Valley Solutions

Gray: Don’t waste that water

Maven. Outdated water rules could cost CA 600,000 acre feet, lawmakers warn. 
Synopsis: Four California Congressmen – two Democrats and two Republicans – have written a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom to explain how sticking to outdated water regulations is forcing the state to waste enough water to fill Millerton Lake to the brim. Reps. Adam Gray, Jim Costa, Vince Fong and David Valadao pointed out diversions from the Delta are regulated by complex rules based on salinity and water-quality standards that fluctuate daily. The “Port Chicago” standard, adopted in 1999, was set to require increased releases from upstream reservoirs to improve Delta water quality. But three decades of science irrefutably show that water quality is impacted more by tributary inflow than Delta outflow. Worse, releasing water from reservoirs to meet already-attained standards means less cold water will be available for use in summers when spring-run salmon need it. The letter cited the “whiplash” created by wet early-winter months followed by persistent dry conditions – like we have this year in mid-winter. The loss of “600,000 acre feet of water as a result of a nearly 30-year-old regulation intended to address in-Delta conditions that no longer exist … is simply unconscionable,” concluded Gray, Costa et al. 

Maven. Westlands WD statement on request for Gov. Newsom to act on Port Chicago standard. 
Synopsis: Westlands Water District explains that the X2 standard measuring salinity at Port Chicago will cost California the use of 600,000 acre feet of water because the water already meets or surpasses the standards. “The (water) Board’s decision was rooted in inflexible water management standards that fail to reflect real-world conditions and will only deepen shortages later,” writes Allison Febbo, the Westlands GM. “California can protect fish and ecosystems without wasting water, but that requires adaptive management – not blind adherence to decades-old, archaic standards.”

Outdated regs are killing us

Bakersfield.com. Science should be a bridge, not a barrier: Why CDFW must act before storms disappear.
Synopsis: Eric Averett, GM of Kern County Water District, writes that the governor’s order to capture storm flows for future use is being subverted by the very agencies that should be carrying it out. Order N-16-25 directed agencies to “maximize diversions of excess flows” into underground storage and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County for later use. Instead, the Dept of Fish & Wildlife has clung to “status quo” restrictions on pumping from the Delta that allows storm flows to exit to the ocean. With the Colorado River drying, this is unforgiveable. First, we must “acknowledge the modern Delta,” which means understanding that “unimpaired flow models” are outdated and counterproductive. “California cannot afford to let its water policy be dictated by a fear of the very data we have spent millions collecting.”

A plan to fix immigration mess

Western Farm Press. Congress’ ICE debate a perfect opportunity for immigration reform. 
Synopsis: Senior Editor Tim Hearden writes that many people are all for deporting undocumented immigrants until they see the actual cost to society and broken families. Instead of rounding up criminals, we’re criminalizing those we round up. The pendulum is swinging back, providing an excellent opportunity for those supporting the DIGNITY Act in Congress – including Adam Gray and Jim Costa – which might actually solve the issue. It has sponsors on both sides of the aisle as it increases border security, completes a border fence and adds penalties for human trafficking. It also protects those here working and paying taxes and provides a path to legal residency. Some 60 organizations – including many representing farmers such as the Nisei Farmers League – have signed on. Donald Trump says he’s ready for a “softer touch” on immigration; this bill provides it.

Surprise message at Ag Expo

Fresno Bee. Farmers praised by President Trump in surprise message World Ag Expo in Tulare.
Synopsis: President Trump praised the hard work and contributions made by farmers on opening day of the World AG Expo in Tulare. It was the first time a sitting president has delivered such a message. Trump talked about the $12 billion he has gotten for farm relief following the collapse of soybean and grain markets due to his trade war with China and other nations. Ron Clark, the Expo chairman, said he believes the economy and trade negotiations are “on the right track.”

Politics: Wouldn’t 59% be nice?

Politico. CA Playbook: Republicans turn on each other in the governor’s race. 
Synopsis: Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton are running neck-and-neck to become the next governor of California. The only way to consolidate the Republican vote is for one of them to step aside. Which one? Hilton says he’s floated plans for partnership; Bianco says that’s a lie, calling Hilton “the Gavin Newsom of the Republican Party.” It gets worse from there.
MAD Take: Bianco obviously thought comparing Hilton to Gavin Newsom was a bad burn. But Newsom got 59% of California’s votes four years ago. Hilton would likely be fine with that.

Turlock Journal. Sen. Alvarado-Gil announces endorsement from CA Professional Firefighters.
Synopsis: Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, fighting to hang onto her District 4 seat in the Senate, has been endorsed by the firefighters. Her challengers include political neophyte Alexandra Duarte, wife of former Rep. John, and Democrat Jaron Brandon. The top two in June advance to the general election.

Valley Sun. McClintock boasts endorsements of 5^th District County GOP committees.
Synopsis: Facing a possible challenge from Kevin Kiley, Rep. Tom McClintock is campaigning in his reshaped district – something he hasn’t been required to do over the past few years. McClintock has been endorsed by the Republican central committees in nine of the 12 counties in his district -- including Madera, Stanislaus and San Joaquin. Considering Kiley hasn’t yet decided if he’s running, are those endorsements premature?

Pro-Trump protester attacked?

KSEE / CBS47. Teen attacked by student protesters in Chowchilla, video shows. 
Synopsis: A video circulating online shows an unidentified Chowchilla teen holding a photo of President Trump and an American flag being chased into a building by other teens. While inside the building, shouts can be heard and then the teen runs out where other teens spray him with water. Chowchilla police are investigating.

Black history in spotlight

Modesto Bee. Museum shows 145 years of Black history in Stanislaus: Faded photos, fresh videos. 
Synopsis: McHenry Museum will feature Black history through March 15 in an exhibit led by poet Angela Drew. Entitled “Writing Ourselves In,” the exhibit was made possible through a grant from the Stanislaus Community Foundation and a lot of volunteer hours. Modesto’s original Black family arrived in 1881, just 11 years after the town was established. William Boyd Bishop fought in the Civil War and lived on 16^th Street until 1918. Among those featured in the exhibit are Modesto’s first Black police officer, Roger Lee, the Modesto Monarchs, Pastor James Anderson, councilmen Philip Newton, Richard Patterson and Jeremiah Williams, and the residents of Monterey Park Tract.

Tense meeting in Hughson

Modesto Bee. Allegations against Hughson mayor spark heated council meeting clash.
Synopsis: The Hughson city council meeting got tense as Susana Vasquez and George Carr both sat on the dais. Two weeks earlier, Vasquez accused Carr of sexual misconduct, a charge the Sheriff Office investigated and refused to pursue. About 20 people attended the meeting, with some making comments. Carr said of the accusations: “All of them are false. Well, not all of them.” The city conducted its own investigation and city attorney Andy Pinasco said the matter is “concluded.”

Farmer: So far so good

Ag Alert. From the fields: Laura Gutile, Madera County pistachio grower. 
Synopsis: Madera nut grower Laura Gutile said something you seldom hear in farming: “Everything is fine.” Of course, she prefaced that with, “So far.” The weeds are under control, the weather is better than expected and the fog helps make up for the lack of rain. She worries about tariffs, the navel orangeworm and aphids and shell staining. But she’s also happy to see more pistachio products in stores.

Farms.com. US farm bankruptcies increased 46% in 2025. 
Synopsis: The American Farm Bureau reported there were 315 farm bankruptcies in 2025, up 46% from 2024 but still less than half the number filed in 2019 or 2020. Most of the financial problems are in the Midwest and Southeast, where tariffs and trade issues have roiled grain markets. California had 17 filings in 2025, matching 2024. Though CA is the largest ag state in the nation, bankruptcies here represent only 5% of the total.

SJ Fair moving to December

Fox40. San Joaquin County Fair moves from May to December.
Synopsis: In an effort to improve safety and boost attendance, the San Joaquin County Fair has abandoned its May-June dates and will have its fair in December. “It’s just too hot,” said CEO Daniel Castillo. “By the time we get to the end of May and June, we’re usually the first few days of really aggressive heat.” No specific dates were announced.

Yes, the bulb still burns

SF Chronicle. Bay Area’s most unlikely landmark: A 125-year-old lightbulb that’s still burning. 
Synopsis: A new reporter at the Chron has discovered the Centennial Bulb, which has been glowing strong since 1901. That’s a Guinness record. Folks from South Africa, Japan, Germany and even Merced have come to see it shine, said its “custodian” – Livermore’s retired deputy fire chief Tom Bramell. The bulb was designed in France and made by the Shelby Electric Co. of cellulose, baked until it was almost carbon – like a diamond. Originally, a 60-watt bulb, it now burns at 4 watts. Because it was installed at a fire station, the bulb stayed on round-the-clock. The first story done on the bulb was in 1971, appearing in the Livermore Herald News.

‘Duh’ story of the day

Merced Sun Star. Can riding an electric scooter drunk get you jail time? Golf cart? Bicycle?
Synopsis: CA’s criminal codes are fairly specific. You can be cited, ticketed and even jailed for operating any sort of vehicle –car, boat, airplane, scooter, bicycle, skateboard – while drunk. If you’re driving or scooting in a public place, you’re fair game for watchful officers. Such an arrest can cost you your license. And if you’re under 21, you might not be able to get a driver’s license for a couple of years.
MAD Take: I guess there is no other news happening in Sacramento if reporters have time to do stories like this.