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Facing threats of earthquakes, wildfires and floods, almost 200 Southern California cities depend too much on big government to protect them, which will lead to slower recovery time when “the big one” hits, according to experts on disaster preparedness.

A report released recently as part of the newly launched SoCal Disaster Risk Reduction Initiative was presented at the University of Southern California. It urged community members to ask tougher questions of their own civic leaders.

 

Like a lot of valley residents, I was born, raised and educated elsewhere – born and raised in upstate New York and educated at Rutgers University in New Jersey.  I came to the valley and decided to stay and raise a family here, because this Valley is home to more than 120 golf courses and I’m a golf course superintendent.  And to be a golf course superintendent in the desert requires one to become proficient in all matters having to do with water – source, access, cost, infrastructure, quality, etc.

 

Lawn watering restrictions mandated after years of devastating drought will soon be eased in Poway.

Instead of being allowed to water only twice a week, for 10 minute intervals per sprinkler station, customers will be allowed to water three times a week starting almost immediately, the Poway City Council decided last week. Assistant City Manager Tina White said within days papers will be signed allowing city water customers to water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

 

The City of San Diego recommended moving from a Level Two Drought Alert to a Level One Drought Watch, which would reduce water restrictions.

The suggestion came Thursday after the San Diego County Water Authority’s (CWA) determination that the region has an adequate water supply for the next three and a half years thanks to conservation efforts and new water supply sources.

The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on Thursday adopted rate increases of 6.4 percent for untreated water and 5.9 percent for treated water in 2017, near the low end of projections and similar to the increases adopted by the Board of Directors for 2016.

Rates adopted by the board are primarily driven by higher costs from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, though they also incorporate higher costs for drought-proof water supplies from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. They also were impacted by state-mandated reductions in water use that decreased sales more than earlier projections.