Delta Happenings
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In this issue
NEWS
Ongoing: Bridge Work, Comment Deadlines, Calls for Abstracts
Delta Agency Meetings
Community Events: Historical Society BBQ, Sip & Stroll, Wines of Clarksburg
Harmful Algal Blooms
NEWS
DWR Calls Proposed Delta Tunnel 'Single Most Effective Action for a Sustainable Water Future for California'
An Aug. 19 report by the Department of Water Resources examines how a combination of strategies can help the State Water Project maintain reliable water deliveries to 27 million Californians despite hotter temperatures, more extreme storms, more severe droughts, and higher sea levels.
This first-ever State Water Project Adaptation Strategy (PDF) details over a dozen actions DWR is already taking or evaluating. It states the tunnel is the single most effective strategy on its own, but it also amplifies the impact of other strategies.
The governor has proposed fast-tracking the tunnel project. “The science is clear: California must quickly complete the Delta Conveyance Project in order to meet our water needs in the future," said Gov. Gavin Newsom. "It’s time to stop with the delays and fear tactics. We need Legislative approval to fast-track the benefits this project will secure.”
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Opposing Viewpoint: Delta Counties Coalition
 The Delta Counties Coalition strongly rejected the state's assertion last week that the proposed Delta tunnel would address climate change and provide a resilient, statewide water supply.
"These assertions are misleading and unsupported by evidence," Coalition Chair Pat Hume, a member of the Delta Protection Commission, said in a press release.
"The State should re-focus on maintaining and strengthening levees to protect the Delta’s freshwater pathway through the Delta to the existing export pumps, investing in above- and below-ground water storage, and expanding conservation and reuse across all sectors," the Coalition press release said.
Lundberg Family Farms, Bouldin Farming Company, named Rice-Farming Partners on Bacon Island and Webb Tract
 Webb Tract project map
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has selected Lundberg Family Farms and the Bouldin Farming Company as its partners to farm rice on two of its islands, Bacon Island and Webb Tract, respectively.
The 1,500-acre Webb Tract project provides funding to help offset the cost of land leveling needed to adapt the fields (identified in gray on the map above) for rice propagation.
Met has received a Nature-Based Solutions grant from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy for development of rice farming and wetlands on the island, both of which will stop or reverse the island's deep subsidence.
The Bacon Island project will deploy advanced rice farming techniques compatible with the Delta’s unique soils, creating wildlife-friendly habitats, and potentially generating carbon credits to enhance long-term land stewardship.
Ultimately, there will be 5,000 acres of rice on Bacon Island.
The conversion to rice can help address land subsidence, improve carbon sequestration, and support habitat for migratory birds and other Delta species. (Read a recent Delta Protection Commission report on this topic.)
Multiple Opportunities to Help Clean Delta Waterways
People can show their love for the Delta on Sept. 20 by joining one of many waterway cleanups as part of 2025 Coastal Cleanup Day.
Sites include Big Break Regional Shoreline, Rio Vista, multiple sites in San Joaquin County, Sherman Island, Ulatis Creek in Solano County, and West Sacramento.
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy has compiled a list with details of all the Delta cleanups.
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Delta Stewardship Council Invites Feedback on Public Participation Plan
As a California state agency guided by an appointed council, public participation is fundamental to the Delta Stewardship Council’s efforts.
The Council is in the process of updating its Public Participation Plan, and wants to hear from the public about it. Its goal is to ensure that the engagement process is open, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.
Take the survey, available in English and Spanish, by Oct. 2. Si necesita la traducción de esta encuesta en español, comuníquese con engage@deltacouncil.ca.gov.
Comment Period for Bay-Delta Plan Extended Through Sept. 29
The State Water Resources Control Board has adjusted the hearing dates and comment period deadline for the revised draft updates to the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Watershed (Bay-Delta Plan).
The deadline for comments in writing is Sept. 29 and oral comments are invited at a hearing now scheduled on September 25 and 26.
Interagency Ecological Program Workshop Dates: March 16-18, 2026
The next Annual IEP Workshop will be held March 16-18, 2026, in Sacramento.
The workshop will be a free, hybrid event with oral presentations livestreamed over Zoom for virtual attendees. Workshop registration will open in early February 2026.
The mission of the IEP is to provide and integrate relevant and timely ecological information for management of the San Francisco Bay‐Delta ecosystem and the water that flows through it.
Abstracts for the workshop are due midnight Oct. 10.
ONGOING: BRIDGE CLOSURES, DEADLINES
Invasive Species Symposium Call for Abstracts - Deadline Aug. 29
Eight Mile Bridge Overnight Closures - Aug. 25-29, Sept. 2-5, Sept. 8-13
Farmland Conversion Preliminary Study Comment Deadline - Sept. 8
Bay-Delta Plan Updates Written Comment Deadline - Sept. 29
IEP Workshop Call for Abstracts - Deadline Oct. 10
DELTA AGENCY MEETINGS
The 2025 schedule for the Delta Protection Commission's public bodies is available here. It includes meeting packets and approved minutes.
Aug. 28: Delta Stewardship Council meets. The agenda is posted here.
Sept. 4: Delta Protection Commission meets at 11 a.m. The agenda is posted here.
Sept. 18: Delta Protection Commission meets at 5 p.m. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.
Oct. 7: Delta Protection Advisory Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.
Oct. 22: Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy meets at 9 a.m. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.
Oct. 29: Delta NHA Advisory Committee meets at 1 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 Sept. 9; the deadline to submit events for that issue is Sept. 4.
 Aug. 28 in Antioch: Contra Costa County Block Party - county services, food trucks, activities. 4-7 p.m. at the Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way.
Aug. 30 on Brannan Island: Learn to fish - learn the anatomy of your fishing rod, how to tie a basic knot, and see the different kinds of bait and lures, then try catching your first fish. 10 a.m. at the fishing pier at the Brannan Island State Recreation Area, 17645 CA-160, Rio Vista.
Sept. 5 in Stockton: San Joaquin County 175th Anniversary Gala. 6 p.m. at the Haggin Museum.
Sept. 6:
On Brannan Island: Brannan Island State Recreation Area Public Cleanup Day. 10 a.m. starting at the swim beach at the Brannan Island State Recreation Area, 17645 CA-160, Rio Vista.
In Walnut Grove: Delta Meadows Biodiversity Walk - a leisurely stroll guided by interpretive staff as they discuss the property's native species and types of habitat on the site. 10 a.m. at the Meadows Slough Trail.
In Rio Vista: Little Free Library and Pollinator Garden Celebration - celebrate the installation of a little free library created by the Rio Vista Youth Air Protectors and help plant a native pollinator garden. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Rio Vista Roots Community Garden (please RSVP at the link)
Sept. 7 in Brentwood: East Contra Costa Historical Society Community BBQ - Grounds open11 a.m., BBQ served at 1 p.m. 3890 Sellers Ave.
Sept. 9 in Thornton: Delta Champions Dinner - honors the 2025 Delta Champions recognized by the Delta Leadership Foundation. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Perez Barn. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased here.
Sept. 13 in Rio Vista: Rio Vista Airport Day - vintage and experimental airplanes, food trucks and vendors, vintage cars and hotrods, pancake breakfast. Starts at 9 a.m. at Rio Vista Municipal Airport, 3000 Baumann Road.
Sept. 15 in Walnut Grove: Delta Meadows Birdwalk - a light walk through oak woodlands to see some of the birds that call these wetlands home. 9 a.m. at the Meadows Slough Trail.
Sept. 16-17 in Davis: Delta Independent Science Board Climate Symposium (PDF) - explore current climate projections for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, related uncertainties, and how this science is integrated into decision-making in the Delta. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m, Putah Creek Lodge.
Sept. 18 in Oakley: Sip & Stroll - enjoy Big Break-themed mocktails and hors d'oeuvres, relax with an art project and take an evening stroll in the park. 18 and over only. 6:30-8 p.m. at Big Break Visitor Center, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley.
Sept. 20 in various locations: Delta Waterway Cleanups - opportunities to beautify the Delta at Sherman Island, Big Break, the Broderick Boat Ramp, various sites in San Joaquin County, Sandy Beach in Rio Vista, and Ulatis Creek in Solano County.
Sept. 21 in Clarksburg: 35th Annual Wines of Clarksburg at Heringer Estates - celebrating 60 years of Friends of the Clarksburg Library. 1-5 p.m. at 37375 Netherlands Road.
Harmful Algal Blooms Report
 Here is the location, as of Monday, Aug. 25, of harmful algal bloom advisories in the Delta. Click on the button below for details and updates.
Danger advisory: 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.
- Contra Loma Reservoir
- Smith Canal - Louis Park boat ramp
Caution advisories: 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.
- Buckley Cove near Buckley Cove Boat Launch
- Delta Coves - corner of Point Place/Delta Coves Drive
- Delta Coves - entire cove near Bethel Island
- Delta Coves - near Sea Gate Pl and across entire cove
- Discovery Bay - Willow Lake
- McLeod Lake - Morelli Park
- San Joaquin River - Windmill Cove
- Victoria Canal near Union Point
Visual observations: 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.
- Grant Line Canal - east of Temporary Barrier
- Grant Line Canal - near Old River
- Old River at Clifton Court intake
- Old River near Doughty Cut
- Old River downstream of the ORT barrier
- Old River at Head of Old River
- Old River at Mountain House
- West Canal at Clifton Court intake
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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