Newsletter

Thousands of people from all walks of life gathered on January 24, 2026, at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico to pay their respects to longtime Congressman and North State representative Doug LaMalfa. Attendees arrived in a wide range of vehicles—from luxury cars to well-worn trucks—reflecting the diverse communities he served and the broad personal connections he made throughout his career.

The front page story for this issue of the Green Ribbon was almost finished. The headline would have read- Rice. It’s what’s for dinner. There were beautiful pictures of the rice harvest, ready to go, taken by local
photographer Richard Lau. The article was going to be about how rice feeds the world.

Tucked along County Road 96, in Woodland, California lies a field filled with vibrant colors and an abundant amount of generosity-the Mezger Family Zinnia Patch. For thirteen years Mark Mezger has been growing more than just flowers on his land; he has created a tradition rooted in kindness. It all began after a celebration in a barn that hosted about four-hundred guests.

Win - Win Solution for Farmers and Fish - Over three decades ago, a small group of farmers came together to solve the problems that were created by the listing of coho salmon as an endangered species in the Sacramento Valley. Most groups in those days were focused on fighting the Endangered Species Act and its impacts, but this group would take a different approach.

Flower Girl Gladys - Irrigated agricultural land produces the food we need to live. The deep rich soil of the Sacramento Valley is home to crops and products that feed California and the world. But as the verse says; Man does not live by bread alone and sometimes we need a little something more. Gladys’ Flowers is more.

We Can Not Hide From the Future - The day this newsletter was to go to print we learned of the passing of Marion Mathis. Marion was a co-founder of Family Water Alliance & beloved and respected member of the Sacramento Valley Community. Our deepest condolences go out to Marion’s family and friends.