DAILY DIGEST, holiday weekend edition: West Coast braces for more storms; Strawberry case study: What if farmers had to pay for water?; The journey of Yuba water to the Golden Gate; The secret foreign roots of tech titans’ new California city; and more …

Holiday weekend forecast:  Storms and big waves …

30-foot waves and widespread rain: West Coast braces for more storms

“Rain, coastal flooding and waves as tall as 30 feet were expected along parts of the West Coast on Friday, a day after giant waves pummeled the California shoreline and prompted some evacuation warnings.  More than six million people in coastal areas of California and Oregon were under high surf warnings overnight as breaking waves posed an “especially heightened threat to life and property,” according to the National Weather Service. “Dangerously large” waves about 28 to 33 feet tall, and potentially up to 40 feet tall, were forecast overnight in some coastal spots in the San Francisco Bay Area and for some parts of Central California, where a few communities in Santa Cruz County had received evacuation warnings a day earlier. … ”  Read more from the New York Times.

SEE ALSO:  California storm: Heavy rain, gusts expected ahead of holiday weekend, from the San Francisco Chronicle

More monster waves will collide with the California coast after injuring onlookers and causing serious flooding

“A series of powerful storms in the Pacific Ocean are driving towering waves into the California coastline, triggering flooding and posing a significant risk to people and structures along the coast.  Monstrous, 20-foot-plus waves on Thursday crashed over seawalls and swept away and injured several people, forced rescues and sent a damaging surge of water through coastal California streets.  A brief dip in wave heights may occur in some locations along the California coast during the daytime Friday as one storm pushes ashore, but the danger will quickly ramp back up later Friday and Saturday as another system develops behind it. … ”  Read more from CNN.

California’s 2023 weather was extreme. Here’s a look back at atmospheric rivers, a hurricane and more

“Last December, California was heading into a fourth year of drought, with La Niña conditions portending another dry winter.  But, as Californians know all too well, the next months defied expectations. “A heavy rainfall season was not on people’s radar,” said Jan Null, a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services and adjunct professor at San Jose State University.  From atmospheric rivers to tropical storms, here are some of the wildest weather events that the state saw in the past year. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.

In other California water news this weekend …

Strawberry case study: What if farmers had to pay for water?

“The strawberry, blackberry and raspberry fields of the Pajaro Valley stretch for 10 miles along the coast of California’s Monterey Bay, jeweled with fruit from April through early December. The valley’s 30,000 acres of farmland are also ruffled with emerald lettuces, brussels sprouts and varieties of kale, bringing in roughly $1 billion in revenue to the region each year.  All that abundance doesn’t come cheap.  While American farmers elsewhere have watered their crops by freely pumping the groundwater beneath their land, growers in Pajaro must pay hefty fees for irrigation water — making it one of the most expensive places to grow food in the country, if not the world. The cost: Up to $400 per acre-foot, a standard measurement equal to water covering one acre, one foot deep. The fees bring in $12 million a year, which is used to recycle, restore and conserve the region’s groundwater. … ”  Continue reading from the New York Times (gift article).

The Yuba River and the Bay Delta: From source to sea — the journey of Yuba water to the Golden Gate

“The Golden Gate Bridge is a critical landmark for the migration of salmon in the region. Salmon are anadromous—they start their lives in freshwater, journey to the ocean, and then make their way back to freshwater to reproduce. The Golden Gate Bridge serves as the gateway and departure point for these fish as they navigate between the Pacific Ocean and the Yuba River, where they spawn.  Under this iconic bridge is the original “Golden Gate”—a 1-mile wide and 3-mile-long strait that connects the Bay to the ocean.  Think of this as the finish line in a Yuba salmon’s 110-mile odyssey to the sea.  Two-thirds of California’s salmon pass through the Golden Gate. … ”  Continue reading from the South Yuba River Citizens League.

Dramatic before-and-after images show how much water California reservoirs have accumulated

“With the winter storm season ramping up, rainfall across the state has begun to refill reservoirs.  By Tuesday, water reservoirs were at about 64% capacity, well above the 30-year average of 55% for the month of December.  After last year’s historically wet winter, many of California’s largest water stores were at or near capacity during the summer months of 2023.  But over the last six months, the state has used up some of its stored water. The two largest reservoirs, Lake Oroville and Lake Shasta, dropped from nearly full in June 2023 to around two-thirds full by Christmas. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

SFEWS: Keeping water in headwaters longer; Fishery impacts of hatchery-origin vs. natural-origin chinook salmon, Diets of fish in the Stanislaus River, and more …

“In this edition: Keeping Water in Climate-Changed Headwaters Longer; Proofing Field and Laboratory Species Identification Procedures Developed for the Non-Native Osmerid Species Wakasagi (Hypomesus nipponensis) Using SHERLOCK-Based Genetic Verification; Comparing Fishery Impacts and Maturation Schedules of Hatchery-Origin vs. Natural-Origin Fish from a Threatened Chinook Salmon Stock; A Simplified Approach for Estimating Ionic Concentrations from Specific Conductance Data in the San Francisco Estuary; and more …  Click here to access the articles.

The secret foreign roots of tech titans’ new California city

“When the backers of a secretive effort to amass nearly $1 billion worth of land in California finally unveiled their vision this past summer, they did so in great detail. They announced plans to build a new city near San Francisco. They listed the Silicon Valley titans involved.  California Forever, as the project was called, described itself as “a California company backed by California investors.” What California Forever didn’t highlight was its foreign roots. Its creator is a Czech-born entrepreneur who became an American citizen midway into the land-buying venture. His right-hand man in the project for much of the time is South African. Foreign involvement in deals like California Forever’s is a potential trigger for a U.S. government national security review, and Jan Sramek, a former Goldman Sachs trader, and Thomas Mather, who manages investments for the family of a South African billionaire, took steps to play down their central roles, according to a Wall Street Journal review of legal documents, property and corporate records, publicly available data and interviews with people involved. … ”  Read more from the Wall Street Journal (gift article).

How are climate extremes changing California? I hit the road to find out

Reporter Gabrielle Canon writes, “The romance of the American road trip has lured travelers into their cars over the last century, offering a break from itineraries and access to wild landscapes across the west. These adventures also provide one of the only ways I can visit the far-flung places I love most.  They are places that are rapidly changing. From the coast to the mountains, the forest to the desert, California’s long drives offer a frontline view of the climate crisis.  This year, transformations were on full display after record-breaking winter storms wreaked havoc on landscapes already reeling from years of drought, wildfires and coastal erosion. While scientists are still debating whether the intensity was increased by human-caused climate change, they have long predicted events like these will worsen as the world warms.  So, in the midst of yet another landmark year, I set out in three directions from my home in the Bay Area – heading to the states’s north, east then south – to see how three popular routes were faring in the face of disaster. … ”  Read more from The Guardian.

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In commentary this weekend …

The Delta Conveyance Project: Either we survive together or perish together

Sarah Vardaro writes, “On December 8th, 2023, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) issued the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) for its proposed Delta Conveyance Project, informally called the Delta tunnel.  During the required comment period following DWR’s release of its Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR), the public, native tribes, and non-governmental organizations submitted 700 letters and 7,000 comments. Many of these letters and comments raised substantive concerns about the Project’s potential negative impact on the environment and on communities who live within the Delta region and watersheds.  DWR claims that its Final EIR  “responds to all substantive comments.” Chris Shutes, executive director of California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) said DWR simply affirmed that its Draft EIR “was right on just about everything,” but was (perhaps unintentionally) candid in recognizing that “[i]ncreased flow through the Delta is not consistent with the project purpose” of the Delta tunnel. … ”  Read more from the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance.

California’s antiquated water laws need updating to make use of flood flows

Tom Holyoke, Cordie Qualle and Laura Ramos with the California Water Institute at CSU Fresno, writes, “As we reflect on the past year before we move into the next, one thing is clear — the historic number of atmospheric rivers that slammed the area in the first quarter of 2023 caught us off guard. The unexpected deluge from these storms served as a reminder that traditional weather patterns can no longer be relied upon for future planning. It is time for California to adopt a proactive approach, preparing for every wet season with the proper permits, equipment, and infrastructure to mitigate the potential impact of unpredictable wet weather events. Although we’ve had a dry start to the current wet season, recent weather patterns bring hope to the San Joaquin Valley for rain and snow at higher levels. While this storm series doesn’t appear that it will bring any severe flooding impacts to the Valley floor, the possibility still looms. … ”  Read more from the Fresno Bee. | Read more from Yahoo News.

California Courts foil Westlands Water District’s Grinch-like water grab

Richard Frank, Professor of Environmental Practice and Director of the U. C. Davis School of Law’s California Environmental Law & Policy Center, writes, “While there’s a great deal that’s dysfunctional and downright wrong about water law and policy in California, occasionally there are positive developments to report. So it’s most satisfying to end 2023 with some good news regarding water in the Golden State.  This is the saga of how the Westlands Water District tried to privatize a permanent supply of massive amounts of California water from a government-operated water project; the remarkable coalition of interests that joined together to foil Westlands’ efforts; and the California trial and appellate courts that soundly rejected Westlands’ Grinch-like plan. … ”  Continue reading at the Legal Planet.

California’s groundwater needs to become a priority in Sacramento

Columnist Thomas Elias writes, “California has had drought years and wet years, several “years of the woman” and the last few years may well have been called “years of housing increases,” at least in terms of making new laws. Fully 56 such laws passed in 2023.  The state has never had a “groundwater year,” though. Yet few resources are as important or as diminished as the unseen aquifers that sustain everything from apricots to avocados, almonds and asparagus, just to name a few crops.  This is not to mention what the aquifers do for millions of city dwellers, who also get substantial parts of their water from underground basins. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.

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In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

Tribes guard the Klamath River’s fish, water and lands as restoration begins at last

“Queen Gensaw skylarked around and between her parents, Oscar and Georgianna, at the Yurok Tribe’s boat ramp at Requa, or Rek-woi, the “mouth of the creek” where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean.  Here, millennia of flowing water infused with sand, silt and the occasional river-smoothed rock has created a cleft about 125 feet deep by nearly 1,000 feet wide. Queen, who is 7, examined shells and danced around the asphalt as her parents talked nearby. For the Yurok fighting to restore the river and secure one of their cultural touchstones — the salmon — Queen and her friends are the future.  Requa, on the north side of the Klamath’s massive mouth, is one of California’s longest continually inhabited places. It’s at one end of the Yurok’s 44-mile-long by 2-mile-wide reservation and it was once home to a prosperous fishing industry. … ”  Read more from the USA Today.

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Tahoe snowstorm: Here’s what travel and ski conditions look like for New Year’s

“A snowstorm is expected to hit Lake Tahoe on New Year’s Day weekend, marking a big turnaround in what has so far been a disappointing ski season — but likely making the trip to the slopes messy and difficult for holiday travelers from the Bay Area.  The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for the Sierra Nevada beginning at 10 p.m. Friday. The advisories will end at various times Saturday, but generally more than a half foot of snow is forecast for above 7,000 feet, according to newsroom meteorologist Anthony Edwards.  That marks a big change for the Tahoe region. It has been dry there since Oct. 1, but not exceptionally so — “the main problem,” Edwards said, “is the snow line has been really high, so most precipitation at Tahoe has been rain rather than snow.” … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Sacramento Municipal Utility District Draft Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan available for public review

“Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment and draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).  The draft HCP covers future operations, maintenance and minor construction associated with utility services provided by SMUD that may impact seven federally listed species. The 577,554-acre permit area covers activities throughout Sacramento County and small portions of Yolo, Placer and San Joaquin counties. The permit is valid for a 30-year term. If finalized, the HCP will streamline the utility’s implementation of routine maintenance activities by replacing the project-by-project consultation model that SMUD and the Service currently operate under while conserving habitat for threatened and endangered species.  The draft HCP proposes strategies to avoid, minimize and offset potential impacts of the proposed activities to California tiger salamander, giant garter snake, Sacramento Orcutt grass, slender Orcutt grass, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, vernal pool fairy shrimp and vernal pool tadpole shrimp. The applicant proposed to purchase credits from conservation and mitigation banks to account for impacts, as well as introduce or improve populations of both Orcutt grass species at the SMUD Nature Preserve Mitigation Bank. … ”  Read more from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

BAY AREA

Massive waves pound Bay Area coastline as communities hit by flooding

“Whipped-up waves pounded the California coastline Thursday, prompting residents to flee from flooding in the Santa Cruz region and in coastal Marin. The waves offered a dramatic show to locals and tourists watching 30-foot walls of water break offshore early Thursday.  At high tide late morning, water poured over breakwalls and into parking lots. It flooded streets and smashed into businesses and homes in several areas up and down the coast. The esplanade in Rio del Mar in Santa Cruz County was under evacuation orders as water poured in just before 8:30 a.m., one of the first areas to see the impact of exceptionally high tides. Stinson Beach in Marin County also was under an evacuation order just after 10 a.m. due to risk of flooding and wave damage, with the community reopened mid-afternoon. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Endangered freshwater shrimp spotted further upstream in Marin County’s Olema Creek

“In what can only be described as a tiny yet significant comeback, the endangered California Freshwater Shrimp has just scored a win for conservation efforts by bearing its whiskery face further up Olema Creek than seen in recent years. The Point Reyes Fisheries Team managed to net some of these little crustaceans about half a mile further upstream from their previously known stomping grounds in Marin County. This is a species you won’t find at your local seafood joint, given they are exclusive to a select few watersheds in Napa, Sonoma, and now, more of Marin.  The scoop on this shrimp surge was provided by the Point Reyes National Seashore, which posted an update revealing this natural progression. … ”  Read more from Hoodline.

‘Unacceptable’: 21 hazardous materials releases, spills recorded at Martinez refinery

“2023 was not a good year for Martinez Refining Company, according to county health officials.  Anna Roth, director of Contra Costa Health, wrote a letter to the refinery’s managers on Thursday, stating, “In the past year, CCH has documented 21 releases or spills of hazardous materials at the Martinez refinery. The number of incidents at the refinery over the past year is unacceptable for a facility operating in Contra Costa County.”  A high number of hazardous materials releases from the refinery, including three incidents involving metallic coke dust, compromised health and safety in nearby communities, according to county officials. Coke dust is a byproduct of oil refining. … ” Read more from KRON.

San Mateo County commits $15 million to fight flooding

“The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has committed $15 million to the construction of the Vista Grande Watershed Project, aimed at addressing persistent flooding in San Mateo County and parts of San Francisco.  Supervisor David Canepa attributed the floods in the area to excessive rainfall triggering an overflow of water in San Francisco’s Lake Merced.  “When San Francisco’s Lake Merced overflows, it floods north San Mateo County five hours later, and during heavy rains like we are experiencing now, the floods can cause extensive property damage,” Canepa said in a statement.  Canepa added that the sewer system in San Mateo County is “aging and historic” and it would need significant plumbing adjustments to adapt to the changing climate in the Bay Area. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News.

Concerns over sea barrier grow

“Environmental groups are voicing concern about transparency and potential legal challenges for a proposed sea barrier from SFO to San Mateo, yet, those behind the plans say the concerns are part of the process to find the best way to protect the Bayfront from sea-level rise. The project is being overseen by San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District OneShoreline, which put out a notice of preparation for an environmental impact report of its proposal Oct. 10. The off-shore barrier is being proposed from SFO to as far south as Coyote Point to create a lagoon that would protect the shoreline from sea-level rise through doors that could close during large storms or extreme tides. … ”  Read more from the San Mateo Daily Journal.

Reusing treated effluent is nothing new

“The State Water Board approved a major policy change this month agreeing to allow heavily treated effluent to be mixed directly with potable water supplies.  There’s certainly the ick factor in this discussion, but in an arid state with droughts always possible, utilizing water resources wisely is paramount. And, it’s not a new concept.  Two realities:  Think of all of the cities north of Tracy/Manteca that discharge treated sewage into the Delta—Stockton, Elk Grove, Sacramento. I’ve seen estimates that in low water years as much as 10% of the flow that feeds into the huge pumps has been treated and released into the Delta. For Zone 7 water users, the Delta provides as much as 80% of water in a normal year. Reuse is typical elsewhere in the country where cities take water from rivers on the upstream side, use it, treat it and then put it back in the river.  You’re not drinking pristine snow melt unless you live in an area served by the San Francico Public Utilities Commission’s Hetchy Hetchy project near Yosemite or the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s Mokelumne River supply. Both cross the Delta in large enclosed pipes. … ”  Read more from Pleasanton Weekly.

CENTRAL COAST

Capitola floods nearly a year after bomb cyclone caused widespread damage

“Less than a year after a bomb cyclone-caused high surf flooded Capitola, the city was hit again by destructive waves.  Coastal flooding, with waves reaching 20-25 feet tall, brought familiar sights to the city of Capitola. In early January 2023, a bomb cyclone off the coast of California brought flooding and destruction to the Santa Cruz County coastline. Capitola was hit the hardest, with the Capitola wharf being decimated and coastal businesses being forced to close for months.

Huge waves damage homes, cause injuries along California coast

“California’s first huge swells of the winter are wreaking havoc on the state’s coastline as an incoming atmospheric river storm forces evacuations amid flooding of beach and coastal roads.  The extreme weather has been blamed for several injuries, ocean rescues, flooding and evacuation orders at coastal cities through the state. Ventura County was particularly hard hit.  In Ventura County, waves of up to 12 feet have already been reported, and the Central Coast has seen 18- to 20-foot swells, said Mike Wofford with the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office.  High surf advisories remained in effect throughout Ventura County on Thursday, with local officials imploring the community to stay away from the water as multiple rescues were conducted in the morning. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

Input sought on Santa Susana Field Lab groundwater cleanup

“Public comments are being sought in advance of upcoming educational workshops focused on groundwater at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory.  The approximately 2,850-acre site is a former rocket engine testing and nuclear research facility near Simi Valley. For decades, the Superfund site has been a focus of cleanup discussions.  Officials are seeking input through a survey as well as an online “listening session” scheduled next month.  For the survey, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control is asking people to submit topics they’d like to see discussed during the Groundwater University workshop series via surveymonkey.com/r/GWUListening. The department is overseeing the site’s cleanup along with various state, federal and local government agencies. … ” Read more from the Ventura County Star.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Development of infamous Akin Well continues

“Development of the infamous Akin Well – the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to providing water for the area particularly East Porterville, is turning into a project that’s approaching 20 years.  One step in the ultimate completion of the project has been completed as the water lines for the well have been connected to the city’s water system. The Porterville City Council accepted that work as completed, the Akin and Central Mutual Water System Improvement Project, as part of its consent calendar at its December 19 meeting.  But now the work of actually equipping the well could take another 18 months, which would put completion of the project sometime in 2025, said City of Porterville public works director Michael Knight. … ”  Continue reading at the Porterville Recorder.

Judge limits Bakersfield’s take of Kern River water and orders all sides to the drawing board over fish flows

“Kern County Superior Court Judge Gregory Pulskamp issued a modified injunction on Kern River flows Wednesday that curbs the City of Bakersfield’s take and orders all rights holders to consult on how much water is needed for fish.  On Nov. 14, Pulskamp had ordered 40% of the river’s flows be kept in the stream bed for fish as part of an earlier injunction that requires Bakersfield to keep fish in “good condition” from about Hart Park to Enos Lane. The new modification does not retain that 40% flow requirement, nor list a new one.  Instead, it orders all parties – including agricultural districts with rights to the river – to consult in “good faith” to agree on a fish flow, also called a “public trust” flow. If they can’t agree, any one of the parties can request the court step in and impose flow rates. … ”  Read more from SJV Water.

EASTERN SIERRA

2023 in Review: Groundwater Authority’s move to fund importing water

“The year 2023 marked a watershed moment in the Indian Wells Valley’s quest for water sustainability. At their September 13 board meeting, the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority made a decision on how to seek funding for the water importation pipeline. It’s a decision that could shape the Indian Wells Valley’s future. The IWVGA estimates the pipeline may cost over $200 million, and the funding decision determined how to seek grants to cover most of it. The decision was prompted by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, a legislative framework aimed at ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of California’s groundwater. SGMA requires local agencies like the IWVGA to develop and implement comprehensive groundwater sustainability plans. … ”  Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent.

Commentary: Reflection on Water Year 2023

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Five months of daily dredging coming to Marina del Rey harbor

“Boaters and visitors in Marina del Rey should get used to seeing the “Sea Horse” floating in the harbor.  The dredging vessel and its accompanying scow, the Robert L., will operate continuously over the next five months to remove 400,000 to 500,000 cubic yards of sediment — enough to fill 100 Olympic-size swimming pools — from the harbor’s entrance and the north jetty.  The nearly $7.2 million project, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is slated to begin Monday, Jan. 1, and will run 24 hours a day until May, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors. Inclement weather expected over the New Year weekend pushed the original start date back by a few days. The last dredging in the area was in 2016. … ”  Read more from the Pasadena Star News.

SAN DIEGO

Maintenance, big waves slow San Clemente beach restoration using sand

“Big surf and maintenance work have placed a San Clemente beach restoration, which takes sand from offshore deposits near Oceanside, on hold for a few days and could delay completion until early February.  “They are a little behind schedule,” Leslea Meyerhoff, San Clemente’s coastal administrator, said Thursday afternoon. “It took a couple days to repair the dredge, and they may not be able to work in the big swell.” … ”  Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Environmental groups threatening to sue over South Bay sewage spill

“San Diego environmental groups are threatening a lawsuit against the federal commission that regulates water infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico border over the ongoing spill of sewage that has hobbled access to the region’s southernmost beaches for years.  San Diego Coastkeeper and the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) announced their intention to sue the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) over what they say are “hundreds of violations” of federal law in a 24-page letter sent to the agency on Thursday. … ”  Read more from Fox 5.

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In national water news this weekend …

‘Forever chemicals’ were everywhere in 2023. Expect more litigation in 2024

“Lawsuits accusing major chemical companies of polluting U.S. drinking water with toxic PFAS chemicals led to over $11 billion in settlements in 2023, with experts predicting that new federal regulations and a growing awareness of the breadth of PFAS contamination in the U.S. will spur more litigation and settlements in the year ahead.  Dubbed “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the human body or environment, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of roughly 15,000 known chemicals used in hundreds of consumer and commercial products including firefighting foams, non-stick pans, stain resistant clothing and cosmetics.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken several steps in recent years to tighten regulations for PFAS, calling the chemicals an “urgent public health and environmental issue.” … ”  Read more from Reuters.

Inside the Pentagon’s slow effort to clean up decades of PFAS contamination

“Oscoda, Michigan, has the distinction as the first community where “forever chemicals” were found seeping from a military installation into the surrounding community. Beginning in 2010, state officials and later residents who lived near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base were horrified to learn that the chemicals, collectively called PFAS, had leached into their rivers, lakes, and drinking water.  Thirteen years later, the community is still waiting on whatever it will take to clean its water. As a result of dogged activism and pressure from government officials, the Air Force has finally taken initial steps simply to contain the chemicals. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.

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Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

NOTICE: Streamlined Water Transfer Process Available

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