Delta Happenings
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In this issue
NEWS
Ongoing Events - Opportunities, Bridge Closures
Delta Agency Meetings
Community Events: USS Lucid Open House, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Update, Brentwood Day of Service
Harmful Algal Blooms
NEWS
Antioch Bridge on NTSB List
The Antioch Bridge is on a list of 68 bridges frequented by ocean-going vessels that have not been assessed for vessel-collision risk based on recent vessel traffic.
The National Transportation Safety Board developed the list in the wake of the March 2024 collision of the containership Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.
"The 30 owners of 68 bridges over navigable waterways frequented by ocean-going vessels are likely unaware of their bridges' risk of catastrophic collapse from a vessel collision and the potential need to implement countermeasures to reduce the bridges' vulnerability," the report, "Safeguarding Bridges from Vessel Strikes," states.
The Antioch Bridge, owned by the Bay Area Toll Authority, is classified as a "typical" bridge; the Francis Scott Key Bridge was classified as "critical/essential" because it served as an important link in the Strategic Highway Network.
The Toll Authority has four other bridges on the list, three in the "critical/essential" category: Richmond-San Rafael, Carquinez, and Benicia-Martinez. The other "typical" bridge owned by the authority is the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.
A spokesman for the Toll Authority told the Los Angeles Times (subscription may be required) it had begun working with Caltrans last July to assess vessel traffic throughout the Bay.
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New Delta Ecosystem Regulations Take Effect
The Delta Stewardship Council has amended the California Code of Regulations, title 23, sections 5001 through 5015, and added section 5005.1, Appendix 3A, Appendix 4A, and Appendix 8A.
These regulations:
- Require state and local agencies to disclose contributions for ecosystem function restoration and the social benefits provided in the Delta.
- Require disclosure of cultural, recreational, agricultural, and natural resources benefits anticipated from the completion of the covered action.
- Require state and local agencies to explain how certain projects will accommodate for issues associated with sea level rise.
- Require agencies to explain how projects will safeguard against levee failure.
- Redefine the range of levees on certain rivers.
They also define new terms and amend the Council's existing mitigation and reporting requirements.
“This is a milestone for the Delta," said Executive Officer Jessica R. Pearson (shown above). "These regulations will help ensure a healthier, more resilient ecosystem for generations to come.”
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Photo Gallery: Delta Leaders 'Getting to Yes'
 The 2025 Delta Leadership Program learned the fine art of negotiating mutually beneficial solutions at Big Break Regional Shoreline last month. The program is a joint effort of the Delta Protection Commission and the Delta Leadership Foundation.
Metropolitan Water District to Lease Ag Land on Bacon Island
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has released a Request for Proposals for the lease of agricultural land on Bacon Island.
The property includes approximately 5,600 gross acres, offered either in its entirety or as two separate parcels.
To attend an April 10 site visit (weather permitting), email BaconIslandRFP@mwdh2o.com today, April 8.
California Forever Exploring Building a Shipyard in the Delta
California Forever is exploring building a shipyard on land it owns in the Delta, 2 miles east of Collinsville.
The company cited a 1989 Solano County study of the Collinsville Montezuma Hills area indicating potential for maritime use.
Read the California Forever statement here, and a San Francisco Chronicle article here (subscription may be required).
2025 Delta Life Magazine Available
The 2025 issue of Delta Life Magazine has been printed and is available at 23 Main St. in Isleton.
This issue features articles on:
- Delta Ferries
- Clarksburg Schoolhouse
- Brannan Island State Park
- Delta Farmers Market
- Asian American Heritage Park
- Sac River Delta & the Arts
- Kimball Island
- California Delta Fishing
- Delta Rice Production
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Sherman Island Cleanup Planned
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The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy is partnering with the Rio Vista Windsports Association for a cleanup on Sherman Island this month.
The event goes from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26.
The organizers will provide trash bags, litter pickers, gloves, and light refreshments/snacks.
They encourage participants to bring a water bottle, and to wear closed-toe shoes, hats, and sunscreen.
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ONGOING EVENTS
DPC Job Opening: Staff Services Manager - April 18 Deadline to Apply
Delta Protection Advisory Committee Openings - Through May 1
Rio Vista Bridge Closures - Some Weekends Through June 23
Marine Traffic Closure: Eight Mile Road Bridge - Through June 26
Isleton Bridge Scheduled for Daily Closures - Through June 30
Paintersville Bridge Scheduled for Daily Closures - Through Aug. 1
DELTA AGENCY MEETINGS
The 2025 schedule for the Delta Protection Commission's public bodies is available here.
April 23: Delta NHA Advisory Committee meets at 1 p.m. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.
April 24-25:Delta Stewardship Council. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.
May 15: Delta Protection Commission meets at 5 p.m. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.
May 28: Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy meets at 9 a.m. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.
June 3: Delta Protection Advisory Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.
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 AND MEETINGS
To list your community event in Delta Happenings, email information to submit@delta.ca.gov. The next issue of the newsletter is scheduled for April 22; the deadline to submit events for that issue is April 17.
April 10 in Davis: Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area update - part of the Yolo Basin Foundation Flyway Nights Speaker series, this event features Wildlife Area Manager Garrett Spaan. 7 p.m. via Zoom, donation suggested.
April 12 (Rio Vista Bridge scheduled to be closed):
In Antioch: City of Antioch Eggstravaganza & Rec Expo at Antioch Water Park - photos, land and water egg hunts, activity demonstrations, games and crafts. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 4701 Lone Tree Way.
In Brentwood: Community Day of Service - projects and activities for all ages and all abilities. Starts at 9 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3814 Balfour Road.
In Rio Vista: Mad Hatter's Tea Party - entertainment, prizes, games, raffle. 11:30 a.m. at the museum; tickets required.
In Stockton: USS Lucid Spring Open House - see progress on the restoration of this minesweeper. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 3100 Monte Diablo Ave.
April 13 in Martinez: Mount Diablo Aerial Beacon Restoration Talk - Contra Costa County Historical Society Author in the Archive Series presents author John Gallagher. 4:30 p.m. at the Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St.
April 19 in Antioch: Celebrate Antioch Easter Egg-Stravaganza - egg hunts at Rivertown Merchants noon-4 p.m. and Waldie Plaza 1-4 p.m.; also at Waldie Plaza, a petting zoo 1-3 p.m. and photos 3-4 p.m.
April 26:
In Davis: California Duck Days, a family-oriented outdoor festival with nature-themed arts and crafts, live animals, wetland science activities, interactive exhibits, Wildlife Area tours, and food trucks. $25 per car, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters, 4521 County Road 32B (East Chiles Road). This event is co-sponsored by the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area and Delta Protection Commission.
In Rio Vista: Rio Vista Fire Department Hotshots and Professional Firefighters Association Fun, Food, and Gaming Fundraiser. 4:30-9 p.m. at 45 Main St.
May 10 in Locke (Rio Vista Bridge scheduled to be closed): Asian Pacific Spring Festival - lion dance, martial arts, taiko drums, dance, music, brush painting. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Main Street.
Harmful Algal Blooms Report
 Here is the location, as of Monday, April 7, of one harmful algal bloom advisory in the Delta. Click on the button below for details and updates.
Caution advisory: Contra Loma Reservoir. 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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