In California water news this weekend …
California’s snowpack is ‘roasting in the dry and sunny conditions’
“California’s winter snowpack is suffering after the state saw historically dry weather in January and February, and March is headed down the same track. An early spring heat wave this week brought record-breaking temperatures that accelerated snowmelt. On Friday, the snowpack — which historically has provided about a third of the state’s water supply — stood at 46% of its average for this time of year. The picture is bleak: Recent analysis of the snow in areas feeding into the state’s key watersheds showed that “the snow has been roasting in the dry and sunny conditions for a while and is clearly melting,” said David Rizzardo, chief of hydrology for California’s Department of Water Resources. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: California’s snowpack is ‘roasting in the dry and sunny conditions’
No March miracle: Bay Area, California remains in drought as end of rainy season arrives
“Approaching rain this weekend is something of an ironic twist to a very disappointing winter, as California will end its rainy season, deep in drought. This year, there will be no miracle. “That’s right, we do have a miracle Marches,” said Nelsy Rodriguez with the East Bay Municipal Utility District. “Every few years we do get a big downpour in March.” It was March of 1991 that really set the standard for monthly miracles when massive rainfall, and 60% of the average snowpack total fell in a matter of weeks, effectively busting a drought that started in 1988. … ” Read more from CBS San Francisco here: No March miracle: Bay Area, California remains in drought as end of rainy season arrives
A harbinger: Trash and debris, temperatures and a hellacious drought just set the stage for another shocking fish die-off
“After a ride in a jeep on a dirt road through White Mallard Duck Club, located in Colusa County’s Butte Sink, the club’s manager, Chris Tocatlian, his assistant Matt and I, arrived together at a troubling scene: A fish kill involving an estimated 200 endangered spring-run Chinook salmon. The stench of rotting salmon still filled the air as buzzards circled above in the vibrant blue sky. Even though it was only three days since the disaster, the feathery scavengers and other predators had eaten most of the salmon, though there were still a few remaining for Tocatlian to show me. News of the fish kill went viral after Tocatlian released an alarming video on March 13 showing a die-off in Drumheller Slough below Five Points Dam. Dozens of dead fish can be seen in that video. Tocatlian’s introduction on the video started with his observation, “Three years of dragging feet and this is the stuff that continues to go on. Enough is enough. @California it’s time to get some people involved and get Butte Creek cleaned out, so these fish can pass through the correct way.” … ” Continue reading at the Sacramento News & Review here: A harbinger: Trash and debris, temperatures and a hellacious drought just set the stage for another shocking fish die-off
DWR to use innovative airborne technology to map state’s groundwater basins
“The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is using an innovative, helicopter-based technology to gather information about the state’s groundwater aquifer structure to support drought response and the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). DWR’s use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys advances Governor Newsom’s Water Resilience Portfolio goal of using technology to support the State’s understanding of groundwater resources. “The data collected during these surveys will provide a better understanding of California’s groundwater systems, and in turn support more informed and sustainable groundwater management and drought preparedness and response approaches,” said Steven Springhorn, DWR’s SGMA Technical Assistance Manager. … ”
Watersheds and river basins: Here’s why they are vitally important
“Earth is unique in the Solar System for being the only planet with liquid water on its surface. And this water is not isolated to just little pockets here and there – it is literally everywhere in some form on Earth’s surface. What’s more, this water doesn’t just sit around doing nothing – it is constantly moving and changing state. This cycle, called the water cycle, involves the continuous movement of water between the Earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and land. Even on land, water is constantly moving and cycling. Some of this involves watersheds, areas of land that contain streams and rivers, which all drain into the same larger body of water, such as a large river, lake, or ocean. But what exactly are watersheds and how do they work? Let’s find out. ... ” Read more from Interesting Engineering here: Watersheds and river basins: Here’s why they are vitally important
New State and Federal PFAS regulation
“In 2021, new federal and California regulations were established to protect public health and environments from the impacts of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Clients in industries that utilize PFAS, owners of PFAS-contaminated properties, and clients selling products containing PFAS in California, should be aware of the changing regulatory environment. … ” Read more from the National Law Review here: New State and Federal PFAS regulation
In people news this weekend …
New EPA Regional Administrator tackles water needs with a wealth of experience and $1 billion in federal funding
“Martha Guzman recalls those awful days working on water and other issues as a deputy legislative secretary for then-Gov. Jerry Brown. California was mired in a recession and the state’s finances were deep in the red. Parks were cut, schools were cut, programs were cut to try to balance a troubled state budget in what she remembers as “that terrible time.” She now finds herself in a strikingly different position: As administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 9, she has a mandate to address water challenges across California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii and $1 billion to help pay for it. It is the kind of funding, she said, that is usually spread out over a decade. Guzman called it the “absolutely greatest opportunity.” … ” Read more from Western Water here: New EPA Regional Administrator tackles water needs with a wealth of experience and $1 billion in federal funding
The Delta Stewardship Council appoints new members to the Delta Independent Science Board
“At its March 24, 2022 meeting, the Delta Stewardship Council appointed Dr. Jayantha Obeysekera, Dr. Anna Michalak, and Dr. Inge Werner to the Delta Independent Science Board in a unanimous vote. “The three new Board members are world leaders in water resources, climate change and its effects on ecosystems, and ecotoxicology,” says Delta Lead Scientist Dr. Laurel Larsen. “They will bring energy, passion, and a wealth of relevant experience to the Board.” … ” Find out more about the new board members here: The Council appoints new members to the Delta Independent Science Board
Appointments
From the Office of the Governor:
Rachelle Arizmendi, 49, of Sierra Madre, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
…where she has served since 2017. Arizmendi has been a Member of the Sierra Madre City Council since 2014, where she served as the Mayor in 2017 and 2020. She has been Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment since 2016, where she was Director of Head Start from 2000 to 2014 and a Registered Dietitian from 1998 to 2000. Arizmendi was Nutrition Adjunct Faculty at Pasadena City College from 2013 to 2015. She earned a Master of Science degree in family and consumer sciences from Eastern Illinois University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Arizmendi is registered without party preference.
Don Cameron, 69, of Helm, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
… where he has served since 2014. Cameron has been General Manager and Vice President of Terranova Ranch Inc. since 1981. He is Chairman of the California Cotton Alliance and McMullin Area Groundwater Sustainability Agency, and Director and Past Chairman for the California Tomato Growers Association. He is a member of the Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel and the Western Growers Association Board of Directors. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Cameron is a Democrat.
Jenet DeCosta, 40, of Watsonville, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
DeCosta has been Chief of Staff at Driscoll’s since 2016, where she was Marketing Manager from 2014 to 2016 and Business Analyst from 2012 to 2014. She was Business Manager of the American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region from 2010 to 2012, where she was an Analyst for Strategic Planning from 2003 to 2010. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. DeCosta is a Democrat.
Michael Gallo, 71, of Merced, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
… where he has served since 2012. Gallo has been Chief Executive Officer of Joseph Gallo Farms, maker of Joseph Farms Cheese, since 1985, and Co-Owner since 1972. He is a member of the Merced Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Board of Directors, Merced County Chamber of Commerce, Merced Elks, Italo American Lodge, Merced Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Merced College President’s Circle. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Gallo is a Republican.
Eric Holst, 54, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
…where he has served since 2012. Holst has been Associate Vice President for Natural Climate Solutions at the Environmental Defense Fund since 2021, where he has held several positions since 2006, including Managing Director and California Regional Director of the Center for Conservation Incentives. He was Principal at Holst Conservation Consulting from 2004 to 2006, Executive Director at the Resources Legacy Fund in 2004, Program Officer at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation from 1999 to 2003 and a Manager at the Rainforest Alliance, Conservation Agriculture Program from 1996 to 1999. He is a California Registered Professional Forester. Holst earned a Master of Science degree in environmental management from Duke University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Holst is a Democrat.
Glenda Humiston, 63, of Novato, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
Humiston has been Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of California since 2015. She was California State Director for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2009 to 2015, Senior Partner at AGvocate Consulting Services from 2001 to 2003 and Deputy Undersecretary for the United States Department of Agriculture from 1998 to 2001. Humiston earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in environmental science, policy and management from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Science degree in international agricultural development from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Humiston is a Democrat.
Bryce Lundberg, 60, of Chico, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
… where he has served since 2013. Lundberg has been Vice President of Agriculture at Lundberg Family Farms since 2000 and Partner and Owner at B&E Lundberg since 1984. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Lundberg is a Democrat.
David Mancera, 42, of Salinas, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
Mancera has been Director of Kitchen Table Advisors since 2018 and Principal Consultant of Mancera Consulting Group since 2014. He was Senior Business Advisor at Kitchen Table Advisors from 2015 to 2018, Agriculture Business and Technology Institute Adjunct Professor at Hartnell College from 2014 to 2017 and a Business Broker Associate for BTI Group/Business Team from 2014 to 2015. Mancera was a Senior Compensation Analyst at Granite Construction from 2011 to 2014 and Senior Financial Analyst at Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc. from 2007 to 2011, where he was a Marketing Analyst from 2005 to 2007. He was Director of Grower Relations at Colorful Harvest in 2011, Economic/Research Intern at the California Strawberry Commission in 2005 and a Sales Associate at FoodSource from 2001 to 2002. Mancera was a Field Laborer for Agriculture Labor Contractors from 1993 to 2001. Mancera earned a Master of Science degree in agricultural and resources economics from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Mancera is a Democrat.
Michelle Passero, 52, of Mill Valley, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
Passero has been Director of Climate and Nature Based Solutions at the Nature Conservancy since 2008. She was Board Member at the Marin Conservation League from 2007 to 2011, Business Development Executive at EcoSecurities in 2008 and Director of Policy Initiatives at the Pacific Forest Trust from 2000 to 2008. Passero earned a Master of Laws degree in sustainable international development from the University of Washington School of Law and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Passero is registered without party preference.
Frank Salazar, 47, of Imperial, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
Salazar has been President of Vencer Public Affairs and Strategy since 2020. He was Director of Communications and Community Relations at Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District from 2016 to 2020, Director of Communications for California State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia from 2014 to 2016 and Special Assistant to State Senator Ben Hueso from 2012 to 2014. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Salazar is a Democrat.
Joy Anne Sterling, 68, of Sebastopol, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
… where she has served since 2013. Sterling has been Chief Executive Officer at Iron Horse Vineyards since 2006, where she was Director of Sales and Marketing from 1985 to 2006. She was a Deputy Bureau Chief at ABC Network News Los Angeles from 1983 to 1985. Sterling is Chair of the California Democratic Party Rural Caucus. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Sterling is a Democrat.
Patricia Stock, 59, of Chico, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture
Stock has been Dean of the College of Agriculture at California State University, Chico since 2021. She was Director of the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences from 2018 to 2021, where she was a Professor in the Department of Entomology and the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences from 2001 to 2021. Stock earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Natural Sciences from Universidad Nacional de la Plata. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Stock is a Democrat.
Podcasts …
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: Planning a Delta
California communities have benefited greatly by past successes having resulted in economic gains and the California lifestyle. Through these times, the California population have grown a dependence on the current waters of the state and the manner of its statewide distribution. Man induced conditions and behavior have carried a weight that has affected the Delta with diminished health and restricted processes that characterize how a delta operates in the world. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Podcast produced by Steve Baker. Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems. Email: water@operationunite.co
EYES ON EARTH PODCAST: Aquatic Ecosystems, ECOSTRESS, and the Delta smelt
The Earth observation data archived here have plenty of value to the study of aquatic ecosystems. Landsat satellites can capture harmful algal blooms, for example. Spaceborne sensors can also record land surface temperatures, and that includes water surfaces. On this episode of Eyes on Earth, we hear about how a sensor called ECOSTRESS can be used to measure water temperatures at different times of day, and how those measurements could be useful in the monitoring and management of the endangered Delta smelt. ECOSTRESS data are available through the NASA Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC), located in the USGS EROS Center. Related: Using ECOSTRESS to Observe and Model Diurnal Variability in Water Temperature Conditions in the San Francisco Estuary
WATER TALK PODCAST: Getting to the heart of science communication
A conversation with Dr. Faith Kearns about science communication around contentious issues, approaches for supporting science communicators, and relationships between water scientists and the public.
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
Klamath: Bureau of Reclamation talks lake levels and water partitioning ahead of April announcement
“The Bureau of Reclamation which has managed the Klamath Basin Water project since it built infrastructure for the irrigation district in 1902, provided an outlook on upper Klamath Lake Levels ahead of a projected announcement (scheduled for April 11) on water partitioning. “Our water year which runs from October 1 of last year through Sept 30th of this year, the inflows during that period to upper Klamath Lake thus far are the driest in our record,” said Brian Person, the federal agency’s Klamath Basin advisor. “2020 in combination with 21 and 22 represented three of the driest years in a six-year coupling of the hydrological record.” … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Klamath: Bureau of Reclamation talks lake levels and water partitioning ahead of April announcement
Virtual rally celebrates momentum behind removal of Klamath Dams
“LeMonie Hutt became an advocate for dam removal when she was 8 years old after seeing her mom, a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council, rehearsing a speech she was going to deliver to the State Water Resources Control Board. “This inspired me to run to my room and write my own speech,” Hutt said. Hutt presented that speech to the water board alongside her mother later that year. While the board thanked them for their testimony, the answer was clear: “The dams would not be taken down anytime soon.” “Ever since then,” Hutt said, “I’ve dedicated my life to the advocacy of the Northern California rivers.” ... ” Read more from the Eureka Times-Herald here: Virtual rally celebrates momentum behind removal of Klamath Dams
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Federal funds flow to the Calaveras County Water District water project
“A Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) project in Copperopolis is flush with federal dollars thanks to California lawmakers’ support. This month, Congress passed its Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that included $1 million dollars for the district’s Copper Cove Reclamation Facility Improvements Project. The wastewater treatment plant services about 1,800 sewer customers in Copperopolis. … ” Read more from My Mother Lode here: Federal funds flow to the Calaveras County Water District water project
Tuolumne Utilities District awarded $2.8 million grant to improve water delivery
“The Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD or District) will receive $2,840,282 in grant funding for its Mt. Provo Transmission and Intertie Project from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) second phase of funding through the Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Grant program. The District was notified by DWR on Monday, March 21, 2022, that it was one of 62 projects that will receive financial assistance to tackle drought impacts on human health and safety, protect fish and wildlife resources, and support other public benefits, such as ecosystem improvements. TUD’s project entitled “Mt. Provo Water Transmission and Intertie to Benefit the Communities of Ponderosa Hills and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians” is focused on water consolidation and reliability by installing approximately 14,000 lineal feet of 8-inch water main pipeline and two strategically located pressure reducing stations on Mt. Provo Road in the Ponderosa Hills area. … ” Read more from ACWA’s Water News here: Tuolumne Utilities District awarded $2.8 million grant to improve water delivery
California water agency provides $8.5 million for Groveland-area drought projects
“More than $8.5 million is being provided by the state for projects aimed at ensuring water stays flowing to Groveland residents and businesses during extreme droughts and other emergency shortages. Groveland Community Services District, or GCSD, announced in a news release Monday evening that it received the funding from California Department of Water Resources for improvements intended to make the community’s water supply more secure and reliable. “This important project will allow GCSD to meet water demands year round, even in extended drought or loss of Hetch Hetchy supply,” GCSD Chief Plant Operator Greg Dunn stated in the release. … ” Read more from the Union Democrat here: California water agency provides $8.5 million for Groveland-area drought projects
NAPA/SONOMA
Sonoma County is in ‘extreme drought’ conditions
“Sonoma County is now the first Bay Area county to be classified as being under “extreme drought” conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor released its latest map this week and it shows the entire county in red. … ” Read more from KTVU here: Sonoma County is in ‘extreme drought’ conditions
Storm expected to bring up to an inch of rain to parts of Sonoma County
“A storm expected Sunday is set to bring some much needed rain to Sonoma County and the rest of the Bay Area, according to the National Weather Service. The rain will spare most of the weekend, likely reaching the Sonoma Coast sometime before midnight on Sunday. The storm will move out by mid-Monday morning. Rainfall totals were expected to be about a half inch in Santa Rosa with up to one inch in the coastal hills, according to weather service meteorologist Ryan Walbrun. “It’s not a super big storm but some beneficial rains to round out the month,” Walbrun said. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Storm expected to bring up to an inch of rain to parts of Sonoma County
City of Napa irrigation restrictions still in effect as 2022 heats up
“As a dry and summery spring arrives in Napa, the water restrictions passed by the Napa City Council back in July 2021 might seem like a distant memory to some residents. But those drought restrictions are very much still in effect, said deputy utilities director Joy Eldredge. Conventional spray irrigation remains banned on all but two days of the week. Residents living in properties at even-numbered street addresses are allowed to water on Mondays and Thursdays, while those living at odd-numbered addresses can only irrigate on Tuesdays and Fridays. “That allows us to keep a watchful eye out and go out and do patrols and make sure everybody’s aware and following those protocols,” Eldredge said. … ” Read more from the Napa Register here: City of Napa irrigation restrictions still in effect as 2022 heats up
BAY AREA
A coming storm could drop the most rain the S.F. Bay Area has seen this year
“After a dry, sunny weekend, the Bay Area is set to see “a quick transition into wet weather” to round out the month, in what could be the biggest storm of the year so far, according to the National Weather Service. The rain is expected to come through Sunday night into Monday, according to the agency. “It’s potentially the wettest storm since around New Year’s,” said Ryan Walbrun, a meteorologist with NWS. “That being said, it’s not an atmospheric river.” … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: A coming storm could drop the most rain the S.F. Bay Area has seen this year
SEE ALSO: Biggest storm since the new year to hit the Bay Area this weekend. How much rain could we get?, from the Mercury News
This bayfront perch with views of San Francisco just became the East Bay’s newest open space
“The sloped, meadowlike landscape overlooking the shimmering blue bay waters at Brickyard Cove is so scenic that it almost seems artificial — and that’s because it technically is. A century ago, all that was there was shallow, marshy seawater. Then came years of industrial work near the shore that turned the cove into a dumping ground of dirt, trash and all kinds of waste. But a decades-long fight to conserve the Bay has transformed the Brickyard Cove into what it is today: a verdant hillside that’s tall enough to command a view of the San Francisco Bay’s coast and skyline. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: This bayfront perch with views of San Francisco just became the East Bay’s newest open space
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
MID general manager resigns. Long-time employee takes over at water and power utility
“General Manager Bill Schwandt resigned Thursday from the Modesto Irrigation District and was promptly replaced from within. Ed Franciosa, assistant GM for power transmission and distribution, was named to the top post on a 5-0 vote by the district board. MID declined to say why Schwandt submitted his resignation, which was accepted in a closed session Thursday. He spent 15 months at the district and previously ran the city water and power utility in Moorhead, Minn. … ” Continue reading at the Modesto Bee here: MID general manager resigns. Long-time employee takes over at water and power utility
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Water District plans increase of recycled wastewater
“Department of Water Resources (DWR) officials announced they were cutting State Water Project allocations from 15 percent of what had been requested by water districts to 5 percent, due to extremely dry conditions. The State Water Project is just one of Malibu’s water suppliers — other sources include groundwater and the Colorado River. … Because announcements like this are expected to become even more commonplace in future years, most water districts have already started planning changes to become less reliant on imported water. Locally, the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), which serves “90265” residents outside the City of Malibu and across the Santa Monica Mountains, is doing just that. … ” Continue reading at the Malibu Times here: Water District plans increase of recycled wastewater
LADWP water conservation rebates increase amid drought
“Amid a historic drought in California, water conservation rebates were increased by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Thursday, offering residential customers $500 rebates for high-efficiency clothes-washer purchases and $250 for water-efficient toilet purchases. The rebates were previously $400 for high-efficiency washers, which use up to 55% less water than standard ones. According to the DWP, the more efficient appliances can reduce water use by more than 11,000 gallons per year. DWP’s rebates for water-efficient toilets were previously $150. Rebate eligible toilets use more than 30% less water than standard models. … ” Read more from Channel 4 here: LADWP water conservation rebates increase amid drought
Long Beach water customers could receive up to $9M in bill credits after city’s lost legal battle over water, sewer fees
“The end of the legal battle over Long Beach’s long-standing practice of charging fees to its own Water Department to boost its general fund might not lead to lower monthly rates for the city’s ratepayers—but it could result in credits and investments in the city’s water grid. California’s Supreme Court denied the city’s request to hear its case after an appeals court ruled against the city in December, calling Measure M—and the city’s practice of charging access fees to its Water Department and then transferring those fees into its general fund—unconstitutional. State law prohibits utility providers from charging more than what it costs to provide the service. The city will now have to pay back $30.8 million to the water department over the next 180 days, with the first $9 million payment due in the next month. Water officials were prepared for this possibility, having developed contingency plans in case the city lost in court. But now the department will have to decide what to do with the money. … ” Continue reading at the Long Beach Post here: Long Beach water customers could receive up to $9M in bill credits after city’s lost legal battle over water, sewer fees
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Eastern Coachella Valley to get $2.7 million in federal funds for water infrastructure project
“U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz and officials from the Coachella Valley Water District and the local nonprofit Pueblo Unido gathered in Mecca on Friday to announce $2.7 million in federal funding to improve access to clean drinking water in the area. The funding is part of an appropriations package for fiscal 2022 signed into law by President Joe Biden for California’s 36th District, which encompasses much of the Coachella Valley. While the package totals $10 million, $2.7 million is expected to fund the construction of a new water transmission line that would consolidate either nine water systems along Airport Boulevard in Thermal or three water systems along Avenue 66 in Mecca, according to CVWD Board Vice President Castulo Estrada. … ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: Eastern Coachella Valley to get $2.7 million in federal funds for water infrastructure project
New book explores relationship of Salton Sea and people throughout history
“The Salton Sea: The very name conjures images of a one time dazzling inland Riviera and beachy playground of the Rat Pack situated in the depths of eastern Riverside and Imperial counties’ remotest deserts. It also brings to mind, for some, images of a curious, modern-day wasteland, rife with the ruins of old trailers spray-painted with graffiti art, abandoned ski boats and a rapidly receding shoreline. It’s also an environmental wonderland of seasonally migrating birds, and it’s fine playa dust, the source of California’s highest rates of respiratory illnesses for those living nearby when the wind blows, which it often does here. Then there’s the smell: Algae blooms and fish die-offs are not uncommon and emit a rotten-egg odor that can drift for hundreds of miles. … “The Settler Sea: California’s Salton Sea and the Consequences of Colonialism,” written by Traci Brynne Voyles – an associate professor and chair of women’s and gender studies and director of the Center for Social Justice at the University of Oklahoma – poses a very unique question, which she explores in depth: Can a sea be a settler? … ” Read more from the Riverside Press-Enterprise here: New book explores relationship of Salton Sea and people throughout history
SAN DIEGO
Students may have drunk chloroform, chlorine at Hope Elementary: Carlsbad District
“The Carlsbad Unified School District hosted another meeting Monday night to discuss water contamination that went unnoticed at Hope Elementary School for months despite student complaints. Earlier this month, the district confirmed drinking water and reclaimed water lines were cross-connected, possibly during a construction project over summer break. Monday’s town hall gave parents insight into the district’s investigation so far, and detailed some startling facts about what’s in reclaimed water. … ” Read more from NBC San Diego here: Students may have drunk chloroform, chlorine at Hope Elementary: Carlsbad District
Atmospheric river bringing beneficial rain to San Diego
“An atmospheric river is heading toward San Diego, bringing much-needed rain to the region. San Diego is currently in a deficit of about three inches for the water year, which began October 1. Atmospheric rivers are crucial for west coast rain totals. The moisture-driven storms can provide up to 50% of annual rainfall for the San Diego region and can be beneficial, but also have the potential to be dangerous if too much rain falls. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Atmospheric river bringing beneficial rain to San Diego
In national news this weekend …
Study previews how climate change may alter rain-making atmospheric rivers by 2100
“The people, economy, and ecosystems of the Pacific coast states of California, Oregon and Washington are highly dependent on cool-season atmospheric rivers for their annual water supply. These long, narrow flows of saturated air can transport enormous amounts of water vapor – roughly equivalent to the flow at the mouth of the Mississippi River. They can unload heavy precipitation on the Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges, but their annual yield regularly swings between boom and bust. When atmospheric rivers, or ARs, fail to materialize, droughts often follow – especially in California, where they account for over 50% of the total annual precipitation. Anticipating future climate-induced changes to AR patterns is therefore exceedingly important. … ” Continue reading from NOAA Research here: Study previews how climate change may alter rain-making atmospheric rivers by 2100
