Agricultural change in the San Joaquin Valley

The curated articles all focus on the San Joaquin Valley's significant agricultural and environmental changes. These transformations highlight pressing issues like groundwater replenishment, mining projects, and reservoir expansions. Specifically, CEMEX seeks approval to blast a 600-foot deep pit near the San Joaquin River, raising environmental concerns. Fresno residents lack river access despite living near California's second-longest river.

Efforts to increase groundwater recharge have shown progress, with notable contributions from farmers applying on-farm recharge practices. The debate over adding storage capacity at San Luis Reservoir continues, emphasizing water redistribution outside the Valley. Each story underscores ongoing challenges and efforts to balance resource demands with environmental preservation.

NO. 1: A RESILIENT WATER FUTURE FOR THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY IS WITHIN REACH. HERE’S HOW | OPINION

“While there is no silver bullet in the pursuit of California water security, groundwater recharge is one cost-effective tool.” | Published July 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ashley Boren

The B.F. Sisk Dam at San Luis Reservoir with its four water intake towers, center, seen Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 near Los Banos. The reservoir is the main holding point for Northern California water that will be sent to San Joaquin Valley farms and towns. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 2: HUGE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RESERVOIR IS EXPANDING. MUCH OF THE WATER IS HEADED ELSEWHERE | OPINION

Opinion by Marek Warszawski: “The benefits will be felt to a much greater degree in Silicon Valley.” | Published September 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Marek Warszawski

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The B.F. Sisk Dam at San Luis Reservoir is seen as construction continues in the first of three phases to improve the dam just west of Los Banos Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 3: SOLUTION TO CALIFORNIA’S WATER STORAGE NEEDS LIES UNDERGROUND, NOT MORE DAMS | OPINION

Opinion by Marek Warszawski: “Water structure built for the 2020s and beyond must adapt to the new climate reality.” | Published September 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Marek Warszawski

The CEMEX Rockfield Quarry site northeast of Fresno is shown in this June 2020 drone image from video looking southwest from above Friant Road toward the San Joaquin River. CEMEX is seeking a four-year extension of its sand- and gravel-mining operations through mid-2027.

NO. 4: CEMEX WANTS TO BLAST A 600-FOOT DEEP PIT ALONG SAN JOAQUIN RIVER. WE MUST STOP THEM | OPINION

Opinion by Marek Warszawski: “Fresno County residents have rallied for the environment in the not-too-distant past.” | Published January 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marek Warszawski

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The CEMEX Rockfield Quarry site northeast of Fresno is shown in this June 2020 drone image from video looking southwest from above Friant Road toward the San Joaquin River. CEMEX is seeking a four-year extension of its sand- and gravel-mining operations through mid-2027. By Craig Kohlruss

NO. 5: CEMEX MUST BE STOPPED FROM BLASTING 600-FOOT DEEP PIT NEAR SAN JOAQUIN RIVER. HERE’S HOW | OPINION

Opinion by Marek Warszawski: “If the community doesn’t stand in the way, who will?” | Published February 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marek Warszawski

A sign for the CEMEX Rockfield aggregate plant site in Friant is visible from Friant Road on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. The company applied to Fresno County to continue mining the quarry for 100 years, and use blasting and drilling to mine a 600-ft deep pit. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 6: WILL BLAST MINE ON SAN JOAQUIN RIVER PROCEED? FRESNO LAWMAKER THROWS UP STOP SIGN | OPINION

Opinion by Marek Warszawski: “Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula is once again a friend to the river parkway.” | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marek Warszawski

A photo composite rendering of CEMEX’s proposed blast mine near the San Joaquin River and its proximity to Fresno.

NO. 7: BILL TO PREVENT CEMEX BLAST MINE ON SAN JOAQUIN RIVER GETS SHORT SHRIFT | OPINION

Opinion by Marek Warszawski: “River advocates say their effort to stop the blast mine will continue.” | Published April 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marek Warszawski

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The San Joaquin River flows calmly in April along the banks of the Jensen River Ranch area, which is part of the San Joaquin River Conservancy, with its trail access points just to the north of Woodward Park. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 8: FRESNO’S NEW SLOGAN SHOULD BE THIS: GO TAKE A HIKE ALONG THE RIVER | OPINION

From Fresno Bee opinion writer Tad Weber: “City leaders, if you want new energy in Fresno, prioritize the San Joaquin River and its opportunities.” | Published June 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tad Weber

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.