DELTA VOICE - the Delta Protection Commission
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DELTA VOICE
A publication of the Delta Protection Commission Winter 2021
CONTENTS
Pages 1-2
Rice Production and Exports Fields
of
Page 3
The Business of Birding
Dreams
Pages 4-5
Spotlight on Isleton’s
Iva Walton
Pages 6-7
Art Deco
Page 8
Delta Agency Meetings & Delta Rice Production and Exports
Delta Broadband Efforts
Delta agriculture is known for field crops: corn, alfalfa, wheat, and other
grain crops – including rice.
Rice has a limited history in the Delta. In the 1950s and 1960s, rice varieties
grown in California had two problems when planted in the Delta. Rice stalks
grew too tall in stature due to the rich Delta peat soil and would then ‘lodge”
(fall over under the weight of their seed heads), creating harvesting issues.
Delta Protection Commission Also, the cool Delta nights would create “blanks” – grains not properly
2101 Stone Blvd., Suite 240 developing in the seed heads and thus light yields.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
www.delta.ca.gov Continued on page 2...
a publication of the Delta Protection Commission Winter 2021 - Page 2
Plant breeders developed varieties to counter these Rice grown in the Delta is a medium-grain variety
problems, and rice production became a crop that could common to the Sacramento Valley. And speaking of the
be grown on Delta field crop land. Early adopters of Sacramento Valley – how can Delta-grown rice compete
these improved rice varietals were farmers on Brack with the state’s massive production there? Because the
Tract and Rindge Tract, located just west of Stockton Sacramento Valley is undergoing the same nut boom
and Lodi; rice has also been grown on Lower Roberts (conversion of rice production to permanent nut tree
Island. These areas are all part of the deeply subsided orchards) as many other California agricultural areas,
Delta, where peat soil oxidation has reduced the surface rice processors are seeking new areas of production.
elevation of farmland below sea level. Rice production, The Delta can satisfy this perfectly.
because the soil is wetted during the months when peat
oxidation is most extensive, can substantially reduce And what becomes of Delta rice? After initial processing
further subsidence. (drying and milling), Delta rice is consumed as either
whole grain (some of it even exported to Asia and other
Rice was grown on 7,500 acres of Delta farmland in parts of the globe through the Delta’s two ports in
2016. The crop has experienced significant increases in Stockton and West Sacramento), or further processed
plantings over the past several growing seasons, with for food products. If you enjoy Budweiser beer (and
more to come. Staten Island produced 350 acres of rice who doesn’t!), you might have consumed some Delta-
in 2020 but there are plans to expand that to 4,000 grown rice.
acres by 2025. Similar increased plantings are occurring
on Rindge and Terminous Tracts.
Exporting Rice from the
Rice produces a favorable return to farmers compared
to other field crops, but does require an upfront invest- Port of West Sacramento
ment to prepare the farmland (primarily laser-leveling
fields to ensure appropriate water-level management). The Delta’s Port of West Sacramento ships
One buyer for Delta rice is agribusiness giant ADM, around 300,000 tons of bagged and bulk rice a
which will advance farmers $500/acre to pay for these year - making rice the port’s primary cargo!
ground preparation costs.
a publication of the Delta Protection Commission Winter 2021 - Page 3
THE BUSINESS cooperative effort of the Commission
and the Sacramento-San Joaquin
Delta Conservancy. Here anyone can
OF plan a perfect day of birding, dining,
and exploring in the Delta.
BIRDING
As we look into the Delta sky, we
marvel at the speed and extraordinary
and conferences can bring in
hundreds of people who swap
If you love bird watching, you are in
good company and part of a rising
trend. Bird watching supports many
local and national retailers. Nation-
wide, trip-related and equipment-
related expenditures associated with
birding generated nearly $107 billion
in total industry output, 666,000
maneuverability of the cranes, geese, stories about near misses, latest jobs, and $13 billion in local, state,
and small birds that dot the air. discoveries, new books, and the and federal tax revenue according
Always, too, we stare astonished at best viewing locations. Donna also the federal sources.
the synchrony of their movements. recommends checking the online
All change direction together. Rarely, classes offered though the web or
it seems even a single individual community colleges, or you can check
is out of phase with the others. on Facebook for local birder groups.
Stockton resident Donna Marciano,
who co-leads her local Christmas The Delta’s birdlife is famous due to
Bird Count, says when she sees this the diverse habitats and its location
event called murmuration she is along the Pacific Flyway. Public lands
amazed at the “coordination of like the Cosumnes River Preserve,
individuals to move with such Brannan Island State Recreation
grace, dancing in the air.” No Area, Stone Lakes National Wildlife Our own Assistant Executive
matter how often we have seen it, Refuge, and Yolo Bypass Wildlife Director, Natasha Nelson
we tend to ask ourselves “How?” Area offer rich birding opportunities. is a birder!
The synchronous flight of birds is Sandhill Cranes are among the most
often a gateway to bird watching charismatic of the Delta’s birds, and
(and counting) as a lifelong hobby. the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve So grab a pair of binoculars and
offers Sandhill Crane tours during head out into the Delta. There are
To support this hobby, local Audubon fall and winter months. Visitors and many opportunities to satisfy both
chapters have been established in locals alike can learn about this beginning and serious birders. Plus,
many areas and are brimming with region’s birding locations at the you may meet some new friends –
fellow bird lovers. Their meetings www.VisitCADelta.com website, a after all, “birds of a feather…”
a publication of the Delta Protection Commission Winter 2021 - Page 4
How
IVA
WALTON
Hit the Ground Running
The Delta’s varied landscape,
remoteness, quiet byways and
contrasting funky vibe of marina
communities famously inspires
artists and creatives to work their
magic and produce the fruit of
their imagination just as its soil
and climate support farmers in
producing the fruits of the field. It
doesn’t come easy though - both
the Delta artist and the Delta farmer
come by their calluses honestly,
whether it’s setting up an exhibit or
maintaining irrigation. But for many
the effort is worth it so long as they
can call the Delta home and its
residents their neighbors.
It’s no surprise that Iva Walton,
with a wealth of artistic experience
and business savvy, was likewise
captivated by the Delta from her first
visit in 1989. Years later she drew on
both talents to set down roots with
the vision of creating a true communi-
ty gathering spot at the Mei Wah Beer
Room, her establishment in Isleton.
Walton’s passion for craft beers was
a publication of the Delta Protection Commission Winter 2021 - Page 5
cultivated during a previous career Sarah McGee and Mike Abood).
in theatre. As tour manager for Walton is a Chamber of Commerce
Axis Dance, a company integrating member and has worked with former
disabled and non-disabled dancers Chamber president and longtime
that toured widely nationally and Isleton resident Jean Yokotobi and
internationally, she was often on others in efforts to spruce up Main
the road during the 1990s, when Street. One effort they are proud
independent craft brewing was of, as yet unfunded, is a series of
rapidly rising in popularity. The banners with artwork designed by
experience took her through small the late, much-beloved artist Marty
and mid-sized towns all over the Stanley that would be mounted
country. Iva fell in love with the along Main Street. “We know what
friendly brew-pub culture that needs to be done, we just need to
creates connections between find the means to do it” Walton says.
people and draws them together
over something to enjoy and share.
And it’s not just the beer that brings
The openness and friendliness
in the customers. Iva’s ambition is
of the Isleton community was
to create a warm and welcoming
reminiscent of the friendly
atmosphere for longtime residents,
communities she encountered on
visitors, and newcomers alike.
tour. It was a perfect fit.
Equipped with a degree in art and a
minor in psychology plus her theatre
A recent arrival by Delta standards –
design background, there is plenty
the Mei Wah opened in 2017 – the
of creativity behind the Mei Wah’s
Beer Room has been a hit, in 2020
success. Furthermore, Walton has
winning both the Sacramento County
a keen eye for detail honed during
Small Business of the Year award and
the “Best of the Delta,” in the Best her career as a tile-setting contrac-
Bar category. The recognition is well tor specializing in Art Deco designs.
deserved, and hard-earned. Walton She recognizes the importance of
takes pride in her carefully curated, the building both to the commu-
often local selections on 24 taps with nity and to its place it occupies on A sense of civic duty and
two non-alcoholic offerings such as Main Street. To highlight the historic commitment to community
KC Kombucha and nitro coffee. elements of the building’s interior led Iva to a successful run for
and exterior, she spent considerable Isleton City Council in 2018.
time renovating, finding materials She considers it an honor to
and furnishings that suggest aspects serve, and “it’s easier to make
of its storied past. She researched a difference” in an Isleton-
and found reproductions of historic sized city. As she enters the
Isleton photographs for display that third year of her term, she
have been recognized by more than is eager for short-term fixes
one local. “that we can move forward
on,” such as obtaining funding
Partnerships with fellow Isleton for the banners, as well as
businesses are important to her. She identifying mid-term and long-
offers food provided by neighboring term fixes through the
businesses on Main Street, currently General Plan update process
featuring sandwiches from the newly currently underway
opened McBoodery (proprietors
a publication of the Delta Protection Commission Winter 2021 - Page 6
ART
The Delta’s Architectural
Gems of Times Past
DECO
While the cities and towns of the Sacramento-San Joaquin
Delta may not possess a significant concentration of
Art Deco architecture like San Francisco or Los Angeles,
Office (2) in downtown Stockton both provide office
space. The Gordon Hansen Company Building and
the Vista Theater Building in Rio Vista serve retailers
many hidden and no-so-hidden gems are found through- but still maintain their Art Deco exteriors. A former
out the region. fire station built in the Art Deco style in West
Sacramento is now occupied by Burgers and Brew,
Deco Architecture in the Delta a local restaurant chain.
Art Deco first appeared in France just before World War I. Sadly, there remain many Art Deco treasures in need
As communities in the Delta began to grow in the 1920s, of benefactors. The Gan Chy Chinese Restaurant (3),
so too did the influence of Art Deco on architecture. which once served as Stockton’s Greyhound Bus
Stockton, Rio Vista, Ryde, West Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Terminal, has been closed for some time. The city’s
Antioch, and Brentwood are some of the places where Empire Theater recently held live events but has since
Art Deco buildings are found in the Delta. Some buildings closed (4). The Enean Theatre in Pittsburgh also has
have been lovingly preserved or restored such as the an unknown future.
CineLux Delta Cinema in Brentwood. Others have been
repurposed or face uncertain futures. Other Deco Treasures
The Ryde Hotel serves as one of the best-known examples Art Deco was more than just architecture. As a style
of Art Deco architecture in the Delta. Perched above the of visual arts and design, it influenced art, jewelry,
Sacramento River three miles south of Walnut Grove, the fashion, automobile and train design, furnishings,
hotel has a storied history as a prohibition-era speakeasy. and home appliances. Examples can be found at the
The hotel now serves overnight guests, hosts weddings Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento and the Haggin
and events, and offers Sunday brunch. Museum in Stockton. At the California State Railroad
Museum in Old Sacramento, you can discover Art
In Stockton, several Art Deco buildings have been revitalized. Deco styling and design aboard the AT&SF dining car
The former Kress Department Store (1) and the U.S. Post Cochiti, part of the permanent display.
a publication of the Delta Protection Commission Winter 2021 - Page 7
1 3
2 4
Delta Agency Meetings Broadband in the Delta
January Broadband internet access continues to be a challenge
for many communities in the Delta. A study completed
January 21 - Delta Protection Commission Meeting by Valley Vision for the Commission has produced both
www.delta.ca.gov/commission-meetings a broadband map and a report card for communities in
Sacramento and Yolo Counties.
January 26 - Public Comment Workshop for the Draft
Economic Sustainability Plan Recreation and Tourism Broadband map: www.ow.ly/KJ4o50CNrl5
Chapter Update
www.delta.ca.gov/calendar/workshop-ESP-update Report card: www.ow.ly/l8ea50CNrl7
January 27 - Delta Conservancy board meeting
An interactive broadband map is also available to identify
www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov/board-meeting-materials
broadband access in other areas of the region:
www.broadbandmap.ca.gov
January 28 - Delta Stewardship Council Meeting
www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/council-meetings
It is important to document internet service speeds to
improve internet connectivity in the Delta. An easy way
February
for Delta residents and businesses to document their
February 25 - Delta Stewardship Council Meeting internet service speeds is to participate in the State’s
www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/council-meetings CalSPEED program. This program provides users with
a professional-level, industry-standard testing tool to
March measure the quality and speed of their mobile broad-
band connection and have that data transferred to the
March 18 - Delta Protection Commission Meeting California Public Utilities Commission, the official source
www.delta.ca.gov/commission-meetings identifying areas of broadband deficiency.
March 24 - Delta Conservancy board meeting iPhone app
www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov/board-meeting-materials download:
www.ow.ly/pXt550CNrl6
March 25 - Delta Stewardship Council Meeting
www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/council-meetings
Android app
download:
www.ow.ly/geW850CNrl8
www.facebook.com/DeltaProtectionCommission There is also an
opportunity for Delta
residents to volunteer
for a separate, home
broadband study. You
can learn more about
www.twitter.com/CA_DPC that project at the
CalSPEED website and
complete a survey to
see if you may qualify
as a volunteer.
www.instagram.com/DeltaProtectionCommission Visit www.calspeed.net
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