This Week in Water Wars

You don’t need to explain the looming water crisis to John Laird (AD-27). For his district, there’s nothing “looming” about it. His home city of Santa Cruz has recently implemented water restrictions due to the dry winter of 2007. Down here in the Monterey Peninsula portion of his district, we’ve been in Stage 1 rationing since 1999 and I am only able to take a shower in the morning or get a glass of water as I sit to write this post because we pump the Carmel River dry.

It’s fitting, then, that Laird has become the Assembly’s point person on water as the special session kicks into high gear this week. A combination of growth, overpumping in the Delta, drought and the specter of climate change has forced California to face its water crisis. And as such, it’s worth taking a bit of time this Sunday afternoon to get everyone up to speed on where things currently stand in Sacramento.

First, the issues. Not only does California face a long-term problem in providing water to residents, but it has been overpumping what resources it already uses – particularly the Delta.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta provides drinking water to over 20 million people, is the basis for California’s agricultural industry – and is in peril. Overpumping has threatened several endangered species, and by reducing the amount of fresh water in the delta, results in an increasing amount of inundation by salt water. This threatens the reliability of Delta water for the millions who depend upon it. Already a federal judge has mandated significant cuts to the amount of water pumped out of the Delta this summer, and cities from San José to San Diego are facing mandatory rationing.

There are two main solutions. Republicans, led by Arnold and in the Legislature by Senator Dave Cogdill (SD-14, Modesto), want to revive the Peripheral Canal, which would take water from rivers like the Sacramento and Mokelumne and divert it around the Delta to the California Aqueduct near Tracy. They would have the state float a $2 billion bond for an “alternate conveyance” system – aka a Peripheral Canal.

This idea has been floated before, in the late 1970s. It deeply divided the state – Northern California was convinced it was a SoCal plot to steal their water – and the idea was soundly rejected in a statewide referendum in 1982.

The problem with the Peripheral Canal, however, is that it will not solve the Delta’s problems. Taking more fresh water out of the Delta would only make the salination problems much worse – it would be sacrificing the Delta once and for all in order to continue allowing California users to overuse what they already have.

As Hannah-Beth Jackson notes, Senator Don Perata’s proposals are much more favorable to the Delta. Groups such as Restore the Delta support Perata’s plan which offers $600 million for levee repair and other improvements to Delta habitat.

In contrast to the canals and dams solution the Republicans offer, John Laird has instead proposed several core principles that must govern the water special session (SacBee Capitol Alert, subscription req’d) that seem to suggest that they would prefer other solutions:

(b) Water agencies and local governments within each region should collaborate to develop, to the extent reasonably possible, regional reliance on water resources within their region, in order to minimize reliance on water resources from other regions.

(d) Water use efficiency, including conservation, recycling, reuse, and stormwater capture, provides one of the least expensive and least resource-intensive methods to enhance water supply reliability.

(e) Safe and reliable drinking water for all communities, including disadvantaged communities, should be among the state’s top water policy objectives.

(i) State and local agencies should consider the effects of a changing climate on the reliable availability of water resources for beneficial needs in the years ahead.

In other words, Laird insists that we look at conservation, at sharing the costs, at ensuring that disadvantaged populations are not made to spend money they don’t have to ensure a reliable water supply, and that climate change is considered in the process.

The plans offered by both Laird and Perata also emphasize local control and local planning. This is itself important in getting Californians to again live within their means. The 20th century solution of simply building a canal to some other watershed and taking that water will no longer work. It has failed the Delta, failed the Klamath Basin, and will soon fail the Sierra itself if we do not shift priorities.

The Planning and Conservation League has weighed in with its own plan that emphasizes conservation programs, watershed restoration, and groundwater retention (in other words, pumping the water back into aquifers to be stored underground, a more environmentally friendly and sustainable solution than dams). If properly funded, they note, several million acre feet of water could be produced through these more sustainable methods. One acre foot typically equals the annual water usage by a family of four. The state’s own water assessment plan shows that conservation can eliminate the “need” for these new dams.

As I explained back in July, California is a very drought-prone climate. Climate change in California is expected to produce a hotter and drier climate, with a reduced snowpack. Precipitation in the Sierra is expected to fall as rain more often than snow, forcing significant shifts in how water is stored.

But the problem isn’t just that the Sierra will see less snow and more rain, but that it will see less water, period. And the problem isn’t limited to the Sierra – as anyone who’s been to the Southwest recently knows, the whole region is suffering from reduced rainfall. Some experts suggest we may be on the verge of a 90 year drought in the US Southwest, and that Lakes Powell and Mead may never return to their previous levels.

Faced with the prospect of prolonged drought, it seems foolish for California to assume it can solve its problem merely through added storage – why build more storage for less rain?

So far in 2007, there has been way too much backsliding on the critical issues that face our society. Congressional Democrats failed to do anything meaningful to end the war in Iraq. Arnold helped force through major cuts to public transportation at a time we should be starting to move California away from dependence on the automobile.

We face a major crossroads in California in this special session, on both health care and water. It’s important to our future that we get it right.  We need to ensure that our water solutions are right for our watersheds, right for the Delta, and right for we who rely on water for survival.

(CA 80AD) Goodbye Gonnie Barfcia Updated (Part I).

According to the Sacramento Bee, the Assembly Republican Caucus staff has produced an update on voter registration numbers statewide and by Assembly district.  The numbers are based on a county by county survey of registrars reflecting voter registrations by the end of June 2007.  Amongst the key findings:

Repugnant Assembly Districts where Repugnant voter registration decreased the most included the 80th Assembly District where Repugnant voter registration decreased by 3,540.

More below the flip:

According to the Sacramento Bee, the Assembly Republican Caucus staff has produced an update on voter registration numbers statewide and by Assembly district.  The numbers are based on a county by county survey of registrars reflecting voter registrations by the end of June 2007. Key findings:

(1) Statewide voter registration is currently at 15,568,121, a 130,110 decrease since January 2007.

(2) Repugnant registration is 5,265,408, a 121,362 decrease since January 2007. Repugnant registration accounts for 33.90% of all registered voters in California.

(3) Democrat registration is 6,568,719, a 96,341 decrease from the beginning of 2007. Democratic registration accounts for 42.10% of registered voters in California.

(4) Decline to State is 2,920,355, a 32,760 decrease since January 2007. 18.7% of California voters are registered as Decline-to-State.

(5) Repugnant Assembly Districts where Repugnant voter registration decreased the most included the 80th Assembly District where Repugnant voter registration decreased by 3,540.  The only other Repugnant-held Assembly Districts that experienced greater decreases in Repugnant voter registration included those of John Benoit (R-AD65) which was down 5,765, of Sam Blakeslee (R-AD33) which was down 4,971, of Kevin Jeffries (R-AD66) which was down 4,883, and Paul Cook (R-AD65) which was down 3,892.

Terrific news for the CA 80th Assembly District.  Voter registration figures, donations, numbers of volunteers, good issues, and an expectation to win will combine to help us say ‘Adios, Gonnie Barcia (who is termed out), and the Repugnants (who are freaked out) at last!’


Voting and voter registration figures have long been trending Democratic in the Coachella ValleyAs indicated in my earlier post, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, and Coachella all gave John Kerry/John Edwards ticket majorities in 2004.  Given the mood of the electorate, it is clearly expected that these five cities, and probably more, will give the Democratic nominee a majority vote in 2008 as well.


Regarding voter registration, as of 2007, Palm Springs, now has the following voter registration figures:

  • Democrats  10,406    44%
  • Repugnants  8,507  36%
  • Other  853  4%
  • Decline to State  3,651  16%
  • Total  23,417  100%
  • Total Democrats & Decline2State  60%

In addition, Cathedral City, now has the following 2007 voter registration figures:

  • Democrats  6,788  38%
  • Repugnants  8,049  45%
  • Other  549  3%
  • Decline to State  2,467  14%
  • Total  17,853  100%
  • Total Democrats & Decline2State  52%

Meanwhile, Desert Hot Springs, has the following 2007 voter registration:

  • Democrats  2,266  33%
  • Repugnants  3,332  49%
  • Other  290  4%
  • Decline to State  978   14%
  • Total  6,866  100%
  • Total Democrats & Decline2State  47%

Indio, has the following 2007 voter registration figures:

  • Democrats  9,773  45%
  • Repugnants  8,654  40%
  • Other  623  3%
  • Decline to State  2,724  3%
  • Total  21,779  100%
  • Total Democrats & Decline2State  48%

And, finally, Coachella, has the following 2007 voter registration:

  • Democrats  4,907  64%
  • Repugnants  1,864  24%
  • Other  147  2%
  • Decline to State  709   9%
  • Total  7,619  100%
  • Total Democrats & Decline2State  73%

Regarding the less Democratic cities, Rancho Mirage, has the following 2007 voter registration:

  • Democrats  3,005  31%
  • Repugnants  5,018  52%
  • Other  261  3%
  • Decline to State  1,435   15%
  • Total  9,719  100%
  • Total Democrats & Decline2State  46%

La Quinta, has the following 2007 voter registration:

  • Democrats  4,522  28%
  • Repugnants  8,847  55%
  • Other  500  3%
  • Decline to State  2,164   13%
  • Total  9,719  100%
  • Total Democrats & Decline2State  41%

Palm Desert, has the following 2007 voter registration:

  • Democrats  6,975  30%
  • Repugnants  12,104  53%
  • Other  781  3%
  • Decline to State  3,172   14%
  • Total  9,719  100%
  • Total Democrats & Decline2State  44%

Indian Wells, has the following 2007 voter registration:

  • Democrats  549  18%
  • Repugnants  2,018  67%
  • Other  86  3%
  • Decline to State  348   12%
  • Total  9,719  100%
  • Total Democrats & Decline2State  30%


I have added the Democratic and the Decline to State percentages together as most Decline2Staters are presently voting Democratic and the trend is sure to continue as long as the Repugnants continue their petulance.

Information on donations, volunteers, issues, and expectations that will contribute to victory in the CA 80th Assembly Distict in November 2008 to follow.

Bldg Industry Assoc of So CA, Desert Chapter Endorses John Williams for Palm Springs City Council

This is information from the homepage of John Williams for City Council. (Full disclosure, the Desert Stonewall Democrats, of which I am a member, has endorsed John Williams for City Council for Palm Springs City Coucil, and I have also contributed financially to his campaign.)

The Building Industry Association of Southern California, Desert Chapter (BIA/SCDC), has endorsed John Williams for Palm Springs City Council.  The BIA/SCDC represents building contractors and developers throughout the Coachella Valley.

The following is from the BIA/SC PAC website:

Founded in 1958, the BIA/SC PAC, is governed by 14 trustees who are nominated by BIA/SC’s seven chapters. This group meets monthly to discuss Southern California’s political scene and which city council members, water board members and school board members have demonstrated a commitment to increasing the local housing supply and making homes more affordable to working California families.

The PAC’s mission is to identify, educate and support candidates for elected office who maintain integrity, have some understanding of and are supportive of the building industry and are committed to the American Dream of homeownership and free enterprise.

Palm Springs, CA, September 29, 2007 – The Building Industry Association of Southern California, Desert Chapter, has endorsed John Williams for Palm Springs City Council.  The BIA represents building contractors and developers throughout the Coachella Valley.

John Williams is a friend and long time resident/business owner in Palm Springs who understands the delicate balance between the City’s needs for growth and development and the importance of maintaining our unique charm and Village atmosphere,’ states Ed Torres, President of the Board of the Building Industry Association.  ‘He champions quality projects and carefully considered growth that will enhance our economic standing, quality of life and increase our tax base.’

‘I am very pleased to have this endorsement,’ states Williams. ‘I have been a strong supporter of our downtown redevelopment though mixed-use projects and new hotels. We CAN welcome new development and maintain our unique charm and Village feel.’

John is a hotel business owner involved in our community. Please see John’s website at www.williamsforcouncil.com for more information.

Is it really dead? GOP talks about reviving Dirty Tricks

At this point, it seems  a long shot, but some GOP activists are still going after some Dirty Tricks.  From MediaNews:

“The issue is so hot, it’s going to continue on,” said Tony Andrade, a Sacramento Republican who had actually submitted his own electoral vote initiative, but then deferred to Hiltachk’s effort. “People are lining up signing these petitions. There’s a lot of enthusiasm for this from a political point of view.” (LA Daily News 9/29/07)

Given the cost of gathering the signatures, it’s quite a longshot with the establishment seemingly ditching the DIrty Tricks Initiative, but, keep your eyes on the DIrty Tricks.