$21.5 million for flood projects in the southern San Joaquin Valley a “great start”

At least two residents of the tiny community of Pond were excited and hopeful by news that state money for flood control might go toward Poso Creek, which flooded several Pond homes in 2023.

“I think it’s a great start,” Kevin and Diane White said in unison. The couple has lived in Pond for 38 years and said they only got about a 10 minute warning in 2023 that flood water was headed their way.

The couple attended a press conference Friday in McFarland touting the appropriation of $21.5 million – half the amount originally sought – for flood safety projects in Kern, Kings and Tulare counties. 

Several homes and businesses in Pond were damaged by flooding, including the Pond Mutual Water Company’s well.

“I’m excited they got the 20 (million),” Diane said, while Kevin hoped it would help at least maintain Poso Creek, which is severely overgrown.

McFarland Mayor Saul Ayon said all of that money should go toward making Poso Creek safer for residents of Pond, McFarland, Alpaugh and Allensworth.

“When we talk about priorities, the Poso Creek project must come first,” Ayon said.

All of those communities were damaged or threatened by the swollen Poso Creek in 2023.

And in past years, Poso waters have done significant damage, especially in McFarland. In 1998, Poso waters ran through an animal facility, carrying muck and waste into people’s homes.

“This is not simply storm water,” Ayon said. “We’ve lost a life in 1998, seen residents displaced, seen homes and farms destroyed. We’ve seen lives placed at risk.”

State Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield), who originally sought $43 million for projects from Proposition 4, the 2024 $10 billion Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness and Clean Air Bond Act, urged the community to have patience.

The $21.5 million will go to the Wildlife Conservation Board which will hold competitive bids for projects to receive funding.

“You secure the funding as a first step but of course, some of these things take time,” Hurtado told the crowd. “I don’t know how long it’s going to be, but it’s going to take some time, and I’m hoping that it’s sooner rather than later.”

Projects under Hurtado’s original bill would have included:
• $5 million for enhancement and restoration of floodplains along the upper Kaweah River in Tulare County. 
• $2 million for enhancement of Panorama Vista Preserve along the Kern River in Bakersfield.
• $20 million for acquisition and restoration of floodplains along Poso Creek in Kern County.
• $16 million for acquisition and restoration of floodplains along the North and South forks of the Kings River in Kings County.

It’s not known yet how that wish list will change with just half the total funding available.

Other speakers at Friday’s event included Allensworth Progressive Association Executive Director Tekoah Kadara and Tachi Yokut Vice Chair Robert Jeff. 

“In Allensworth, we are between Deer Creek and Poso Creek, with the White River running directly into us,” Kadara said. “Days and moments like this are really impactful, because we see a brighter future for this region.”

Jeff spoke about the Tachi Yokut working in tandem with their neighbors for the benefit of the region.

“As a tribe, we’ve always felt the balance of living with our environment. So, in the beginning, we never feared the water when it came down, we just left,” Jeff said. “Today, we’re rooted in our communities.”

The indigenous Tachi Yokut people have lived in the San Joaquin Valley for thousands of years.

“So, as a tribal member and tribal leader, I want to do everything that I can to help protect you guys here at McFarland, because I know the sacredness of Poso Creek as well and the importance of Poso Creek, but it’s a little wild right now.”