San Joaquin Valley

Stockton struggles with an identity crisis, born out of geography and a distance that impedes everything: access to industry, audiences and opportunities.

The term “Proposition 50” doesn’t ring a bell with many residents of the rural San Joaquin Valley. But even some of the most disengaged voters say they’re familiar with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to redraw California’s congressional maps in response to Texas.

A San Francisco Democrat wants to streamline permitting and speed up the state’s high-speed rail construction. His proposal just died in the Legislature’s secretive “suspense file” hearing, following strong objections from local governments and utilities.

In a new report for the Legislature, the California High-Speed Rail Authority's top executive seems to be betting that a blunt conversation and different funding strategy could convince lawmakers to back a new direction for the project.

A bill seeking to curtail legal battles over groundwater management in California goes too far, says a water district leader in Kern County.

A legal loophole in California law is being exploited by deep-pocketed water users who use lawsuits to challenge the technical findings of plans critical to achieving sustainability.

President Donald Trump denounced California's bullet train and said his administration would investigate how federal dollars have been spent. The remarks followed a critical inspector general report casting doubt on the project's timeline.

New operating rules for massive Delta systems will increase water deliveries to Southern California cities and some growers. Salmon numbers could drop, especially in dry years.

UC Merced has fallen far short of enrollment goals, spends more to operate than other UC campuses and has had less economic impact than expected.

Most ships discharging ballast water into California waters are inspected, but state officials have tested the water of only 16 ships. Experts say invaders like mussels are inevitable under current rules and enforcement.