Thesis (M.A. in History)--University of California, Berkeley, Dec. 1924. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 134-144).

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Today a good deal is known about the general nature and flora of vernal pools. Nevertheless, there is very limited information or actual documentation in the scientific literature. Vernal pools need to be studied more extensively. and they still offer unlimited opportunities for such research (Holland and Griggs 1976). The purpose of this investigation was to enumerate and compare the vascular plant species occurring at three vernal pools in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

Graduation date: 1990

Thesis (Ph. D. - Hydrology and Water Resources)--University of Arizona, 1991. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 263-274).

Embarking on a quest to uncover the shared experiences of Latinos with diabetes in the Central San Joaquin Valley is the principal issue discussed in this body of work. Diabetes is estimated to become a serious public health problem, with a current estimate of more than 30 million already afflicted. Engaging in participant-observation at a local clinic serving patients in a Diabetes Education Program and semi-structured interviews with Latinos attending the program, this research explores cultural experiences of diabetes. The primary aim of this research is to answer how health education information is accepted and interpreted based on cultural definitions of diabetes to inform diabetes management strategies.

Livestock grazing is a common and extensive land use practice in the United States occurring in a wide range of habitat types. As such, livestock grazing has the potential to alter ecosystem structure, function and community composition. The primary component (Chapter 1) of this thesis examined the effects of cattle grazing in a San Joaquin Valley grassland on two target taxa: reptiles and small mammals. The study took place on the Chimineas Unit of the Carrizo Ecological Reserve, San Luis Obispo County, California during Fall 2009 and Spring 2010. These taxa were sampled on matched pairs of two grazed and two ungrazed sites. Live trapping methods appropriate to sampling reptiles (coverboards and pit fall traps) and small mammals (Sherman live traps) were used to determine species richness and abundance of these taxa. Uta stansburiana (side-blotched lizard) abundances were greatest on Ungrazed1 (Fall: 1.75±0.49 captures/night, Spring: 3.58±0.35 captures/night). In addition, Chaetodipus californicus (Spiny pocket mouse) abundance was also greatest on Ungrazed1. Population estimates generated by Program CAPTURE suggest C. californicus could be 6.27 times more abundant on Ungrazed1 than Grazed1. However, sample size issues and site level effects confounded and made it difficult to determine significant differences between the grazed and ungrazed treatments for both reptile and small mammal taxa. Habitat structure at these sites was also evaluated including small mammal burrow abundance and vegetation structure. Again, differences between the grazed and ungrazed pasture could not be discerned because of site level effects occurring among matched pairs. As such, this thesis illustrates the difficulty in studying grazing and its potential effects on biotic systems because an array of variables can make unclear the differences between grazed and ungrazed areas. As a follow up study (Chapter 2) I used logistic regression to model U. stansburiana presence to examine possible sources of variation observed at trapping array locations utilized in the main study (Chapter 1). Shrubs exhibited a quasi-complete separation of data points and the three best models included: 1) Bare soil cover (AICc = 28.12), 2) Holes (AICc = 29.76), and 3) Bare soil cover + Holes (AICc = 29.90). Shrubs, bare soil cover and small mammal burrow density were all positively associated with U. stansburiana presence at array locations. Although species have general habitat requirements based upon their ecology and evolution, variations in habitat utilization exists depending upon the resources present at a specific location. Quantifying basic ecological information on a site specific basis is important to managing populations by identifying important resources and habitat components utilized by a given species on a given site.

In approaching such complicated water issues as faced in the Central Valley, the United Nations has attempted to create a process for effective water resource governance with its Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) process. This approach outlines four dimensions of water governance that must be acknowledged and balanced in an effective policymaking process.2 Initially, policymakers must divide water resources equitably along socio-economic strata. After this, water resources must be efficiently used to promote economic growth. In allocating this resource between parties, all stakeholders and citizens must be given equal political opportunities to influence the division and distribution process. Finally, it is essential to the United Nations that water be appropriated and used in an environmentally sustainable way that not only protects ecosystems, but also those who depend on those ecosystems for their livelihoods. It is essential that policymakers in charge of distributing California’s water rights use the IWRM program as a baseline and a starting point for any future policy regimens, as these are the four most basic and integral components of the issue that must be addressed. Beyond the IWRM guidelines, policymakers must approach water distribution issues with the several diverse viewpoints and interests of Californians in mind. It is important to note that as policy issues are being debated, the problem itself is also constantly in flux. In the face of these varied challenges that put a strain on already scarce water resources, appropriate governance and management is becoming more and more necessary. It has been stated that “as a result of climate change,environmental degradation, and a lack of sustained investment in the system, our water system can nolonger meet the needs of the state.”3 The distribution of water in the Central Valley requires an intricate balance of interests between rival, yet deeply interconnected parties.In creating successful water policy, party lines must be crossed and compromises must be agreed upon in the interest of California’s economic, environmental, and social wellbeing.

Peelminer, Marmara gulosa Davis and Guillén, has been reported as a sporadic pest in California and Arizona since 1998. Marmara gulosa has been a persistent pest in the San Joaquin Valley of California (USA) since 1998. Prior to 2000 the only reports of high populations of citrus peelminer were in the Coachella Valley. The larval stages of M. gulosa create serpentine mines scarring the upper epidermal layers of citrus rind, rendering it unacceptable for fresh market sale. Chemicals have failed to provide adequate control of M. gulosa; thus, the use of natural enemies is considered the best long-term option. Cirrospilus coachellae Gates (Eulophidae: Eulophinae) is an effective gregarious parasite of peelminer in the Coachella Valley; however, attempts to establish this species in the San Joaquin Valley have so far been unsuccessful. Other natural enemies may be necessary to control peelminer in this region. The discovery of populations of the tetrastichine eulophid Hadrotrichodes waukheon LaSalle parasitizing M. gulosa in the San Joaquin Valley indicates a possible option for biological control of this pest. Hadrotrichodes waukheon (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) is a parasite of M. gulosa. Newly discovered morphological variations within the species are reported, including the first description of the male. New biological information including preferred life stage of host for parasitism, clutch sizes, male to female ratios and meconial positioning are included. Field studies demonstrated that one to four adult H. waukheon could emerge from a single M. gulosa larva, and later instar M. gulosa larvae were preferred. Hadrotrichodes waukheon is a gregarious, primary parasitoid and may be a candidate agent for biological control of M. gulosa.