Although never mentioned by name, Kristal Davis Fadtke became the villain in the eyes of a roomful of ticked-off politicians. Last Friday (May 4), a bipartisan group of Central Valley politicians lined up at the podium to let the world know how angry they were about the paltry funding...
Vidak: Brown Disrespects Valley Again With Dam Funding
Many of my Central Valley legislative colleagues are furious that the staff at Gov. Jerry Brown's Water Commission have rigged the system so the recently announced proposed funding for Temperance Flat Reservoir is just that — flat. It's not surprising that environmentally-oriented staff at the California Water Commission (and other...
Will L.A.’s Water Delusions Kill the Delta Tunnels?
This time, “Chinatown” is fooling itself. Los Angeles has a long history of water deceptions, a point made famously by Roman Polanski’s 1974 film classic. But the self-sabotage of the city’s latest scheme is a real doozy. L.A. has convinced itself of the hokum that it has all the water...
Breaking News: Water Allocation for Friant Contractors Doubles to 60%
The recent storms have delivered good news for Valley growers. The Bureau of Reclamation today provided an initial allocation to some Central Valley Project contractors and increased the allocation to Friant Division contractors for the 2018 contract year. Friant Division Class 1 water allocation has been increased to 60% — up...
Update: City Water Boss Esqueda Confirms He's Leaving for Executive Post at Fresno State
UPDATE: 12:02 p.m., Thursday, March 22, 2018: Fresno State acknowledged its hiring of Tommy Esqueda with a news release: “Thomas Esqueda brings a wealth of water experience in private industries, local and state government and higher education,” Fresno State Provost Lynnette Zelezny said. “A high-energy leader, he is eager to...
Denham: His Plan to Fix Infrastructure and Protect Dreamers
Congressman Jeff Denham hopes President Trump’s infrastructure plan will help expand Highway 99. Speaking one-on-one with GV Wire, Denham talked about water, infrastructure and immigration. He also touched on his plan to help Californians protect special projects they approve. While his district does not represent Fresno County (he has represented...
Come 2050, Californians Will Wish They Had More Dams
A new University of California report forecasts kick-to-the-gut climate-change realities for California farmers, especially those who grow permanent crops in the Central Valley. In a nutshell, the report anticipates big trouble ahead for crops such as almonds, peaches, table grapes, corn and rice. Scorching summer heat and longer periods of...
2018 Election? Rep. Denham Beams With Confidence.
Congressman Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) serves on three committees perfect for a Valley congressman: transportation, agriculture and natural resources. When Take 5 met Denham recently at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, it was no surprise that those were the topics of discussion. Denham answered questions on: His views on the...
Will Madera County's Bold Dreams Make Greater Fresno Blossom?
Could the San Joaquin River, long a dividing line in the heart of California, unite the state in pursuit a more metropolitan future for the Central Valley? Whether that happens will be determined in Madera County, on the north side of the river from Fresno. There, a new city, consisting...
Will Madera County's Bold Dreams Make Greater Fresno Blossom?
Could the San Joaquin River, long a dividing line in the heart of California, unite the state in pursuit a more metropolitan future for the Central Valley? Whether that happens will be determined in Madera County, on the north side of the river from Fresno. There, a new city, consisting...