Delta tunnels opposition to submit signatures blasting environmental and funding plan [Sacramento Business Journal]
A
day before a group opposing the Delta tunnels project submits thousands of
signatures blasting a 40,000 page environmental report, economists and
activists hurled a litany of charges at state and local governments, primarily
questioning the source of funding….After the opposition submits its signatures
for a public comment deadline Tuesday, the Natural Resources Agency must
respond to each comment before revising its environmental report. In the next
phase, lawsuits are expected after a litigation window opens under the
California Environmental Quality Act. Nevertheless, government officials hope
to begin construction in the next few years. As the regulatory process rolls
forward, conversations on how to pay for the project are occurring on both the
local and state level, said Richard Stapler, a spokesman for the Natural
Resources Agency.
Groundwater pumping
causes ground to drop [Riverside Press-Enterprise]
…Land
surfaces declined nine inches to two feet in some areas of Palm Desert, Indian
Wells, and La Quinta between 1995 and 2010 because so much groundwater was
being pumped from the aquifers beneath, according to a 17-year study done by
the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Coachella Valley Water
District….In 2010, the Coachella Valley had more than 100 golf courses, an
agricultural industry producing at record levels and more than 450,000
year-round residents in households with lawn sprinklers, showers and
dishwashers, plus a seasonal influx of snowbirds and tourists who swell the
winter population by 100,000 or more. Juxtaposed against all that plenty is the
area’s annual rainfall: about 3 inches a year. The Coachella Valley Water
District and other agencies have been trying for generations to keep the water
flowing — and the ground stable — by importing billions of gallons of Colorado
River water, installing sophisticated water-recharge plants to replenish
underground supplies, and investing $75 million to bring non-drinkable water to
Palm Desert, Indian Wells and nearby areas to irrigate golf courses and
crops….The USGS report found that land surfaces in most of the Coachella Valley
remained relatively stable during the study, but the agency cautions that continued
vigilance and new ways to combat groundwater overdraft will be vital in
sustaining underground water supplies.
Stanislaus County
hopes to seek funding for groundwater efforts [Modesto Bee]
Stanislaus
County supervisors today could take a step toward seeking outside funding for
groundwater management efforts. The Board of Supervisors will consider adopting
a water management plan for eastern Stanislaus County that was developed at the
expense of Modesto, Ceres, Hughson and Turlock. Officials said the county
simply can tag onto the planning document to satisfy requirements for state and
federal grants that could possibly pay for items in the county’s groundwater
action plan approved in June. County staff will work with the 21-member Water
Advisory Committee to identify which activities could be candidates for grant
funding. The water advisory panel has representatives from agriculture, cities,
the county and the drilling industry.
Editorial: Prepare for state's water war [Santa Maria Times]
…Because
of California’s hugeness and soaring population, there is sure to be a major
water war — agriculture vs. urban consumers — if this drought drags on….The way
we see it, if this state wants to maintain its standing as the nation’s top
food provider, and if the ag industry wants to maintain its equilibrium, and if
us city dwellers want to keep our taps flowing, we need to reach some common
ground with regard to providing an adequate water supply.…We can’t afford to
take the risks involved in simply waiting for a miracle, because if it doesn’t
happen in time, all could be lost. So, that leaves us with the expensive
option, which involves investing in the technology required to desalt sea
water. Of all of California’s many resources, perhaps none is more valuable
than having more than 1,100 miles of coastline on the world’s largest ocean.
The planning needs to begin.
Ontario Livestock Sales
owner pleads no contest to animal cruelty charge [Inland Valley Daily Bulletin]
The
owner of Ontario Livestock Sales, the largest livestock market in Southern
California, has pleaded no contest to violating state law on animal cruelty by
permitting animals too sick or injured to stand to be sold into the food
supply. Horatio Santorsola, owner of the market, was also placed on two years
probation, and ordered to pay $1,000 to the Humane Society, and another $290 to
a victim restitution fund, said Christopher Lee, spokesman for the San
Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.…At Ontario Livestock Sales,
downed animals were routinely sold, transported, and left to suffer for
extended periods of time, according to Mercy For Animals. The undercover investigation,
conducted in early 2012, produced a video showing animal cruelty taking place,
Rice said.
County looks to ease
regulations for food producers [Santa Rosa Press Democrat]
When
Sarah Silva started her Sebastopol-based company Green Star Farm five years
ago, she used her business savvy to find innovative ways of selling her meats
to get her venture off the ground. But countywide restrictions imposed strict
rules on farms like Silva’s from selling manufactured products made on site and
selling raw goods year-round. Permitting requirements could have cost thousands
of dollars.…But new agricultural zoning proposals mean those requirements could
streamlined somewhat for businesses outside of city limits. The Sonoma County
Board of Supervisors Tuesday is expected to ease restrictions on manufacturing
and selling goods produced on agricultural land, giving momentum to local
farmers who want to grow their operations. Following goals outlined in Sonoma
County’s general plan, an ordinance before supervisors would revamp rules,
allowing farms to sell fruits, vegetables and other products at farm stands
year-round, instead of just seasonally. Another change would permit area
growers and producers to make and sell their products — such as jams, cheeses
and olive oils — on site, directly to consumers.
Ag
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