A federal judge in Fresno on Tuesday invalidated key parts of a plan to protect endangered winter- and spring-run Chinook salmon and Central Valley steelhead that migrate through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Capping weeks of political debate over the water-starved west Valley, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Friday personally delivered the farm-water forecast — a 5% allotment, and up to 30% if storms keep coming.

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration is expected today to unveil an ambitious-sounding package of irrigation deliveries, water transfers, farm-loan guarantees and other programs targeting the parched San Joaquin Valley.

Despite strong opposition in Congress, Sen. Dianne Feinstein's proposed amendment to provide water to the San Joaquin Valley's west side drew support from farmers, elected officials and business leaders Friday in Fresno.

WASHINGTON -- Facing objections from a dozen West Coast lawmakers, Sen. Dianne Feinstein said Thursday that she might drop her controversial bid to direct more water to San Joaquin Valley farmers if the Interior Department takes action on its own.

WASHINGTON -- Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein is roiling California water politics with new plans to override scientists and boost irrigation deliveries to San Joaquin Valley farms.

SACRAMENTO -- Lawmakers remained at odds Friday over major water legislation, but still are talking in hopes of reaching a deal that has eluded them for years.

CLARKSBURG -- Chuck Baker grows pears on land his family has worked since 1851 and has a farmer's sensitivity to the plagues of modern agriculture -- pesticide regulations, the intrusive hand of federal regulators, the threat to private property pose

Under pressure to address California's water crisis, the Obama administration said Wednesday it will dispatch Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to a town hall meeting Sunday in Fresno.

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