[Water_news] 5. DWR'S CALIFORNIA WATER NEWS: AGENCIES, PROGRAMS, PEOPLE - 2/20/08

Department of Water Resources

California Water News

A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment

 

February 20, 2008

 

5. Agencies, Programs, People

 

WATER SUMMIT:

Governor-Feinstein water summit on tap - San Diego Union Tribune blog

 

WATER CONSERVATION:

Editorial: Kudos to Riverside County's 'champion of water conservation' Marion Ashley - Desert Sun

 

 

WATER SUMMIT:

Governor-Feinstein water summit on tap

San Diego Union Tribune blog – 2/19/08

Posted by Michael Gardner, Copley News Service

 

SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein will convene a closed door summit here Thursday that could determine California'swater priorities for years to come.

 

While the Republican governor has long touted a multi-billion dollar water bond that includes funding for new reservoirs, the Democratic senator has been reticent to endorse a measure.

 

Feinstein's endorsement is considered crucial to the future of any bond, presenting a united, bi-partisan face on any measure going to voters.

 

Sen. David Cogdill, R-Modesto, who is a leading GOP lawmaker on water issues, candidly concedes that Feinstein is the central figure.

 

"I would be surprised if anybody has the heart to move forward without the support of Sen. Feinstein and the governor," Cogdill said.

Schwarzenegger and Feinstein are expected to hear from leaders of the environment and business communities, each pitching their own proposal.

 

The popular Feinstein is being courted by both sides, but has been particularly pressured by the governor, agribusiness and chamber of commerce executives who are convinced that new reservoirs must be part of any comprehensive spending package along with conservation and groundwater.

 

"What we're looking for is the same thing we've been looking for for a long time ... that's a comprehensive water solution for all of California," Cogdill said.

 

Adding to the pressure, the chamber on Tuesday received clearance to start gathering signatures to qualify one of a handful of water bond proposals. Supporters are expected to settle on one to push to the ballot after the summit.

 

California is growing, global warming threatens to reduce snow pack and increase flood threats, and court-ordered fish protections have squeezed deliveries through the Sacramento delta, they argue.

 

However, environmentalists want a water bond that is not as reliant on reservoirs. Their campaign centers on a package that puts groundwater and conservation as priorities.

 

Both camps offer millions toward environmental restoration targeting the fragile Sacramento delta, a 1,100-mile maze of waterways and hub of California's water supply system.

 

What to do about a new delivery system to bring water south is another sticking point. Many Southern California water agencies have agreed to pay about $4 billion for a new canal, but the prospect of making it easier to ship water is controversial.

 

- Michael Gardner, Copley News Service

http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/breaking/2008/02/governorfeinstein_water_summit_1.html

 

 

WATER CONSERVATION:

Editorial: Kudos to Riverside County's 'champion of water conservation' Marion Ashley

Desert Sun – 2/20/08

 

Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley is making strides in environmental conservation, and his leadership deserves recognition.

 

Ashley is the recipient of the first Waterkeeper Award for his work on water conservation and quality, an important recognition during a time in which water is at the forefront of valley concerns. It will be of paramount importance to conserve water and restore the use of ground water to keep it flowing in the Coachella Valley and prevent the valley floor from sinking due to overuse of the underground aquifer.

 

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger commented during the Inland Empire Waterkeeper award program at the Riverside Convention Center Feb. 12 and referred to Ashley as a "champion of water conservation and a genius in any kind of water subject there is."

 

The Inland Empire Waterkeeper awards dinner is a fundraiser for the Riverside Land Conservancy. The conservancy preserves natural areas in western Riverside County.

 

In 2005, Ashley spearheaded a move to adopt a water conservation measure, requiring all new county offices to be landscaped with drought-resistant plants irrigated by sprinklers that adjust for the weather. In fact, he organized a 15-member task force to find ways to conserve on water and keep the issue in front of county officials.

 

In addition to providing information to regional leaders, Ashley also has worked to complete the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and is currently working to ensure the restoration of the Salton Sea.

 

Ashley has prior experience in water conservation as a past director on the board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and board member and past president of the Eastern Municipal Water District.

 

Congratulations to Ashley on receiving the Waterkeeper Award. #

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008802200311

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