Water Resources

Timothy Ramirez, 45, of Albany, has been appointed to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board. Ramirez has served as the natural resources and lands management division manager at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission since 2005. He served as senior advisor for the California Bay-Delta Authority from 2003 to 2005. Ramirez was assistant secretary for water policy and science at the California Resources Agency from 2002 to 2003 and water policy and science advisor from 1999 until 2002.

The polluted water that flows from taps in many small Central Valley communities captures a troubling irony of California water policy.

After 60 years, the San Joaquin River again flows to the sea and salmon runs are being restored. But many challenges remain in the river's revival. Featuring Switzer Fellows Peter Vorster and Mark Tompkins. Produced by 2003 Switzer Fellow Jim Downing.

Polluted aquifers in the San Joaquin Valley deprive dozens of communities of safe tap water. Switzer Fellow Carolina Balazs is working with local residents to help understand and address the problem. Produced by 2003 Switzer Fellow Jim Downing. (See related post.)