or can accidentally fall in. Water sports groups have been trying to keep up with the latest news on the blooms and telling customers that this specific algae isn’t known to be harmful to humans. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: How the algae bloom spreading across S.F. Bay is impacting water sports

San Francisco Bay algal bloom shows little effect in Marin

“Marin has largely escaped a massive algal bloom that has killed fish across San Francisco Bay, local agencies and monitoring groups said this week.  The bloom, which initially began near Alameda in late July, is the largest seen in at least 40 years and now stretches to the South Bay, according to Eileen White, executive officer of the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Control Board.  While some dead fish have washed up along Sausalito, San Rafael, Horseshoe Bay near Fort Baker and other waterfronts in Marin, there have not been significant numbers of dead fish compared to the thousands washing up in Lake Merritt in Oakland. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here:  San Francisco Bay algal bloom shows little effect in Marin

Marin’s new creek rules raise procedure, enforcement questions

“Marin County’s code enforcement program is receiving increased scrutiny following the adoption of an ordinance that prohibits new building along San Geronimo Creek and its tributaries.  In March, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance empowering the county to fine residents up to $500 per day for code violations. In May, the county announced it had reached a tentative settlement over the ordinance with the Salmon Protection and Watershed Network, or SPAWN.  The county battled with SPAWN in the courts for more than decade over the organization’s insistence on a streamside conservation area (SCA) ordinance to protect endangered coho salmon and steelhead trout in San Geronimo Creek. The terms of the settlement included allowing the use of the new fining ordinance as an enforcement mechanism. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin’s new creek rules raise procedure, enforcement questions

CENTRAL COAST

Cal Am’s desalination application deemed ready for a Coastal Commission vote, possibly by year’s end

“After initially turning away California American Water’s application for its controversial desalination plant as incomplete, the state commission said Friday that the water utility had filled the gaps in its application. The proposal is clear to go in front of the commission for a final vote, potentially this fall.  Cal Am resubmitted its application to the Coastal Commission in November 2021 after withdrawing it the previous year. The commission quickly determined the application was incomplete and sent it back to the utility for revision. The project, which has attracted a steady base of both opposition and support, has been a central point of contention in the debate over Cal Am’s ability to serve the community. However, the project has fallen into the background over the past year as the utility battled with the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District over the voter-mandated effort for the public water district to buy out the private utility.  “We are slightly mystified,” says David Stoldt, general manager for the MPWMD, who has led the effort of a public buyout of Cal Am. … ”  Read more from the Monterey Weekly here:  Cal Am’s desalination application deemed ready for a Coastal Commission vote, possibly by year’s end

SEE ALSO:  California Coastal Commission Deems Application for Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project Complete, press release from Cal American Water

Seaside residential reuse project gets water allocation extension

“The Seaside City Council unanimously approved an extension of the water allocation for the medical officers barracks residential reuse project at its meeting on Thursday as the long-awaited redevelopment comes closer to completion.  In August, Glover Enterprises, the developer of the residential reuse project, submitted a request for another one-year extension of the 14-acre-feet per year water allocation in order to protect the progress made in moving the redevelopment project forward.  Alfred Glover, owner of Glover Enterprises, said that his company is at the end of about a five-year process that would bring more living space to the city. ... ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Seaside residential reuse project gets water allocation extension

Santa Maria officials said water remains safe for consumption despite odor, taste

“Santa Maria residents may have noticed an “unusual” taste or odor in their water recently, but city officials ensure that the water supply remains safe for consumption.  The unusual taste and odor are due to heat-induced algae compounds in the state water supply, according to Water Resources Manager Alexandra Griffith.  The city received a notification from the Central Coast Water Authority that high temperatures created ideal conditions for blue-green algae blooms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta that affects State Water Project customers, including Santa Maria. … ”  Read more from KEYT here: Santa Maria officials said water remains safe for consumption despite odor, taste

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Gray secures funding for river restoration, conservation

“Assemblyman Adam Gray, D-Merced, has secured a $40 million budget allocation for river restoration projects within his district and throughout the state, his office announced Wednesday.  The allocation will further the efforts of River Partners, a conservation group that played a key role in creating Dos Rios Ranch Preserve, the first state park located entirely within the borders of Stanislaus County.  The Merced, Tuolumne, Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers all flow through Gray’s 21st assembly district — the Tuolumne River sits about 10 miles to the north of Turlock, while the Merced River is about 15 miles south — and is one reason water policy has been a core issue for Gray. … ”  Read more from the Turlock Journal here: Gray secures funding for river restoration, conservation

Tulare County Ag Commissioner’s office cleanses the county of harmful pesticides

“While a lasting legacy is always something to appreciate, it is not always the case when it comes to pesticides. To prevent pesticides from being improperly disposed of, the Tulare County Agriculture Commissioner will host an event to collect and dispose of legacy pesticides without harming the environment.  The Tulare County Agriculture Commissioner, in partnership with the Kings County Department of Agriculture, is hosting an Agricultural Pesticide Collection and Disposal Event to collect and dispose of agricultural pesticides in Tulare County. The event is targeting pesticides used for agricultural purposes from farmers in Tulare and Kings County, whether they be unwanted or considered legacy chemicals – once allowed for use in the U.S. but are no longer used due to health and environmental risks. … ”  Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Tulare County Ag Commissioner’s office cleanses the county of harmful pesticides

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

‘It’s too hot’: Los Angeles melts under its worst heatwave of the year

“As Los Angeles struggled under a brutal heatwave, many streets were quiet as residents followed the official warnings to shelter inside their air conditioned homes. Public libraries transformed into cooling centers, and mutual aid groups prepared frozen water bottles to offer relief to unhoused residents. Food vendors were still on the streets, despite describing heat that can reach 115F (46C) inside a sweltering truck.  Heading into a holiday weekend, southern California is grappling with its hottest weather of the year, with no relief in sight. Even in a city known for its heat, the triple digit temperatures in some towns around Los Angeles are breaking records, and advocates worry that the extremes will prove deadly for workers and others forced to be outside during the hottest hours of the day. … ”  Read more from The Guardian here: ‘It’s too hot’: Los Angeles melts under its worst heatwave of the year

Commentary: On Labor Day, thinking of the hidden workers of our water

Maria Gutzeit, water official, engineer, business owner, writes, “On Labor Day, I always like to think about the workers who make our world function.  Some are seen — like truck drivers and first responders. Some are behind the scenes, like administrators and accountants.  Like the world of water itself, the workers behind our water are complex and varied. It’s time to give them a nod… and maybe contemplate a terrific career path for our kids. ... ”  Read more from the Santa Clarita Signal here: Commentary: On Labor Day, thinking of the hidden workers of our water

Pasadena watering restrictions are now in effect; here’s what you should know

“There won’t be a lot of lawn watering going on in Pasadena for a while. With temperatures searing and relentless drought gripping the state and the region, one-day-a-week watering restrictions have taken effect in the city. And, like many Metropolitan Water District customers around Los Angeles County, residents are being asked to take a two-week break from watering while a major repair efforts is under way, starting Tuesday.  The city’s new water schedule took effect Thursday, Sept. 1. Under the plan, even-numbered street addresses are limited to watering only on Mondays, while odd-numbered street addresses are limited to watering only on Tuesdays. On either day, depending on odd or even number, you can water before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. … ”  Read more from the LA Daily News here: Pasadena watering restrictions are now in effect; here’s what you should know

Disneyland unveils new artificial turf around the park

“In an effort to conserve water amid a historic drought, there’s now more artificial turf in certain areas at Disneyland.  According to the theme park, its horticulture team has been replacing lawns, where possible, with artificial turf.  A photo submitted to Eyewitness News shows the new installment around the Mickey floral planter at the Disneyland entrance.  The turf at the Haunted Mansion front’s lawn was reportedly unveiled on Friday as Halloween Time kicks off. … ”  Read more from KABC here: Disneyland unveils new artificial turf around the park

Restoration of Prado Dam patriotic mural near Corona set to start

“An aging patriotic mural on the Prado Dam near Corona —  visible to millions of drivers traveling east on the 91 Freeway — has been called the “gateway” or “marquee to the Inland Empire.”  And after graffiti, lead paint concerns, and a long legal battle with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — which controls the Prado Dam — the nearly 50-year-old mural’s long-awaited restoration is about to happen — using the same design as in its 1976 debut.  The Bicentennial Freedom Mural on the dam’s spillway is the size of six Mt. Rushmore monuments, at 120 feet tall and 664 feet long, with a 40-degree slope. … ”  Read more from the San Bernardino Sun here: Restoration of Prado Dam patriotic mural near Corona set to start

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

Lithium Valley? With push to EVs, all eyes are on the Salton Sea

“Those drawn to the other-wordly landscape surrounding the Salton Sea, some 45 minutes southeast of Palm Springs, have long been lured by potential.  Potential to plant crops that help feed the country or solar panels to help power it in the wide open, affordable land in Imperial County. Potential to pursue bohemian, artistic lives in Bombay Beach or nearby Slab City. Potential to spot migratory birds who make their temporary home at this largest lake in California.  That potential hasn’t always panned out. With both local and imported water scarce, farmers sometimes are paid to keep their fields fallow. The solar industry hasn’t delivered the once-promised jobs or a huge spike in land values. And there are regular reports of massive bird and fish die-offs, with the sand of some lakeside beaches made from the bones of fish that couldn’t survive the shallow, salty lake’s oxygen-deprived waters. … ”  Read more from the San Bernardino Daily Bulletin here: Lithium Valley? With push to EVs, all eyes are on the Salton Sea

Return to top

In national news this weekend …

Mapping this summer’s extreme divide in rain and drought

“Like an unhinged seesaw, this summer’s rainfall has teetered between too much and too little across the United States. Record-high rainfall in pockets of the country brought unprecedented flooding; meanwhile, other communities yearned for just a few drops as droughts worsened.  Weather patterns have always brought variable rainfall across the country, but this summer featured a new era of extreme precipitation events brought on by a warming world: wet events are becoming wetter, and dry events are becoming drier.“  [A] striking feature on the weather maps this summer has been the relatively close proximity of extreme heat events to extreme rainfall events, as well as the number of these events,” said Greg Carbin, the chief of the Forecast Operations Branch at NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, in an email. “You’d expect perhaps one, or the other, but this summer we’ve seen both.”  … ”  Read more from the Washington Post here: Mapping this summer’s extreme divide in rain and drought

Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

NOTICE: Delta Conveyance Project Draft EIR Virtual Public Hearings Information

NOTICE: Public Notice for a Department of the Army In-Lieu Fee Project

Return to top