Saturday, September 29, 2012

Water Under the California Bridge

It's Chinatown all over again.... 

"New water tunnel system announced

FRESNO — Governor Jerry Brown is set to reignite the state’s water wars when he announces plans this week to build a massive twin tunnel system to carry water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to farmland and cities. Already the $23.7 billion proposal is facing heavy criticism. Opponents say the tunnels will suck more water from the already fragile delta, further harming its fisheries, increasing costs for water users and devastating the area’s agricultural-based economy."

"Calif., federal officials reveal water tunnel plan" by Gosia Wozniacka and Hannah Dreier  |  Associated Press, July 26, 2012

SACRAMENTO — California’s ambitious $24 billion plan for ending the state’s water wars was unveiled Wednesday, but standing in its way are unanswered questions and hurdles that will take years to surmount, if they can be surmounted at all.

With fanfare, Governor Jerry Brown and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar discussed a massive twin-tunnel system to carry water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to vast farmlands and thirsty cities.

But critics say the proposal calls for costly construction before scientists determine the impacts on the fragile delta ecosystem, including its imperiled fish species.

Well, at least someone will make a buck. 

Brown said the tunnels would guarantee a stable water supply for California while being able to withstand earthquakes. Construction would cost $14 billion.

Yeah, it's not like they ever have any of those out there.  

So where does water go when a tunnel.... (sigh). 

‘‘A healthy delta ecosystem and a reliable water supply are profoundly important to California’s future,’’ Brown said.

‘‘We know there are a couple big issues — earthquakes and climate change. And this facility is absolutely essential to deal with both of them.’’

Look at him drag out that fart mist of a guilt trip to push his water plan that will make the problem worse!

However, the proposal met stiff opposition from delta residents, environmental groups, and Northern California legislators who say the tunnels could severely damage the delta ecosystem and agriculture-based economy.

Opponents say it’s unacceptable to proceed without knowing upfront how construction would affect already imperiled fish species such as salmon and smelt. Others said the project could be beneficial to fish, but only if studies are done before construction.

Officials said an environmental impact report would begin in the fall.

--more--"

While we are being swept away (frown):

"The family was staying at Sugar Pine Christian Camps in Oakhurst near the south entrance to Yosemite National Park."

Related: One boy dead, another missing in Yosemite

And as if the rapids weren't enough:

"Yosemite officials told 1,700 past visitors on Tuesday that they may have been exposed to a rodent-borne disease already blamed for the deaths of two people who stayed in cabins at the national park."

This cabin has rats? 

I guess that's what happens when all the tax money goes to well-connected corporations and the like. 

"Environmental groups filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the California Department of Public Health for failing to establish a safe drinking-water standard for the cancer-causing chemical made famous in the film ‘‘Erin Brockovich.’’

Yeah, the state is looking out for you and your health. 

Also see: Sunday Globe Special: Cholera in California

California Could Have Its Own Fukushima

Already did: 

"Pacific Gas & Electric Co. agreed to pay more than $2 million to a teenager burned in the 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people and destroyed dozens of homes, according to secret settlement documents mistakenly posted by a California court. The documents, sealed by court order, were filed July 18. It was not clear how they got online."

A conscientious citizen?

See: San Bruno Suffers Indigestion

I notice it when I read a Globe.

And California sure could use all the water it can get at this point, what with the unending fires and other such things

Wildfire weakened near Calif. town

1 dead in So. Calif. wildfire; 20 homes destroyed

Also see:

Ships told to slow for whales in San Francisco Bay

Ships shifted to protect whales in San Francisco Bay

Whaling Away in California

2 rescued after small plane crashes off Calif.

Let's get back on land:

"US shuts slaughterhouse in California" August 22, 2012

FRESNO, Calif. — Federal regulators who shut down a Central California slaughterhouse after receiving an animal welfare video were investigating Tuesday whether beef from sick cows reached the human food supply

Chances are it reached the school lunch program. 

Maybe the breakfasts are better.  

Forget about supper, and I imagine many kids do what with the hunger crisis in AmeriKa. 

The video appears to show workers bungling the slaughter of cows that were struggling to walk and even stand. Under federal regulations, sick animals cannot be slaughtered for human consumption.

FRESNO, Calif. — Federal regulators who shut down a Central California slaughterhouse after receiving an animal welfare video were investigating Tuesday whether beef from sick cows reached the human food supply.
The video appears to show workers bungling the slaughter of cows that were struggling to walk and even stand. Under federal regulations, sick animals cannot be slaughtered for human consumption.
The investigation will determine whether sick cows were slaughtered and meat products from the company should be recalled, said Justin DeJong, a spokesman for the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service....

The investigation will determine whether sick cows were slaughtered and meat products from the company should be recalled, said Justin DeJong, a spokesman for the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service....

--more---" 


That's okay. I'll pass on the burger for lunch. 


I think you know where they are headed. Jokingly called road kill 'round h're. 


Maybe it's best to get off the meat, 'eh? 

"San Bernardino, Calif., votes to declare bankruptcy" Associated Press, July 12, 2012

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — The city attorney said budget officials had presented falsified budget documents to the City Council for 13 of the last 16 years, the newspaper reported....

Isn't that FRAUD?

The councilman who abstained from voting, John Valdivia, said he did not trust the information presented at the meeting and, having served only since March, believed he should not be held responsible for the money mess.

How could anyone trust what comes from AmeriKan authorities and officialdom anymore?

‘‘The taxpayers of this city have been duped, hoodwinked, and misguided for the past several years,’’ Valdivia said, according to the Sun.

It was not immediately clear when the city planned to file....

--more--"



I am with the rest of this post:






How far back back in time you wanna go, Globe? 

Also see: No mechanical issues in Calif. coaster stall

California sets rules for driverless cars

Panda cub born at San Diego Zoo

UC Berkeley to join Harvard and MIT in online course offerings

Man accused of running down victim in Dorchester arrested in California

Campus senior event deemed offensive to Hispanics

If I missed anything from the last few months, well, you will just have to forgive me, readers. It's all water under the bridge.  

Next Day Updates:

Carmageddon sequel begins on I-405 in Los Angeles

Odd how the theme just seems to flow, 'eh?