News articles and links from Nov. 9, 2010

Balance California's water use Viewpoint from SF Chronicle - Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010 Coalition viewpoint...This viewpoint is a mix of incorrect assertions and current policies. Guidepost #2 incorrectly represents a recent Water Board report as a recommendation for water flows through the Delta. The authors of the report publicly stated that they were handcuffed in their research by the narrow directions given by last year's legislation. The authors also cautioned against using the report without further research into other factors that affect the health of the delta. Delta plan may do more harm, biologists find Story from Contra Costa Times - Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 Coalition viewpoint...A review by unnamed federal biologists represents a rush to judgment of the BDCP. Remember, the biological opinions that have governed the flow of water through the Delta were based on decisions by federal agencies and their biologists. A federal judge found these guidelines to be "capricious" and lacking, specifically in not adequately considering the impact to humans the biological opinions would cause. Work continues on the BDCP and it is important that it be allowed to move forward without such prejudicial reporting. Big Ag cries big tears; salmon run dries up Viewpoint from Sacramento Bee - Saturday, Nov. 6 2010 Coalition viewpoint...Yes, salmon fishermen have suffered in recent years and so have Westside farmers in the San Joaquin Valley. The cause of this suffering has been the misguided federal biological opinions that have restricted water flows from the Delta and were supposed to protect fish. Ocean conditions, invasive species and water quality are now being identified as being greater causes to dwindling salmon numbers than exports. Anyone concerned with the salmon and farming industries should read the science and not rely on emotional rhetoric.

Water supply is first step Editorial from Bakersfield California - Monday, Nov. 8, 2010 The State Water Project: Connecting California's Water Slideshow from Aquafornia - Monday, Nov. 8, 2010 Farmer: San Joaquin River restoration caused crop losses Story from Modesto Bee - Monday, Nov. 8, 2010 Inland leaders explore remedies for uncertain water supplies Story From Press-Enterprise - Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010