While Restore the Delta has been a bit quiet, it does not mean that we have not been working on issues important to the estuary. Like many people and organizations, during the last few months, we have found working circumstances challenging and exhausting. After a day of Zoom meetings, writing external communications has been a bit of a struggle. We are, however, gearing up for the future.
Logistics
We have closed our physical office, and now have access to a co-workspace in downtown Stockton when needed. We had to take this action because our small office did not provide enough space for staff to work together safely, or for us to train youth for our future water quality testing program or adult members of the community on Delta issues. In the months ahead, we will be working to raise funds to pay for an appropriate office that provides enough space to function adequately with social distancing. Until then, our staff is dispersed at various locations throughout the SF Bay-Delta region, working from home mostly, but often in the field these days meeting/talking with others in a socially distanced setting.
Moving during COVID was challenging, and expensive sadly as many families are moving presently. We have, however, managed to cut our monthly overhead as low as it can go, until we can financially handle securing an appropriately sized setting.
Our new address is:
Restore the Delta
509 E. Main Street
Stockton, CA 95202
You can reach either Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla for policy/media/programming questions at 209-479-2053; or Mariah Looney for membership questions at 209-851-0270 during regular working hours Monday through Friday. We ask members to refrain from calling evening and weekends. (We have taken calls at any hour for years and have found we need a little compartmentalization to protect our well-being.)
After 14 years of existence, we really are hungry for a permanent location with rooms for community meetings, science labs for youth and citizen science programs, adequate offices, all accessible to youth/schools, and near the waterfront. We consider this a post-COVID goal.
Until then, we are limited in physical service to our members. We are not mailing out bumper stickers, merchandise, or signs. Without an adequate safe space for ourselves and materials, we do not want to put volunteers at risk.
This does not mean, however, that we are not working…
Delta Planning Processes
Restore the Delta has been tracking and involved in processes looking at the impacts of climate change and science planning needs at the Delta Stewardship Council. We see this work as essential because the negative impacts from drought and fires on water quality, and the potential for flood in a changing Delta environment are true concerns for the future of Delta residents, and the watershed.
Restore the Delta is also participating in the Stockton AB617 process with the California Air Resource Board and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District. Why? First, we are working to advocate for air pollution monitoring in relation to the proliferation of harmful algal blooms. (Yes, there is an air pollution problem resulting from toxic algae). Second, we see a scenario unfolding with Delta tunnel planning where project mitigation may shift from piles of tunnel muck in the Delta to increased truck traffic through the Port of Stockton, impacting Delta urban environmental justice communities. We don’t see shifting the burden of negative impacts from rural Delta communities to disadvantaged urban communities with dense population as true project mitigation. We do not support government planning that pits interests against each other in the Delta. We insist that the project will not negatively impact environmental health for rural and urban residents alike.
Stakeholder Engagement Committee for the Design Construction Authority
Restore the Delta continues to hold one of over two dozen seats on the Stakeholder Engagement Committee (SEC) for design work for the Delta tunnel. There are those in the Delta who feel nobody should participate in the process. We don’t agree with that assessment, and do not see it as a conflict with opposing the tunnel.
Delta communities have long complained that they have not been given the opportunity for input into Delta conveyance. We feel that we must express our genuine concerns at every step in the long struggle for protecting the Delta from a bad project. The SEC does not replace the environmental impact report and planning processes required under law to be produced by DWR. The plan and EIR will be released to the public in 2022. (Yes, there is time.)
Will DWR claim that the SEC process was an attempt to meet the needs of the community within the upcoming environmental impact report? Maybe, even though they tell SEC representatives at each meeting that they won’t. However, we feel it is essential that the State Water Contractors and the Department of Water Resources understand the true scope of mitigation required and evaluate the cost of mitigation within planning costs accurately.
In a continuing COVID (and eventually post-COVID) economy, coupled with extended droughts, and increased fire risks in the watershed, the Delta tunnel makes less and less sense. While sea level rise, storm surge, and storm events will impact the Delta, there are real questions as to whether the proposed alignments for the tunnel will actually meet water reliability needs; and the project will certainly not meet Delta protection needs under the co-equal goals. In a COVID and eventual post-COVID economy, we do not see ratepayers standing for a project that produces little water security, even though Metropolitan Water District is giving a real college try in hoisting it onto their ratepayers over the next 60 days.
We receive constant questions about the Delta tunnel project with each and every move that DWR and the DCA make. For instance, when letters were dropped to Delta landowners about a new validation suit in which DWR is suing the general public for an open checkbook for a project that does not even have a completed plan, or environmental impact report, we heard from a number of Delta residents. Rest assured, local Delta water agencies, Restore the Delta, and other environmental groups will litigate at the right time against any premature action by DWR. We may not be as quick in proving individual replies as in the past. But we remain focused.
Advocacy and Planning
In terms of advocacy, Restore the Delta, this time around, is focused on training youth locally, and younger activists throughout the state, in responding to the project, but also in advocacy of Delta needs in several different areas. A common mistake we have seen with environmental/environmental justice/community organizations working in water repeatedly is that leaders cling to their positions for too long, and do not use their experience and knowledge to prepare the next generation for leadership. What we need for the Delta are diverse groups in every corner of the state advocating for their water needs to be met in ways that will protect the Delta. In a COVID/post COVID world, we believe this makes the most sense as an organizing and business model.
Plus, the tunnel is certainly not the only threat, or the most immediate threat to the estuary.
Post-election, we believe that a political smash and grab will unfold in Congress in relation to the environment. The WIIN Act will be up for renewal, and sadly Senator Feinstein and Congressman Garamendi will collaborate with San Joaquin Valley Congressional Republicans to export even more water from the imperiled San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary. There may even be other/different legislation brought forth with negative consequence for the Delta. Despite the stress we are all under with the current state of affairs, we will remain vigilant, and we will call on you for assistance as needed to advocate against bad Delta legislation.
In addition, we will be seeking assistance in the months ahead to safely launch a youth science program for the Delta and for local advocacy around issues of flood protection, and drought mitigation. We need to be gathering data through a robust citizen science program to tackle the harmful algal bloom problem beyond photo reports to the water boards. As we have seen with COVID, we cannot solve policy wise what we cannot track and measure.
Last, we need help from the community in response to the voluntary agreements to set flow standards for the Delta. The Newsom Administration continues to push ahead with this bad idea, rather than letting the State Water Resources Control Board finish its planning for flows regulation. Post-election, it will be time to push for the health of the estuary once again.
Funding
Restore the Delta did not meet its funding goals for its mid-year campaign. And we understand why. We have adjusted our staffing accordingly – two full-time employees – two very part-time contractors. We have cut our overhead to next to nothing. Yet, we are still scraping the bottom of the barrel as grants have been delayed, and in such difficult days, supporting a local environmental group, is understandably, not the top of everyone’s priorities.
Anything that our followers can to help would be greatly appreciated. Click here to donate. Or mail a check to the address above.
Restore the Delta Townhall: Preparing for the Delta’s future
Despite the challenges, our staff remains dedicated to protecting the estuary and preparing our members for the future. We will hold a dinner hour townhall on October 15th from 5:30 to 7 pm, open to the public to discuss all these issues in greater detail. Click here for registration. Grab a plate of food and a beer and join us then to get ready for what is next.
Logistics
We have closed our physical office, and now have access to a co-workspace in downtown Stockton when needed. We had to take this action because our small office did not provide enough space for staff to work together safely, or for us to train youth for our future water quality testing program or adult members of the community on Delta issues. In the months ahead, we will be working to raise funds to pay for an appropriate office that provides enough space to function adequately with social distancing. Until then, our staff is dispersed at various locations throughout the SF Bay-Delta region, working from home mostly, but often in the field these days meeting/talking with others in a socially distanced setting.
Moving during COVID was challenging, and expensive sadly as many families are moving presently. We have, however, managed to cut our monthly overhead as low as it can go, until we can financially handle securing an appropriately sized setting.
Our new address is:
Restore the Delta
509 E. Main Street
Stockton, CA 95202
You can reach either Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla for policy/media/programming questions at 209-479-2053; or Mariah Looney for membership questions at 209-851-0270 during regular working hours Monday through Friday. We ask members to refrain from calling evening and weekends. (We have taken calls at any hour for years and have found we need a little compartmentalization to protect our well-being.)
After 14 years of existence, we really are hungry for a permanent location with rooms for community meetings, science labs for youth and citizen science programs, adequate offices, all accessible to youth/schools, and near the waterfront. We consider this a post-COVID goal.
Until then, we are limited in physical service to our members. We are not mailing out bumper stickers, merchandise, or signs. Without an adequate safe space for ourselves and materials, we do not want to put volunteers at risk.
This does not mean, however, that we are not working…
Delta Planning Processes
Restore the Delta has been tracking and involved in processes looking at the impacts of climate change and science planning needs at the Delta Stewardship Council. We see this work as essential because the negative impacts from drought and fires on water quality, and the potential for flood in a changing Delta environment are true concerns for the future of Delta residents, and the watershed.
Restore the Delta is also participating in the Stockton AB617 process with the California Air Resource Board and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District. Why? First, we are working to advocate for air pollution monitoring in relation to the proliferation of harmful algal blooms. (Yes, there is an air pollution problem resulting from toxic algae). Second, we see a scenario unfolding with Delta tunnel planning where project mitigation may shift from piles of tunnel muck in the Delta to increased truck traffic through the Port of Stockton, impacting Delta urban environmental justice communities. We don’t see shifting the burden of negative impacts from rural Delta communities to disadvantaged urban communities with dense population as true project mitigation. We do not support government planning that pits interests against each other in the Delta. We insist that the project will not negatively impact environmental health for rural and urban residents alike.
Stakeholder Engagement Committee for the Design Construction Authority
Restore the Delta continues to hold one of over two dozen seats on the Stakeholder Engagement Committee (SEC) for design work for the Delta tunnel. There are those in the Delta who feel nobody should participate in the process. We don’t agree with that assessment, and do not see it as a conflict with opposing the tunnel.
Delta communities have long complained that they have not been given the opportunity for input into Delta conveyance. We feel that we must express our genuine concerns at every step in the long struggle for protecting the Delta from a bad project. The SEC does not replace the environmental impact report and planning processes required under law to be produced by DWR. The plan and EIR will be released to the public in 2022. (Yes, there is time.)
Will DWR claim that the SEC process was an attempt to meet the needs of the community within the upcoming environmental impact report? Maybe, even though they tell SEC representatives at each meeting that they won’t. However, we feel it is essential that the State Water Contractors and the Department of Water Resources understand the true scope of mitigation required and evaluate the cost of mitigation within planning costs accurately.
In a continuing COVID (and eventually post-COVID) economy, coupled with extended droughts, and increased fire risks in the watershed, the Delta tunnel makes less and less sense. While sea level rise, storm surge, and storm events will impact the Delta, there are real questions as to whether the proposed alignments for the tunnel will actually meet water reliability needs; and the project will certainly not meet Delta protection needs under the co-equal goals. In a COVID and eventual post-COVID economy, we do not see ratepayers standing for a project that produces little water security, even though Metropolitan Water District is giving a real college try in hoisting it onto their ratepayers over the next 60 days.
We receive constant questions about the Delta tunnel project with each and every move that DWR and the DCA make. For instance, when letters were dropped to Delta landowners about a new validation suit in which DWR is suing the general public for an open checkbook for a project that does not even have a completed plan, or environmental impact report, we heard from a number of Delta residents. Rest assured, local Delta water agencies, Restore the Delta, and other environmental groups will litigate at the right time against any premature action by DWR. We may not be as quick in proving individual replies as in the past. But we remain focused.
Advocacy and Planning
In terms of advocacy, Restore the Delta, this time around, is focused on training youth locally, and younger activists throughout the state, in responding to the project, but also in advocacy of Delta needs in several different areas. A common mistake we have seen with environmental/environmental justice/community organizations working in water repeatedly is that leaders cling to their positions for too long, and do not use their experience and knowledge to prepare the next generation for leadership. What we need for the Delta are diverse groups in every corner of the state advocating for their water needs to be met in ways that will protect the Delta. In a COVID/post COVID world, we believe this makes the most sense as an organizing and business model.
Plus, the tunnel is certainly not the only threat, or the most immediate threat to the estuary.
Post-election, we believe that a political smash and grab will unfold in Congress in relation to the environment. The WIIN Act will be up for renewal, and sadly Senator Feinstein and Congressman Garamendi will collaborate with San Joaquin Valley Congressional Republicans to export even more water from the imperiled San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary. There may even be other/different legislation brought forth with negative consequence for the Delta. Despite the stress we are all under with the current state of affairs, we will remain vigilant, and we will call on you for assistance as needed to advocate against bad Delta legislation.
In addition, we will be seeking assistance in the months ahead to safely launch a youth science program for the Delta and for local advocacy around issues of flood protection, and drought mitigation. We need to be gathering data through a robust citizen science program to tackle the harmful algal bloom problem beyond photo reports to the water boards. As we have seen with COVID, we cannot solve policy wise what we cannot track and measure.
Last, we need help from the community in response to the voluntary agreements to set flow standards for the Delta. The Newsom Administration continues to push ahead with this bad idea, rather than letting the State Water Resources Control Board finish its planning for flows regulation. Post-election, it will be time to push for the health of the estuary once again.
Funding
Restore the Delta did not meet its funding goals for its mid-year campaign. And we understand why. We have adjusted our staffing accordingly – two full-time employees – two very part-time contractors. We have cut our overhead to next to nothing. Yet, we are still scraping the bottom of the barrel as grants have been delayed, and in such difficult days, supporting a local environmental group, is understandably, not the top of everyone’s priorities.
Anything that our followers can to help would be greatly appreciated. Click here to donate. Or mail a check to the address above.
Restore the Delta Townhall: Preparing for the Delta’s future
Despite the challenges, our staff remains dedicated to protecting the estuary and preparing our members for the future. We will hold a dinner hour townhall on October 15th from 5:30 to 7 pm, open to the public to discuss all these issues in greater detail. Click here for registration. Grab a plate of food and a beer and join us then to get ready for what is next.