Restore the Delta

Our Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager was out in the field yesterday attending the Hedgerows in Rice Field Demonstration in the Sacramento Valley. This event focused on the current trial from the UC Cooperative Extension to see how hedgerows affect rice farming!

Hedgerows have previously benefited farming in various ways such as w**d and pest control, ensuring biodiversity, and more.

: Harmful Algal Blooms have been reported in West Sacramento at Lake Washington near Lake Washington Sailing Club. It is currently at a danger advisory level.

Be alert - do not go in the water, avoid skin contact, and do not let pets near or consume the water. Stay safe!

Today we’re at The Edible Schoolyard Project’s Harvest Festival! From 10 am to 2 pm, learn about the different forms of holistic farming occurring within our community and resources we're sharing. This is a great opportunity to see how Stockton does and to take some produce home!

Yesterday, the Delta Tribal Environmental Coalition (DTEC), represented by the Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School, and partner environmental organizations submitted a comprehensive pre-hearing conference statement expressing significant concerns with the proposed schedule and process for the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP) hearings.

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) announced a public hearing for the Delta Conveyance Project on January 16, 2025, with an initial pre-hearing conference on August 13, 2024. This hearing marks a significant step in evaluating the Department of Water Resources’ controversial project.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4dDqpwX

Warnings for Harmful Algal Blooms are present across California all the way up to Humboldt County. A reminder to be aware of odd sights and smells near waterways, "Visual indicators are key to identifying areas impacted by harmful algal blooms..." said Ben Dolf, Supervising Environmental Health Specialist with the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services Environmental Health Division.

Most California counties have some kind of harmful algal bloom. Here's what to know Nearly three quarters of California counties have some kind of harmful algal bloom, according to the State Water Control Resources Board.

It's ! Our Delta Science Program Manager Spencer Fern works with our Climate Water Advocates on water quality testing in the Stockton area to help fill in data gaps and to highlight how Harmful Algal Blooms are an environmental justice and public health concern in the Delta region. We are grateful for our team to continue this mission for a healthy estuary for all!

Restore the Delta is celebrating our one year anniversary of being in our office. Oh, how the time has flown!

In the last year, we have grown our staff from 5 full time staff to 11 full time staff, including adding a Deputy Director, multiple Manager-level staff, and expanding all of our departments. Because of these amazing developments, we need your help.

So much growth has helped us identify the need for more space. We are re-arranging our staff and need help purchasing desks to ensure that everyone has a space to further our efforts for Restore the Delta on multiple fronts in the office and out in the field! We have identified desks that meet our needs and fit our space and those are available here: https://amzn.to/46sE2N7

Want to help us in another way? You can donate directly to us here: https://bit.ly/3yp7I0P

These new additions to our office space will also help advance our advocacy on water quality issues for the Bay-Delta, progress flood protection and land restoration projects in the Delta, as well as ensure timely response to the Tunnel shenanigans.

Our next generational staff are eager to take on these projects. With your support, we'll continue our endeavors for all communities in the Bay-Delta and strive towards where the future flows.

With the State Water Project's future trajectory, many question the viability of certain water projects such as the Delta tunnel.

"Jeffrey Michael, a public policy professor at University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, challenged the state’s financial estimates in a recent report, saying the state omitted substantial costs. His analysis found that building the tunnel would be significantly more expensive than other water supply alternatives."

"Peter Gleick, the Pacific Institute’s senior fellow and co-founder, said state officials are drawing the wrong conclusions from the analysis by doubling down on multibillion-dollar projects like the tunnel and Sites, 'which seem certain to have less water to allocate in the future, and which do nothing to protect threatened Bay-Delta ecosystems.'"

Read more here: https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-07-31/california-water-supplies-will-shrink-over-the-next-20-years

State Water Project supplies could fall up to 23% within 20 years due to climate change The Newsom administration is projecting that California's State Water Project could lose up to 23% of its water delivering capacity within 20 years.

We at Restore the Delta are honored to be presented with the California Nonprofit of the Year Award from Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman!

We are grateful for this recognition as we strive towards a healthy Bay-Delta estuary for all!

: The San Francisco Bay's longfin smelt population is now listed as endangered.

Jon Rosenfield, Science Director, SF Baykeeper: "Imperiled native fish species such as longfin smelt, Chinook salmon, and others, desperately need more of the freshwater flow from Central Valley rivers to reach San Francisco Bay. Otherwise, they won’t survive. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom is promoting massive new water diversion projects, like the Delta tunnel and Sites Reservoir, that will further stress native fish populations and degrade their habitats."

Learn more about the listing from San Francisco Baykeeper and allied organizations here: https://mavensnotebook.com/2024/07/29/press-release-federal-government-declares-san-francisco-bay-longfin-smelt-endangered/

PRESS RELEASE: Federal government declares San Francisco Bay longfin smelt “endangered” Listing will require new safeguards for fish, SF Bay and Delta ecosystems Press release from the San Francisco Baykeeper The United States Fish and Wildlife S

On , we celebrate the Bay-Delta estuary, from its significant waterways to its unique biodiversity, and continue to advocate towards sustainable climate and environmental measures.

: Samples grabbed on July 18th found cyanotoxins to be present in the open channel around Windmill Cove at a cautionary level based on lab results. While our testing did not display the cautionary results, the lab work did. To note, the bloom was not visible in person.

We would suggest not swallowing the water when recreating, if you see blooms let us know!

On July 19th, we had a great time with the Wetlands Preservation Foundation at our inaugural Rice Field Day. We were thrilled to have farmers, community advocates, and government representatives participate in learning more about the benefits of rice farming in the Delta! 🌾 🪿

We’re at Van Buskirk Park for the Conway Homes Resident Fair today! We’re sharing resources surrounding public health and environmental justice concerns such as Harmful Algal Blooms, flood risks in Stockton, threats from the Delta tunnel, and more.

Updates on Restore the Delta's work with the Delta Stewardship Council. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3LtNhme

Launching this fall, the Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School is representing the Delta Tribal Environmental Coalition (DTEC)! We are honored to collaborate as we continue our advocacy towards a healthy Bay-Delta ecosystem for all.

Vice Chair Malissa Tayaba, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians: “We look forward to this next chapter of the critical water equity work we have undertaken that began with Stanford Law Environmental Clinic and now will continue with the Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School. We are grateful for Stephanie Safdi’s guidance and unyielding support on tribal water and water equity issues overall. We move forward confidently knowing the Tribe, and the Delta Tribal Environmental Coalition are in the best of hands.”

Gary Mulcahy, Government Liaison, Winnemem Wintu Tribe: “We want to congratulate Stephanie Safdi on her new endeavor and opportunity. We look forward to working with the new Yale Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic.”

Gloria E. Alonso Cruz, Environmental Justice Advocacy Coordinator, Little Manila Rising: “We feel enthused and humbled to be represented by the Yale Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic (EJLA Clinic). We’re immensely grateful for Stephanie Safdi and her unwavering commitment to support the efforts of our coalition to uplift Tribal and Environmental Justice voices in the public discourse regarding water management decisions in California’s Bay-Delta Watershed.”

Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director, Restore the Delta: “We are honored to collaborate with the Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School in our shared commitment to protect the Delta ecosystem. This partnership underscores the significant role of legal advocacy in addressing the environmental justice challenges that our communities face. Stephanie Safdi has been crucial to ensuring our coalition’s voice is heard and that voice will be further amplified with this new partnership.”

Statement from Stephanie Safdi, Visiting Clinical Associate Professor of Law, Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School: “We are thrilled to partner with the Delta Tribal Environmental Coalition at this significant juncture for clinical advocacy at Yale Law School. The Yale Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic, launching this fall, will be a unique clinical program dedicated to providing direct representation in close collaboration with community partners to advance underrepresented environmental justice concerns.

DTEC carries into our work together a transformative vision of just and inclusive water management in California centered on the interests of Tribes and disadvantaged communities. This partnership will help to define environmental justice clinical advocacy at the law school. And it is an honor for our program and clinical students to learn from our teachers at DTEC and contribute to advancing the Coalition’s goals. We can’t wait to see what we’re able to do together.”

The coalition consists of the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Winnemem Wintu Tribe, Little Manila Rising, and Restore the Delta.

Learn more about the bi-coastal partnership here 🎉: https://restorethedelta.org/2024/07/18/tribes-and-community-organizations-fight-to-improve-delta-ecosystem-with-yale-law-school-representation/

A reminder that heat is a factor for Harmful Algal Blooms! Be mindful of your local waterways and their appearance. In the Delta, we normally experience cyanobacterial HABs that look bright blue-green, may smell like gasoline, and can emit toxins!

For those in the Bay Area, San Francisco Baykeeper has resources included in the article below of how to report a potential bloom!

HABs can also be reported here statewide:
https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/do/bloomreport.html

Read more here:
https://www.kqed.org/science/1993633/algal-blooms-love-heat-waves-when-is-bay-area-swimming-dangerous-for-humans-and-pets

Algal Blooms Love Heat Waves. When Is Bay Area Swimming Dangerous for Humans and Pets? | KQED As California continues to experience heat waves this summer, officials warn people about harmful algal blooms in lakes, rivers and streams that “can pose a threat to people and pets.”

Happening tonight, join us!

Join us on July 15th from 5:30-7:30 PM for an Open House co-hosted by the Delta Co-Op and North Valley Thrive, a regional economic development collaborative building opportunities for quality jobs for all.

The first in the North Valley THRIVE Open House series, this will focus on the Delta Co-Op, home to three nonprofit organizations that are building power in their communities. While competition, scarcity, and capacity are challenges that organizations face, Concrete Development Inc, Restore the Delta, and With Our Words / WOWinc. have forged relationships deeper than one can imagine. Drawing from their experiences growing their organizations, Executive Directors Toni McNeil, Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, and Tama L. Brisbane will share their wisdom and truths with us through a keynote panel. Join us to break bread, network, and hear about shared struggles, victories, and friendships built by these three trailblazing women leaders and the organizations they are leading.

Register at bit.ly/NVT_OH or via the link in our bio!

Today we’re at the Science for Communities Workshop hosted by the Delta Stewardship Council at San Joaquin Delta College! We’re sharing important information about Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) such as how to identify HABs and the threats they pose, along with additional ongoing projects and resources from Restore the Delta!

Join us on July 15th from 5:30-7:30 PM for an Open House co-hosted by the Delta Co-Op and North Valley Thrive, a regional economic development collaborative building opportunities for quality jobs for all.

The first in the North Valley THRIVE Open House series, this will focus on the Delta Co-Op, home to three nonprofit organizations that are building power in their communities. While competition, scarcity, and capacity are challenges that organizations face, Concrete Development Inc, Restore the Delta, and With Our Words / WOWinc. have forged relationships deeper than one can imagine. Drawing from their experiences growing their organizations, Executive Directors Toni McNeil, Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, and Tama L. Brisbane will share their wisdom and truths with us through a keynote panel. Join us to break bread, network, and hear about shared struggles, victories, and friendships built by these three trailblazing women leaders and the organizations they are leading.

Register at bit.ly/NVT_OH or via the link in our bio!

Major and Extreme HeatRisk will be present across much of the Valley, foothills, and mountains through Monday, July 8th. Today will be the HOTTEST day of this prolonged heat event for interior NorCal. Be sure to practice heat safety and always look before you lock!

Restore the Delta wishes everyone a happy and safe !

Today is the 60th anniversary of the , a historic landmark in civil rights legislation, it “prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, s*x, or national origin.”

This Act is the foundation of the Delta Tribal Environmental Coalition's Title VI Complaint accepted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, outlining the discriminatory practices that continue with water diversions from the Delta watershed.



Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Winnemem Wintu Tribe, Little Manila Rising

Cal FIRE/Butte County Fire Department via Twitter/X as of 2:50 pm: Thompson Fire in , all evacuation warnings have been upgraded to orders. Below are the zones under evacuation orders.

Zones : 700 through 730
(All zones from 700 to 730)

Zones : 953,954,959,960

Frequent Updates on https://x.com/calfire_butteco?s=21

More info here: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/2/thompson-fire

Thompson Fire | CAL FIRE

Extreme heat will be present across the state this week. Delta residents, here are resources to find cooling centers/spaces in San Joaquin, Sacramento, Yolo, Contra Costa, and Solano County! Stay safe and stay cool.

We’re excited to be at Sierra Vista’s Resident Fair in Stockton this afternoon! We’re sharing important information about Harmful Algal Blooms, flood risks, the Delta tunnel and more alongside various community organizations and government agencies.

A newly published report from Dr. Jeffrey A. Michael, Director of Public Policy Programs at the University of the Pacific, finds that the Department of Water Resources' Benefit Cost Analysis for the Delta Conveyance Project is flawed and inflated, with questionable assumptions, overvalued benefits, and a failure to consider major project risks and financial implications.

Read more here: https://restorethedelta.org/2024/06/25/new-report-exposes-inaccuracies-in-benefit-cost-analysis-of-californias-delta-conveyance-project/

Restore the Delta’s Executive Director Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla released the following statement: “Dr. Michael’s report underscores the narrow focus and deficiencies of the DWR benefit-cost analysis of the Delta Conveyance Project. It highlights the need for a comprehensive assessment that includes the broader impacts on California tribes, Delta communities and economies, fishing communities, and environmental and public safety concerns. Such an analysis is essential for accurately gauging the true costs of this enormous and costly project. To ensure sustainable and beneficial outcomes for those impacted, California must instead explore alternatives like investing in regional water solutions.”

Sierra Club California Chapter Organizing Manager, Molly Culton released the following statement: "The Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) greatly exaggerates the benefits of the Delta tunnel while downplaying the costs. The BCA excludes the costs of the project’s impacts to cultural, paleontological, and Tribal resources, which were determined to be 'significant and unavoidable' in the Environmental Impact Report. The $20.1 billion cost estimate is likely to increase over the decades of construction-saddling future generations of ratepayers with debt for a risky project that is unlikely to deliver what it promises."

This is a great opportunity to learn about rice growing and sustainable farming practices 🌾! Register by July 9th!

The Wetlands Preservation Foundation (WPF) and Restore the Delta invite you to our inaugural Rice Field Day on July 19th, beginning at 8:00 a.m., (location will be provided upon registration). This exclusive event will showcase the benefits of rice growing and sustainable farming practices. Space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible to secure your spot!

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/RiceFieldDay

Event Highlights:
- Learn about innovative rice farming techniques and sustainable agriculture practices.
- Network with fellow farmers!
- Enjoy a light breakfast provided by WPF and a guided tour of the rice fields with bus transportation.

Who Should Attend:
- Farmers and agribusiness owners interested in sustainable farming and workforce development.

Why Attend:
- Discover sustainable practices to enhance your profitability and long-term viability.
- Share your experiences and discuss the challenges and opportunities in adopting new practices.
- Build strong networks and collaborate on addressing talent sourcing needs in our rural communities.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of shaping the future of farming in the Delta. Reserve your spot today!
Registration closes July 9th!

Great news from the Delta Counties! Today, the Sacramento County Superior Court halted geotechnical investigations that DWR contends are essential to, and an integral part of, the Delta Tunnel project.

Attorneys Osha Meserve, Roger Moore, and Thomas Keeling – who represent the Counties of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yolo, and Solano, among other agencies – explained: “This failure is of DWR’s own making. DWR’s attempt to avoid the requirements of the Delta Reform Act is yet another example of how DWR has cut corners in its rush to foist the Governor’s environmentally destructive, legally deficient, and economically untenable project upon Californians. Plainly, the Tunnel project is very far from being ready for prime time – in fact, it will likely never be ready.”

Read the press release here:
https://bit.ly/3Ldx1WJ