The Owens Valley.

DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Growing severe drought in SoCal; NorCal OK; Water Blueprint: Delta smelt curtailments hurt communities; Mudslide risk a double-edged sword for wildfire victims; Delta NHA Plan approved by Interior; and more …

Several news sources featured in the Daily Digest may limit the number of articles you can access without a subscription. However, gift articles and open-access links are provided when available. For more open access California water news articles, explore the main page at MavensNotebook.com.

In California water news this weekend …

New U.S. Drought Monitor shows growing severe drought in Southern California. Water supplies in Northern California are still in good shape.

“The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows just how much a lack of early season rain is impacting Southern California as severe drought conditions grow.January is typically one of the wettest months of the year for California, which has defined periods of wet and dry weather. The dry season runs from roughly May through October, with the wet season covering the other months November through April.Northern California records dramatically different rain and snowfall compared to Southern California. This is in part why the state and federal government built a water conveyance system to store rain and snowmelt in the northern part of the state to then help supply the southern part of the state with water during the dry season.  Perhaps adding to the complexity of water in California and the network of delivery, is a water year that doesn’t follow the calendar. The state’s water year starts October 1 of one year and runs through September 30 the following year. Building a water year requires careful monitoring of not just a weekly, monthly or yearly cycle, but a year-to-year cycle of water storage and potential allocations. … ”  Read more from ABC 10.

SEE ALSO: Drought Status Update for California-Nevada, from NIDIS

Proposed ag water district could aid groundwater-dependent farmers in northern Tulare County

“A proposed new agricultural water district could brighten what had been shaping up as a grim future for a number of farmers in the northern part of Tulare County’s flatlands under the state’s groundwater law.  Four private ditch companies are working to form the new district to cover 84,000 acres, 24,000 of which are totally groundwater dependent. Pumping restrictions under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) are expected to severely limit crop production in such groundwater reliant areas.  The proposed Consolidated Water District has indicated it will use land assessment fees to buy surface water and build systems to convey surface water throughout the district.  That’s significant, said Mark Larsen, General Manager of the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), which covers the area where the new district is proposed.  “Every drop of surface water that is provided for irrigation directly reduces a drop of groundwater pumped,” Larsen said. … ”  Read more from SJV Water.

WATER BLUEPRINT FOR SJV VALLEY: Protecting smelt over people: Delta pumping curtailments hurt California communities

An aerial view of the Harvey O. Banks Delta Pumping Plant, located in Alameda County, which lifts water into the California Aqueduct. Photo by DWR.

“The Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley calls on state and federal leaders to avoid water supply cuts that provide uncertain short-term benefits in favor of a long-term solution for the endangered delta smelt.  State Water Project 2025 allocations are currently at just 15%. Despite above average reservoir levels, an exceptionally dry January and no promise of wetter conditions in the coming months is a reminder that drought is always on the horizon.  State and federal water regulators are now requiring that export pumping be reduced, and an estimated 12,000-20,000 acre-feet of water will be lost over the next 3-4 days to protect the endangered delta smelt, predominantly as a result of high winds in the Delta. The regulations will affect most water users in California by reducing available water supplies in the short term but are likely to provide no long-term benefit to the species at the same time that water could be used for other purposes, such as providing additional resiliency for critical water supplies used to fight wildfires in Southern California or balancing water supply in regions that supply our nation’s food. … ”  Read more from the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley.

Major myths regarding water use in almonds

“There are significant myths regarding almonds. Most of it is about how they use too much water, but they get four crops from every drop of water. They’re very efficient.  Clarice Turner is president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. “Part of what we’re doing is just making sure that the public is aware of the facts, Turner said.  “And by the way, it’s not marketing hype because we are a quasi-government overseen by the USDA. Everything we publish has to be fact-based. That’s coming from at least three peer-reviewed academic studies in the traditional process. That’s how we get our information,” she said. … ”  Read more from California Ag Today.

Delta National Heritage Area Management Plan approved by Department of Interior

“The U.S. Department of Interior today approved the Management Plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area (Delta NHA).  “The Delta Protection Commission developed a plan that promotes the continued appreciation and protection of the natural, historic, and cultural resources associated with the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, a place important to our nation’s history and heritage,” wrote Charles F. Sams III,  Director of the National Park Service.  “We commend you for completing this well-conceived plan and for involving the interested Tribes, citizens, and organizations in the five counties of the Delta region.”  The Delta NHA, created by Congress in 2019 (PDF), is California’s first and only National Heritage Area. The Delta Protection Commission, a California state agency, was designated the local coordinating entity for the Delta NHA. … ” Read more from the Delta Protection Commission.

The impact of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget on water projects

“On January 10, 2025, Governor Newsom announced his 2025-2026 budget proposal of $322.3 billion. Unlike in 2023 and 2024, the proposal is for a balanced budget with a surplus of $363 million, although it does include $7 billion in funds from the state’s rainy day fund. The budget site includes a full combined summary, summaries of individual sections and a full detailed budget.The budget includes reductions in funding for nearly all government agencies. The Natural Resources Agency has the biggest cut in net dollars and the second biggest cut percentage wise, with a 55.4% and $6.795 billion decrease in the agency’s budget, which is proposed to have a $5.468 billion budget for 2025-2026. … ”  Read more from Nossaman.

Costa, Valley leaders introduce bipartisan bills to boost groundwater recharge efforts in the San Joaquin Valley

“Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) led Valley Leaders in introducing two bipartisan bills to build on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s impact by increasing funding and expanding support for groundwater recharge projects in the San Joaquin Valley.  “Groundwater recharge is one of the most effective ways to build resilience against drought,” said Congressman Costa. “These bipartisan bills build on the success of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by leveraging federal resources for groundwater recharge projects that provide long-term solutions to safeguard the San Joaquin Valley from the impacts of extreme drought.”  “The San Joaquin Valley produces crops that feed families across our nation, but for too long has struggled to maintain sufficient access to water for farmers,” said Congressman Gray. “It’s time to cut the red tape holding our agricultural communities back from expanding their capacity. I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of my colleagues as an original cosponsor of the Every Drop Counts Act and the Groundwater Recharge Technical Assistance Act to protect and strengthen water access for farmers in my San Joaquin Valley district and across the country.” … ”  Read more from Congressman Jim Costa.

Congressman Valadao introduces key water infrastructure legislation to address California’s water crisis

“Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced two pieces of legislation, the Groundwater Technical Assistance Act and Every Drop Counts Act, to address California’s ongoing water challenges and expand water storage and groundwater recharge opportunities. These bills enhance the effectiveness of existing federal programs, which provides critical support to the Central Valley.  “As a dairy farmer and lifelong resident of the Central Valley, I know firsthand the devastating impacts of water shortages on our agricultural industry, communities, and economy,” said Congressman Valadao. “Water is the lifeblood of our region, and these pieces of legislation take essential steps to maximize water storage, recharge groundwater, and ensure California has access to this vital resource. With these improvements, we can better address the challenges of drought, stabilize our water tables, and secure our water future.” … ”  Read more from Congressman Valadao.

Return to top

SoCal fires …

Southern California is extremely dry. Here’s how bad the drought is in the region.

“As of Thursday, the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have consumed 37,000 acres, continued to burn.  Unfortunately for Southern Californians, it appears no relief is in sight as critical fire weather conditions “are possible” between Jan. 24-30 due to possible Santa Ana winds paired with dry weather conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.  Here’s what to know about the drought in select Southern California counties.  About 90% of Los Angeles County is in a severe drought, the second of four levels of drought categories, according to data as of Tuesday on Drought.gov. The rest of the county faces a moderate drought, a tier lower than severe drought. That means all people in the county are affected by drought, and the county saw its 10th driest December on record over the past 130 years. … ”  Read more from The Desert Sun.

The next threat to L.A.? Rainfall that could cause landslides

“While winds and flames continued to ravage Los Angeles, small teams began creeping onto the charred soils left in their wake.  Roughly a dozen members of the California Watershed Emergency Response Teams and the United States Forest Service are studying the edges of the Eaton and Palisades fires to determine what patches of land burned most severely. Soon, they’ll issue hazard maps to help people prepare for what comes next: the near-certain threat of floods and landslides that will loom for days, months and even years while the city recovers.  “After a wildfire, the hazard to the public is not over,” said Jeremy Lancaster, California’s state geologist. He and his team spent Wednesday hiking in the steep canyons that flank the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains. When it rains hard enough, the sediment on slopes like these can swiftly tumble downhill onto houses that increasingly push up against the fire-prone foothills.  The two major hazards after a wildfire are flash flooding and post-fire debris flows. … ”  Read more from the New York Times.

Mudslide risk presents double-edged sword for California wildfire victims as wettest month looms

“Ferocious Santa Ana winds combined with months of generally bone-dry weather created a deadly firestorm across the Los Angeles area last week – a pattern that will only threaten to repeat until soaking rains come to rinse the parched landscape.  While no such rain is in the current forecast, any rain would now present a double-edged sword for those whose neighborhoods were ravaged by flames in the form of an increased risk of mudslides.  “Just a short period of moderate rainfall on a burn scar can lead to flash floods and debris flows,” the National Weather Service said. “Rainfall that is normally absorbed by vegetation can run off almost instantly. This causes creeks and drainage areas to flood much sooner during a storm, and with more water, than normal.” … ”  Read more from Fox Weather.

SEE ALSO:  After a wildfire, a Pacific Palisades home was split by a landslide. Is there risk of more?, from CBS LA

LA County bans cleanup and removal of fire debris until after official inspections

“Health officials in Los Angeles County have issued an order banning cleanup or removal of debris from properties damaged by the fires.  What does this mean? People cannot clean up debris — like burned wood, metal, foundation material and soil — until a hazardous materials inspection has been completed by an approved government agency in the areas burned by the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Creek, Hurst and Lidia fires. … ”  Read more from the LAist.

As wildfires rage in LA area, infrastructure – including roadways – under threat

“Wildfires began erupting around Los Angeles at the dawn of 2025, quickly engulfing forests and homes alike. The blazes are sweeping through Southern California, bolstered by drought conditions and strong Santa Ana winds. The fires remain uncontained and are already deemed among the most destructive in LA history.  This current wave is the latest in a series of devastating wildfires that have ripped through the western U.S. over recent decades, burning vast swaths of forest and obliterating towns. Over Labor Day weekend in 2020, wildfires swept through Washington, Oregon, and California, causing widespread damage to communities. Those wildfires burned nearly 3.5 million acres in that trio of states, not only burning forests and buildings but also damaging infrastructure like electrical lines, pipelines, and roads. … ”  Read more from Civil Engineering Source.

L.A. fires may have brought cancer-causing chemicals into drinking water

“The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and parts of Los Angeles County have issued “do not drink” and “do not boil” notices to residents in the Palisades, Altadena and neighboring communities. Wildfires that encroach into cities risk introducing harmful chemicals otherwise known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the municipal water system. Experts say it will take weeks for these utilities to determine the extent of any contamination and months before remediation takes place. Until then, drinking, bathing or using tap water in these areas could have untold health consequences. … ”  Read more from the Washington Post.

Smoke and ash made more toxic by the contents of burning homes threaten residents of LA and beyond

“The air here has many flavors this week, none of them reassuring: Smoky. Acrid. Unidentifiable.  Ash is everywhere and comes in many sizes, from black and gray slivers collecting along curbs to a suspended white dust that settles on smartphone screens. Craving a sense of recovery instead of daily updates on the containment of the fires plaguing the city, neighbors compare air quality apps, debate the advantages of N95 versus KN95 masks and the best filters for any available air purifier they can find.  Hundreds of thousands of apartments and single-family homes in this Mediterranean climate have no AC or central filtration system. Windows are taped up. A county of 9.6 million people, whether they lost homes to the fires or not, suddenly have one thing in common: the poisoned cloud blanketing them, raining down particulate matter that public health officials warn is toxic and carcinogenic. … ”  Read more from Inside Climate News.

Inside L.A.’s desperate battle for water as the Palisades fire exploded

“As wildfire tore through the canyons of Pacific Palisades, firefighters waged a desperate battle to save homes and lives.  Seventeen miles east in downtown L.A., dozens of officials huddled around computers over a long conference room table in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s emergency operations center. Screens beamed in the system’s water pressure from remote sensors stationed across the city.  With more firefighters rushing to tame the flames the afternoon of Jan. 7, it became increasingly apparent that Palisades needed more water, fast. … ”  Read more from the LA Times. | Read more via AOL News.

From satellites to AI, tech has a role to play in battling blazes

“Cameras that analyze smoke patterns to gauge a fire’s severity. Satellites that can detect a wildfire anywhere in the world, within minutes of a flare-up. There’s an ever-growing repertoire of tools available (or to soon to be available) to fire officials, but can they keep with up the ever-growing intensity of the blazes?  “We’re a good 20 years behind the curve,” said Kate Dargan Marquis, senior wildfire adviser to the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and a former state fire marshal for California. “We should be moving as rapidly as we can. And I don’t want to say that technology is the answer because at the end of the day, there is a very difficult and complex problem to solve relative to keeping communities from burning down the way we just witnessed.” … ”  Read more from the LAist.

How LA fires impact farmers and agriculture industry

“While raging flames, persistent smoke and damaging winds continue to plague residents in Los Angeles County, farmers across Southern California are also facing the possibility of devastating damage to their crops.  Julia Zorthian and her family have lived and worked at Zorthian Ranch in Altadena, California, since her grandfather purchased the property in the 1940s. The land has hosted summer camps, taught people how to milk goats and grew citrus and nut trees. But after the Eaton Fire devastated their community, 39 of the farm’s 40 acres have been destroyed — leaving the family without a livelihood or a place to call home.  “It’s so much crazier than anyone could have ever imagined the fire could be,” Zorthian told ABC News. “The places we thought would be safe spaces to keep things that probably wouldn’t get damaged ended up incinerating.” … ”  Read more from ABC News.

Many in Pacific Palisades were not wealthy. After the fire, can they rebuild?

“Many Pacific Palisades locals, current and former, have been following the Facebook feed of 56-year-old Kent Steffes. He lives in nearby Brentwood now and hasn’t lost his home, but perhaps that’s given him the emotional bandwidth to share more effectively with others what’s happened to their old neighborhood.  Overlooking the Pacific Ocean like its neighbors Malibu and Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades is an affluent neighborhood by any measure. It’s home to celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hanks. Median home values often exceed $3 million. Luxury homes sell for tens of millions. But many of the families who’ve lost their homes are not fabulously wealthy.  “What most people don’t know is that a lot of the homes are owned by people who can’t afford to live here anymore. They won’t be able to rebuild,” Steffes said. That’s because many family members can’t afford to buy the homes they own at the current market rate. “They couldn’t afford to get a mortgage on it.” … ”  Read more from the LAist.

Lessons from the burn zone: Why some homes survived the L.A. wildfires

“They’re calling it the miracle mansion of Malibu.  The beachfront house stands tall amid piles of rubble, still smoking from the Palisades fire, in an iconic image splashed around the world by news outlets.  But David Steiner doesn’t credit his home’s survival to supernatural forces. The sturdy concrete structure has a fire-resistant roof and tempered, double-paned windows. Firefighters stood on his balcony to hose down his and neighboring properties.  “I tell people it was great architecture, brave firefighters — and maybe a dash of miracle,” says the retired CEO of Waste Management.  As stories emerge from the Palisades and Eaton fires of harrowing escapes, tragic loss and widespread destruction, others about homes surviving through some combination of fortunate timing, a lucky wind shift and — according to experts, modern approaches to architecture and landscaping — are coming out of the burn zone. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

SEE ALSO: California is years behind in implementing a law to make homes more fire resistant, from the Associated Press

Where the Wildfire Ends: The widespread conflagration in residential Los Angeles should redefine how we think about wildfires

“The word “wildfire” conjures a wall of heat moving across fields and forests, incinerating the odd structure in its path. This is very easy to picture on a hot day in California fire country, where conifers rustle against the eaves and the ground is dusty-dry.  What Los Angeles has endured over the past week is something different. The Palisades and Eaton fires, fed by record-dry chaparral and propelled by hurricane-force winds, raced out of the mountains and into neighborhoods below. From there, Los Angeles was dealing with neighborhood conflagrations made up primarily of buildings, whose fuel load is many times greater than the mountain scrub above. … ”  Read more from Slate Magazine.

How climate change worsened the most destructive wildfires in L.A. history

“An extremely warm summer and fall. An unusually dry winter. Hillsides covered with bone-dry vegetation. And strong Santa Ana winds.  In the mix of conditions that have contributed to the most destructive fires in L.A. history, scientists say one significant ingredient is human-caused climate change.  A group of UCLA climate scientists said in an analysis this week that if you break down the reasons behind the extreme dryness of vegetation in Southern California when the fires started, global warming likely contributed roughly one-fourth of the dryness, one of the factors that fueled the fires’ explosive spread. Extreme heat in the summer and fall desiccated shrubs and grasses on hillsides, they said, enabling those fuels to burn more intensely once ignited.  The scientists said without the higher temperatures climate change is bringing, the fires still would have been extreme, but they would have been “somewhat smaller and less intense.” … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

LA Waterkeeper answers frequently asked questions about Southern California wildfires

“LA Waterkeeper shared this summary information resource about how the LA fires will affect area water supplies, as well as specific, actionable ways leaders in the region can improve preparedness for similar disasters in the future.”  Read more from Lassen News.

Did California policies make the LA fires worse?

We know climate change is partly to blame. Are California’s environmental policies regarding land and water management also to blame for the supercharged firestorm that has ravaged Los Angeles? It’s not just conspiracy theories on social media or misguided news stories; that’s the position of some congressional Republicans and President-elect Trump, who hold power over future federal aid to California.   The UCLA Emmett Institute’s Denise Grab, Cara Horowitz, and Julia Stein weigh in on some of these dubious claims, half-truths, and outright lies. … ”  Read more from Legal Planet.

Return to top

In people news this weekend …

Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.

Mark Bransom: Veteran water engineer demonstrates agility and ability to adapt and coordinate on the nation’s largest dam removal project

“Mark Bransom, CEO since 2016 of Klamath River Renewal Corp., credits his more than 30-year career in water resources management and engineering for his ability to oversee the successful completion of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. The $450-million project involved removal of four dams, built between 1903 and 1962 and reaching 425 ft in height, across 35 miles of the Klamath River in Oregon and California.  The ability to be nimble proved critical in the success of the project, which began as a kernel of an idea more than 20 years ago through efforts of tribal leaders dedicated to returning the river to its natural state and opening it once again to salmon habitat.  “The things that I have learned through project delivery experience over the years taught me to keep a keen focus on risk evaluation and risk management, and [the project team] did a really good job with that, being flexible as the unknowns became knowns or partial knowns, and being nimble to address risks and change,” says Bransom. … ”  Read more from Engineering News-Record.

Sen. Jerry McNerney to serve on Delta Protection Commission

“Senator Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, announced on Thursday that he will serve on the Delta Protection Commission, a state and federally designated agency whose mission is to safeguard and enhance the Delta’s environment, economy, and rich cultural history.  “The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is the largest and most important estuary on the West Coast. I’m determined to help safeguard this incredible natural habitat for the people and ecosystems that thrive here and depend on its good health,” said McNerney, whose Senate District 5 includes the heart of the Delta. … ”  Read more from Contra Costa News.

Julie Packard: She made things better down where it’s wetter

“Julie Packard, the marine biologist who has presided over the Monterey Bay Aquarium since it opened in 1984 and shepherded it through the Covid pandemic, announced her retirement as executive director on Wednesday. Ms. Packard has helped repurpose the thick-glassed fish museums of old into potent forces for ocean conservation action.  Built with a $55 million donation by her parents, David and Lucile Packard of the tech giant Hewlett-Packard, the aquarium has received tens of millions of visitors. Sightseers at the aquarium, a Northern California institution, have taken in a number of world firsts: the successful exhibition and release of great white sharks; the reintroduction of orphaned Southern sea otter pups to the wild; and the large-scale display of creatures such as salmon snailfish and vampire squid, found far below the reach of sunlight in a region known as the midnight zone. … ”  Read more from the New York Times.

Return to top

Podcasts …

WE GROW CALIFORNIA: It’s carry-over season

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!


BLUE DOT: Restoring hope for imperiled Sacramento River salmon

Host Dave Schlom and Producer Matt Fidler explore some hopeful restoration work being done to improve salmonid habitat on the Sacramento River in Northern California.


BOILING POINT: LA wildfires: Rebuilding for a hotter, drier future

Sammy is joined by Kelly Sanders, an engineering professor at USC and former White House advisor on energy policy. They talk about what the fires mean for the future of Los Angeles, and how the city might adapt as the planet heats up and the climate crisis worsens.


WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING: The Indispensable Resource of a Firefighter

Water is the primary material that a firefighter uses to put out a fire. Even the foams used to put out fires are water-based products.  Without water, firefighters don’t put out the fires. That is why water conservation is taught as one of the main tenets to all firefighters. Water and life go hand in hand. Ask any firefighter. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life.  Produced by Stephen Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, water@operationunite.co  530-205-6388


WATER LOOP: The facts on fighting wildfires in LA and beyond

Amid the devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires, confusion and misinformation have surrounded the role of water resources.  This episode clarifies key inaccuracies, highlighting how municipal water systems are designed to support localized firefighting efforts rather than large-scale wildfires fueled by extreme weather conditions.  Kathryn Sorenson of Arizona State University’s Kyl Center for Water Policy and Chad Seidel of Corona Environmental Consulting explore the limitations of current infrastructure and the evolving challenges posed by urban-wildland interface fires.  Drawing on examples from Colorado and Arizona, they discuss the cascading impacts of wildfires, including how burned watersheds affect water quality and force expensive upgrades to treatment systems.


GOLDEN STATE NATURALIST: Fire in built environments

Join me and Dr. Alexandra Syphard as we discuss what makes some neighborhoods more fire prone than others, the Santa Ana Winds, defensible space, the massive differences between fires in forested Northern California and shrubby Southern California, the pendulum swing of public opinion, ways that climate change does and doesn’t contribute to wildfires, the WUI, positive uses of abandoned Fry’s electronics buildings, waxy leaves, invasive plants, and so much more.

Return to top

In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

The fish are back!

“Salmon and steelhead are roaring back above the recently removed Klamath dams. Now, what comes next?  One of the truly magical moments of dam removal is when the fish start returning to their historic, reconnected habitat. It is a tangible moment in a process that can take decades to accomplish, and it confirms our hopes for these rivers.  The Klamath is in this joyful, magical moment now.  The final barriers came out in August, and the first fish, a fall-run Chinook, swam through the former Iron Gate dam site soon after. Last fall, over 100 Chinook spawned above the dams, and even made it all the way into Oregon. A handful of coho and steelhead have been observed, too, and Sonar documented large numbers of fish swimming upstream past the Iron Gate site. … ”  Read more from Trout Unlimited.

New bill introduced to protect salmon in the Klamath River Watershed

“[Yesterday], Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa) introduced his first bill as a member of the California State Assembly. AB 263 is an important measure to protect salmon populations in the Klamath River watershed and provide local agricultural operations with more certainty on river flows. This measure was introduced in partnership with the Karuk and Yurok Tribes, as well as the California Coastkeeper Alliance.  “I’m proud to stand with the fishermen and Tribes of the North Coast to protect California’s fisheries,” said Assemblymember Rogers. “We have made tremendous strides to restore the salmon runs in the Klamath River but more must be done further upstream to ensure salmon populations can grow and flourish. This legislation will protect some of the most critical salmon habitat in California and will complement the restoration efforts associated with Klamath dam removal.” … ”  Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt.

2025 starts with $1.36M grant and leadership changes at Ukiah Valley Groundwater Agency

“The Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA) Board kicked off the year on January 9, 2025, with leadership changes, a $1.36 million grant approval, and a shift to City of Ukiah administration. Key moves included electing Madeline Cline as Chair, securing state funding for groundwater studies, and raising concerns about balancing control among member agencies.  With a new year it was time to elect the Board Chair. Since the formation of the UVBGSA, the Chair has been a member of the County Board of Supervisors. Director Chris Watt nominated Adam Gaska to be Chair, based on Gaska’s extensive work on the UVBGSA fee study. The Board chose Madeline Cline as Chair over Adam Gaska, with Directors Douglas Crane, Cline and Theresa McNerlin voting for Cline, and Watt and Gaska voting for Gaska. Cline thanked Gaska, Watt, and the rest of the Board, and said, “It’s appropriate, especially as we transition to the City of Ukiah as the administrator, that someone from the County should have a leadership role and oversight.” Crane the City of Ukiah’s Board representative, currently serves as Vice Chair, and he was elected to continue in that position. … ”  Read more from MendoFever.

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Months early, spring has arrived in Tahoe

“Lake Tahoe sees 300 sunny days a year, or that’s the number people often toss around, and lately, it rings true. Maybe a little too much. With a holiday weekend approaching, the forecast for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada really hasn’t changed all that much since New Year’s Day. High pressure is giving Tahoe more of the same: sun, sun and sun, with temperatures forecast to be in the 40s through Sunday in the greater Lake Tahoe area, dipping into the 30s on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, according to the National Weather Service in Reno. … ”  Read more from SF Gate.

Nevada Senators announce millions to prevent invasive species in Lake Tahoe

“More than $3 million to prevent invasive species from entering Lake Tahoe will go towards local tribes and agencies.  $3.1 million will support efforts by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species at Lake Tahoe.  The money supplements a total of $17 million in grants the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided to support the lake’s conservation.  Funding will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and was announced by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen. … ”  Read more from Channel 8.

Over $3 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to protect Lake Tahoe Basin

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced an additional $3.1 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for existing cooperative agreements with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to prevent and combat the spread of aquatic invasive species in Lake Tahoe. The funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents the continuation of a historic effort dedicated to restoring the Lake Tahoe Basin ecosystem and emphasizes the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting and restoring freshwater resources and to inclusive engagement with Tribes, partners and stakeholders.  “Lake Tahoe is a national treasure that is being protected for future generations thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Service, Tribes, state and local government and others working together to protect it,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams. “The additional funding being announced today will ensure that the progress we have already witnessed in protecting the habitat of Lahontan cutthroat trout and other native species will continue.” … ”  Read more from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Maintaining hydrants and infrastructure to bolster the flow in Nevada City

“Testing and exercising the fire hydrants in Nevada City on a regular basis was put on hold during the drought in recent years, according to Bryan McAlister, Nevada City Engineer.  “We weren’t doing pressure tests on a regular basis because of water drought related water concerns; we stopped doing that,” McAlister said. “It’s actually more common in many cities to do modeling instead of flow tests. So we do have a model that we just did last year.” “It’s a computer model, and you calibrate it by doing tests in certain locations,” McCalister went on to say. “I think what we’ll do is keep that model up to date.”  Mayor Gary Petersen brought up several questions related to water and fire hydrants during this week’s Special City Council meeting while discussing strategic plans for the “maintenance of cost efficient, reliable, resilient, and sustainable drinking and irrigation water sources and wastewater treatment capabilities,” according to the staff report. … ”  Read more from The Union.

Salmon return numbers in the Lower Yuba: September – December 2024

“Through SYRCL’s participation in the River Management Team (RMT), our staff receives monthly updates on the number of Chinook and steelhead adults utilizing the fish ladders at Daguerre Point Dam. This information is collected using VAKI River Watcher camera systems installed in the North and South ladders, which snap a photo every time a fish swims past it.  It is important to recognize that passage numbers at the fish ladders are just one piece of the puzzle that helps us understand the population of adult salmon returning to spawn in the lower Yuba River. Data from redd and carcass surveys are also collected and plugged into models that will produce a more accurate population estimate of adults that make it to all stretches of the lower Yuba River. Further complicating the VAKI reporting data this season is that the system on the south ladder has been functional for less than one third of the time since the beginning of the reporting period in March. On average, about 3% of the fish that make it past Daguerre Point Dam use the south ladder. … ”  Read more from the South Yuba River Citizens League.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Unique California festival celebrates salmon, Native American culture

“Tucked in a tiny town in far Northern California, the upcoming 61st annual Salmon Festival will be a destination for all things salmon and for understanding the importance of the animal to so many Native American people.  Sponsored by the Yurok Native American tribe, the event typically draws 4,000 of people to downtown Klamath, a city of just over 600 people that’s situated about a quarter-mile from the Klamath River.  The daylong festival being held August 16 blends Native culture with sports, live music, art and food. Along with tourists, tribal members living along the Klamath River turn out, including people from the Hoopa, Yurok, Tolowa and Karuk tribes.  Expect to find about 150 mostly tribal vendors from California, Nevada and Oregon. They typically sell everything from clothing and jewelry to local foods, which in the past has included a family-made jam made from local huckleberries as well as shanks of fresh-caught salmon cooked over an open fire. … ”  Read more from the Redding Record-Searchlight.

SEE ALSO: Scenes from the Yurok Salmon Festival, held each year in Klamath, California, from Redding Record-Searchlight

From flooded fields to thriving habitats: The role of rice farms in conservation

“Winter flooded rice fields in the Sacramento Valley are more than just remnants of America’s sushi rice harvest—they are fields of life. Each winter, these rice fields transform into a critical stopover for snow geese, swans, and countless other birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. With 95% of California’s historical floodplains now gone, these surrogate wetlands provide vital ecological benefits.  The water districts serving agricultural lands in the Sacramento Valley, such as Western Canal Water District, play a critical role in the conservation work happening on many rice farms during the off-season. For Western Canal, the ability to offer affordable water supplies during the fall and winter has made conservation practices popular in their district. … ”  Read more from ACWA News.

Tuscan Water District fee proposal passes with overwhelming support, but sparks debate among property owners

“The proposed fee for the Tuscan Water District has passed with overwhelming support, securing more than 87% of the vote.  Property owners in the district gathered today to submit their votes and voice concerns about the fees, which are based on the acreage of their land. Despite the strong approval, the meeting left many attendees feeling more confused and frustrated by the process.  The vote, which included a breakdown of over 34 million yes votes versus 4.8 million no votes, was a crucial step for the TWD, which was established in 2023. The fees, according to the district, are mandated by the state to support groundwater conservation, storage, and use in the Vina Subbasin. However, some property owners are expressing concerns about the fairness and transparency of the proposal. … ”  Read more from Action News Now.

Live Oak learns of ‘low risk’ level of ‘forever chemicals’ in water supply

“When the City of Live Oak recently reported what a state water official described as “low risk” levels of “forever chemicals” in one of three wells providing drinking water to residents, they joined a growing list of California communities with levels of a manmade class of chemicals exceeding state monitoring thresholds. During the Live Oak City Council meeting on Nov. 20, Live Oak Public Works Director Jeff Nelson told council members a test conducted by the Office of Water Programs at Sacramento State University found that the forever chemicals — formally known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) — were above the state-determined notification levels of 3.0 nanograms per liter. … ”  Read more from the Appeal-Democrat.

Putah Creek salmon numbers down 77%, but Putah-hatched fish are back

“UC Davis researchers, working with the Solano County Water Agency, counted 170 adult salmon returning this winter to spawn in Putah Creek.  Officials said the number could be as high as 200 as a number of individuals typically escape count, even with the use of a counting weir this year. Still, the total is down from 735 in 2023. “As you know, the salmon fishery has been closed the past two years, so it (low numbers) is a statewide thing and not just Putah Creek,” said Max Stevenson, the Putah Creek streamkeeper. The count started in early October and continued through Dec. 18. … ”  Read more from the Daily Republic.

BAY AREA

Marin climate change risks assessed in ‘biosphere’ report

“Coastal redwood forests like Muir Woods are at heightened risk of water stress, mortality and overall poor health if climate change remains unchecked, according to a new report.  The finding is one of many in the report produced by the Golden Gate Biosphere Network, a collaboration of state and federal park managers, environmental researchers and preservation groups. The organization covers 28,000 square miles from San Mateo to Mendocino counties.  The report, done in partnership with the climate-focused organization EcoAdapt, assesses 21 key species and habitats within the region.  One of the first actions recommended in the report is to bring back prescribed burns in Muir Woods, said Alison Forrestel, a natural resource management and science official for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.

Caltrans to hold Jan. 14 meeting on Highway 37 project, environmental opportunities

“Plans for an overhaul of Highway 37 between Sears Point and Mare Island to ease congestion and gird the road against the rising waters of San Pablo Bay will be aired at a Jan. 14 meeting hosted by Caltrans.  The hybrid meeting was scheduled to allow for discussion of a newly released draft supplemental environment impact report, now open for public review and comment. It incorporates changes to near-term road improvements, as well as the addition of a major marshland rehabilitation effort.  But there should be room for discussion beyond that, as well. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

SEE ALSO: Highway 37 project critics raise concerns about fairness, from the Marin Independent Journal

CENTRAL COAST

USDA Rural Development awards funds to support water infrastructure for Monterey County

“Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director Maria Gallegos Herrera announced the agency is awarding a $4,075,000 grant through the Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program to support Pajaro County Sanitation District in Monterey County.  This funding will help restore and upgrade essential water systems for the residents of Pajaro, ensuring clean and reliable drinking water, improved wastewater management, and long-term infrastructure resilience following recent disaster impacts. These investments demonstrate a focus on equity and partnerships to respond to community needs. … ”  Read more from the USDA.

EASTERN SIERRA

IWVGA outlines next steps following $50M federal authorization

“At the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority board meeting on Jan. 8, the board discussed the path forward after securing a $50 million federal authorization through the Water Resources Development Act. This authorization, announced last month, sets a course for possible funding to assist groundwater sustainability projects in the IWV, particularly the construction of the IWVGA’s planned imported water pipeline. “This is monumental,” said member of the public Renee Westa-Lusk. … ”  Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Newport Beach approves plans to send contaminated dredging sediment to Long Beach for pier extension project

“The Newport Beach City Council may have ended years of back and forth over the disposal of contaminated sediment dredged from Newport Harbor after approving a plan Tuesday to use it for a pier extension project in Long Beach.  The move is similar to how the city handled the muck scooped up when the Rhine Channel was dredged in 2013. But Long Beach had no use for more sediment a few years later, when Newport Beach officials working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were planning the following round of dredging.  In 2021, the City Council approved the construction of a contained aquatic disposal facility (CAD) in Newport Harbor. That would have entailed digging a 47-foot deep hole underwater between Lido Isle and Bay Island to hold roughly 191,000 cubic yards of sediment and then burying it. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

Yucaipa: Water project receives funding

“The County Line Road Recharge Basin and Turnout Project, a multi-agency effort led by San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA), San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD) and South Mesa Water Company (SMWC), received $3.1 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The project will stabilize water storage in the Yucaipa Subbasin, making reliable water accessible to 18,000 people.  “Through critical regional collaboration, the County Line Road Recharge Basin and Turnout Project works to secure sustainable groundwater conditions for generations,” SGPWA Board President Mickey Valdivia said. “This project is a testament to the power of partnership.” … ”  Read more from the Record-Gazette.

Yucaipa: SGPWA announces new project

“The San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA) took a  step toward ensuring long-term water security in the region by hosting a workshop on September 30th, where it unveiled details of the ambitious Backbone Pipeline Project. This project aims to enhance the distribution of imported water throughout the San Gorgonio Pass area, promising a sustainable water future for local communities.  The event attracted participation from various state water contractors, local stakeholders, partnering cities, retail water districts and local Tribal representatives, all of whom actively shared their insights on the proposed plans. This engagement highlighted the collaborative effort necessary to advance the project. … ”  Read more from the Record Gazette.

SAN DIEGO

Survey of South Bay households find majority report health issues from sewage

“Nearly 70% of South Bay households interviewed in a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey believed one or more members of the household had a health symptom from the Tijuana River sewage crisis, it was revealed Thursday.  Additionally, 80% believed their quality of life was negatively impacted, 67% believed their health had gotten worse since the problem rapidly worsened in recent years and 18% had sought medical care as a result of the sewage crisis.  The results of that CDC survey, the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response or CASPER, were released Thursday. Over three days in October 2024, surveyors visited 480 homes in South Bay communities. Of those visited, 333 answered the door and 189 agreed to be interviewed. … ”  Read more from KPBS.

San Diego Council bashes County Water Authority over costs

“Facing a $258 million budget deficit, San Diego City Council members spent an hour Tuesday night delivering an unprecedented public bashing of the region’s main water seller for ever-climbing costs.  Water purchases from the San Diego County Water Authority are the city of San Diego’s second-largest expense and its price increase this year was double what the agency once forecasted. The city’s Public Utilities Department has begun a campaign to alert City Council that growing Water Authority prices threaten to eat up much of the city’s water budget. The result means delays on city water projects and maintenance on 3,000 miles of pipeline, and potential staff cuts which has the labor union representing city public utilities workers shook. … ”  Read more from the Voice of San Diego.

Return to top

Along the Colorado River …

Metropolitan to further reduce reliance on Colorado River with $186 million federal investment

“Three Metropolitan programs helping Southern California reduce its use of Colorado River water for years to come will receive a $186 million boost from the federal government, under new agreements reached with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the last of which was approved by Metropolitan’s board of directors this week.  Metropolitan’s Turf Replacement Program, High Desert Water Bank groundwater storage program, and leak detection and repair program for disadvantaged communities will all receive federal support through the Inflation Reduction Act, under phase two of Reclamation’s Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program. Together, the agreements will result in up to 269,000 acre-feet of conserved water added to Lake Mead by 2031 (an acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons, enough water to serve roughly three Southern California families). … ”  Read more from the Metropolitan Water District.

Arizona water experts react to farming uncertainty regarding Trump administration

“The Valley is approaching 150 days without measurable rainfall.  It’s been a dry winter up north, raising concerns about our snowpack, which is crucial to our water supply.  Arizona farmers already faced water cuts from their supply of Colorado River water.  Now, they’re wondering how a new administration will impact water policy.  Farmers need to know how much water they will have to plan what crops to grow and when. … ”  Read more from Arizona Family.

Arizona’s ‘Ag to Urban’ Initiative tackling water shortages and sustainable growth

“On Thursday, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) held its first informal stakeholder meeting to discuss the development of the Assured Water Supply ‘Agriculture to Urban Initiative’.  The Ag to Urban program is designed to support sustainable housing development that protects water resources for consumers amid ongoing Colorado River shortages.  Ben Bryce with ADWR said dwindling water supplies are creating significant difficulties for farmers, developers, and home builders.  “If done right, an ‘Ag to Urban’ concept could function within the protections of the assured water supply program while providing flexibility for new voluntary program,” Bryce said. … ”  Read more from Arizona Public Media.

Tucson, Gilbert mark the start of new, federally-funded projects to preserve Colorado River water

“Officials with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation were in Tucson this week to mark the beginning of two new water-saving projects in Arizona.  Local and federal officials gathered at Tucson’s water recharge facility Sweetwater Wetlands on Wednesday morning to sign-off on the new agreements.  Both Tucson and Gilbert are getting projects funded through the Bureau of Reclamation’s program to conserve Colorado River Water.  Bureau Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton said they come ahead of fresh Colorado River negotiations planned for next year. … ”  Read more from KJZZ.

Return to top

In national water news this weekend …

USGS releases a comprehensive look at water resources in the United States

“The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) today released the National Water Availability Assessment, a pioneering scientific overview of water availability that offers first-of-its-kind insights into the balance between water supply and demand across the conterminous United States.  The assessment found that nearly 30 million people live in areas where available surface-water supplies are limited relative to water use, indicating a high level of water limitation. More people living in areas with high water limitation were socially vulnerable compared to those living in areas with lower water limitation and more available water. With the United States facing growing challenges related to water availability, the assessment provides key insights into understanding where shortages exist, where surpluses can be found and the quality of the water.  “This assessment is a crucial part of the USGS’s commitment to understanding and reporting on water availability, a growing concern in the face of increasing challenges to this vital resource,” said David Applegate, USGS Director. “As the first study that looks at water supply, demand and quality across the lower 48 states, it can help support informed decision making for sustainable water management.” … ”  Read more from the USGS.

2024 in review: A look back at drought across the US in 12 maps

“After a warm, dry October, drought reached a nationwide record this year. Ohio and West Virginia saw their greatest area in Extreme and Exceptional Drought (D3-D4) since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000. Far West Texas, southern New Mexico, and the Northern Rockies remained in persistent drought throughout the year. Meanwhile, areas of the West and Southwest in long-term drought saw some improvement in spring. 2024 was a year of precipitation extremes, often bouncing around week to week and month to month. A few dry areas stand out on the percent of normal annual precipitation map, including parts of the Northern Plains, Lower Colorado River Basin, and Far West Texas and southern New Mexico. These areas ended the year in Extreme (D3) and Exceptional (D4) Drought. Northern California and parts of the Southeast ended the year wetter-than-normal. … ”  Read more from NIDIS.

Trump EPA nominee Zeldin vows to protect environment, but sidesteps ‘existential threat’ of climate change

“Former New York Representative Lee Zeldin told lawmakers Thursday that environmental stewardship “must transcend politics,” as he faced questions about his nomination to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under incoming President Donald Trump.  “I believe in the rule of law, and I want to work with people to ensure they do their part to protect the environment,” Zeldin told members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.  The former congressman, tapped by Trump in November to be the government’s top environmental regulator, appeared in Washington as firefighters on the West Coast battled the devastating Palisades wildfire which has burned tens of thousands of acres of land in the Los Angeles area. … ”  Read more from the Courthouse News Service.

Megadroughts are on the rise worldwide

“Megadroughts are increasing worldwide — and they’re also becoming both hotter and drier.  Over the last 30 years, Earth has experienced an uptick in both frequency and intensity of these punishing, persistent droughts that can last years to decades, researchers report in the Jan. 17 Science. Such lengthy precipitation deficits not only shrink the drinking water supply, but can also lead to massive crop failures, food insecurity, increased tree mortality and increased incidence of wildfire.  The analysis logs the rising global toll of megadroughts from 1980 to 2018. Each year, multiyear droughts affected an additional 5 million hectares of land, physical geographer Liangzhi Chen of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research in Birmensdorf and colleagues found. But the researchers wanted to assess not just the changing scale of the droughts, but also how prolonged droughts impact ecosystems and humans. … ”  Read more from Science News.

Return to top

Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

BAY DELTA PLAN NOTICE: Department of Water Resources’ proposed alternative to modular Alternative 6a for new or expanded diversion projects

Return to top

About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays.