As you may know, the first step in restoring the San Joaquin River will take place this week, with the initial release of water from the Friant Dam. While conservationists and others hope that the nine-year effort to restore the river to its former glory will mark a major improvement for the Central Valley, the move is not without controversy, particularly for farmers who see the diversion of water as a blow to their industry and the economy. This project is one that deserved everyone's attention, and this comprehensive package of stories in the Fresno Bee isn't a bad place for anyone to start.