Soundings Magazine | Bay/Delta Art-Culture-Environment

Book Review: A Child Left Behind

A New Novel by Phil Hutcheon, Reviewed by Howard Lachtman Stockton author and teacher Phil Hutcheon moves into new fictional territory in “A Child Left

Howard Lachtman January 29, 2021

A Child Left Behind

Excerpt From a New Novel Editor’s Note – Recently a new novel, set in Stockton, CA and written by a local author, landed on my

Phil Hutcheon January 29, 2021

As Luck Would Have It

It was during World War II, on September 18th, 1943, that I boarded the troopship, Argentina, in New York Harbor. The scuttlebutt was that we

Mel Corren December 8, 2020

Aunt Ellie’s Inheritance

Part Three of Three In case you missed them, check out Part One and Part Two before you proceed. Having survived a dangerous chase after

Howard Lachtman December 2, 2020

Animal Rescue Tales

This is the time of year we think of donating money or supplies to organizations and agencies with a donation method. Consider these animal rescue

Michael Cockrell November 24, 2020

Homeland Defense

Cucunuchi (Estanislao) and the Native Freedom Fighters The California heartland produced one of the continent’s greatest Native American leaders, prominent among the multitudes who fought

David Stuart November 20, 2020

This is Your Pilot Speaking

The Man in the Recliner #5 Can you find peace and contentment within the limitations of a quarantine? That’s a key issue for many in

Howard Lachtman November 6, 2020

Mural Restoration

On the Miracle Mile When neighbors come together, community happens. Such is the case with Stockton’s Miracle Mile where decades of weather have worn down

Cyndy Green October 26, 2020

Deep History of the Delta

Clarksburg is a picturesque Delta village on the Sacramento River, about 15 miles downriver (south) from the Sacramento waterfront. It nestles on the west (Yolo

David Stuart October 24, 2020

Volunteering with Animal Rescue in 2020

Neighbors helping neighbors in times of disaster. That’s how many of the grass-roots animal rescue organization originated. They’re generally comprised of volunteers and during a

Michael Cockrell October 16, 2020

Animal Rescuers

There are many national, state, local and volunteer organizations that work together to rescue and shelter pets and livestock during disasters. Learn about those who

Michael Cockrell October 13, 2020

Delta Blues

As he had anticipated, a week at his mother’s home in San Francisco was almost more than he could take. She had fussed over him

Adam Gottstein October 3, 2020

Animal Rescue in Times of Disaster

During Disasters 2020 has been a chaotic year with wildfires burning out of control across the state, leaving the valley blanketed in smoke for weeks.

Michael Cockrell October 1, 2020

Toxic Algae Bloom

Green Slime – Cyanobacteria – in Local Waterways It’s one of the signs of summer in downtown Stockton, as well as elsewhere on the Delta.

Cyndy Green September 21, 2020

Stephens Boat Reunion

Celebrating 100th Birthday of Dick Stephens Stephens Brothers Boats is an iconic name in classic wooden boats. On the weekend of September 12th, what is

Cyndy Green September 14, 2020

Machines, New Crops, and Immigrants

Stimulate a Culture of Towns The gold fever, which motivated travel to Sacramento and Stockton after 1849, began to wane by 1860 as placer mining

Robert Benedetti September 10, 2020

The Delta in Times of Covid-19

How has life on the Delta changed in times of COVID-19? The five counties encompassing the Delta have health officer orders that are all different.

Michael Cockrell September 4, 2020

Frescoes Painted in 1937 Present a Quandary Today

The Artist, Bernard Zakheim Speculates From Beyond the Grave He randomly broke out into a half Yiddish, half incoherent song of indeterminate origin, my grandfather

Adam Gottstein August 31, 2020

Little Trunk of Horrors

Although one of Stockton’s most intriguing court cases took place 114 years ago, it had all the elements that make today’s cable news networks salivate:

Tod Ruhstaller August 26, 2020

Aunt Ellie’s Inheritance

Part Two A gentleman from San Francisco in search of a mystery woman who may or may not exist. A few words of wisdom from

Howard Lachtman August 19, 2020

School Boy, Soldier Boy

Basic Training – Part II of Ongoing Series My fondest recollections of Basic Training were chow, calisthenics, drills, and parades. However, I excelled only in

Mel Corren August 7, 2020

The Founding of the Haggin Museum

Part III: A Crystallization of Community Commitment This is the third and final article in a series chronicling the events, individuals and organizations that contributed

Tod Ruhstaller July 30, 2020

Back to Square One

The Man in the Recliner series #4 Maybe it was the heat of a Fourth of July garden party or the hard lemonade. But it

Howard Lachtman July 24, 2020

2020 Mosquito Fish Programs

The five Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta counties enter mosquito season when mosquitos begin to appear in numbers during the early spring months. The season continues on

Michael Cockrell July 20, 2020

It’s All About the Wind

Summer Fire Risk in Cities by the Bay “God gave Noah the rainbow sign No more

Laura Paull July 6, 2020

School Boy, Soldier Boy

School Boy It was the Spring of 1942, and the world was full of uncertainty. War was raging in Britain and the fields of Europe,

Mel Corren July 3, 2020

Virtual 4th of July Parade

United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County Back in March we thought summer would come with freedom, releasing us back into the familiar world. But

Cyndy Green July 3, 2020

Betty

STAY AT HOME orders came on March 19, 2020. In spite of that, on Ryer Island near Walnut Grove, CA, life didn’t change much. Primarily

Demi Stewart June 29, 2020

The Founding of the Haggin Museum

Part II: Families, Fortunes and Philanthropy This is the second of three articles that chronicle the events, individuals and organizations that contributed to the opening

Tod Ruhstaller June 26, 2020

Unlocked

Man in Recliner #3 “…on my homage list were Stocktonians Al and Mel Corren. Uncle and nephew, the two Correns found one another in wartime

Howard Lachtman June 15, 2020

Visionaries and Miners

Come to the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta 1830-1860 Traveling the Delta rivers did, of course, have their dangers. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), writing for the

Robert Benedetti May 29, 2020

Memorial Day 2020

Luneta VFW Post 52 Producer: Robert Appler Co-producer: Cyndy Green

Robert Appler May 24, 2020

Aunt Ellie’s Inheritance

Part One Avoid gatherings. Isolate but keep connected. Quarantine to save lives including your own. Times are tough, but you’re tougher. Take care of your

Howard Lachtman May 20, 2020

The Founding of the Haggin Museum

Part I: From Wishful Thinking to Community Action THE DOORS OF THE NEW BRICK BUILDING in Stockton’s Victory Park opened at 2:00 PM on June

Tod Ruhstaller May 14, 2020

Chin Lung and the Great Western Potato Mart

GEORGE SHIMA, THE JAPANESE IMMIGRANT who became known as the “Potato King” of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta was profiled in a prior Soundings Magazine article

David Stuart May 7, 2020

Mosquito Abatement in the Delta

Though the nation is facing a disastrous COVID-19 pandemic, other viruses continue to threaten Californians. April 19-25 is California Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week,

Michael Cockrell April 25, 2020

500 Pieces

When life hands you a puzzle, it tests your ability to be a player. The 2020 pandemic is what one might call the ultimate puzzle.

Howard Lachtman April 23, 2020

Stockton’s China Trade and Sperry’s Global Empire

Editor’s Note – This is the first in a series of SAN JOAQUIN STORIES produced by the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum Many

Phillip Merlo April 17, 2020

Beacon of Recognition and Hope

As the sun set on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, a light shot out into the dusk from atop Mt. Diablo. A beacon which is

Cyndy Green April 13, 2020

One Leg Up

When I first heard that an epidemic had grown into a pandemic and might be heading our way, I reasoned that the calculation could prove

Howard Lachtman April 8, 2020

When the Going Gets Rough

The Weather Always Changes I learned some valuable sailing lessons on the Delta in the late ‘70s, just as I had as a boy in

Eric Best April 6, 2020

Moon Chasing

Time to Wonder – What If? Sometimes waiting for a good thing can allow a person time to think. To savor life’s under-appreciated magnificence. Reflect

Rich Turner March 26, 2020

It’s the Neighborly Thing to Do

Shopping has become a battleground…sometimes civil and at times confrontational. Thankfully I have not encountered the latter in my town. But what I have seen

Cyndy Green March 20, 2020

A Doctor Someday

First in his clan to come to college, First, in fact, to finish grade ten, At age twelve, Daniel followed his father one day Into fields

Phil Hutcheon March 20, 2020

The Serendipity of Gardening

Keeping Active in Times of Social Distancing The world is shutting down and many of us are living tiny in our homes with a prospect

Cyndy Green March 17, 2020

Closed for the Holidays

Part Three If you missed Part One Or Part Two When his office staff sent the Delta Detective off on a holiday cruise, they had

Howard Lachtman March 11, 2020

Isleton Spam Festival

The Meat That Survived a Flood Never. Take. Life. Too. Seriously. Ever. Attracting locals and out-of-towners alike, the Isleton Spam Festival is a quintessential Delta

Cyndy Green February 21, 2020

Closed for the Holidays

Part Two If you missed Part One A nice, quiet Delta vacation with his friends, his boat and his fish. That’s all the Delta Detective

Howard Lachtman February 14, 2020

George Shima

The Well-known “Potato King” and Japanese Leader In the 1920s, Shima had to dismantle his farming empire due to the Alien Land Laws. He then

David Stuart February 12, 2020

Down to the Sea

Ocean-going ships smack in the middle of prime agricultural land? No ocean in sight? With 234 ships calling on the Port of Stockton in 2019,

Rich Turner February 4, 2020

Illegal Delta Dumping

Mountains of Trash Near Isleton “I do this one-woman and low key. I’m hoping to get a few more people involved, you know, get the

Cyndy Green January 31, 2020

Pigeons – Dirty Birds or Wartime Heroes?

Pigeons – Dirty Birds or Wartime Heroes? There is a special bond between people and their pets, which we ofttimes think of as dogs, cats,

Michael Cockrell January 28, 2020

King Tides of 2020

Sun and moon align creating King Tides (perigean spring tides) It is that time of year when the sun and moon align creating King Tides

Cyndy Green January 15, 2020

Closed for the Holidays

Part One Ho, ho, ho! Can the Delta Detective enjoy his Christmas holiday without a crime caper? One would expect the DD to utilize the

Howard Lachtman January 15, 2020

Handouts of Hope

Combat Veterans Battling Homelessness More than $4,000 was raised by the Lynn Hahn Lighted Boat Parade this year, with the funds going to the Combat

Cyndy Green December 27, 2019

Mt. Diablo Beacon

This is a tale that is more than the restoration of a 1928 beacon, shut down on December 7, 1941 for fear it would allow

Cyndy Green December 13, 2019

Tule Fog in the Delta

The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over the harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on. –Carl Sandburg It’s

Rich Turner December 5, 2019

2019 Lynn Hahn Lighted Boat Parade

The Lynn Hahn Lighted Boat Parade begins at Windmill Cove at 5pm and at about 6pm will be entering the Stockton Downtown Marina and Weber

Cyndy Green December 4, 2019

The Serpent’s Tooth

Part Three You can take the Delta Detective to lunch, but can you expect an interview in return? You can invite the Delta Detective to

Howard Lachtman November 27, 2019

Kango Mitori: Japanese Truck Farmer

Part Two In Part One, we introduced Japanese immigrant Kango Mitori and followed his family through their establishment in 1931 of a small “truck patch”

David Stuart November 22, 2019

Short Takes

Bob’s Bait Shop, Isleton, CA, 1979 Remember the days before digital imaging took over? Don’t get me wrong, I love digital now because of the

Rich Turner November 21, 2019

Kango Mitori: Japanese Truck Farmer

Part One In 1990, the San Joaquin County Historical Society printed a booklet, written by Chiyo Mitori Shimamoto, called To the Land of Bright Promise:

David Stuart November 19, 2019

Short Takes

Black-necked Stilt, Shin Kee Tract In 2009 I had never heard of Shin Kee Tract on the eastern edge of the Delta and west of

Rich Turner November 4, 2019

High Winds of October

It’s an inconvenience…you have to go out and reset the clock. So every time you know…you have to reset everything. It’s a pain to wait

Cyndy Green November 1, 2019

The Serpent’s Tooth

Part 2 A riverside dinner party celebrating the end of a Delta summer has paired the Delta Detective with an intelligent and inquisitive woman whose

Howard Lachtman October 31, 2019

Short Takes

Pipe Rats Back in the mid-1990’s I was privileged to document the seismic retrofitting of the East Bay Municipal Utility Districts aqueducts that bring water

Rich Turner October 30, 2019

California Flood Preparedness Week

Flooding can come at any time of year. Be prepared. Know the flood risks in your area. Have an emergency evacuation kit ready and be

Cyndy Green October 26, 2019

Robert G. LeTourneau

Stocktonian Was the Greatest Inventor of Earthmoving Equipment Abraham Grunauer’s Whitehall Ranch near Tracy hired Robert G. LeTourneau (1888-1969) in 1919 to repair its old

David Stuart October 25, 2019

Fenced Off – Part 3

Negotiating Memory and Access at the Antioch Dunes and Waterfront Part 1 introduces the current state of the Antioch Dunes Wildlife Refuge and covers the

Carrie Alexander October 18, 2019

The Serpent’s Tooth

Part One The sun is setting on the Delta summer. Time once again for the Delta Detective to attend his favorite harvestfest party. But with

Howard Lachtman October 17, 2019

Tilting at Windmills*

“Some just don’t like change and these people didn’t want change.” — Shirley Paolini If you are anywhere near Rio Vista or the Diablo Range

Rich Turner October 11, 2019

Fenced Off – Part 2

Negotiating Memory and Access at the Antioch Dunes and Waterfront Part 2 (if you missed Part 1) Life Between Fences: Survival and Access at the

Carrie Alexander October 9, 2019

Fenced Off

Negotiating Memory and Access at the Antioch Dunes and Waterfront Part I A Time Before Fences: Memories of Childhood at the Antioch Waterfront This is

Carrie Alexander October 3, 2019

California Run for the Fallen

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 11, 12 & 13, 2019 a team of runners will embark on a 150 mile run through California. One of the biggest

Cyndy Green September 26, 2019

Know Before You Have to Go

Understanding Emergency Evacuations In depth look at how emergency evacuations are proclaimed and carried out with focus on terminology and how different counties handle emergencies.

Cyndy Green September 13, 2019

Something Happened to Helen, Part 2

Introduction Helen Kenyon’s disappearance is the talk of the Delta. No wonder all the women in the Delta Detective’s life can’t help bringing the subject

Howard Lachtman September 12, 2019

Stockton Whiz Kids, Wooden Boats

The year was 1902 in Stockton, California. While trains carried people and goods from San Francisco Bay to Delta communities, boats were a primary means

Cyndy Green September 4, 2019

Art from Salt

The Cargill Salt Ponds are located in San Francisco Bay in the cities of Newark, Redwood City and Napa. The Napa and Redwood City operations

Robert Campbell August 30, 2019

Tomatoes in the Delta, Part 2 of 2

Revolution in the Tomato Industry Part one provided an overview of the canning tomato industry in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. Here, in part two,

David Stuart August 21, 2019

Something Happened to Helen

Part 1 of 2 Introduction In the summertime, as the classic Gershwin song assures us, “the livin’ is easy.” Unless you happen to be a

Howard Lachtman August 16, 2019

Tomatoes in the Delta, Part 1 of 2

Major Crop Expanded with Mechanical Harvesting Tomatoes have been grown in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region since the Gold Rush and the region continues to

David Stuart August 15, 2019

Surviving the PG&E Power Shutdowns, Part Three

This year PG&E got approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to put into effect its Public Safety Power Shutdown Program. Part One is an overview of

Cyndy Green August 12, 2019

Short Takes

When Getting Lost is Highly Recommended It’s fun to turn off the better traveled roads and onto those of questionable quality going who-knows-where. Not

Rich Turner August 7, 2019

Mixing

New on Old and West goes East There is something about mixing—fresh and salt, old and new, east and west—that keeps our souls keen. I

Josie Iselin August 5, 2019

New Hope Colony

Supporting a New Mormon Zion New Hope was a farming colony established in 1846 on the lower Stanislaus River to support the anticipated new western

David Stuart July 22, 2019

Surviving the PG&E Power Shutdowns, Part Two

This year PG&E got approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to put into effect its Public Safety Power Shutdown Program. Part One is an

Cyndy Green July 22, 2019

8 1/2 Months

Editor’s note about Soundings Magazine 8 1/2 months. Already? ! The title of this post refers to how long we’ve been publishing SoundingsMag. You might

Rich Turner July 16, 2019

Short Takes

Tinsley Island Every so often I like to take low and slow flights over the Delta just to see what I can see. In all

Rich Turner July 12, 2019

Surviving the PG&E Power Shutdowns: Part 1

Editor’s note: We apologize for the error in Deputy Director Shellie Lima’s title in an earlier version of this video. It has now been corrected.

Cyndy Green July 11, 2019

The Kindness of Others

What started out as a short drive to the river for an after dinner Delta walk became something else altogether. As it happens, everything work

Rich Turner July 5, 2019

Vietnam Moving Wall

June 20 – 24, 2019, Stockton, California The Vietnam Moving Wall was in Stockton last month. I spent four days working a night shift patrolling

Cyndy Green July 3, 2019

First Generation Farmers

The Delta historically has been an agricultural paradise. But sometimes there is a disconnect between the agricultural community and the urban culture. A fourth generation

Cyndy Green July 1, 2019

Oakley Through Time

The settlement and development of Oakley is the experience of every pioneer California town. Originally a Native American paradise, this Delta settlement quickly becomes San

Carol A. Jensen June 28, 2019

Caterpillar Tractors: Roots in Delta Peat Soil

The gasoline-powered Holt 75 Caterpillar was the best-selling of the Holt tractors from 1914 to 1924. It established a reputation as a quality farming tractor

David Stuart June 26, 2019

The Goddess of Justice: Part Two

(From the files of the Delta Detective Agency) Having successfully traced “Little Red” Ryder-Hood to her cleverly concealed lair in the woods and allowed Iris

Howard Lachtman June 19, 2019

Spirit of Place

The Filbert Steps Revisited If you’ve climbed the world-famous Filbert Steps on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco, you may have seen the plaque crediting Grace

Charlene Nevill June 13, 2019

A Conundrum

“One oil well would eliminate all those wind mills and you could make it look like a tree.” After enjoying the quietude, beauty, and splendor

Rich Turner June 13, 2019

Bound for Glory

California is a garden of Eden, a paradise to live in or to see, but believe it or not, you won’t find it so hot if you ain’t got

Rich Turner May 31, 2019

Peregrines in the City

Since the appearance of Peregrines at PG&E we have found nests on the Bay Bridge, on a boat moored near San Francisco Giants Oracle ballpark,

Glenn Stewart May 30, 2019

Save the Date

By Wednesday, “hump day’ to some, as the glorious weekend looms on the nearing horizon, most of us start thinking about what to do with

Rich Turner May 29, 2019

The Goddess of Justice: Part One

(From the files of the Delta Detective Agency) After solving the perplexing mystery of a missing San Francisco financier, resolving the problem of an unsuspected

Howard Lachtman May 24, 2019

In Plain Sight

THE HEALING POWER OF PLANTS OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR We think we know them. We’ve seen them in the woods, in gardens and along city

Charlene Nevill May 17, 2019

“Truck Farming” Was the Path into Agriculture

No, truck farmers didn’t grow trucks…rather, truck farmers were small-acreage family farmers who grew a variety of vegetables and fruits that were delivered by small

David Stuart May 16, 2019

Short Takes

THE BEST CAMERA? People often ask me about equipment, favorite lenses, and accessories, but I tend to not focus so much on the hardware as

Rich Turner May 9, 2019

Locke in the 1970’s

Editor’s Note: The Locke Foundation presents photography by James D. Motlow from his book, “Bitter Melon”. The exhibition runs now through September 30th at the

James Motlow May 1, 2019

Short Takes

Yellow Iris, Levee Road Yellow Iris are an invasive species, but they fly their spring flags so brightly they are a delight to see every

Joanna Jeronimo April 24, 2019

Birding and Living in the Delta

When it comes to birds and the enjoyment of observing them, which is called birding these days, it’s the proverbial “location, location, location”. For many

David Yee April 19, 2019

Delta Rivers and Flooding, Part 4 of 4

https://youtu.be/2zGYctcNcxQ Part 4, Planning for the Future and Learning from the Past If you missed the first three installments, or just want a refresher –

Cyndy Green April 18, 2019

Mountain Moods

Because it’s there. –George Mallory In the 1920’s, when George Mallory was touring to gain support for one of his expeditions, “Because it’s there”, was

Rich Turner April 11, 2019

Delta Rivers and Flooding, Part 3 of 4

Part 3, The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a Unique Place This timely four-part video series is intended to educate the communities of the Sacramento-San Joaquin

Cyndy Green April 9, 2019

Hot Rods and Custom Cars of the Sacramento Delta

Editor’s note – The following is a chapter from “Hot Rods and Custom Cars of the Sacramento Delta,” first published February, 2019 by History Press,

John Callahan April 6, 2019

A Diamond is a Boy’s Best Friend

“You can’t go back home to your family, back home to your childhood… back home to a young man’s dreams of glory and of fame…

Rich Turner March 30, 2019

Peat, Asparagus, and Hard Labor, Part 2 of 2

Changing Demographics: Shifts to Filipino and Mexican Labor Amidst this labor climate, the Federal Government passed the National Origins Act of 1924, severely curtailing Asian

Phillip Merlo March 28, 2019

Delta Rivers and Flooding, Part 2 of 4

https://youtu.be/ouBWar9dXBE Historic Breaks, Floods and What Caused Them This timely four-part video series is intended to educate the communities of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta by

Cyndy Green March 27, 2019

Peat, Asparagus, and Hard Labor, Part 1 of 2

This cabin dates to 1911, and was part of the reconstruction effort after the catastrophic flood of 1903. Oral histories and old farm maps indicate

Phillip Merlo March 26, 2019

Bittersweet Goodbye

Moon Glow, Staten Island A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. — Maya Angelou Like a

Rich Turner March 25, 2019

The Further Adventures of the Delta Detective Part 4 of 4

Having lost his bid to adopt a stately office motto for the firm of Delta Detections and lacking time for the getaway of his dreams

Howard Lachtman March 19, 2019

Delta Rivers and Flooding – Part 1 of 4

https://youtu.be/C13lU3pF7fU Water Sources and How They Affect the Delta This timely four-part video series is intended to educate the communities of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Cyndy Green March 18, 2019

Guest Editorial

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California as a Delta Neighbor Gas well flare test, Bouldin Island What does it mean for our community when large

Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla March 8, 2019

Delta Anthology

Collecting stories of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Because in the end literature helps to build that sense of place that the Delta seems to lack.

Alex Breitler March 7, 2019

Shorty’s La Amistad Cafe

“To all of us kids, this 1992 picture of Mom and Dad represents their success in life.” -Gilberto, Jr. (photo courtesy the Lopez family) Perseverance,

Rich Turner March 1, 2019

Short Takes

Pampas Grass, Andrus Island, Circa 1985 Digging deep in the archives I ran across this Kodachrome slide from about 1985. I say, ‘about’, because the

Rich Turner February 27, 2019

Asparagus: Historic Signature Crop of the Delta

1978, Roberts Island, California Delta – As day breaks after an overnight rain, asparagus harvest continues despite difficult conditions of sticky peat soil and rough

David Stuart February 20, 2019

Cuttin’ the ‘Gras, Then and Now

What’s your first experience with asparagus? Here’s mine: Disenchantingly gray-green, lifelessly limp and nothing like its picture on the can’s label. As a child I

Rich Turner February 20, 2019

The Further Adventures of the Delta Detective Part 3 of 4

As we join him for part three of our continuing serial, the senior investigator for Delta Detections is still hoping to get away from the

Howard Lachtman February 14, 2019

A Stockton Hero

My friend Cenon, With a smile on his face, Empties the trash from my basket, Asks me how I’m doing, chides me if I’m working

Phil Hutcheon February 8, 2019

Sundown on an Era

Twitchell Island Poplars, 1981 That special place you go for the renewal you feel — that special place you have come to count on to

Rich Turner February 7, 2019

Mount Diablo and the Delta as Place, part 1 of 5

The Native American and Spanish Views It has been estimated that the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta region has been continuously inhabited between 10,000 to 13,000

Robert Benedetti January 31, 2019

First Cormorants

Black arrows of winter come in pairs, building a sooty patch in theturning basin. I anchor out on the Delta, the sky the color of

Paula Sheil January 31, 2019

Short Takes

Sky Light, circa 1976 Some things are just worth being late for. I was working for the Record newspaper in Stockton in the winter of

Rich Turner January 24, 2019

The Further Adventures of the Delta Detective Part 2

What do an ancient Roman philosopher, a brash and flamboyant singing cowboy and a San Francisco financial hustler have in common? Nothing. Unless they happen

Howard Lachtman January 20, 2019

Her View from the Bridge

I’m not just sharing something I really love, but also bringing people closer to nature in a way that makes them look at what’s going

Alex Breitler January 18, 2019

For the Love of Ships

Turning Basin, Port of Stockton Imagine you are 23 years old and you want to travel Europe for a while just to see what you

Rich Turner January 9, 2019

Short Takes

SOMETIMES WE JUST DON’T When it comes to wildlife photography, there is a lot of sitting and waiting. One afternoon, I sat in a patch

George Turner January 8, 2019

The Further Adventures of the Delta Detective

What do an ancient Roman philosopher, a brash and flamboyant singing cowboy and a San Francisco financial hustler have in common? Nothing. Unless they happen

Howard Lachtman January 4, 2019

Frozen Bun Run

Videographer and storyteller, Cyndy Green, gives us a glimpse of the event that has become a Delta tradition. The 39th annual “Frozen Bun Run” was

Cyndy Green January 3, 2019

Short Takes

On Serendipity Yellow-eyed Cat, February 1986 This is a case of following one of my self-imposed rules. A rule that has been so good for

Rich Turner December 12, 2018

Water Wars Continue

Hog Slough The California Delta is the largest estuary on the Pacific coast of this hemisphere and the source of freshwater for over 23 million

Adrian Mendoza December 11, 2018

Skiing the Friendly Skies

It’s probably impossible to identify the craziest thing ever done on the Delta, but “Ni” Orsi, Jr. has a contender: his father water skied behind

Michael Fitzgerald December 10, 2018

The Final Hunt is Only the Start

Night Flight, Hog Slough – photograph by Rich Turner What we encountered was not a material world but a natural world that, from my thinking,

Peter Ottesen December 1, 2018

Fruit of the vine. Yum. I’m guilty of not really paying attention to what it takes to get a bottle of wine to my table. So I asked a prominent California Delta wine grape grower and vintner if I could tag along while they labored to bring in their crush-ready crop of pinot noir grapes. For several fall harvest seasons I’ve been wanting to chase the odd looking machines that trundle up and down rows of wine grapes in the California Delta starting in early evening. The Clarksburg area, just south of Sacramento, has a state-wide reputation, and beyond, for the quality and variety of grapes and wines produced there. It’s a part of the Delta that I wander from time to time and when I see these unusual machines on rolling stilts at dusk, headlights blazing, I’ve made mental notes to ask permission to ride along. Unfortunately mental notes aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. But this season I say to myself, if not now when?

Rich Turner November 1, 2018

February 2021

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