At its November 10 meeting, the board heard a request for seasonal access to Woodward Reservoir, discussed potential effects of the State Water Board’s Phase Two plan on senior water rights, and noted that a watershed resolution could support a $2 million funding application. It approved a $41,256.85 Tracy valve repair project, conditionally approved the Fields Farms agreement amendment, and revised its lockout-tagout policy.
Directors praised staff as the irrigation season ended. Through September, operating revenues exceeded the year-to-date budget by $3.5 million, aided by water sales and a solar tax credit. District leaders disputed a resident’s prediction of a years-long Woodward Reservoir closure; access remains restricted during the transition. The board heard an incentive-pay grievance seeking retroactive back pay without deciding it and deferred a lockout/tagout policy revision until November 10.
South San Joaquin ID's board approved up to $240,000 for security, staffing and other needs as public recreation at Woodward Reservoir is set to close October 16. The district aims to restore recreation through a concessionaire after resolving county property-access issues. Directors voted to return to 9:00 a.m. meetings after irrigation season and discussed a conceptual Don Pedro–New Melones intertie without committing funds.
The board approved ending the irrigation season on October 16, with a three-day will-call extension through October 19 for growers who missed the final run. A recovery agreement was approved for the Canyon Tunnel project to add specialized ground-support engineering, with up to one million dollars contributed by the district. Staff updated the board on a municipal services review with San Joaquin LAFCO tied to pending annexations.
The board approved a temporary emergency stormwater discharge agreement with Manteca, including reserving 16 acre-feet per year for the Tara Park school sites drainage needs. Lobbyists said wildfire liability reforms did not pass, and PG&E later said it would defer $2 billion in capital spending. AB 2026 was held again, and the governor may extend or issue an executive order for winter diversions.
