Delta Happenings
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In this issue
NEWS
ONGOING EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES
Delta Agency Meetings
Community Events: Brannan Island Meeting, MLK Day of Service, Chinese New Year in Locke
Harmful Algal Blooms
NEWS
New Delta NHA Welcome Signs Installed
Caltrans District 10 has installed five more "Welcome to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area" signs at key entrances to the Delta.
"We're grateful to Caltrans for this effort, and pleased to help expand motorists' awareness of the Delta's importance and national significance," said Bruce Blodgett, executive director of the Delta Protection Commission.
Emergency Declared Over Sherman Island Levee Erosion
Sacramento County has declared an emergency in response to significant uncontrolled levee erosion within the Sherman Island area in south Sacramento County.
The levee problem was first discovered by engineers for Reclamation District 341 on Dec. 14. An inspection that day uncovered 500 yards of erosion damage caused by what is known as "wave wash" from a recent storm that battered the levee with high river water, strong tidal influence, and winds exceeding 40 miles per hour.
Tolls Go Up 1/1 on Bay Area Bridges, including Antioch
Tolls at the Bay Area Toll Authority's seven state-owned toll bridges - including the Antioch Bridge - go up Wednesday.
The toll for two-axle cars and trucks, and motorcycles, will rise from $7 to $8.
Regional Measure 3 continues the peak-period toll discount for motorcycles, qualifying carpools and qualifying clean-air vehicles crossing any of the state-owned toll bridges on weekdays 5-10 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. The discounted toll will rise from $3.50 to $4.
F&G Commission Takes Emergency Action on Golden Mussels
The California Fish and Game Commission this month listed the invasive golden mussel as a restricted species.
Golden mussels, which are native to China and Southeast Asia, were discovered for the first time in North America at the Port of Stockton on Oct. 17.
“Golden mussels are a bigger threat to California waters than quagga and zebra mussels because they can thrive in a wider range of water quality conditions,” said Jay Rowan, Chief of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Branch. “Putting golden mussels on the restricted species list is an important first step toward containment and prevention of spread of this non-native species.”
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Chair Burgis, Vice Chair Vasquez Terms Extended
The Delta Protection Commission voted on Dec. 12 to extend the terms of Diane Burgis as Chair and John Vasquez as Vice Chair. Each will now serve in their role for an additional two years.
Chair Burgis serves on the Commission in her capacity as a Contra Costa County Supervisor, and Vice Chair Vasquez serves in his capacity as a Solano County Supervisor.
Additional Comment Period Opened for Delta Ecosystem Regulations
The Delta Stewardship Council proposes implementing regulatory policies established by the Council in the 2022 Ecosystem Amendment to the Delta Plan under provisions of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009.
The text of the proposed regulations has been modified in response to comments from the Office of Administrative Law and is available for public inspection and comment.
Initial comments were accepted March 29-May 17, and an additional 15-day comment period on text modifications began Dec. 24 and concludes Jan. 7.
Webb Tract Public Meeting Set for Feb. 12
A second public meeting has been scheduled about the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's plans to transform Webb Tract with a Nature-Based Solutions grant from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy.
The project on the 5,500-acre island is part of an effort to stop or reverse subsidence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration, create a mosaic of habitats with eco-cultural benefits, and explore sustainable farming opportunities in the Delta.
The public meeting will be held at the Big Break Visitor Center in Oakley from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
You can sign up for the project newsletter by emailing mstalvey@mwdh2o.com.
ONGOING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Rio Vista Bridge Closure for Ongoing Repairs
A repaving project on the Rio Vista Bridge (Helen Madere Memorial Bridge) on State Route 12 just east of Rio Vista will cause a 55-hour weekend bridge closure from 9 p.m. Jan. 10 to 4 a.m. Jan. 13.
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Draft Delta Adapts Adaptation Plan Out for Public Comment
The public may review and comment on the draft Adaptation Plan of the Delta Stewardship Council's Delta Adapts initiative through Jan. 17 .
Access the draft Adaptation Plan (PDF).
Comments may be emailed to climatechange@deltacouncil.ca.gov or mailed to:
Delta Stewardship Council Attn: Morgan Chow 715 P Street, 15-300 Sacramento, CA 95814
Timeline Extended - Marine Traffic Bridge Closures in SJ County Through March
San Joaquin County movable-span bridges will be temporarily closed to marine traffic through March 29. The bridges will be open to vehicles, but may be reduced to one lane of travel at times.
Affected bridges are the Eight Mile Road Bridge at Honker Cut Canal, the Bacon Island Road Bridge at Middle River, and the Tracy Boulevard Bridge at the Grant Line Canal.
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Isleton Bridge Scheduled for Daily Closures Through June 30
The Isleton Bridge on State Route 160 near the city of Isleton will be closed to all motorists during daytime hours into the early evening. The closures are to allow ongoing parts replacements, and mechanical and electrical control system upgrades.
River Road and the Walnut Grove Bridge will be the alternate route.
Closures will take place 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays through June 30. Weather conditions could delay or cancel scheduled work on some days.
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DELTA AGENCY MEETINGS
2025 DPC Schedule
The 2025 schedule for the Delta Protection Commission's public bodies - the Commission, the Delta Protection Advisory Committee, and the NHA Advisory Committee - is now available.
Not sure which Delta agency is which? This fact sheet (PDF) explains the missions and roles of the Delta Protection Commission, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy and the Delta Stewardship Council.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
To list your community event in Delta Happenings, email information to submit@delta.ca.gov. The next issue of the newsletter is scheduled for Jan. 14; the deadline to submit events for that issue issue is Jan. 9.
Jan. 1 in Oakley: New Year Festival in the Park - connect with nature through games and crafts, with a kid-friendly toast at noon. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Big Break Visitor Center, 69 Big Break Road.
Jan. 4 in Antioch: Black Diamond Mining History Tour - explore 19th and 20th century mining. Ages 7 and older, hard hats required, jackets recommended. Register through Jan. 3. 10-11:30 a.m. at Black Diamond Mines, 5175 Somersville Road.
Jan. 13 in Rio Vista: Meeting about challenges facing the Brannan Island State Recreation Area. 6-8 p.m. at 45 Main St.
Jan. 20 in Antioch: MLK Day of Service at Antioch Community Park - join in mulching, painting and revamping restrooms. 9 a.m., 801 James Donlon Blvd.
Feb. 22 in Locke: Chinese New Year - lion dance, martial arts and tai chi demos, music, lecture, arts and crafts, puppet show, red envelope lucky money of the year for the first 100 visitors. Noon-4 p.m. on Main Street.
Harmful Algal Blooms Report
Here are the locations as of Monday, Dec. 30, of harmful algal bloom advisories in the Delta. Click on the button below for details and updates.
Danger advisory: Contra Loma Reservoir. Advice: STAY OUT OF THE WATER. Do not touch scum in the water or shore. Do NOT let pets go in the water, drink the water, or eat scum on the shore. Do not eat shellfish from this waterbody.
Caution advisory: Big Break Regional Shoreline Boat Launch. Advice: Stay away from algae and scum in the water. Do NOT let pets go in the water, drink the water, or eat scum on the shore. Keep Children away from algae. Do not eat shellfish from this waterbody.
Send us your Delta news, events, or photos: submit@delta.ca.gov
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Delta Protection Commission 2101 Stone Blvd Suite 200, West Sacramento, CA 95691
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