San Joaquin Valley

Environment

Drought emergency declared in Central Valley, Klamath region

Pressured by growers and legislators, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency in 39 counties as most of California experiences severe drought. The order, which affects more than half of the state, will expedite water sales among growers while allowing state officials to keep reservoirs full and river fish protected.

By Rachel Becker • May 10, 2021

Environment

Newsom orders ban on new oil fracking by 2024

The move comes after environmentalists lambasted Newsom for failing to tackle California’s oil and gas production. The oil industry called it an “illegal mandate” and vowed to fight it. Fracking accounts for only 17% of California's oil production.

By Rachel Becker and Laurel Rosenhall • April 23, 2021

Commentary

Strong state oversight needed to ensure California’s wetlands are protected

Audubon reviewed eight groundwater management plans and found that they fell short in their consideration of managed wetlands.

By Guest Commentary • March 29, 2021

Environment

Air board tells San Joaquin Valley growers to phase out burns by 2025

Valley residents have waited more than a decade for the end of burns at vineyards and groves that spew smoke. Several board members pushed for quicker action, but the board voted to grant four more years.

By Rachel Becker • February 25, 2021

WhatMatters

CA GOP smooths party fractures ahead of recall

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, February 22. Trump key sticking point The California Republican Party is attempting to balance on a political tightrope by keeping its eyes on the prize: recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom. That dynamic was evident at the state GOP’s online convention this weekend, in which chairwoman Jessica Patterson — who was handily […]

By Emily Hoeven • February 22, 2021

Environment

Up in smoke: Burns in San Joaquin Valley vineyards, orchards may finally end

California’s air board will vote this week on stopping burns that spew plumes of smoke that can trigger asthma attacks. The move is long in coming — it was supposed to end a decade ago under state law.

By Rachel Becker • February 22, 2021

Coronavirus

In race to vaccinate, could California see another surge?

Will California's bumpy vaccine rollout, more contagious coronavirus mutations, and decision to open up the state send COVID-19 cases surging again?

By Ana B. Ibarra • February 5, 2021

WhatMatters

Newsom’s reopening about-face raises questions

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, January 26. Data remains murky Monday was a day of coronavirus whiplash for many Californians as state health officials abruptly lifted the regional stay-at-home order and Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a major shift in the state’s vaccine plan. All but four counties are now in the purple tier of California’s […]

By Emily Hoeven • January 26, 2021

Commentary

Water partnerships between cities and farms would help prepare for a changing climate

Valley farmers and Southern California cities could improve water security if they jointly developed and managed some water supplies.

By Guest Commentary • January 20, 2021

WhatMatters

The vaccine arrives in California: Health care workers up first

Thousands of California health care workers may receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine today, marking a promising new chapter in the state’s battle with the pandemic even as deadly outbreaks flare up.  Portions of California’s initial allotment of 327,000 doses were slated to begin arriving at health care facilities Sunday night, with shipments […]

By Emily Hoeven • December 14, 2020