6 fronts in the fight over the San Joaquin River
The collected articles on the San Joaquin River battle discuss various environmental, economic, and political issues shaping the river's future. These articles jointly highlight six key fronts: mining, storage, flooding, fish, safety, and groundwater management.
One article reports how CEMEX plans a mining expansion by blasting a pit deep into the San Joaquin River's bedrock, sparking community opposition due to environmental concerns. Another discusses a state lawmaker proposing legislation to restrict mining practices that could harm the river's ecosystem. Elsewhere, articles focus on the expansion of the San Luis Reservoir and its implications. Although the increased storage capacity may benefit Silicon Valley more than local areas, it informs the river's water allocation debate. Another piece emphasizes efforts to utilize floodwaters for groundwater replenishment, suggesting a coordinated regional strategy. As climate change intensifies flooding threats, these efforts aim to capture and recharge groundwater, addressing subsidence and water scarcity. Together, these articles illustrate multifaceted tensions affecting the San Joaquin River, with ongoing debates on environmental protection, resource allocation, and infrastructure development intersecting across different sectors.
NO. 1: 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
NO. 2: 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
NO. 3: 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
NO. 4: CALIFORNIA’S WATER INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS A BOOST: TIME TO BUILD NEW HYDROELECTRIC SITES | OPINION
Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig calls on California to develop new water storage sites and generate clean and affordable power. | Published April 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nathan Magsig
NO. 5: CENTRAL CALIFORNIA FISHING REPORT: NEW MELONES BASS AND KOKANEE ON EXCEPTIONAL BITES
Fishermen list their “best bets.” | Published April 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Roger George and Dave Hurley
NO. 6: USING FLOODWATERS TO COMBAT GROUNDWATER LOSS IN FRESNO AND THE CENTRAL VALLEY | OPINION
“We must be better prepared next time the big floods come, and it is only a matter of time before they do come again.” | Published July 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tom Holyoke Laura Ramos
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.