CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Congressman John Garamendi stopped in Lake County during his latest tour through the Third Congressional District this past weekend.
Constituents had an opportunity to share their concerns with the congressman during a town hall meeting held Saturday at the American Legion Hall Post 437 in Clearlake.
Garamendi (D-Fairfield), represents the northern half of Lake County while Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) continues to represent the southern portion of the county.
Much of the discussion was directed toward water concerns. Garamendi also fielded questions from the crowd of about 30 and introduced a couple recognition programs currently under way.
“I love town hall meetings,” Garamendi said in welcoming the community members. “I get a chance to hear about what's going on in the communities I represent.”
Garamendi said while the district presents its challenges, it is extraordinarily exciting and diverse area consisting of large agricultural lands, military presence and significant agricultural research.
“It's my job to represent an eclectic, diverse district,” which he said includes Colusa, Glen, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba and Lake counties.
Garamendi outlined the state's water crisis and the proposed Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP), which he said is an outdated and destructive plumbing plan that does not create any new water nor does it provide for the ecological protection of the state.
The BDCP entails taking water out of the Sacramento River, just south of Sacramento, diverting the water into two tunnels each 40 miles long and 40 feet in diameter, with a potential capacity of moving 15,000 cubic feet per second. Pumping also would continue directly from the Bay Delta at pumps in Tracy.
The system will be able to deliver up to 5.3 million acre feet of water to the pumps in Tracy and then on to San Joaquin Valley farmers and Los Angeles.
Garamendi said while the BDCP was derailed in the Senate after passing through the House of Representatives, it is likely to return.
He said the problem with the plan is it does not create one new gallon of water nor does it solve the long term needs of the state.
“The plan simply takes water from one region and delivers it to another while tearing up acres of prime agricultural farm land,” he said.
Garamendi said a comprehensive approach must be taken to address the water needs of the entire state, beginning, he said, with conservation. “The best way to create new water is conservation,” he said. “It's our quickest, cheapest source.”
A couple strategies for conservation are outlined in Garamendi's March 2014 water plan, including real-time soil monitoring technology that allows for optimum hydration. He said such systems are in use, conserving at least 10-percent with financial payback in less than one year.
The plan calls next for recycling. He said the state currently recycles approximately 650,000 acre feet of water each year, which could be significantly increased with use of existing technologies and serious recycling programs.
He said in the next 10 years, conservation and recycling could create approximately 2.2 million acre feet of new water each year.
“This is new water that is not available today because it is wasted or pumped out to sea. It can be developed at a reasonable cost when compared to all other alternatives out there,” he stated. “Conservation and recycling are step one and two in a comprehensive water program for California.”
Garamendi's plan specifies five additional actions: creation of new water storage systems; fixing the Bay Delta with use of properly-sized conveyance, levee improvements and habitat restoration; engaging in a science-driven process; and protecting existing water rights.
The congressman invited nominations for his annual “Women of the Year” awards, which he said are an effort to publicly honor outstanding women in his district.
“When women succeed, America succeeds,” he said.
Garamendi cited a statistic that nationwide women make 77 cents for every dollar a man makes. He said equal work deserves equal pay, which is why he is proud to be a co-sponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act.
He said he supports policies that will raise wages and ensure women and their families achieve greater economic security. The nomination deadline is Aug. 1.
Garamendi also invited submissions for the 2014 Congressional Art Competition. The nationwide, high school competition is held each spring in effort to encourage artistic talent. Winners have the art displayed at the Capitol for a year.
More information regarding both programs is available at www.garamendi.house.gov .
The congressman said his constituent services team is available for assistance with any federal services.
Garamendi's constituents should direct any questions to the Fairfield District Office at 707-438-0523.
Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .