Donald Trump’s California Water Order Does More for Farms Than Wildfires
President Donald Trump’s obsession with California’s water comes from an often overlooked source — Golden State farmers.
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Lake Hodges Tour Guides Say Low Water Levels Negatively Impacting Business
Brian Caldwell has been leading photo tours on Lake Hodges for years, with many spectators drawn in by wildlife. But after an inspection in 2022, the state mandated the water level be dropped, and Caldwell noticed a change in the wildlife population.
California State Water Project Increases Allocations Despite Dry January Weather
Allocations from California’s State Water Project continue to slowly trend upwards this winter, with water managers announcing a 5 percent increase in requested deliveries compared to last month.
Southern California’s Largest Water Supplier Fires General Manager
Southern California’s biggest water supplier replaced its general manager on Wednesday after the completion of an investigation into claims of harassment and a toxic workplace.
County Looking to Buy Second Helicopter for Night Missions as It Takes Hard Look at Fire Response
San Diego County wants to buy a second firefighting helicopter equipped for making water drops at night. It has nearly $4 million in hand but needs to find $14 million to pay for it. The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted a unanimous 4-0 to pursue funding for the new helicopter, as well as buying four water tenders, which cost nearly $1 million each, and another $750,000 per tender a year to cover staffing costs. Finding money for the big-ticket items will be considered for the budget for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.
Lack of Detail in Funding Freeze Leaves State and Local Agencies at a Loss
The Trump administration’s order to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans prompted confusion across state capitols and local government offices on Tuesday, leaving them at a loss on how to even calculate its impact. Officials got a temporary reprieve late in the day when a federal judge in the District of Columbia blocked the order just as it was set to go into effect.
California Boosts Water Allocations Amid Higher-Than-Expected Runoff
The Department of Water Resources has announced an increase in water allocations for the State Water Project, raising the allocation to 20% of requested supplies. This marks an increase from the 15% announced in December and the original 5% allocation. Despite a dry start to the month, the department said runoff into the state’s reservoirs has been higher than expected.
San Diego Boosts Wildfire Readiness With $15M Helicopter Plan
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 on Tuesday to approve a proposal to improve the county’s preparedness for wildfires. “It only takes a spark, a downed power line or a stray ember carried by Santa Ana winds or a sudden shift in the weather can turn a quiet afternoon into catastrophe,” said County Supervisor Jim Desmond during a news conference before Tuesday’s meeting.
OPINION: Trump Doesn’t Understand California’s Complex Water Network. But That’s Not The Point
Does Donald Trump truly believe the nonsense he spouts about California water — the mythical “valve” connecting the state to Canada, or the imagined “half-pipe” that stands ready to soak the Los Angeles area?
California Reservoir Water Levels in Trouble After Unusually Dry January
California requires “several more storms” to make up for an unusually dry January that has plagued the southern half of the state, according to State Climatologist Michael Anderson.
