Saying “our government works for fish,” Republican congressman George Radanovich of Mariposa has joined fellow Republican U.S. Rep Devin Nunes in criticizing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his part in the state’s apparently worsening water shortage.

Unlike Mr. Nunes, who is calling for the governor to step down in a statement first published by CVBT, Mr. Radanovich’s public criticism is more muted.

“Governor Schwarzenegger provided no reassurance that action would be taken to turn on the pumps and restore water to the Valley. Anything less, is just lip service by politicians and bureaucrats trying to get good headlines,” says Mr. Radanovich.

He saved his stronger words for others: “Heavy handed environmental regulations are literally ruining families for the benefit of a dying fish. It’s time that our government stops working for fish and starts working for people.”

Governor’s supporters speak out

Within hours of Mr. Nunes’ criticism of Mr. Schwarzenegger, the governor’s supports began speaking out.

The governor’s press aides culled more than a dozen comments together in case the media might have missed them.

A sampling:

• Nisei Farmers League President Manuel Cunha, Jr.: “I believe that [the governor] has done all that he can to provide water to those that need it.… For congressman Devin Nunes to call on the governor to resign is ludicrous, and is wasteful. We need to focus on fixing the problems, and not on shifting the blame”

• State Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, “Governor Schwarzenegger has done more to improve our state’s broken water delivery system than any other governor has in decades…. The governor has shown, and continues to provide, tremendous leadership in solving the state’s water crisis.”

• Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif: “Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has confronted head on an issue that should have been confronted many years ago — leading the charge for more storage and conveyance facilities to upgrade our broken water system.

• Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which has 19 million customers from Los Angeles to San Diego, says: “Since taking office, Gov. Schwarzenegger has demonstrated the necessary leadership for taking constructive, collaborative steps that address our state-wide water problems.

Doctors Medical Center trauma program gets rare distinction

Modesto’s Doctors Medical Center has received “Level II Verification” from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. DMC is the only hospital from Sacramento to Los Angeles that has been honored with this verification, it says.

What sets an ACS verified programs apart from others are the response time requirements of medical staff, resources, around-the-clock availability of specialists, as well as outreach and prevention activities, the hospital says.

Doctors Medical Center’s trauma program is one of the busiest in the Central Valley, seeing more than 900 patients annually for serious to critical injuries. The trauma team is prepared 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, to offer immediate medical care for injuries that are a threat to life, limb, or may result in permanent disability.

“We’re ready before the trauma patient even arrives,” says Anita Shlenker, trauma program director. “The person with traumatic injuries is met by a large team of fully prepared physicians and surgeons, specially trained trauma nurses, therapists, radiologists, and other key staff so that care can be provided much more efficiently.”

U.S. venture investment lowest in 11 tears

The U.S. venture capital industry continued to contract in the first quarter of the year with venture capitalists investing just $3.9 billion in U.S. companies in the quarter, a 50 percent decline from the same period in 2008 and the lowest quarterly investment total since 1998, according to new data from Dow Jones VentureSource.

Only 477 venture deals were completed in the quarter, well below the 706 deals done in the first quarter last year and the industry's lowest quarterly deal total since 1996.

"We're seeing continued retrenching in the venture capital industry," says Jessica Canning, director of global research for Dow Jones VentureSource. "Over the past several quarters, VCs have pulled back significantly on early stage investments in the U.S., across all industries."

California dominated venture capital activity in the first quarter, representing 42 percent of the nation's deal flow and 47 percent of the capital invested.

BBB warns against doing business with American Sun Solar Corp.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Central California says it is joining with the Contractors State License Board in issuing a warning against what they believe is a “green” scam involving American Sun Solar Corp., operated by Peter Davidson. Several Sonoma County victims have apparently lost tens of thousands of dollars to the company, which has an “F” rating with the BBB, the Better Business Bureau says.

The CSLB says Mr. Davidson allegedly took illegally large down payments for solar projects, diverted the money, and then abandoned the projects. He also allegedly failed to pay material suppliers, leaving thousands of dollars in unpaid bills, resulting in liens filed against homeowners’ properties, the state agency says.

“This type of scammer usually hits an area hard and then moves on,” says BBB CEO Doug Broten. “We want consumers and businesses alike to be aware of the potential dangers of doing business with American Sun Solar if they branch out to Central California.”

State FFA conference opens today in Fresno

More than 5,000 high school students, advisors and guests are gathering today at downtown Fresno’s Selland Arena for the largest annual conference Fresno hosts – the California State FFA Leadership Conference, now in its 81st year.

Young agricultural leaders from the California Association of Future Farmers of America are attending the four-day conference coordinated by California State University, Fresno’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology to develop personal and team leadership skills, discover agricultural careers, establish lasting friendships, and to strive for success.

The leadership conference will highlight student accomplishment in areas ranging from public speaking to production practices with proficiency awards, scholarships, and special recognitions

Almond pest management field days April 21-22

The Almond Pest Management Alliance, a collaborative project of almond industry stakeholders that demonstrates the latest research and production practices for almonds, will present two field days for growers and pest control advisors.

The first one is Tuesday, April 21, in San Joaquin County followed by another meeting with the same program, Wednesday, April 22, in Fresno County.

The San Joaquin County field day will be held at the Travaille and Phippen Orchard at 12700 East Graves Road in Manteca and the Fresno County field day will be held at the Pikalok Farming on Bass Avenue in Mendota.

Walt Bentley, a University of California IPM area advisor, will speak about a variety of topics including products for worm control, May sprays and timing, and mite sampling. UC Cooperative Extension Merced Advisor David Doll will present on ant monitoring and UCCE San Joaquin Advisor Paul Verdegaal will speak about drought strategies at the Manteca meeting.