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For three days in June, the USS Lucid became more than a museum ship. It became a voice on the airwaves, reaching across the world from the Stockton waterfront.
From June 5–7, 2026, the Stockton Delta Amateur Radio Club and the Stockton Maritime History Museum joined a global event that connects amateur radio operators aboard museum ships in honor of naval history.
Built in 1953, the Lucid is a rare survivor: a wooden-hulled minesweeper designed to detect and clear magnetic mines without setting them off. She served in the Western Pacific and supported Operation Market Time during the Vietnam War. Three of her sister ships were built right here in Stockton.
In this five-minute story, Michael Cockrell takes us aboard as radio operators send the Lucid’s signal far beyond the Delta—and invite local visitors to see the operation up close, and even take a turn at the microphone.

Radio Waves from a Wooden Warship For three days in June, the USS Lucid became more than a museum ship. It became a voice on the airwaves, reaching across the world from the Stockton waterfront.From June 5–7, 2026, the Stockton Delta Amateur Radio Club and the Stockton Maritime History Museum joined a global event that connects am...

What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than out in the rows with family, friends, and a basket waiting to be filled? At Loca Blueberry Farm — “Loca” being shorthand for Lodi, California — the simple pleasure of picking your own berries becomes a classic Delta-region outing: fresh air, ripe fruit, and a little time slowed down under the sun. It is the kind of place where the experience is every bit as sweet as the blueberries.

Cyndy Green takes us there in her video story.

A Day in the Blueberry Rows What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than out in the rows with family, friends, and a basket waiting to be filled? At Loca Blueberry Farm — “Loca” being shorthand for Lodi, California — the simple pleasure of picking your own berries becomes a classic Delta-region outing: fresh air, ri...

I was late to realize how often the camera I needed was already in my pocket.

People often ask me about equipment—favorite lenses, accessories, camera bodies—but I’ve never been the photographer who obsesses over gear. I’m more concerned with the picture. My answer usually disappoints: my favorite camera is the one that’s closest to me.

For the story and some examples, follow the link below.

The Long Way Around to Simple I was late to realize the camera I needed was already in my pocket.People often ask me about equipment—favorite lenses, accessories, camera bodies—but I’ve never been the photographer who obsesses over gear. I’m more concerned with the picture. My answer usually disappoints: my favorite came...

Few things disrupt an otherwise peaceful rural landscape like scattered trash—whether carried off by the wind or deliberately left behind.
In Rio Vista, one local group has decided not to wait for someone else to deal with it. Twice a year, members of the Rio Vista Surfing Association head out with trash bags in hand, combing levees and shorelines for what doesn’t belong.
See Cyndy Green's video story below.

Sherman Island Earthday Cleanup Few things disrupt an otherwise peaceful rural landscape like scattered trash—whether carried off by the wind or deliberately left behind.In Rio Vista, one local group has decided not to wait for someone else to deal with it. Twice a year, members of the Rio Vista Surfing Association head out with...

Moored near the Port of Stockton, the USS Lucid is entering the final stages of restoration. One of only a handful of museum ships in the Bay Area and Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, Lucid is the last surviving Aggressive-class minesweeper in the United States.

Watch the video to explore her history, her painstaking restoration, and what visitors can expect when she takes her place along Stockton’s waterfront.

The Last Minesweeper USS Lucid’s Second Life on the Stockton Waterfront By Michael CockrellMoored near the Port of Stockton, the USS Lucid is entering the final stages of restoration.Built in 1953 by Higgins Industries in New Orleans, Louisiana and home ported in Long Beach, the Aggressive-class oceangoing mineswe

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults. In San Joaquin County, the evidence-based A Matter of Balance program is helping seniors improve balance, build strength, and maintain independence.

For details and a video story by Cyndy Green, follow the link below.

Fall Prevention for Seniors A Matter of Balance Program in San Joaquin County Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults. In San Joaquin County, the evidence-based A Matter of Balance program is helping seniors improve balance, build strength, and maintain independence. Coordinated locally through the

Before photography became data and screens, it was chemistry and wonder. Rich Turner revisits in Soundings Journal the days when every image emerged like a small miracle. The full story at the link below.

The Alchemy of Light Before photography became data and screens, it was chemistry and wonder. One photographer revisits the days when every image emerged like a small miracle. Story and photographs copyright © Rich Turner.Steven Spielberg summed it up nicely when he said digital photography is science, and film is

After decades behind the lens as a television news videographer, Cyndy Green remains drawn to moments like these—quiet, fleeting and unscripted. Experience has trained her eye to see past the obvious. Where some see fog as an obstruction, she sees texture, form, and a brief world revealed before the air clears and the day moves on.
Follow the link to Soundings Journal for more.

When Fog Shrinks Our World, Details Emerge Dense valley fog erased the view beyond the yard this morning, narrowing the world to what was close at hand. While fog limits visibility, it also reveals detail, drawing attention to small, easily missed moments.Stepping outside to feed the chickens, camera in hand, familiar sights shifted into foc

Hal Schell wrote five books and thousands of articles and columns about the California Delta. We weren’t close friends, but we ran into each other now and then at Delta Chamber events and around the region back in the 1990s. I honestly don’t think I ever saw the Delta Dawdler without a smile—or without a good Delta story ready to share.

I thought I had a pretty good handle on Hal’s work, but not long ago a book drawn from his archives—one I’d somehow missed—came to my attention. When I saw it, I knew it was something worth sharing, especially for anyone who enjoys taking an easy, photo-driven cruise through Delta history.

Follow the link below for more and where you can get your own copy of "Images of America: The California Delta."

The Best History Books Never Age Carol Jensen Curates Hal Schell’s Delta Archive Editor's Note --Hal Schell wrote five books and thousands of articles and columns about the California Delta. We weren’t close friends, but we ran into each other now and then at Delta Chamber events and around the region back in the 1990s. I hon

The Delta is a funky place. Dusty in the summer and muddy in the winter. Mostly dull and brown, except for the green fields in their season. Farmers, river rats and do-your-own-thingers don’t seem to mind that, instead loving the muddy tree-lined sloughs and channels, the rivers, and the particular culture that thrives there in this place of many waters.

Follow the link below for Joanna Jeronimo's complete essay in Soundings Journal.

Delta Winter Painting and Essay by Joanna JeronimoThe Delta is a funky place. Dusty in the summer and muddy in the winter. Mostly dull and brown, except for the green fields in their season. Farmers, river rats and do-your-own-thingers don’t seem to mind that, instead loving the muddy tree-lined sloughs and ch...