Gay activism in California is often associated with cities. But in March 2009, a group of activists took their cause on a march through the rural Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta – not a region known for protest marches or gay activism.

The trek was a five-day walk from San Francisco to Sacramento to call for the repeal of Proposition 8, the gay marriage ban that California voters added to the state Constitution in 2008.

Why did they choose the Delta, and what did they encounter? Read more here.

Secretary Speaker Series, Thursday, June 6: Golden Coast Pride: Exploring LGBTQ+ Stories in California: Panelists in this California Natural Resources Agency event explore diverse voices and histories in California's LGBTQ+ community. Register here.

In the next issue of Delta Happenings: June is also Portuguese National Heritage Month! In the next issue, we explore Portuguese history in the Delta, which dates back to the Gold Rush.

When invasive quagga mussels arrived in Southern California in 2007, it was a huge cause for concern: Quagga and zebra mussels can damage ecosystems and clog infrastructure, like water intake pipes. And no one has figured out how to eradicate them.

The state has worked since then to prevent their spread, and they have been largely contained in Southern California, though some have been found in San Benito County (PDF map - it auto-downloads).

One prevention tool is the state Mussel Fee Sticker, which is required for all motorized freshwater boats. At $16 per boat for two years, the Mussel Fee Sticker expires at the same time vessel registration expires. Since inception in 2013, it has raised significant funds for prevention efforts and this grant program.

People used to get the sticker when registering their boats with DMV, but the state was told it could no longer do that in the same transaction three years ago, because registration was a federal requirement, and the mussel sticker was a state requirement.

Forgetting to purchase the sticker can cost boaters, too: It's a citable offense. But you can still buy them online here, in person at any DMV field office, or in person at AAA for members.

Learn more about efforts to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels.

Yolo Basin Foundation Bat Talks and Tours resume later this month and run through September. Registration opens today for the general public.

Migratory bats make their daytime home under the Yolo Causeway this time of year, and the Talk and Tour gives you the opportunity to watch the nightly "flyout" of the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in the state.

The experience begins with a presentation about bats, where you can look at some up close. Then the group carpools to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for a brief tour of the wetlands and rice fields before watching the flyout, when the bats head out for their nightly insect hunts.

The experience takes about three hours and is family-friendly. While there is some walking, people who can't walk can view bats by car.

Nominations are open through July 19 for the 2024 Delta Champion Awards.

The awards, to be presented Sept. 18 in Isleton, recognize achievement in historical or environmental preservation; tourism, agriculture, education, commerce and/or the arts; health, community, and/or quality of life; and lifetime achievement in preservation, protection and promotion of the Delta. There is also an award to honor a family that has contributed to the Delta for at least 100 years through multi-general professional and volunteer activities.

Delta Stewardship Council

The Delta Stewardship Council meets June 27.

The agenda and meeting notice will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.