California Delta Chambers and Visitor's Bureau - A Guide to the California Delta Waterways

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California Delta Scuttlebutt
by Suzanne Black
http://www.californiadelta.org
For California Delta Chambers & Visitors Bureau

May 2009

HEY ... LOOK ... The Delta Scuttlebutt is back!! Hello readers .... We are now using a new mail list server so we can send you a better quality newsletter.

Things are starting to happen in the Delta and Summer is just around the corner. It's going to be a warm weekend, so get out and enjoy some time in the Delta. There's plenty to do so check out the calendar at the end of this message.

Be sure to come to the Discover The Delta Tower event next Thursday, May 21, at 10:00 am, in Rio Vista (on the waterfront just north of the bridge). I will be there taking photos, so come out and say hello!

Our Sunset Bar & Grill girl, Trisha Meagher, has moved her restaurant location to the Stockton Waterfront. She has officially opened at 445 N. Weber, Stockton. The new restaurant is called "Sunset at The Waterfront Warehouse" and has an amazing view across the water to the new Stockton Arena & Ballpark. Trisha is also managing the restaurant at Windmill Cove, so stop in and say hello at either place.

The next Delta Chambers Mixer will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 5:30-7:00 pm, at Delta Discovery Cruises. Visit their website at: http://www.deltadiscoverycruises.com

Discover The Delta Founation News

There is exciting news at the Discover The Delta Foundation (DTDF). On Thursday, May 21, at 10:00 am, the tower in Rio Vista will start to be dismantled. This tower which is owned by the Dutra Corporation has been a landmark in Rio Vista for decades. The Dutra family has graciously donated it to the Foundation to be used at the new DTDF site, across the river from Rio Vista.

You are invited to come out on May 21 at 10:00 am to watch this historic event. There will be an area for invited guests, spectators, and the media. COME HELP US CELEBRATE!

Tower History:
CLICK HERE FOR TOWER PHOTO

Available information indicates that the tower dates as far back as 1904 when the property was used by The Rio Vista Caning and Packing Company. The president was Larz P. Larson who happened to be the first president of the Bank of Rio Vista and the first Treasurer of the City of Rio Vista.

The property was sold to Del Monte between 1910 and 1920, and the facility was called California Packing Corp Plant #22 (CALPAK). It was considered the best Del Monte Shed, the largest Asparagus cannery in the world, and provided 90% of the world’s canned Asparagus, primarily white Asparagus.

The Tower was connected to a well on the property that provided the water to the two tanks. The top tank of the Tower was used to flow the asparagus through the cannery on a flume. The bottom tank was used for drinking water and other water needs.

The cannery filled the cans with long Asparagus and cut off the ends to close the jars. These cut-off ends were called “Asparagus buds” and were found floating down the Sacramento River!

The nearby park, now called “Blackwelder Park” housed many of the cannery workers until the late 1940’s when the cannery closed.

In the early 50’s, Blackwelder Manufacturing Company purchased the property. The Blackwelder Manufacturing Company did not use the top tank on the tower, but they did use the bottom tank for drinking water and other needs.

In the 1960-70’s, the the tower sprang leaks and was too expensive to fix. During this time period, the North Rio Vista Sewer District was formed and the Blackwelder Manufacturing Company was able to get their water from City sources. From then on, the tower’s tanks have not been used.

The Dutra Family took over the property in 1990, and in 2008, with the approval of the City of Rio Vista, donated the Tower to the Discover the Delta Foundation to use as a future Delta Landmark.

More than 100 years ago, the Dutra family established a historic presence with their role in dredging the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta. To date, Bill Dutra and The Dutra Group continues this legacy by playing an active role in the construction and continued maintenance of our vital California levee system. The family is a devoted and loyal partner to the community of Rio Vista and Delta region.

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Show your support by becoming a member of The Discover The Delta Foundation today. Click the following link -- http://www.discoverthedelta.org
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DISCOVER THE DELTA FOUNDATION
MEMBERSHIP REWARDS CARD

Once you become a member of the Discover the Delta Foundation, you will receive a Membership Rewards Card. This card allows members to get discounts on products and services at participating Delta businesses! Get more information online at: http://www.discoverthedelta.org/card_info.html

Annual "Taste of The Delta" Event

It's almost time for the Delta Chambers Annual "Taste of The Delta" spectacular event. This year's event will be held at The Windmill Cove Resort and Marina (www.windmillcove.com). Everyone can enjoy the tremendous river views while attending the Taste.

The Taste of The Delta was created as a fundraiser for the California Delta Chamber & Visitor's Bureau, and to showcase Wineries and Restaurants in the California Delta region. We invite local wineries and restaurants to participate in this event and bring a selection of their products to taste.

• Wine & Food Tastings
• Live and Silent Auction items from local Delta businesses.
• Local arts, crafts, jewelry, and more.
• Live Music by "Power Play "
• Door Prize

The Taste of The Delta provides participants with an opportunity to showcase their products to the Delta community. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon on the Delta. Dress is casual.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.tasteofthedelta.com. Ticket includes souvenir wine glass and plate. Tickets prices are $25 - or - $30 at the door.

Are you interested in participating in The Taste of the Delta?
Please contact Kim Korth at 916-777-5203 or Email: kim.korth@yahoo.com

It's Copyrighted! This newsletter is copyrighted by Suzanne Blackl and may not be reproduced elsewhere in any form without his specific written permission. However, you do have permission to reprint material from the Member Events listing.