So they knew, and betrayed us on purpose ...

Stranger and stranger plays the tale of Water Crisis and political betrayal.

As the "Delta environmental review begins amid skepticism", Sen. Feinstein has gone and done it; She's actually decided to serve the best interests of ALL of her HUMAN constituents.

As detailed in the Fresno Bee ( "Senator pushes water delivery" ) the embattled Senator from California has announced that she is crafting a "solution" to the Water Crisis affecting the farmers of NObama County:

"I believe we need a fair compromise that will respect the Endangered Species Act while recognizing the fact that people in California's breadbasket face complete economic ruin without help," Feinstein said Thursday.

Once made public, the conversation raised alarms among skeptics who fear unintended consequences and weakened environmental protections.
Environmental Defense Fund analyst A. Spreck Rosekrans, echoing several other environmental advocates, cautioned that "we're very concerned" about a maneuver that appears to exempt certain irrigation decisions from a key environmental law.
"A political judgment on the science seems unwarranted," Rosekrans said.

But Andrew Fahlund, senior vice president of the environmental group American Rivers, warned that increasing water pumping to Valley farms "could be the end of the West Coast salmon fishery," and angry environmental negotiators Thursday threatened to walk away from broader California water talks convened around the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.
The group effort includes public agencies, farm groups and environmentalists who seek consensus on a new water conveyance system around the Delta.
Ann Hayden, a senior water resource analyst with the Environmental Defense Fund, said Feinstein's proposal would weaken short-term species protections and make long-term planning difficult.
"We're thinking about possibly suspending our participation in the process until and unless adequate protections are in place," Hayden said."

 A front page article in the San Francisco Chronicle today said;

Bay Area Democrats were livid, accusing Feinstein of concocting the plan in secret, upending fragile water negotiations that Feinstein has supported and pitting California's Central Valley against its coast. Telephone calls flew as lawmakers learned of Feinstein's plan.
"I was pretty shocked," said Rep. Mike Thompson, a St. Helena Democrat and ally of North Coast salmon fishermen who support efforts to save fish species that are declining.

"It seems to be a complete reversal of her position," Thompson said. "The entire Bay Area delegation had agreed we would do this National Academy of Sciences report to find out scientifically what should and shouldn't be done, and for her to turn that on its head and go out unilaterally with this proposal does not take into consideration the needs of all of California."
Thompson accused Feinstein of "trying to spin this as a job saver, but that ignores the jobs up north that depend on water." He compared Feinstein's plan to the Bush administration's water diversions in the Klamath River Basin in 2002 that severely damaged fisheries and were later reversed.


Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, said, "Best I can see, she's making a decision that jobs in the Bay Area and Northern California and the Peninsula south of San Francisco aren't as important as jobs in the Central Valley."

So, it seems that the "entire Bay Area delegation" schemed to purposefully ruin the economy of the Central Valley, and that they've now been betrayed by Senator Feinstein. Imagine their surprise when they read about her decision to attempt to engineer a solution along the lines of the New Mexico silvery minnow legislation.

In a statement Thursday, Feinstein said that recent weeks of heavy rain and Sierra snowfall have brought (the California) snow pack to 130 percent of their normal level. At the same time, "water has been gushing past the canals and into the oceans while farms on the west side of the (Central) Valley are likely to receive a very low percentage of their water allocations for a second year because that water cannot be pumped and stored."

Strange, isn't it, that George Miller feel betrayed when Sen. Feinstein steps up to represent Valley farmers, in the same way she stepped up to support over $100 million dollars relief for North Coast fishermen. 
Bizarrely, it would seem that Mr. Miller and the "Bay Area delegation" seem devoted to pitting their constituents interests against the interests of their fellow Californians. Perhaps Mr. Miller felt that Sen. Feinstein's true constituents were only those Californians that they wanted her to represent.


In fairness, it needs to be noted that Sen. Feinstein is, apparently, responding to the supplications of a major supporter. As the Chron also noted;

Feinstein has long supported California agriculture but began to weigh in on the side of farmers in the water wars after requests from Stewart Resnick, the well-connected owner of Paramount Farms, which grows citrus and nuts on 118,000 acres in Kern County.

 Resnick's business has given $29,000 to Feinstein's campaigns and $246,000 more to Democratic political committees during years when she sought re-election, according to a report by California Watch, an investigative journalism nonprofit organization, that was published in The Chronicle in December.

Well, imagine that. 

Sen. Feinstein chose, apparently, to heed the words of warning of an influential supporter. 

I have no idea what was said by Mr. Resnick, but if it's anything like what I've written to her, it was a heartfelt warning that she could find herself in the same boat as Barbara Boxer, facing very able opposition, a disgusted and alienated former "support base," and possibly the loss of her Senatorial seat.

 Perhaps she began to hear "the roar" of the Tea Parties, water marches, and broadcasts from the parched fields of the west side. Perhaps her "legal eagles' made a startling discovery, as noted by Margaret Carrero on KMJ radio;

Senator Dianne Feinstein is looking to increase the valley's Delta water allocations from 10-to-40% -- her plan isn't sitting too well with her fellow Democrats.

In a conference call Thursday -- Senator Feinstein said she would propose legislation to urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to raise the valley's water deliveries up to the 40% threshold.
Something Sarah Woolf with Westlands Water District says -- as she understands it -- could have been done earlier due to the wiggle room -- if you will -- written into the existing biological opinions related to salmon and delta smelt.
Woolf says the legislation being proposed by Di-Fi would essentially direct the U.S. Forest Service to utilize the flexibility within the biological opinions.
The "San Francisco Chronicle" reported Thursday that members of Di-Fi's party are furious over her plan -- some saying Feinstein is siding with farmers while ignoring the water needs of individuals and businesses to the north.

 Whatever the reason, it looks like this action will end up attached to what is pretty much shaping up as a "pork-fest." The "Jobs Bill" will be panned by the Repubs, who're tasting the blood in the water, and apologized for by numerous Dems who just won't be able to pass up the opportunity to have a nice, juicy ham sandwich.


Meanwhile, there's a new idea on the horizon. Today's Modesto Bee article, "Tunnel picked for study of delta water delivery" notes how this is a political football. Personally, I think it's a risky idea at best, because of the fact that the Delta lies, quite literally, "on shifting sands." It makes the same sense that building a new tunnel under the Bay for Hetch Hetchy water makes. 
Bad idea. One word: Earthquake.

~

So, to make it simple for the Progressives out there;

George Miller and the "Bay Area delegation" thought that Sen. Feinstein would always, since they'd kissed her ring and bought indulgences, side with their constituents over her "other" constituents.

Time to grow up, dweebs. Sen. Feinstein has decided what's in it for her.

She may yet save her seat.

From Rep. Devin Nunes; "Fish Screen Stimulus"

Dear Friends,

Today, the House Resources Committee held yet another hearing on the California water crisis. Predictably, the Democratic leadership blocked consideration of any legislation that would actually make a difference.

However, the American people are finally seeing the fruits of many months of hard work on the part of Congressional Democrats. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her team now plan to pass legislation that authorizes stimulus money to be used on fish screens (I’m not joking). Apparently, smelt, salmon and killer whales everywhere are celebrating Congress’ commitment to the environment. But food lines in the valley are getting longer and no relief to the government-imposed drought is in sight.

My testimony and several other clips have been posted YouTube. Please click here to watch.

The hearing today came on the heels of another propaganda victory by radical environmentalists – this time in the Sacramento Bee. In a 2,500 word editorial, long by any editorial standard, a radical environmentalist associated with High Country News boldly attempted to re-write history. Using the regurgitated talking points of President Obama’s water czar David Hayes, the author sought to marginalize my effort to turn on the pumps.  Read more about the column in the Bee on my blog (click here).

Thanks for your interest in these important issues.  If you have questions or comments about this issue or any other issue, please let me know.  As always, the best way to reach me is via my homepage.  I can also be found on Facebook.

Sincerely,

Devin Nunes

MEMBER OF CONGRESS

If you would like to contact me, please visit my website at www.nunes.house.gov.  If you would like to be removed from my mailing list, please send a message to LISTSERV@LS1.HOUSE.GOV with the text "SIGNOFF NEWSLETTER-CA21" in the body of the message.

 

What is "theTruth" acording to Jim Costa? Ben Bergquam knows.

When I received an email from Ben Bergquam yesterday, I was quick in opening it. Ben is one of the "bright young men" of the Central Valley Tea Party, the fellows who're learning early to do what I've learned late.
Watching Ben bloom has been a wonderful and hopeful process. He's gone from where I've spent much of my own life, wishing to avoid unpleasant confrontation and seeking a more reasonable course, to shaking papers of proof in a Congressman's face, demanding explanation.

Ben's learned, from the confrontation we shared with George Miller's "shills" in Concord and the forces that he's witnessed aligned against the interests of the People of the Central Valley, that concessions only give away what freedoms and wealth the People have worked hard to accrue.
He now knows first hand the fact that politicians cannot be trusted, and that the current "batch" of California Democrat "Representatives" are aligned only in their own self & Party interests, and will gladly lie to the People when it suits them.

Ben's current aim is at finding an explanation for why Democrat Congressman Costa apparently lied about his "support" for Rep. Devin Nunes H.R. 3105, the "Turn on the Pumps Act."

Here's Ben in action:




Now, a portion of Ben's message;

"The question still remains - why did Costa lie?  In Los Banos he claimed to have voted with Devin (Nunes) all but one time.  In fact - as the record shows - out of the five actual votes, Costa voted against the legislation and his people three times (60% of the time he voted against his people).  One of the no votes was even on a bill that he co-sponsored!  So he helped write the bill and then voted against it! 

For Costa (and Cardoza) to claim that they have done "everything" they can to fix the problem, and then in trying to prove it for Costa to lie and say he only voted against his people one time (one is still too many), when he actually voted against them three out of five times, is unacceptable.  Just as Radanovich and others who co-authored the San Joaquin River Settlement sold out the people of the 19th District, Costa and Cardoza have misrepresented themselves, and have betrayed their constituents.  They must be held to account. 

After sitting through the federal hearing in Fresno yesterday, it is clear that our farmers don't have the luxury of time.  We need Congress to act NOW!  What I want to know, now that the facts are straight; will Costa apologize to the people of the Central Valley and step down from office?" 

After checking Mr. Costa's official House website, it's also abundantly apparent that there is no willing answer forthcoming on this question. Accountability is, for Democrat Costa, simply a "keyword" to be used and discarded as easily as a pair of old socks.

Many of Mr. Costa's statements and actions of late have brought forth calls for his resignation from his constituents, from his voting record to the cancellation of "his" Health Care Town Hall meeting at Fresno Community Hospital. 

I have to wonder how many of his constituents will welcome "by invitation only" meetings on the Water Crisis, meetings to which they weren't invited. 

Perhaps they are unaware of his absence from last Monday's public Water Crisis Hearing at Fresno City Hall, which was attended by Rep's Nunes, McCarthy, McClintock and even Rep. "Doc" Hastings of Washington's 4th District. Also missing were Interior Sect. Salazar (or anyone representing the DOI), any representative of the Obama Administration, any representative of our (Democrat) Senators, or for that matter, any Democrat politician of note.

It seems as though we're being told to "eat cake," doesn't it?

So, my thanks go out to Ben Bergquam, Piedad Ayala and all of the Folks with Water For All and Families Protecting the Valley. We may have started learning "politcking" late, but we're learning.

Now, the real question is:

Will Rep. Costa's constituents EVER hear the truth from the Congressman? Or will he simply be allowed ... No, encouraged to attack and call everyone who takes him to task a "liar"?

In the last week, or ... "Why is my head swimming?"

Y'know, sometimes you have a week that just astounds you to look back upon.
Last week was just one such week for me.

Forget the overstuffed days. Disregard the business fun. Accept the lost days due to a virus. Put aside the personal details. Overlook the obvious "blogger overload."

Here's the facts, from my perspective and in simple terms:

The week began with attempting to take the true measure of Scott Brown's Massachusetts Senate win.
Will Obama and Co. get any sort of clue? Willl Brown be "different?" Will The People see any "change?"
The Verdict? A big "We'll see."

On Monday, Valley leaders, citizens and four Republican Congressmen gathered in the Fresno City Council chamber to hold a public hearing on the ongoing Water Crisis. Here's a statement from Rep. Tom Mc Clintock, given on the House floor, following the hearing. The voices were loud, the message strong, but one message was clear; A "sea change" must take place in Washington.
The Interior Secretary has made clear that no real help will be forthcoming from the Obama Administration.

In fact, the Interior Department is determined to thwart ongoing scientific efforts that do not support the destruction of Valley Agriculture. The most notable recent example of this ongoing bureaucratic stance is seen in the DOI refusal to allow the experimental "Two Gates" project to go forward. It's clear that they fear that a solution will actually be found, and that the ongoing "excuse" of the Delta smelt will be lost!

Tuesday saw a small milestone, with past Fresno mayor and current candidate for Congress Jim Patterson speaking in the shadow of Friant Dam.

Citing the dishonest & hypocritical actions of "Environmentalists"in continuing to seek additional diversions of water that were allocated by agreement to the Ag industry and municipalities of the Valley, and the Department of the Interior and its continued actions against Central Valley economic interests and refusal to propose any actual solution to the Water Crisis, Mr. Patterson made his first definitive campaign pledge.

In simple, strong words, Mayor Patterson stated that his first action as Representative of the 19th District of California would be to introduce legislation for the immediate repeal/reform of the San Joaquin River Settlement. In addition, he signaled his steadfast support for the development of additional water storage, Delta community water treatment and conservation solutions.

Reform of the Endangered Species Act was also a key point within his statement.

He received endorsements from Piedad Ayala & Families Protecting the Valley, Dennis Prosperi, Robert Smittcamp, Kole Upton & many other Valley Farmers and Ag leaders.

Andy Vidak, candidate for the 20th Congressional Districtand several other candidates for Congress were in attendance, and voiced strong support for Mr. Patterson's efforts in insuring secure & steady water supply for the Valley, and all Californians.

According to the Fresno Bee, the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar also announced on Tuesday that between 350,000 and 400,000 acre-feet of additional water will be delivered. He said the water would come on top of the standard water allocation scheduled for February.

"The steps we are taking will help provide water users and growers critical assurances for the year ahead," Salazar said in a prepared statement.

Unfortunately,  he was lying.

From the Fresno Bee article; "San Joaquin Valley farmers, while conceding the Interior Department's announcement offered a sliver of help, largely denounced it as more spin than substance. The farmers said the water described by the Interior Department will not increase irrigation supplies, as farmers already have purchased most of it.
"I would like to give the secretary the benefit of the doubt, that maybe he was confused," said Tom Birmingham, general manager of the giant Westlands Water District. "Otherwise, this looks like an intentional effort to mislead the public."
In part, the Interior Department simply moved up on the calendar a water scheduling announcement usually made later in the year. Much of the water touted by Salazar already has been bought by farmers and is being stored in the San Luis Reservoir.

Once again, the spin lacked any substance.

Wednesday was fairly quiet, which was okay, because Thursdays "State of the Union" address made up for it, in spades. ("Oh, my goodness! Did he call the president a shovel???")

I confess, I didn't sit down to watch "the Savior" in His "godlike" splendor go out of His way to "diss" the Supreme court while they were seated politely at His feet, nor was I watching as He gave a "shout out" praising His wife. Unfortunately, I had something more important to do with my evening. But, I guess that's what His point really was.

What I was able to gather was that He was terribly disappointed in how so many Americans, myself incidentally included, didn't want to just turn our lives over to Him and His to control. I heard how it was actually the fault of G. Bush that He "inherited" such a messed up Nation. I heard how this "smartest President ever" had no intention of taking any responsibility for anything, much less even His own votes in the Senate.

"Again we are tested, again we must answer history's call ...' was His first "rallying cry." But His answer has been to defer any responsibility for the "mess" the Nation faces.

I'll write more later on this speech, since I've not yet had time to digest it, other than to gather how disappointed He is with dissenters. Funny, when He wasn't "Community Organizer-in-Chief" he praised dissenters.

Friday saw Chris Matthews again proving that it's okay to be racist, if you're an Obama supporter;

Personally, I can't help but observe that the only people who get "a pass" when they make a statement like that are Liberal hacks like Matthews and Sen. Harry "light skinned, articulate" Reed.

And then there's Speaker of the Hose, Nancy "Pee." With the revelation that her liquor bill tops $1,000 a week, I'd had enough for that week.
But then I heard that the "paltry" $1,000 a week bill was just for alcoholic beverages on her plane,
well, all I could do was shake my head.

That is, shake my head, and pledge within my heart to defeat these wastrels.


UP THE VOLTAGE!