San Joaquin River's role in Fresno's future

The curated articles on Fresno's future all discuss the potential role of the San Joaquin River in the region, though they approach it from different angles. They stress the importance of addressing public safety, environmental considerations, and development strategies. Each article calls for innovative approaches to managing the river's resources and enhancing Fresno's economic and lifestyle attractions.

One article considers the San Joaquin River as Fresno's greatest natural feature and urges the city to leverage it for economic development. It explores visions of connecting the river with walking and biking trails while debating the pros and cons of commercializing its surroundings similar to successful projects in other cities like Austin. Another article criticizes PG&E for neglecting public safety in the San Joaquin River Gorge, emphasizing the need for stricter controls on dam operations to prevent sudden, deadly water surges. Finally, an opinion piece argues against building more dams for water storage, suggesting that underground solutions offer a more sustainable alternative. The author points to Fresno's potential for underground storage using prehistoric river channels, arguing this method better fits modern climate challenges.

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. 1: 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 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. 2: 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

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. 3: 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

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.