Not many simple statements can be made about the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, except these: It’s hard to overstate the importance of the region’s resources to California – or the complexity of sharing those resources. Two out of three Californians depend upon water from the Delta, but nearly every discussion of Delta water centers on fish. That […]
Each spring, a group of UC Davis student scientists and their professors take a whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon to study a river that sustains 40 million people. Capital Public Radio’s Amy Quinton traveled with them. I’m in a raft on the Colorado River, about to hit the fastest, steepest and most treacherous […]
California grows more than 90 percent of the tomatoes, broccoli and almonds consumed in the U.S., as well as many other foods. These crops require a lot of water. In the spring of 2015, after four years of little winter rain, the state was in a severe drought. Reservoirs were far below capacity, and underground […]
Governor Jerry Brown says he will continue to push California’s climate change policies, no matter the results of November’s presidential election. “I would do what I’m doing now,” he said, speaking in Sacramento at the Doubletree Hotel on the opening night of the Society of Environmental Journalists conference, an annual meeting attended by more than […]
Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed two bills aimed at overhauling operations of the Central Basin Municipal Water District in Commerce after years of political scandal and allegations of ethical lapses at the agency. One of the measures, by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), will expand the district’s governing board from one of five elected members […]
Some comments carry more weight than others – such as comments from Gov. Jerry Brown. The State Water Resources Control Board unveiled its plan to take 30 to 50 percent of the Merced, Tuolumne and Stanislaus rivers late last week. After taking four years to compile the 2,000-page report, the water board gave the people […]
California WaterFix Protects Ecosystems and Improves Infrastructure
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water Deeply (New York)by Gerald H. MeralNot many simple statements can be made about the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, except these: It’s hard to overstate the importance of the region’s resources to California – or the complexity of sharing those resources. Two out of three Californians depend upon water from the Delta, but nearly every discussion of Delta water centers on fish. That […]
It Takes A River: A 135-Mile Journey Down The Colorado
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Capital Public Radio (Sacramento)by Amy QuintonEach spring, a group of UC Davis student scientists and their professors take a whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon to study a river that sustains 40 million people. Capital Public Radio’s Amy Quinton traveled with them. I’m in a raft on the Colorado River, about to hit the fastest, steepest and most treacherous […]
How Much Do El Niño and La Niña Affect Our Weather?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Scientific American (Armonk, N.Y.)by Emily BeckerCalifornia grows more than 90 percent of the tomatoes, broccoli and almonds consumed in the U.S., as well as many other foods. These crops require a lot of water. In the spring of 2015, after four years of little winter rain, the state was in a severe drought. Reservoirs were far below capacity, and underground […]
Brown Says He’ll Push California’s Climate Agenda Whoever Wins in November
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KQED (San Francisco)Governor Jerry Brown says he will continue to push California’s climate change policies, no matter the results of November’s presidential election. “I would do what I’m doing now,” he said, speaking in Sacramento at the Doubletree Hotel on the opening night of the Society of Environmental Journalists conference, an annual meeting attended by more than […]
Gov. Brown overhauls L.A. County water board in response to allegations of mismanagement, financial misconduct
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Los Angeles Timesby Patrick McGreevyGov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed two bills aimed at overhauling operations of the Central Basin Municipal Water District in Commerce after years of political scandal and allegations of ethical lapses at the agency. One of the measures, by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), will expand the district’s governing board from one of five elected members […]
Gov. Brown is right, we must ‘agree’ on rivers
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Modesto BeeSome comments carry more weight than others – such as comments from Gov. Jerry Brown. The State Water Resources Control Board unveiled its plan to take 30 to 50 percent of the Merced, Tuolumne and Stanislaus rivers late last week. After taking four years to compile the 2,000-page report, the water board gave the people […]