The Bee • Lia Russel and Chaewon Chung

Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a new version of the plan to create a 45-mile tunnel to divert water from the Sacramento River and route it under the Delta. By California Department of Water Resources

Mavens Notebook •

• Early 2026 storms bring heavy rain to the western US, raising flooding risk in Northern California

• California appellate court upholds bar on revenue bonds for Delta Program

Mavens Notebook •

Sacramento, CA – On December 31, 2025, the Court of Appeal for the Third Appellate District affirmed a trial court decision against the State Department of Water Resources (DWR), which sought to validate bond resolutions and revenue pledges to finance DWR’s controversial Delta Tunnel project known as the Delta Conveyance Project

Mavens Notebook • Delta Stewardship Council

The following parties have appealed the California Department of Water Resources Certification of Consistency (C20257) for the Delta Conveyance Project, which was submitted to the Delta Stewardship Council on October 17, 2025.

New Civil Engineer • Michala Techau, Gareth Dooley, and Dirk Poker

California’s $20.1bn (£15.3bn) Delta Conveyance Project (Delta Water Tunnel) will be the largest water infrastructure investment in the state’s history, at a planned length of 72.5km, an 11.9m external diameter and a planned schedule of 14 years of construction.

Mavens Notebook • Regina Cuellar

For over 50 years, California law and regulations have designated beneficial water uses that require water quality protection.

Manteca/ Ripon Bulletin • Dennis Wyatt

INDEPENDENCE — High in the eastern Sierra in early July, rain and hail fell above the county seat of Inyo County.

It helped feed the stream that gives life to the community of 761 souls known as Independence that most view as just a wide spot on Highway 395 as you zip from Reno to San Bernardino.

LA Times • Ian James

As Gov. Gavin Newsom pushes for building a giant water tunnel beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, his administration says it’s the “single most effective” way for California to provide enough water as a warming climate brings deeper droughts and more intense storms.

Stocktonia • Jerry McNerney

California State Senator Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) represents the 5th Senate District, which includes Stockton and much of the Delta region. 

CAL Matters • Devon Provo

Most mornings, I walk my dog at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena, pausing by the reservoir to watch grebes and ducks glide across the water.

Manteca/ Ripon Bulletin • Dennis Wyatt

The bottom line for State Senator Jerry McNerney is clear: No matter how much Gov. Gavin Newson dangles in one-time benefits, the Delta Tunnel isn’t worth the staggering loss of prime farmland, damage to the West Coast’s largest estuary, and  negative implications for Northern San Joaquin Valley urban and ag water supplies.

Maven’s Notebook • Maven

Yesterday, Governor Newsom released the Delta Conveyance Project Accountability Action Plan, which seeks to avoid, minimize, or offset potential impacts of project construction to residents, businesses, tribes, visitors to the Delta, and many others.

ABC10

Courtland residents are voicing concerns about the proposed Delta Conveyance Project, a major California water infrastructure plan that could affect the region’s longtime pear farming tradition.

Cal Matters • Dan Walters

Repeatedly, Gavin Newsom has sought legislative approval of his high-priority policy proposals within the annual state budget process.

Los Angeles Times • George Skelton

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom is up to his old tricks, trying to ram major policy change through the state Legislature on short notice. And again lawmakers are pushing back.

Maven’s Notebook • Max Gomberg

In its latest propaganda campaign promoting the $20 billion plus Delta Conveyance Project (DCP), the Newsom administration is claiming risk to future water supply as a major justification.

Politico • Camille Von Kaenel

Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he wants the controversial $20 billion tunnel permitted by the end of his term.

KPIX, CBS News Bay Area

As John Ramos reports the project would build an underground waterway to bring water from near Sacramento to Southern California, but locals are worried it will tear their town apart.

KQED • Ezra David Romero

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget proposal announced Wednesday includes a push to fast-track a contentious tunnel project that could deliver more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to farms and cities throughout the state.

Contra Costa • CC News

California Legislative Delta Caucus Co-Chair Senator Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, released the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to fast-track the Delta Tunnel Project in the state budget.