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The Lake Berryessa News
1/2/26
Another month with no news from Napa County regarding the state of the Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program. In the spirit of participative enlightenment, I encourage you to review the information in the "The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program Explained" links below.
Camp Margaritaville Resorts is still waiting for a contract extension from the Interior Department (Bureau of Reclamation). All the resorts except Monticello Shores and Berryessa Point are in full operation.
More free comics at (https://play.usatoday.com/comics). The way they force ads on us is a bit annoying, but at least the comic strips are "free".
In honor of the Sunday Funnies, I just saw this description in a book I'm reading: "Big guy with a big voice. He had sort of a square head, like he'd stuck it between the bars of his crib too many times."
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Lake Berryessa Statistics (2/2/26)
Lake Berryessa has definitely stopped rising. It has remained at 436.8feet, 3.2 feet below Glory Hole, for seven consecutive days.
Rainfall at Monticello Dam rose to 17.11inches for the rain year with .09 inches of light showers on Wednesday, 1/28/26
The lake output rose to 125 cfs, 248 A-F per day, probably due to long sunny, dry spell.
When full (Glory Hole level) the lake contains 1,551,292 Acre-Feet of water.
Lake capacity is now at 1,491,846 Acre-Feet or 96.2%.
Water temperatures are fluctuating at the shallower levels. It's interesting to see how the upper level temperature varies with the sunny warm days, but the temperature below 40 feet remains constant at 52.5 degrees.
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I just received a copy of the new book, “Exploring the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Region” from an old colleague, Bob Schneider. Bob is a co-author of this newly released guidebook. He and I go back about twenty years (!) when we were members of the Berryessa Blue Ridge Natural Area Conservation Partnership (BRBNA). For more on the BRBNA see the chapter East Side Story in my book Lake Berryessa Technical Manual: The Science, Engineering, History, and Humor of a Major Unnatural Resource. Bob was also influential in proposing that the Lake Berryessa region become a National Conservation Area (NCA) which became the starting point for the final Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (BSMNM).
An amazing combination of science and art, richly illustrated with color photographs, maps, and sidebars, this book brings the region’s stories to life, including Native diversity and history; 19th century mining, health resorts, and farming; rare plants and animals, wildlife habitat connectivity, and fire ecology; and the geological history of the region. Detailed driving routes take readers deep into remote areas along public roads, highlighting the land’s natural, cultural, and geological wonders—perfect for day trips.
The Table of Contents copied below shows the range of topics covered. Chapter 6 describes the Lake Berryessa Region in detail.
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The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program Explained
by Peter Kilkus
I have referred to the Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program for several years. I have been criticized that, "The "Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program" is not any recognized County process. It is your own invention, and does not exist beyond yourself." This statement is simply wrong, irrelevant, aimed at delaying the "Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program", and a bit mean-spirited.
The official name for Napa County's "The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program" process is:
Managing Agreement Number 20-LC-20-2623 : Managing Agreement Between the United States of America and Napa County for the Administration, Operation, Maintenance and Development of Recreation Uses and Facilities at Lake Berryessa Area Project Lands.
For simplicity of understanding I refer to it as "The Lake Berryssa Revitalization Program". Read it and see.
The second element of "The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program" is the county-funded 2017 Ragatz Report, the most detailed report about the value of Lake Berryessa to Napa County ever produced, including an extensive public survey. Read it and see.
Ragatz Report Full
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/References-PDFs/2017-Ragatz-Report-Full.pdf,
The third element of "The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program" is actually the
Napa County General Plan
https://www.countyofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/3334/Napa-County-General-Plan---Complete-Document-PDF
Hopefully the Board of Supervisors will live up to its public statement that:
"The County hopes that the private investment associated with a long-term concession agreement will improve recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, provide new employment opportunities, and possibly become an anchor for revitalization of the Lake Berryessa community."
The primary refutation of every negative attack on the Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program is the Ragatz Report funded by Napa County. It includes comprehensive analysis of Lake Berryessa's potential as an asset to Napa County and a detailed survey of several thousand lake users, including Napa County residents.
After false statements that the Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program might violate the Napa County General Plan or that it didn’t include "nature-based recreation", I wrote several reports refuting those allegations. I analyzed the General Plan and wrote a detailed report on the many ways the General Plan supports The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program. These reports are available on my website at:
Lake Berryessa and the Napa General Plan,
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/Past-Stories-&-Reports/Lake-Berryessa-and-the-Napa-General-Plan.pdf
Environmental Management at Lake Berryessa
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/Past-Stories-&-Reports/Environmental-Management-at-Lake-Berryessa.pdf
Nature Based Recreation at Lake Berryessa
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/Past-Stories-&-Reports/Nature-Based-Recreation-at-Lake-Berryessa.pdf
Rancho Monticello Environmental Management System
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/Lake-Berryessa-Support-Documentation/RM-001-Rancho-EMS-Manual.2.pdf
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New Saturday Hours at the Steele Canyon Road Transfer Station
Berryessa Garbage Service, Inc.
Transfer Station hours are 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturdays
(hot and/or rainy weather permitting)
707-226-9543
https://berryessagarbage.com/
berryessagarbage@aol.com
We offer reliable and affordable garbage and rubbish removal, curbside recycling, and appliance pick up throughout the Eastern Napa County and Lake Berryessa, CA areas. (Zone 2) Have you been looking for an affordable trash pickup company for your home or business? Berryessa Garbage Service Inc. offers a variety of garbage removal services for residential and commercial customers including rubbish removal, dumpsters, recycling, and more. Since 1960, we have been serving Eastern Napa County and Lake Berryessa, CA areas with fast, courteous services. (Zone 2)
Residents may also use the following facilities:
Clover Flat Resource Recovery Park – Upper Valley Disposal Services
Devlin Road Recycling & Transfer Facility – Napa Recycling
Potrero Hills Landfill | Disposal | Dump
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This just in from Pleasure Cove Marina:
The Road to Fully Operational: Big Progress at Pleasure Cove! Our vision for the new and improved Pleasure Cove Marina is moving closer to the finish line every day! We are making incredible strides on our marina extension, and it’s been amazing to see the physical build come to life exactly as we designed it.
From the structural work on our new breakwall to the installation of our 150 brand-new covered slips, the momentum is high. Whether you have a 26' cruiser or an 80' houseboat, these slips are engineered for maximum protection and convenience on Lake Berryessa.
We are on the final stretch to being fully operational, and these premium spots are filling up fast! Don't wait for the grand opening—secure your place in the cove today.
Learn More Here: https://goberryessa.com/contact-us/
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The 26 for 26 Program Continues!
My sincere thanks to those of you who have donated to The Lake Berryessa News in the past. Due to your support, the Lake Berryessa News has been able to continue publishing as costs continued to rise. Our social media presence and our email newsletters will provide the news you need and more...
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064928340101
If you wish to receive our email newsletter, please send your email address to pkilkus@gmail.com.
Remember, without The Lake Berryessa News there would be no Lake Berryessa news. I challenge you to find any reporting like the stories you find on our social media sites and in our email newsletters.
If you love Lake Berryessa and the Lake Berryessa News in all its forms and want to support the Lake Berryessa community as it is revitalized, please send a donation check of $26 (or more if you feel so inclined) made out to Peter Kilkus (not the Lake Berryessa News) and mail it to Peter Kilkus, 1515 Headlands Drive, Napa, CA 94558. You can stick crinkly old bills in an envelope with your contact information and send it to the same address. You can also use Venmo (@Peter-Kilkus) or Paypal (Peter Kilkus) if you wish. (Note: Your donation is NOT tax deductible)
Your decision to support the Lake Berryessa News will show your vote of confidence in the future of the Lake Berryessa community. Hopefully, 2026 will be a positive year in the revitalization process for the lake. I’ll continue to do my best to keep you informed about every detail affecting Lake Berryessa.
Thanks, Peter
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Glory Hole Watch 2026 has slowed. For historical perspective, watch Evan Kilkus' Lake Berryessa News drone videos of the dramatic rise of Lake Berryessa as it finally spilled over Glory Hole on 2/16/17 after an 11-year drought at:
https://youtu.be/bGJvofIyTwQ
1/11/17: 10"+ of Rain Takes Its Toll, But Lake Berryessa is Rising
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https://youtu.be/PRWAfVw9DBU
2/10/17: Lake Berryessa Is Almost Full
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https://youtu.be/8pIPsgLFggk
2/12/17: Lake Berryessa Splashes Over Glory Hole -With a Little Help
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https://youtu.be/EH0LQW7iduY
2/12/17: Breathtakingly Beautiful Drone Tour of Lake Berryessa
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https://youtu.be/cB0BKIm1EzM
2/16/17: Lake Berryessa Is Full &Splashing Over the Spillway
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https://youtu.be/uQp0QConILY
2/18/17: Lake Berryessa Is Spilling 1 Foot Over Glory Hole
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Original ACDC version of:
2/18/17: Lake Berryessa Is Spilling 1 Foot Over Glory Hole
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https://youtu.be/-iHAjOrrU4k
2/21/17: Lake Berryessa is 3.5' OVER the Glory Hole Spillway
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https://youtu.be/qhPzR2Gqzs0
2/24/17: Another Breathtaking Drone Tour of a Full Lake Berryessa
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February 1 Horoscopes
Aries (3/21-4/19): Love is blind, but unfortunately it can still smell you.
Taurus (4/20-5/20): While you aren’t descended from Egyptian royalty, you will soon have the honor of dying in one of their tombs.
Gemini (5/21 – 6/21): The stars appreciate your “whistle while you work” philosophy, but pallbearers are typically expected to be silent.
Cancer (6/22-7/22): The stars didn’t ask for this, you know. They wanted to be a barber.
Leo (7/23-8/22): Finding solace in your friends will be key this week, so join a softball league or something to finally make a few.
Virgo (8/23-9/22): You will never earn the respect of your peers if you keep inviting them to your house for slumber parties.
Libra (9/23-10/22): Your persistence will pay off after nine attempts to find an unguarded door into the Primetime Emmy Awards.
Scorpio (10/23-11/21): There has to be a better way to peel hard-boiled eggs than whatever you’re doing.
Sagittarius (11/22-12/21): Don’t let fear of embarrassment prevent you from speaking your mind and asking important questions, like “Wait, what happened to acid rain?”
Capricorn (12/22-1/19): Everything you have been taught will be forgotten in a crazy moment of rash behavior.
Aquarius (1/20-2/18): Your vision won't fail so long as you avoid sticking forks into your eyes.
Pisces (2/19-3/20): The way that aliens think is none of your business.
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Jet Skis Rock: A Video History of Jet Ski Racing
by Peter Kilkus
Full Jet Skis Rock Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Bt3jedg7wO7FVqZnOyzZE2x3Tb1cgLP
Jet Skis Rock 1, Introduction
https://youtu.be/j_nLtRl_fzc
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Track the real-time Lake Berryessa weather at:
Skiers Cove (Below the Berryessa Highlands)
Skier Cove - KCANAPA228
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCANAPA228
East Side Road (Across from Big Island)
East Side Road, Lake Berryessa - KCALAKEB2
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCALAKEB2
Spanish Flat (Near the Spanish Flat Recreation Area)
Roger - KCASPANI1
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCASPANI1
Berryessa Pines
KCANAPA461
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCANAPA461
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Lake Berryessa Fire Watch Cameras
This site covers the whole Lake Berryessa Region.
http://www.rntl.net/lake-berryessa-cams/
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Free Book Chapters Available For Download
My sincere thanks to those of you who contributed to the future of the Lake Berryessa News. I challenge you to find any Lake Berryessa news anywhere. Hopefully, the many years of our intensive reporting about the latest Lake Berryessa issues will convince you of the truth of our motto, "Without The Lake Berryessa News there would be no Lake Berryessa news".
Here's a gift from The Lake Berryessa News to my readers - Free downloadable chapters from my books:
The Death of a Valley
Why Does Lake Berryessa Exist?
The Lake Berryessa Watershed
Rainfall and Lake Level History
How High Is Lake Berryessa?
How Deep is Lake Berryessa?
How Much Water Does Lake Berryessa Hold?
Mean Sea Level: Is There Such A Thing As Accurate Height?
Water In, Water Out, But From Where?
Does the WALROS Like Lake Berryessa?
Why is Lake Berryessa Not a Part of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument?
East Side Story
Hiking and Wildlife Viewing
Are There Quail on Quail Ridge?
Why Does A Hiker Cross The Road? To Get To Stebbins Cold Canyon!
Private Houseboats - Yes; Private RVs & Trailers - No: Why?
Motorized Boats Banned From Big Island Lagoon! Why!
Archeologists Can't Dunk But Can Dig
What Can't You Do At Lake Berryessa?
Napa Opposes Building the Monticello Dam
Monticello Dam Construction
Raise Monticello Dam
Power Generation at Monticello Dam
Monticello Dam Failure Analysis
Predicting the Future & Glory Hole Drone Videos
As Lake Berryessa Turns!
The Ins and Outs & Ups and Downs of Lake Berryessa
Does Lake Berryessa Sweat in the Summer?
Glory Hole Introduction
How Does Glory Hole Work?
Glory Hole: Awesome, Frightening, But Dangerous?
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Lake Berryessa Political History (Free Downloads of Book Chapters)
Policy And Politics Betray The People: The Lake Berryessa Saga: 1958 - 2020, By Peter Kilkus
I. The Five Tragedies Of The Berryessa Valley: A History Of Heartbreak
II. Lake Berryessa Political History Timeline
III. The “Big Lie”: How It All Began
IV. The “Big Fail”: Napa Abandons Lake Berryessa (1975)
V. The “Big Picture”: Lake Berryessa Issues: 1957 - 2012
VI. The “Big Illusion”: Notice Of Intent
VII. The “Big Fight”: Facts Do Matter
VIII. The “Big Betrayal”: Perversion Of Public Law 96-375
IX. The “Big Mistake”: Pensus - The Beginning Was The End!
X. The “Big Hole In History”: Post-Pensus Blues
XI. The “Big Boondoggle”: Creation Of A Phony National Monument
Addendum 1. Dueling Napa Register Letters To The Editor
Addendum 2. The Napa Register View
Index Of Primary Documents
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Lake Berryessa Technical Manual: The Science, Engineering, History, and Humor of a Major Unnatural Resource
https://www.amazon.com/Lake-Berryessa-Technical-Manual-Engineering-ebook/dp/B0C21DZ9M9/ref=sr_1_3?
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Policy and Politics Betray the People: The Lake Berryessa Saga: 1958 - 2020
https://www.amazon.com/Policy-Politics-Betray-People-Berryessa-ebook/dp/B08MFSQDBR/ref=sr_1_1?
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Conspiracy Theory or Automatic Pilot: The Economic Roots of Environmental Destruction
https://www.amazon.com/Conspiracy-Theory-Automatic-Pilot-Environmental/dp/1676368302/ref=sr_1_3?
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The KPIX Eye on the Bay interview below is one I did in 2010 and a relevant introduction to the substance of the book. I did it after Pensus had been given the contract for 5 resorts. As we all know Pensus was subsequently kicked out in 2012.
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Lake Berryessa Data Sources
There are many sources of Lake Berryessa water and weather conditions available. The Solano County Water Agency site is good for real-time graphs of level, capacity, and water temperature. The California Data Exchange Center has data going back decades for level, capacity, capacity change, dam outflow, dam inflow, and rainfall. Anyone can research their own data and create custom charts. This is the source of many of the charts on the Lake Berryessa News website.
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An upgraded wildfire alert camera system will be keeping watch on Napa County day and night and notifying Cal Fire crews of potential fires. Twenty cameras will be part of a system that will use artificial intelligence and other technologies to identify fire and smoke. If they detect something, an alert will sound in the Cal Fire emergency command center near St. Helena.
Cal Fire has made a large investment into the ALERTCalifornia system, partnering with UC San Diego. There are 1,000 cameras across the state and Napa County is one of the test models. Cameras can see 60 miles during the day, and this can increase to 120 miles on clear nights, with the changes in the air. The system can differentiate among smoke, clouds and dust. A link to this camera system and other relevant weather data is available on the Lake Berryessa News website at: http://www.rntl.net/lake-berryessa-cams/
This website was created by Doug Kunst. It is an amazing resource for Lake Berryessa fire cameras and weather. His business website is http://www.rntl.net/
Lake Berryessa Fire Alert Cameras
http://www.rntl.net/lake-berryessa-cams/
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Real-Time Lake Level, Lake Capacity, Water Temperature
Solano County Water Agency
https://www.scwamonitoring.com/LakeBerryessa/
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Lake Detailed Historical Data
California Data Exchange Center
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/
Research historical data and create custom plots
Lake Berryessa Code: BER
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/sensorplots?staid=ber&dur_code=D
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Local Weather Stations (Weather Underground Network)
Skiers Cove (Below the Berryessa Highlands)
Skier Cove - KCANAPA228
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCANAPA228
East Side Road (Across from Big Island)
East Side Road, Lake Berryessa - KCALAKEB2
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCALAKEB2
Spanish Flat (Near the Spanish Flat Recreation Area)
Roger - KCASPANI1
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCASPANI1