[Water_news] 2. DWR'S CALIFORNIA WATER NEWS: SUPPLY -10/31/08

Department of Water Resources

California Water News

A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment 

 

October 31, 2008

 

2. Supply –

 

Opinion:

Farmers don't want to take it anymore

Capital Press – 10/30/08

By Don Curlee

Don Curlee is a veteran ag editor and freelancer in Clovis, Calif.

The year: 1976. In the blockbuster movie "Network" the television anchor man played by Peter Finch encouraged people all over the country to go to their open windows and yell: "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore."

The year: 2008. Several California farmers, most of them in the Central Valley, are lining up at their open windows and clearing their throats.

In the movie the fed-up and frustrated citizens were beset by over-regulation and government meddling in every aspect of their lives. For Central Valley farmers the issue is the same, most of it revolving around water or the lack of it.

A recent decision by the judiciary and by federal agencies has rankled many farmers even though those representing them have managed to put a happy face on it of farmer acceptance and resignation. That image has been accepted by the media, but more intense emotions are roiling beneath the surface.

A militant group called Families Protecting the Valley is dedicated to raising awareness of Central Valley issues as related to farming and external forces that compete for the water farmers traditionally have used for irrigating their crops.

It is led by staunch conservative Fresno businessman Tal Cloud, who deals in agricultural products that are widely used by farmers and in the processing and packaging of farm products. Cloud has been deeply involved in farm water issues as a consultant and problem solver.

A major focus of Cloud's group is the San Joaquin Valley settlement that allots water formerly slated for irrigation to salmon-related restoration of the San Joaquin River. Removal of federal funding from the bill authorizing the restoration has left farmers as the only source of the $500 million required, a pill not easily swallowed.

Also the group will emphasize the need for major revisions in the Endangered Species Act, the federal measure that demands water and property rights to protect species designated by esoteric and obscure agencies and influences to be threatened and endangered.

In Kern County another group of farmers has organized the Coalition for a Sustainable Delta. It has brought suit against the City of Stockton, the County of San Joaquin and one or more power plants operating on the edge of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, charging pollution of waters there.

While this group's focus is the condition of the Delta and the water that flows through it to 23 million Californians, a fair share of it for agricultural use, it maintains a perspective on the total water supply situation the state faces.

Its members would love to see state and federal legislators more in touch with the water supply issue, and a lot more committed to improving it.

Sometimes the source of the farmer frustration is described as food versus fish. But that is only part of the issue. The upset goes deeper. It deals with fundamentals of the system that has resulted in the basic development of America. It is a frustration that goes to the depths of many farmers' souls.

So, if some crisp evening, when the TV is turned low, listen carefully. You might hear that chorus echoing across your neighborhood: "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore." Perhaps you'll want to join in.#

http://www.capitalpress.info/main.asp?SectionID=84&SubSectionID=777&ArticleID=45707&TM=83278.34

 

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