Delta Happenings

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In this issue

EVENTS

NEWS

• Bay-Delta Plan Update Released
• Ag Alert: Rice Farming in the Delta
• Star Theater in Locke Purchased by Nonprofit
• USACE Publishes Yolo Bypass Report
• 2026 Delta Science Plan Released
• Former DPC Chair to Be Honored
• Sherman Island Cleanup: Sept. 19
• Hunter Input Sought on Yolo, Grizzly Hunting Programs

ONGOING

• Delta Champions Awards - Dinner on Sept. 10
• Construction for New Signal on SR-12
• Upcoming SR-4 Closures
• J-Mack Ferry Closed through Sept. 11

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS UPDATE

DELTA AGENCY MEETINGS

Publication Schedule

Delta Happenings will not publish on Sept. 8; it will return on Sept. 22.

EVENTS

Here's a sampling of upcoming events you'll find on our VisitCADelta calendar: Boats and Berries Festival and Car Show in Bethel Island on Aug. 29 Martinez Sesquicentennial Festival on Aug. 29 Natural and Cultural History Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve on Sept. 5 Delta Harvest Run in Brentwood on Sept. 13 View the events calendar here. Got an event for the calendar? Submit your Delta event here.

NEWS

Bay-Delta Plan Update Released

The Sacramento/Delta update to the Bay-Delta Plan was released for public review by the State Water Resources Control Board on Aug. 19. Documents available for review are:

• Final draft Bay-Delta Plan (PDF)
• Final Staff Report, including written responses to previously submitted comments
• Final Scientific Basis Report Supplement (PDF) in support of Voluntary Agreements (also referred to as the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal)

Written comments on the update are due Sept. 18.

Ag Alert: Rice Farming in the Delta

Corn has long been a staple crop in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. But in recent years, reports have shown a change in the region’s agricultural makeup as more Delta farmers turn to rice - a move supported by state dollars.

Read more about efforts on Staten Island from the California Farm Bureau's Ag Alert.

Related: Take a peek at a 400-acre wetland restoration effort on Staten Island funded by the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy.

Star Theater in Locke Purchased by Nonprofit

Locke Prior Residents, Descendants and Ascendants (LockePRDA) announced last week it has completed the purchase of the historic Star Theater in Locke. The purchase clears the way to preserve one of the Delta's important surviving landmarks of Chinese American community life. Learn more about the theater.

USACE Publishes Yolo Bypass Report

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published its Yolo Bypass Draft Interim Integrated Comprehensive Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment last week.

The report outlines proposed actions for the Yolo Bypass Comprehensive Study. The study authority allows for:

• Additional monitoring and adaptive management of the existing Yolo Bypass System.
• Follow-on activities to design and construct flood risk management and aquatic ecosystem restoration features.
• Recommendations for future feasibility studies that could lead to the construction of new water resources development projects that complement the existing Yolo Bypass System. 

2026 Delta Science Plan Released

Following years of development and engagement with the Delta region’s science community, The Delta Stewardship Council on Monday shared its 2026 Delta Science Plan: Strengthening Science in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

The third iteration of the Delta Science Plan builds on the 2013 and 2019 plans, with an updated “how-to” guide for a more collaborative and forward-looking approach to science in the Delta.

Former DPC Chair to Be Honored

Former Delta Protection Commission Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli will be honored Sept. 26 by the Sacramento River Delta Historical Society.

The Delta Award honors individuals whose dedication and service have helped preserve, strengthen, and enhance the heritage and communities of the Delta region.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite or by emailing srdhspresident@gmail.com.

Sherman Island Cleanup: Sept. 19

Celebrate Coastal Cleanup Day by participating in a Sherman Island cleanup 9 a.m.-noon on Sept. 19.

The event is a partnership of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy and the Rio Vista Windsports Association.

Hunter Input Sought on Hunting Programs at Yolo Bypass, Grizzly Island Wildlife Areas

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will hold an outreach meeting online 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 to hear comments and recommendations from licensed hunters regarding Yolo Bypass and Grizzly Island wildlife area hunting opportunities.

ONGOING

Delta Champions Awards - Dinner on Sept. 10

The Delta Leadership Foundation will honor its 2026 Delta Champions on Sept. 10 at Delta Diamond Farm in Isleton. Dinner tickets are available here.

Construction for New Signal on SR-12

Construction on a new signal for Highway 12 at Jackson Slough Road will lead to reversing one-way traffic control overnights Monday through Friday, 8 p.m.-5 a.m., during construction, which is expected to run through fall. Learn more.

Upcoming SR-4 Closures

Long-term, 24-hour, one-way traffic control will be implemented on SR-4 at the Old River Bridge (San Joaquin/Contra Costa County line) for construction through November. Learn more.

Overnight full closures, including lane and ramp closures, on westbound and eastbound SR-4 between SR-160 and Byron Highway will continue Sunday through Thursday nights, between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. Learn more.

J-Mack Ferry Closed through Aug. 21

Suspension of service for the J-Mack Ferry has been extended to 12:01 p.m. Sept. 11, according to the Caltrans QuickMap app. View the original announcement.

Harmful Algal Blooms Update

As of Monday, Aug. 24, these are the locations of harmful algal bloom advisories in the Delta.

For all areas with 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.

1. Big Break Regional Shoreline - Boat Launch, Danger
2. Delta Coves - North, Caution
3. Victoria Canal - near Union Point, Visual Observation
4. West Canal - at Clifton Court Intake, Visual Observation
5. Old River - at Clifton Court Intake, Visual Observation
6. Grant Line Canal - near Old River, Visual Observation
7. Old River - downstream of the ORT barrier, Visual Observation
8. Old River - at Mountain House, Visual Observation
9. Grant Line Canal - east of Temporary Barrier, Visual Observation
10. Old River - near Doughty Cut, Visual Observation
11. Old River - at head of Old River, Visual Observation

DELTA AGENCY MEETINGS

The 2026 schedule for the Delta Protection Commission's public bodies is here. The schedule includes meeting packets as they become available, and approved minutes.

Aug. 27: Delta Stewardship Council meets. The agenda is posted here.

Sept. 17: Delta Protection Commission meets at 5 p.m. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.

Sept. 17: Delta Independent Science Board meets at 11 a.m. The agenda will be posted here 10 days in advance.

Sept. 23: Delta NHA Advisory Committee meets at 4 p.m. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.

Oct. 6: Delta Protection Advisory Committee meets. The agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance.

Oct. 28: The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy board meets 9 a.m.-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.

Send us your Delta news, events, or photos:
submit@delta.ca.gov

The DPC is on social media:
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Delta Protection Commission
2101 Stone Blvd Suite 200, West Sacramento, CA 95691

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