Restore the Delta

If you have read my posts before, you would know that I consider the status of the Sacramento - San Joaquin River Delta to be one of the most important issues for the future of California. Even the Public Policy Institute of California has spent a lot of effort Envisioning Futures for the Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta.

The non-profit Restore the Delta has announced a public event educate everyone regarding Healthy Delta Communities. After some discussion with Restore the Delta, I have come to an agreement that would allow the Green Party of California to be a co-sponsor of this event (details at the bottom of this post).

I see it accomplishing several important things.

• The goal of having a wide range of health delta communities, human or ecological, is a Green Goal.
• It will re-establish the Green Party as a voice in the environmental community.
• It will help to revitalize the Green Party in San Joaquin County, if we do this right.

I am looking for two things. To begin with, I have given my personal guarante of a contribution of $500 to this cause on behalf of the Green Party of California. I would like others to contribute toward this by sending a donation to Friends of the River (temporarily handling the accounting for Restore the Delta). Any contribution is fully tax deductible. You can do so online. Make sure to fill in "For Restore the Delta Healthy Communities" in the comments section of the form.

I am also looking for some volunteers from the Stockton / Lodi area who can help with meeting day logistics, set up, etc. I will post a contact for that as soon as I get one.

On May 2, 2007, Restore the Delta will be hosting an event open to the Delta community entitled “Healthy Delta Communities.” This event, unlike those sponsored by government agencies, will be held from 6-9 p.m. so that working Delta locals can participate. It will be held at Elkhorn School, 10505 N. Davis Road, Stockton.

The evening’s program will feature:

• An update from Restore the Delta to community members on our efforts over the last six months;
• A fascinating Google Map presentation by Dr. Bob Twiss, Professor Emeritus UC Berkeley, on the status and threats to the Delta;
• A panel discussion on threats to the Delta, featuring Restore the Delta Board Members and Advisors Mick Canevari, Dan Bacher, Barry Nelson, Andrea Treece, and Bill Jennings;
• A panel discussion on solutions to managing the Delta featuring Restore the Delta Advisors Tom Zuckerman, Dante Nomellini, Barry Nelson, and Mindy McIntyre;
• Roll out for developing a Healthy Delta Communities Plan and other community
  participation opportunities.

This event is free and open to the public; however, we ask that you RSVP to Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla (Barbara@restorethedelta.org) so that we have a guess at how many will be attending. Please tell your friends and neighbors about “Healthy Delta Communities.”