Exploring San Joaquin River's complex future

The curated articles on the San Joaquin River's future share themes of balancing economic, environmental, and safety considerations. Collaborative legislative efforts feature prominently, as shown by the push to clean contaminants like nitrates and arsenic from rural water and endeavors to improve hydroelectric regulations for public safety.

In one article, Fresno's untapped potential in utilizing the San Joaquin River is explored as a means to boost its economy and community connectivity. Proposals include developing access with walking and bicycle trails. Another article highlights PG&E's resistance to implementing safety regulations around the San Joaquin River Gorge, despite conditions laid by federal agencies to prevent dangerous sudden water releases. Additionally, groundwater recharge achievements illustrate attempts at forging a resilient water future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between farms, legislators, and researchers. These efforts collectively depict varied but interconnected plans for advancing the region's welfare and ecological health.

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. 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

The footbridge that crosses the San Joaquin River at the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area near Auberry is seen in this aerial image taken by drone on Friday, April 20, 2018.

NO. 3: PG&E SHOULDN’T BE PERMITTED TO ENDANGER PUBLIC SAFETY AT SAN JOAQUIN RIVER GORGE | OPINION

Opinion by Marek Warszawski: “In the span of 15 minutes, a relative trickle can become raging torrent.” | Published November 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Marek Warszawski

Isabel Solorio shows a glass of cloudy water in the Lanare community center in 2013. Lanare is a Fresno County town of 600 where arsenic-tainted water came out of the tap until new wells were built with state help. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 4: CALIFORNIA LAWMAKER WANTS TO CLEAN NITRATES, ARSENIC OUT OF RURAL TOWNS’ WATER | OPINION

Tap water that is safe for drinking and bathing should be a basic right of all Americans, says the Fresno Bee Editorial Board. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by The Fresno Bee Editorial Board

The San Joaquin River flows along the Jensen River Ranch area that is part of the San Joaquin River Conservancy just to the north of Fresno’s Woodward Park in this drone image taken on Wednesday, April 20, 2025. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 5: FRESNO HASN’T TAPPED SAN JOAQUIN RIVER’S POTENTIAL. COULD IT BE CITY’S MAIN DRAW?

The river could be more of a catalyst for innovative economic development as an attraction for people, businesses and events. | Published May 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Erik Galicia

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

NO. 6: 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

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.