San Joaquin water tensions rise with policies and environmental shifts (7 stories)
The curated articles on San Joaquin water tensions illustrate responses to policy decisions and environmental pressures affecting regional water management. Several pieces address sudden dam releases and their implications, as well as legislative attempts to control mining's impact on water resources. In one article, Central Valley water managers show frustration with a sudden federal order to release dam water, questioning its effectiveness and expressing concerns about political motivations. Another article delves into a proposed law by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula aimed at prohibiting pit dewatering near the San Joaquin River to protect subsurface flows. Fresno's opposition to CEMEX's gravel mining expansion proposal also features prominently, with local officials citing potential environmental and infrastructural impacts. These examples underscore ongoing conflicts over water allocation and environmental considerations in the region.
NO. 1: CALIFORNIA DAM RAISE WOULD TAKE MORE DELTA WATER. WHY ARE ENVIRONMENTALISTS SILENT? | OPINION
Opinion by Marek Warszawski: “Unlike every other dam project in California, this one was approved with little public scrutiny and zero opposition.” | Published August 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Marek Warszawski
NO. 2: PRESIDENT TRUMP WASTED WATER MEANT TO HELP CALIFORNIA FARMERS IN HOT SUMMER | OPINION
Commentary by opinion writer Tad Weber: “The federal system of waterworks in California does not directly connect to Los Angeles.” | Published February 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tad Weber
NO. 3: CENTRAL VALLEY WATER MANAGERS REACT TO TRUMP’S SUDDEN WATER RELEASE: ‘IT’S WRONG’
“I have no idea if this is the new norm for operations or not. I certainly hope not,” one irrigation district GM said. | Published February 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lois Henry, SJV Water
NO. 4: 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. 5: GALLO WINERY PRACTICES THREATEN FRESNO DRINKING WATER, REGULATORS SAY
A proposed cease and desist order says the company must find an alternate way to dispose of wastewater within five years. | Published May 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Montalvo
NO. 6: THESE MAPS SHOW WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY PUBLIC ACCESS TO SAN JOAQUIN RIVER IN FRESNO
Many of the publicly-owned properties along the San Joaquin River are closed, but there are a number of places where you can legally enjoy the water. | Published July 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Erik Galicia
NO. 7: WESTLANDS CEO: LAND SUBSIDENCE IS A STATEWIDE THREAT THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED | OPINION
The vital cornerstone of California’s water system and fresh, safe food, the San Joaquin Valley, is at the center of a crisis: | Published September 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Allison Febbo
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.