October 1, 2009, water flowed down a sandy segment of the San Joaquin River that had run dry for more than sixty years. Though it was a major historic event, it was noted mostly by a small group of insiders who follow water policy like an investor follows the stock market. Almost three years later, Valley citizens are scarcely aware of the escalating battle over California’s second largest river, but […]
Environment
Specter of Fish Haunts MID Water Sale
Shortly after John Mensinger and Larry Byrd blew the wheels off the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) water sale bandwagon and the City of Modesto looked likely to sue to assure its water rights, the Modesto Bee opined that, given the intense controversy surrounding the water sale, it couldn’t hurt to form a citizens’ advisory committee of agricultural and urban customers to help steer the water sale controversy to a reasonable […]
Bruce Frohman on Neighborhood Crime
The City of Modesto has an informal goal of having 1.8 police officers for every thousand citizens. The goal is based on the national average in 2002. Modesto has not met the goal since it was established. Given the present staffing level, the police need the help and cooperation of citizens. On April 3, 2012, the Woodland West Neighborhood Association held a neighborhood watch meeting to discuss problems and solutions […]
Will MID Directors Be Fleeced In the New Gold Rush?
There’s not much of a mystery why the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) Board of Directors wants to sell water to San Francisco. Faced with a water treatment plant that has become an embarrassing money pit and having failed to raise rates enough to maintain infrastructure, they need the money. San Francisco’s demand for water, on the other hand, is at first glance a bit puzzling. As recently as November 17, […]
Bruce Frohman: Highway 132 Extension May be a Liability to Our Region
Bruce Frohman has devoted hours of study to the proposed extension and re-routing of Highway 132, west of Modesto. He’s interviewed Caltrans officials, talked to residents in the area, and investigated the expense involved in dealing with the toxic waste site in the path of the project. Here’s Frohman’s exclusive detailed analysis of the project: As presently envisioned, the 132 Freeway project can be compared to putting a square peg into […]
Bruce Frohman on Caltrans' Failure to Maintain Modesto Toxic Waste Site
Several months ago, former Modesto City Councilman Bruce Frohman became concerned about toxic waste piles in west Modesto. Frohman’s persistent questioning of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and Caltrans revealed Caltrans has failed to properly maintain the site. Here is Bruce Frohman’s insider report. A toxic waste site exists within the right of way of the future State Route 132 freeway. The site is located just south of Kansas […]
To Sell or Not to Sell Water to San Francisco, That is the Question
Former Modesto City Councilman Bruce Frohman (pictured left) continues to follow important regional political issues. As a Councilman, Frohman was known for his cautious use of taxpayer money and his dedication to preserving farmland. Below, Frohman discusses the controversial proposal to sell Modesto Irrigation District water to San Francisco. The Modesto Irrigation District is considering a proposal for a long term contract to sell water to the City of San […]
"Clean up Modesto's toxic waste now," says Bruce Frohman
Former Modesto City Councilman Bruce Frohman didn’t give up leadership when he left the Council. He’s always been a beacon of civic awareness. Here, Frohman sounds an urgent alarm over yet another toxic waste site in Modesto. Every time a rock is flipped over in Modesto, another toxic waste site is sitting there like a scorpion, ready to inflict pain and suffering. While serving on the Modesto City Council from 1999 […]
Water, Water Everywhere, Part II: The Big Thirst
In what is likely a sign of the times, farmers in Brawley are selling water for more than they can make growing a crop. Closer to home, the Modesto Irrigation District, amid the din of protesting farmers, is contemplating selling water to San Francisco, a city whose big thirst broke John Muir’s heart when it succeeded in damming (and damning) the Hetch Hetchy Valley. The City of Patterson, which has […]
Water, water everywhere: The Great Valley Mirage
When Jay Wells noticed the City of Patterson was sinking another well in his neighborhood he sounded the alarm. “I raised a fuss,” he said recently. “I was worried about over drafting.” Like everyone in Patterson, Wells relies on groundwater for his residence and his business. He was worried that the City’s increasing demands would put too great a strain on the local aquifer. Patterson has over half a dozen […]