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The Southland is well-positioned to weather a sixth year of drought, Metropolitan Water District officials said Monday, but they warned that consumers and business still need to do their share to conserve. “The reality is that California is still in a drought. We’re just not in a state of emergency,” MWD board Chairman Randy Record said. “Heading into 2017, we’re hoping to build on the supply momentum created by Southern California’s ongoing water-saving efforts and improved storage conditions this year.”

It’s a new water year, but nothing has changed as far as the drought is concerned. Metropolitan Water District officials say the Golden State can weather its sixth year of drought, but consumers and businesses still have to do their part to conserve. “The reality is that California is still in a drought. We’re just not in a state of emergency,” MWD board Chairman Randy Record said. “Heading into 2017, we’re hoping to build on the supply momentum created by Southern California’s ongoing water-saving efforts and improved storage conditions this year.”

As California continues to experience drought concerns, most of us are probably not thinking about flooding. Yet, the high cost of flooding in our country is something that every taxpayer, sooner or later, will be forced to address. Already in 2016, 20 major flooding disasters have been declared, exceeding $10 billion in estimated costs. Making matters worse, the National Flood Insurance Program is $23 billion in debt. Thankfully, some relief may be in sight.

 

The Santa Fe Irrigation District, which provides water to residents and businesses in Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach and Fairbanks Ranch, will see new faces on its five-member board of directors later this year, as two incumbent directors are stepping down from their seats and will be replaced by candidates running in the Nov. 8 election. Two candidates each are running for the Div. 1 seat, now held by Greg Gruzdowich, and the Div. 2 seat, now occupied by Alan Smerican. Both incumbents opted not to seek new terms.

There was a blue heron a few yards away from the Big Bear Marina. Mallards played in the water near the marina’s office.“This is pretty sad looking,” said Scott Ruppel, 60, as he sat in front of the marina office on a recent weekday morning. A frequent lake visitor, Ruppel, a Barstow resident, talked about the grass and other plant life — some green, some not — growing on land once covered by a 3,000 acre lake.