Which Way, L.A.?
California's in a Drought and Concerns Are Heating Up
This is the driest winter in California's recorded history. Even regions with adequate water supplies are at risk of fast-moving fires. Is it time for a water bond?
By Warren Olney • • 27m ListenThe story of California is the story of water, and this is the driest winter in the state's recorded history. The Sierra snowpack is at 15% of its annual average, big trouble for the Central Valley's $45 billion agriculture industry. With winter conditions already like early summer, even regions with adequate water supplies are at risk of fast-moving fires. What will the Governor's drought declaration mean for you? Is it time for a water bond? Also, local public libraries are getting back into business.
On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, UN inspectors have confirmed that Iran has suspended its most advanced enrichment of nuclear fuel today. In exchange, some international sanctions are being lifted. After decades of mistrust, what are the prospects of a permanent settlement in the next six months?
Banner image: Mono Lake South Tufa, August 2013. Photo:
In this episode
2 storiesA Record Water Shortage and Red Flag Warnings
Governor Brown has recognized this driest winter in California history by declaring a drought emergency . The Sierra snowpack is at 15% of its annual average, and that could leave Central Valley farmers with no allocations from water districts at all.
Read the story22 minGood News and New Hours for City Libraries
One casualty of the Great Recession was $22 million in budget cuts for libraries in the City of Los Angeles. But, four years ago, voters started reversing the damage with Measure L . First, Monday services were restored. Now, eight of the system's 72 regional branches and the downtown Central Library are open again on Sundays .
Read the story5 min
