Redirecting water from the Delta has been passionately debated and discussed for decades in California. The latest iteration proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom is the Delta Conveyance Project, a single tunnel along the Sacramento River stretching just south of Clarksburg in the town of Hood to a reservoir near Livermore. Throughout Gov. Newsom’s two terms he has worked to streamline the project, and recently used the May budget revision to fast-track this new addition to the State Water Project, which quickly sparked backlash among opponents - including a bipartisan group of state lawmakers who represent the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Joining Insight is State Senator and former mayor of West Sacramento Christopher Cabaldon (D-Yolo) whose district includes the Sacramento Delta.

Gov. Newsom’s office sent the following statement: “The Governor’s proposal for the Delta Conveyance Project is about looking ahead, seeing where delays, cost overruns, and lengthy pointless legal battles will drag down progress – and to prevent them. Californians want to see projects get built and quickly - this is the Governor’s focus. The fact is, the Delta Conveyance Project will help modernize and prepare our water systems for the future, is supported by water users, and takes a scientific and climate-based approach which balances the state water needs with our efforts to protect habitats and water supply.” 

The California Democratic Convention took place this weekend in Anaheim, as the Democratic Party aims to adjust its messaging and image after significant losses in the 2024 election. The convention featured big-name speakers including Sen. Cory Booker and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, but was also marked by the absence of Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris, who is still weighing a potential run for governor. Blake Jones is co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and joins Insight to explain what this year’s convention means for state Democrats going forward.

Sacramento is a food town. Surrounded by prime ag land, the region offers up a wealth of locally grown and raised ingredients from produce to pork. And it’s pork that will be on the menu everywhere this week as the 14th annual Sacramento Bacon Fest returns to the region. Brian Guido is the Founder of Bacon Fest and he’s here to preview the festivities along with freelance food and culture writer Becky Grunewald, who is serving as a judge; and Chef Dennis Sydnor, who is participating in this year’s main battle for the Guido Cup on Sunday at Mulvaney’s B&L.