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CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS, DELTA GROWERS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS, AND FISHERMEN JOIN TOGETHER TO CHART THE DELTA'S FUTURE

February 19, 2009 -- Restore the Delta, a Delta-based coalition including Delta farmers, environmentalists, everyday citizens, fishermen, business leaders, the faith community, and recreation enthusiasts, is holding a symposium entitled "A Bold Direction: The People's Vision for the Delta" on February 28, 2009. The event will be held at Wine and Roses Hotel in Lodi, California from 8:15 am to 4:45 pm.

Restore the Delta Campaign Director Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla explains, "This is the first time in the Delta's history that Congressional Representatives, including Congressman George Miller (D-Martinez) and Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton), will be joining Delta farmers, environmentalists, and fishermen, along with state and county representatives from the Delta, to craft a blueprint for the Delta that reflects the needs of Delta communities and fisheries." At the symposium, attendees will learn about and then be called to action to work on promoting regional water solutions for the state, Delta governance, creation of a Delta conservancy by Delta locals, and creating an organized response to issues of eminent domain in the Delta.

Restore the Delta Board Member Jane Wagner-Tyack adds, "All discussions about the future of the Delta have been driven to date by state and federal water agencies, and corporate interests outside the Delta. This time, the discussion and planning will be driven by the people of the Delta."
Congressman George Miller (D-Martinez) will start the morning session with a keynote address for the symposium attendees. Restore the Delta will also present Congressman Miller with their inaugural award - The Delta Advocate Award - for his years of advocacy at the federal level on behalf of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, as well as his responsiveness to the needs of Delta communities. Congressman George Miller holds several important positions in Congress. He is chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee and a member of the Democratic leadership. George is a leading advocate in Congress on education, labor, the economy, and the environment.

At the noon hour, Delta Advocate Awards will also be presented to Bill Jennings of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, former California State Senator Mike Machado, and Delta farmer Alex Hildebrand.

The Restore the Delta Board of Directors will honor Bill Jennings for his numerous and heroic efforts to protect Delta water quality for both Delta fisheries and Delta communities. Ms. Barrigan-Parrilla explains that over the last twenty plus years, Mr. Jennings, "a Delta resident, has advocated tirelessly on behalf of reduced water exports, protection of Delta fisheries, and improved Delta water quality with the Department of Water Resources, the State Water Resources Control Board, and regional water boards."

Likewise, Restore the Delta will honor Mike Machado for his strong leadership and legislative initiatives in the California Legislature to protect Delta water quality, as well as for improved flood protection. Restore the Delta recognizes the challenges of creating good pro-Delta legislation in Sacramento, and appreciates Mr. Machado's years of service on behalf of the Delta.

Special honors will be given to Alex Hildebrand for his advocacy on behalf of Delta agriculture. Mr. Hildebrand, a South Delta farmer who serves as Engineer on the Board of the South Delta Water Agency and who participates in San Joaquin Farm Bureau activities, has worked over 30 years to protect water quality and quantity for the South Delta. He has served on numerous panels and through several government processes to educate state and federal decision makers on the hydrology of the South Delta and how it can be improved.

"Truly, Congressman Miller, Bill Jennings, Mike Machado, and Alex Hildebrand are the heroes of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta," according to Ms. Barrigan-Parrilla.

In addition, Congressman Jerry McNerney (D- Pleasanton) will deliver the afternoon keynote address. He serves in the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 11th District, which includes parts of San Joaquin County in the Central Valley as well as parts of Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara Counties in the Bay Area.

Congressman McNerney serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee as a member of both the Energy and the Environment subcommittee and the Communications, Technology, and the Internet subcommittee. McNerney serves on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and as a member of the Health subcommittee address. Restore the Delta staff reports that Congressman McNerney and his staff, while new to the ways of water politics in California, have been very responsive to the needs of the people of the Delta.

Contact: Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla
Phone: 209-479-2053
Email: Barbara@restorethede lta.org

Restore the Delta
PO Box 691088
Stockton, CA 95269
Restore the De lta.org