We Grow California

03/19/2025

It’s March and newly elected officials have settled into their seats. At the state level, one third of all legislators are new. Locally, that percentage could be higher or lower. Regardless, newly elected officials rarely have an understanding about California’s water complexities nor the importance of Agriculture and its unique challenges.

To get a newly elected perspective, Darcy and Darcy Stoltz Burkewelcome City of Canyon Lake Mayor, Mark Terry. Mayor Terry was appointed to City Council two years ago and then was elected to his first four-year term in November. The Mayor shares his perspective on the importance of water, having a city that has two water providers, how is navigates the challenges, and what he recommends. Join the conversation and find some take-aways that might work for you in your community.

For more information about Mayor Mark Terry and the City of Canyon Lake, visit https://www.canyonlakeca.gov/ .

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1998676/episodes/16821158

It’s March and newly elected officials have settled into their seats. At the state level, one third of all legislators are new. Locally, that percentage could be higher or lower. Regardless, newly elected officials rarely have an understanding abo...

02/19/2025

This is a good one! Vivian Welsh Founder and CEO of Vivians a firm that develops Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, joins Darcy and Darcy and discusses what AI is, how utilities or farmers use this technology, what guardrails (If any) are in place, and what’s been the biggest barrier to AI implementation. Vivian shares great success stories, answers tough questions, and provides wonderful tips for getting started. Young, old, or in-between, this is an episode you can’t miss. Join the conversation!

To reach Vivian directly, visit her website www.vivians.io/ or email her at [email protected]

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-grow-california/id1631037490?i=1000693857238

Podcast Episode · We Grow California · 02/19/2025 · 44m

02/11/2025

Thank you Associated California Water Agencies (ACWA) for profiling Darcy Villere, showcasing our other co-host, Darcy Stoltz Burke, and one of our favorite guests, David Pedersen!

01/01/2025

Happy New Year! Darcy & Darcy will be back this year with some great guests and hot topics! If you are new to the show, you can catch up here https://www.buzzsprout.com/1998676/episodes

11/20/2024

Darcy V. and Darcy B. thought you could use a little refresh from all the election advertising, conversation, and in some instances, drama. Just in time for the biggest food holiday of the year, They go over some fun Thanksgiving Dinner food facts. Darcy V. has been waiting to do this episode for over a year! We share where the most popular holiday food comes from, how much in total receipts each item generates, and a multitude of other fun foodie facts! You’ll be the hit of the party with this information! Spoiler alert – California Farmers are a big reason you enjoy those Thanksgiving family favorites. So, while we all count our blessings this holiday, please take a moment and offer thanks for our California Farmers.

Did you know We Grow California and the Exchange Contractors PAC are hosting a special fundraiser? Join us in thanking these California Farmers by making a financial contribution on the https://www.ecwaterpac.com/non-event/ . Thank you for your support.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1998676/episodes/16139120-post-election-palate-cleanser

Darcy B. and Darcy V. thought you could use a little refresh from all the election advertising, conversation, and in some instances, drama.  Just in time for the biggest food holiday of the year, Darcy V. and Darcy B. go over some fun Thanksg...

11/06/2024

Great Expectations...

The November 2024 elections are over and a whole new class of elected water board directors are about to take their seats. Many of these individuals ran on the promise of lower water rates, improved water reliability, more transparency, etc. But what can they really deliver? Darcy and Darcy Stoltz Burke welcomed Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District's (EVMWD) Board President Chance Edmondson into the studio to share his perspective of what it was like when he became a board member. Chance was appointed to the EVMWD Board in 2021 to fill a vacancy and then in 2022 ran for the seat and won. Chance shares what he thought being a board member was going to be like, what it really is, what he has learned, what has been the most difficult part of the job, and offers some advice for those that are about to take their oath. Listen in and hear what he has to say and then share it with someone you know that’s about to take office.

The November 2024 elections are over and a whole new class of elected water board directors are about to take their seats. Many of these individuals ran on the promise of lower water rates, improved water reliability, more transparency, etc. But w...

10/30/2024

And the Golden Trophy Goes to....

Johnny Amaral, Chief External Affairs Officer at Friant Water Authority, joins Darcy and Darcy Stoltz Burke in the studio this week for an enlightening conversation. Recently, Johnny moderated a panel that Darcy B. participated in and Darcy V. attended. This annual event was hosted by the ACWA -Association of California Water Agencies, Regions 6 & 7. The panel focused on “successful” regulatory management strategies.

As part of that panel discussion, Johnny shared that water agencies, irrigation districts, and water purveyors from all over the state have been negotiating themselves out of reliable water supply for over thirty years. This graph, known as the Golden Trophy chart, demonstrates the reduction in water supply. Each milestone was intended to be the trophy, or the finish line, ensuring a reliable supply from that point on. However, guess what happened? Let’s just say, the last thing Californians need is another “Golden Trophy.” Listen in as Johnny shares the details!

Johnny Amaral, Chief External Affairs Officer at Friant Water Authority, joins Darcy and Darcy in the studio this week for an enlightening conversation. Recently, Johnny moderated a panel that Darcy B. participated in and Darcy V. attended. This a...

10/09/2024

LEADER OF THE PACK - VROOM! VROOM!
In the early 1900’s California water projects were Big and Bold. Today’s guest on We Grow California, Mehul Patel, Orange County Water District’s Executive Director of Operations, oversees a project that can be classified in that same category – the Groundwater Replenishment System or GWRS. The only reason urban water agencies are even talking about, let alone planning for, direct potable reuse is because of this project. Mehul joins Darcy and me in the studio and shares the history of the project back to Water Factory 21, the courageous decisions two agencies had to make to move forward and make significant investments, and of course, one-of-the-most-important-things-of all, how they overcome the “Yuck factor” when so many others could not.

Mehul also shares how anyone, yes anyone, can get a tour of this world-class facility. Listen in!

In the early 1900’s California water projects were Big and Bold. Today’s guest, Mehul Patel, Orange County Water District’s Executive Director of Operations, oversees a project that can be classified in that same category – the Groundwater Repleni...

09/25/2024

Outdoor watering has become a thing and for California Farmers it always has been. The question of the day is, Do you "water right?" Will Pruitt, CEO of Water Right, LLC, and Exchange Contractor PAC Board Member, joins Darcy Villere and Darcy Burke this week in the We Grow California studio. Will shares the Why, Where, and When certain irrigation strategies are employed. Irrigation has come a long way in the last few decades and now, with the help of better technology, innovation, and grower expertise, not only are these systems more efficient, but they are lasting longer. There’s more to it than just turning on your “sprinklers!” That means a better Return on Investment which is an efficiency incentive.

For our Urban listeners, you are about to learn how complex “watering” really is. And for our growers, Will has some great suggestions at the end that will position you well for the future. Listen in!

Will Pruitt, CEO of Water Right, LLC, and Exchange Contractor PAC Board Member, joins Darcy and Darcy this week. Will shares the Why, Where, and When certain ir

09/05/2024

This week Dan Nelson retired Executive Director of the San Luis-Delta Mendota Water Authority (Authority) joins Darcy Villere and Darcy Stoltz Burke. Dan shares the history of the Authority’s predecessor organization, the events that led to the Authority’s creation, key operation and water management milestones, and the best lesson he learned. The coolest part of the interview from Darcy B’s perspective was that Dan worked with Darcy V.’s grandfather, the water legend himself, C.W. “Bill” Jones Sr. who is known for bringing water deliveries to agriculture and for whom the Jones Pumping Plant is named. Dan shares what Bill Sr. was like, what type of leader he was, and key insights that Darcy V. surely will take to heart. Curious as to what the key takeaway from today’s episode might be? Dan Nelson is a leader whose experience and lessons are just as applicable today, as they were when the Authority started. And that leadership transcends water and agriculture. Take a moment and listen in!!

This week Dan Nelson retired Executive Director of the San Luis-Delta Mendota Water Authority (Authority) joins Darcy and Darcy. Dan shares the history of the Authority’s predecessor organization, the events that led to the Authority’s creation, k...

08/28/2024

Darcy V is harvesting tomatoes so that means, Darcy Stoltz Burke is leading this discussion, and what a discussion it is! Darcy welcomes Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel, the Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs for the Milk Producers Council, a California dairy farmer trade association. Geoff is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley Board. Geoff joins Darcy B in the studio where they discuss the urgent Fall X 2 Action.

The Fall X2 Action (Technically it addresses salinity intrusion in the Bay Delta), as currently mandated, results in significant water supply reductions that provide water for the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural industry, rural communities, including disadvantaged communities, Southern California cities, families, industry, and economies, as well as critical habitat in both federal and private wildlife refuges. This regulation has flexibility, if the APPOINTED decision-makers agree, the 350,000 AF of stored water (enough for 1,050,000 Southern California Families) we can keep this water in storage. We can save for the next dry period. Saving for Sunny Days!

Recent scientific studies done by the National Fish and Wildlife Agency and others indicate this effort will not, and does not, help the Delta Smelt, as originally intended. In other words, sound science is NOT driving this decision. You can help. Click on the links below and email these appointed decision-makers. Let them know, that saving California water for our communities, our food supply, and all of California is our top priority:

· California Natural Resources Agency Secretary, Wade Crowfoot, [email protected]

· California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director, Charlton (Chuck) Bonham, [email protected]

· California Department of Water Resources Director, Karla Nemeth, [email protected]

· US Bureau of Reclamation Director, Karl Stock, [email protected]

· Governor Gavin Newsom, (have to use contact form) https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/

Listen in! https://www.buzzsprout.com/1998676/15655116-call-to-action-fall-x2

Darcy V is harvesting tomatoes so that means, Darcy B. is leading this discussion, and what a discussion it is!   Darcy welcomes Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel, the Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs for the Milk Producers Council, a Califor...

08/22/2024

Darcy V. is back, and Darcy B. is grateful to have him! This week Ryan Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer of Fresno Farm Bureau joins Darcy and Darcy for an interesting conversation on what a Farm bureau is, what it does, and how they work. Ryan discusses that over the last ten years a lot of what he does can be summed up in these words, “There’s water ... and then there’s everything else.” Ryan shares how he serves a wide range of interests, needs, and communities. Water speak as we all know, is a challenge. Ryan also serves as President of Fresno Irrigation District, which gives him a definite advantage.

Farm Bureau’s provide immense value and service to their members and communities. Darcy B learned a lot. You just might too! Listen in!

This week Ryan Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer of Fresno Farm Bureau joins Darcy and Darcy for an interesting conversation on what a Farm Bureau is, what it does, and how they work.  Ryan discusses that over the last ten years, a lot of wha...

08/10/2024

Time to Celebrate! Thanks for listening!!!

08/09/2024

This week, Darcy B. is flying solo while Darcy V. is out of town. Left to her own devices, Darcy welcomed into the studio Dusty Ference, the Executive Director of the King’s County Farm Bureau. Recently, Dusty and the King’s County Farm Bureau made headlines when they successfully were issued a temporary restraining order against the State Water Resources Control Board. This order prevents the State Board from putting the Tulare Lake Groundwater Subbasin on SGMA Probation. The restraining order remains in effect until Tuesday, August 20, 2024, when the judge will consider issuing a temporary injunction. To put it in baseball terms, Kings County Farm Bureau hit a homerun the first time at bat, and the State Water Resources Control Board has yet to get to first base.

Darcy pitched some difficult questions like how this action is sitting with their neighboring agencies, why they should have more time to comply than anyone else – including her own water agency, how the state determined the proposed fees, what’s the potential impact to Tulare communities, and what are they hoping for when all the dust settles. To find out the answers to these questions and more, listen in!

‎Show We Grow California, Ep King’s County Farm Bureau =1, State Water Board =0 - Aug 7, 2024

07/31/2024

It’s Darcy and Darcy this week and they have plenty to talk about. First, they share information about a Central Valley event hosted by The California Water Alliance (4th Annual Water Forum) that is being held on August 7th. This event was encouraging to both Darcys as it appears to be a non-partisan, forward thinking, solution focused event. Check it out for yourself here.

What really got the conversation going was Darcy B’s sentiments on the current proposed “Water Bond.” Listed on this fall’s ballot as Proposition 4, it is entitled, “The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024.” In Darcy’s B opinion, there is very little funding, if any, for safe drinking water. Darcy V weighs in on propositions in general, but you’ll have to listen in to find out his thoughts on this one. Is this a Darcy versus Darcy or is it a Darcy and Darcy? Ultimately, the question goes to you, our listeners, is this a water bond or a water bust? Join the conversation!

‎Show We Grow California, Ep Water Bond or Water Bust? - Jul 30, 2024

07/29/2024

Thank you Maven for the We Grow California Podcast Plug! Very Much Appreciated!

07/24/2024

For over a decade now, Direct Potable ReUse (DPR) has been referred to as "Showers to Flowers." Darcy and I welcome back Las Virgenes General Manager and President of Water ReUse California, Dave Pedersen to talk about DPR’s next level – Pizza & Beer!

If you recall from our December 29th episode, Darcy V wanted to try the DPR Pale Ale Beer that a local micro-brewery Lady Face Mountain crafted exclusively for Dave’s project. Dave got it to me, and I got it to the great Central Valley for Darcy’s enjoyment. Listen in to hear Darcy V.’s candid review and then learn about Dave’s unique community engagement efforts that involve pizza, beer, gelato, and shaved ice – all made with DPR water! Listen in!

For over a decade now, Direct Potable ReUse (DPR) has been referred to as “Showers to Flowers.” Darcy and Darcy welcome back Las Virgenes General Manager and President of Water ReUse California, Dave Pedersen to talk about DPR’s next level – Pizza...

07/17/2024

There has been a lot of discussion on the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning the Chevron Doctrine. Do you even know what the heck that is or even means? Paul Minasian, long-practicing California water rights attorney, is back on the We Grow California Podcast to explain it all! Darcy and I ask Paul about the impacts this ruling may have on Federal (and State) Water Project Operations, water projects, timing impacts, and more. Spoiler Alert! The United States Constitution plays a key role moving forward! Imagine that! Listen in!

Paul Minasian, long-practicing California water rights attorney, is back! Paul joins Darcy and Darcy in the studio to explain the Supreme Court of the United States’ (SCOTUS)overturning of what was known as the Chevron doctrine.  Darcy and Da...