Valley Solutions

Gray offers water package

Westside Connect. Gray unveils sweeping water package aimed at boosting storage, cutting red tape. 
Synopsis: Rep. Adam Gray has introduced a sweeping package of bills designed to accelerate long-delayed water-storage projects while streamlining the permitting process. His proposals, which have support from Republicans and Democrats, could reshape water reliability for Valley cities and farmers. Gray’s End the California Water Crisis package, unveiled last week, has three bills. The Central Valley Water Solution Act, the WATER Act and the Build Now Act. Combined, they will authorize money for new projects and put time limits on environmental reviews often used to delay projects for years.

Speaking of water …

SF Chronicle. Much of West is having its warmest winter on record, and it’s fueling a snow drought.
Synopsis: Average temperatures in the Rocky, Sierra and Cascade ranges have been 15 degrees above normal this year, causing much of what normally hits the ground as snow to fall as rain or melt on contact. This has created a “snow drought” across the West. Since most of the water used for irrigation is “stored” in the snowpack in mountain ranges, it means there’s not nearly as much water in the system as it appears.
MAD Note: All of CA’s reservoirs are managed with snowpacks in mind, explaining why two numbers for storage are always provided – the percent compared to historic averages and the percentage of capacity in the reservoir. Reservoir managers are required to manage capacity in anticipation of flows from snowmelt. Most CA reservoirs are at 120% of normal for this date, but only 70% full.

Maven / State Water Contractors. Updated SWP and CVP permits deliver gains while protecting fish. 
Synopsis: The State Water Contractors are applauding changes in Delta pump management that allows more water to be siphoned from the Delta during storms. Instead of following “rigid, decades-old rules that often resulted in lost water supplies even when fish were not at risk,” the new rules allow greater flexibility. For instance, during the first storm of the season, water flowing into the Delta is often murkier and more turbid, perfect for fish migration. Pumping was reduced to protect fish. But in subsequent storms, more water was moved south with no harm to smelt or salmon.

Layoffs killing Valley jobs

Modesto Bee. Del Monte cannery in Modesto will close; it employed 1,800 during fruit harvest. 
Synopsis: Del Monte Foods will close its Modesto cannery on Yosemite Blvd, killing 600 full-time 1,200 seasonal jobs. The Teamsters Union was informed of the closure Thursday. Del Monte filed for bankruptcy in July, and the Modesto factory has been for sale since then.  “This is just horrible for us,” said Teamsters business agent Odus Hall.

KSEE / CBS47. ‘Pray for them’: Hundreds to be laid off in Madera County.
Synopsis: Close to 300 jobs will be lost after two Madera County businesses announced they would close this year. The first, Mission Bell Winery, has been in operation for more than 100 years but announced Wednesday it would cease making box wines. JBT Marel Corp., a food-tech company, announced it will lay off all 57 employees starting Sept. 18. The company is moving part of its operations to Brazil.

He didn’t follow legal advice

Fresnoland. Fresno leader went against legal advice in handing out political consultant contracts. 
Synopsis: Fresno city attorney Andrew Janz directly contradicted statements from former councilmember, and current supervisor, Luis Chavez. Fresnoland has written extensively about multiple no-bid contracts that exceeded city spending limits given to political consultant Alex Tavlian. Earlier this week, Chavez said the contracts had been vetted and approved by Janz’s office. The council voted to waive the council’s attorney-client privilege so Janz could respond. He then told reporters his office advised Chavez that once the $100,000 limit had been reached, any further payments had to be approved by the full council. Chavez then spent an additional $224,000 with Tavlian’s firm.

GV Wire. City attorney contradicts Chavez on taxpayer contracts with Tavlian. 
Synopsis: David Taub reports on city attorney Andrew Janz’s explanation of his review of contracts signed by former councilmember Luis Chavez to pay political consultant Alex Tavlian. Chavez told GV Wire that he didn’t recall receiving any legal advice from the city attorney warning him that payments exceeded council limits. Janz refuted that Friday, following a Thursday vote by the council that waived the council’s client-attorney privilege in this case. That vote came in the wake of GV Wire News Director Bill McEwen’s column suggesting the tactic. Said Janz: “The city attorney’s office properly advised former councilmember Luis Chavez in January of 2023 that any future agreements … was required to go to the city council for authorization.” But such authorization was never sought. Chavez responded: “old story from four years ago, rehashed again … lol.”

Keeping murders at zero

Modesto Bee. Modesto’s zero-homicide year stands out – but experts urge caution. 
Synopsis: For the first time in at least four decades, there wasn’t a killing in within Modesto’s city limits for an entire year in 2025. City officials, while proud, are joining police in urging caution in drawing conclusions. Cities from Anaheim to LA to Stockton have all seen the number of violent crimes drop compared to a surge during COVID. But no other city of comparable size has seen numbers drop to zero. “Looking ahead to 2026, sustaining this will require continued investment in high-quality training for our personnel and effective use of technology,” said PD spokesperson Sharon Bear.
MAD Note: One of the most important aspects of police work is the ability of officers to de-escalate explosive situations. Modesto’s officers should be applauded for making bad situations better, not worse. Chief Brandon Gillespie, and his predecessor Galen Carroll, made de-escalation training a priority. Credit must also be shared with community organizations – churches, schools, social-service agencies, the Family Justice Center -- that strive to help those in need and in crisis.

Politics in the Valley

Politico. CA Playbook: Gov field isn’t buying wealth tax.
Synopsis: In its daily compendium of political news, below the news that no gubernatorial candidate supports the SEIU’s plan to tax the wealthy, is a note about Congressional District 13. Cook Political Report on Thursday changed its rating of the race from “toss-up” to “leans Democratic.” Represented by Adam Gray, the district got bluer after former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln entered the race and was endorsed by Donald Trump. Cook’s said Gray’s ability to outperform the top of the ticket is key. It also noted a loss of support for Republicans among Latino voters.

Merced Sun-Star. Rep. David Valadao voted to keep health insurance credits but cut Medicaid.
Synopsis: David Valadao, a Hanford Republican, was one of 17 House GOP members to defy leadership and vote to extend premium subsidies for 1.8 million Californians through the Affordable Care Act. It was a safe vote since Republicans in the Senate had already promised to kill the legislation. A more meaningful vote to approve the Big Beautiful budget Bill actually ended those subsidies, redirecting the money into tax breaks for the wealthy. Medi-Cal, which was gutted under the Big Beautiful Bill, covers more than a third of Valadao’s constituents. His district is now rated a “toss-up” in this year’s elections. “He can’t undo the damage he’s caused, the trust he’s broken,” said Dr. Jasmeet Bains, who is challenging Valadao.

Elephant report ‘entirely false’

Fresno Bee. Elephant care at Fresno Chaffee Zoo called out again by animal protection group. 
Synopsis: A group called Defense of Animals puts out a “Worst Zoos for Elephants” list, and Chaffee Zoo is on it this year. Fresno checks in at No. 9, well below Houston, Tulsa and Denver. Apparently, the group believes the birth of elephant calves is exploitative. Chaffee had two calves born this year. The zoo said the group’s criticisms are “inaccurate, out of context or entirely false,” pointing out the zoo has been fully accredited since 1979 and participates in Species Survival Plans for several species, including African elephants.

Lots of smoke, but few permits

Modesto Bee. More than half of Modesto smoke shops failed to apply for permits, city says. 
Synopsis: The city passed an ordinance last year requiring special permits to sell tobacco products, but only 25 of the city’s 58 “smoke shops” applied for them. Now, city officials are saying those who didn’t must “come into immediate compliance.” Under new rules, no new smoke shops can open until the number citywide falls to 1 per 25,000 residents, or nine total. A group called Parents Against Smoke Shops 209 is urging immediate enforcement and closures.

Farmers best friend

Ag Daily. 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year winner announced.
Synopsis: Max, a 4-year-old Border Collie from Oklahoma, was chosen from among 100 contenders as the Farm Bureau Dog of the Year. Max works on the Enns farm, where his owner suffered a broken back in a tractor-rollover and now uses a mobility scooter to get around. “Together, we make things work,” said farmer John Enns.

Cancer center breaks ground

Modesto Bee. Sutter starts building $380 million cancer care center in Modesto. 
Synopsis: Community leaders gathered at Memorial Medical Center on Thursday to begin construction on a new Advanced Cancer Center & Care Complex. The four-story building is set to open in 2029 with 120 doctors and 400 staff members. It will include four operating rooms, 50 exam rooms and employ 25 clinicians. “This new complex will serve as a destination for care in the Central Valley,” said Sutter Health CEO Warner Thomas. Stanislaus County has a cancer mortality rate of 157 per 100,000, significantly higher than the state rate of 132.7 or 146 nationwide. Among those involved in the design was Dr. Alex Garcia Young, who said treatment and exams now taking place at several facilities will be consolidated in the new center. Tracy Roman, CEO of Memorial MC, said “Having one location is everything to patients.”

Another fight over Wood Colony?

Modesto Bee. Modesto growth plans could spark another fight with Wood Colony residents. 
Synopsis: Developers have long sought the orchards and farms west of Hwy 99 for commercial and residential construction. But residents have resisted. A city presentation this week laid out new plans for Wood Colony, and 120 people showed up to see them. The city says it wouldn’t touch the 760 acres known as the Beckwith Triangle but wants to develop areas around it. Longtime slow-growth advocate Denny Jackman doesn’t agree: “Modesto voters have routinely voted against large annexations. They want a better Modesto, not a bigger Modesto.”

Good year for selling almonds

CA Ag Net. Almond Board guides industry recovery with 3^rd largest shipping year.
Synopsis: The Almond Board’s Clarice Turner says it’s been a good year, with the third-highest volume of export shipments. She’s proud of the board’s role in accelerating demand.

Best place for pizza Lovers

Merced Sun Star. Small spot in downtown Merced serves best pizza in county, readers say. 
Synopsis: Lovers Deli at 426 W. Main in Merced was named by 53% of the 216 who voted in the Sun-Star’s best-pizza poll. The shop has been open only a year, and manager Marco Alcocer says it’s the dough that sets his pies apart. “I love seeing my pies come to life. It’s about making something I would want to eat.” His “grandma style” pan pizza is a fan favorite, going for up to $5 a slice depending on toppings. In second was Merced’s Little Oven Pizza while Atwater’s Tary Boscolo’s Pizzeria and Livingston’s Geneo’s Pizza tied for third. Boscolo’s has been making pizza since 1960.