Volume 39 No. 36

SACRAMENTO, CA--- The California Farm Water Coalition is pleased to announce the selec- tion of Michelle Paul as its next executive director. Ms. Paul will replace Mike Wade, who is retir- ing in February from his role as the Coalition's executive director, a position he has held since 1998. Ms. Paul was selected following a comprehensive statewide search led by the Coalition's executive di- rector selection committee, which considered a strong and diverse field of candidates from across California. She will join the Co- alition in mid-January and assume full responsibilities on March 1. "We were fortunate to meet with a number of exceptional individu- als who demonstrated a deep com- mitment to California agriculture and the vital role water plays in keeping our food system strong," said Greg Johnson, President of the California Farm Water Coali- tion. "We are grateful to each of the highly qualified candidates who applied. Their expertise, pas- sion, and vision were inspiring."

Johnson continued, "Michelle brings nearly two decades of ex- perience working alongside farm- ers and ranchers to elevate their voices in state and federal policy conversations. Her understanding of California's agricultural land- scape paired with her strategic communications and outreach background makes her well-po- sitioned to lead the Coalition into its next chapter."

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025

Michelle Paul Selected as New California Farm Water Coalition

Executive Director

"I am honored to join the California Farm Water Co- alition and to support the farmers, ranchers, and wa- ter managers who work ev- ery day to feed our commu- nities," said Michelle Paul. "California agriculture is resilient, innovative, and deeply rooted in steward- ship of the land and water. I look forward to working collaboratively to strength- en understanding and build relationships that help en- sure a secure agricultural future for California." Michelle Paul is a pas- sionate advocate for agri- culture with nearly 20 years of experience in market- ing, communications and public affairs. She has spent the bulk of her career dedicated to amplifying the voices of California's farmers and ranchers, both in Washing- ton DC and in her home state of California. She currently serves as Vice President of Marketing and Outreach at AgWest Farm Cred- it, where she leads initiatives to bridge the gap between rural com- munities and the people that gov- ern them. She has launched out- reach programs to connect young, beginning and small producers with vital resources, and helped elevate AgWest as a trusted re- source for agricultural policy.

Paul's commitment to agricul- ture extends beyond her profes- sional work. She currently serves on the boards of the California Agricultural Council and the Cen- ter for Land-Based Learning. She is a proud member of Class 53 of the California Agricultural Lead- ership Program, holds a master's degree in international affairs from CSU Sacramento, and a bache- lor's degree in history from CSU Fresno. Her career has included roles from legislative analyst at the State Capitol to hands-on mar- keting and advocacy at the federal level, reflecting a broad perspec- tive and unwavering dedication to supporting the people who grow our food.

• To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.
• AF 185
• KL 2151
• CZ 8356
• PG 963
• C 1963

Marcus Hill, 39, is an Oakland resident and professional who travels often for work. During his last trip, he brought along his wife and daughter for the weekend, only to be met with the widespread disruptions created by shutdown- related staffing shortages. "Man, that day at Oakland Air- port was rough. We got there early because we knew flights were al- ready backed up from the shut- down. But the whole terminal felt tense -- long lines, people argu- ing with gate agents, kids crying, phones dying," Hill explained.

"We waited almost four hours while our flight kept getting pushed back. First it was 'delayed due to staffing,' then they said they didn't have enough air traffic controllers cleared to handle the route," he continued. "By the time they officially canceled it, folks were furious. Including me."

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

As Government Shutdown

Finally Ends, Flight Delays Continue Into Holiday Season

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

• GATE OPEN
• CANCELLED
• E4
• CANCELLED
• CANCELLED
• CANCELLED
• CANCELLE

CANCELLE

Hill's experience is similar to that of many travelers across Califor- nia and nationwide as the aviation system struggles to recover from the shutdown's staffing shortages and operational disruptions.

Most major airports in Califor- nia have been impacted.

Although President Donald Trump signed a deal Nov. 12 end- ing the longest government shut- down in U.S. history (43 days), officials say travelers should still expect flight delays nationwide for the next week or possibly more.

On November 7, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order to 40 airports to reduce flights by 6% because of the shortage of air traf- fic controllers caused by the shut- down.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.