July 6, 2011

RSVP Now for SCWC's Next Quarterly Meeting July 28

Join SCWC on Thursday, July 28 from 10am – 1:30pm at the Pacific Palms Hotel & Conference Center for our 3rd Quarterly Meeting & Luncheon of the year, featuring presentations by influential opinion leaders and discussion on some of California’s most crucial and pressing water issues.

During the meeting, Dr. Lucy Jones, seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, will give a presentation on the important relationship between earthquakes and our water supply. This issue is particularly timely as we continually work toward finding a solution for fixing the Delta.

Afterward, Phil Isenberg, chair of the Delta Stewardship Council, will give a keynote presentation about the DSC’s Delta Plan process, and its role in ensuring the long-term health of our water supply.

For more information, check out the event flyer.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in this important discussion on water issues. RSVP today by contacting Alex Comisar at acomisar@fionahuttonassoc.com.

In the News: Earthquakes and our Water Supply

Last week, the dialogue on earthquakes and our water supply continued to intensify, as new data emerged expressing the mounting concern of Californians across the state about the potential catastrophic impact of a major earthquake.

The New York Times Magazine published a piece last week on the vulnerability of the Sacramento levees, and the devastating effects a major earthquake would have on the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

In addition, a new Field Poll was published finding that Californians are increasingly concerned about the occurrence of an earthquake. According to the poll, more Californians fear a major quake than any other natural disaster.

Currently, our statewide water infrastructure is unprepared to handle a major earthquake, and should one occur before we take action in the Delta, our region’s water supply could be devastated.

Hear more on this important issue from USGS seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones at the next SCWC Quarterly Meeting on July 28.

Kern County Water Agency Celebrates 50 Years of Success

The Kern County Water Agency, a longtime SCWC member, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The Bakersfield Californian published an Op-Ed today by KCWA Board President Mike Radon commemorating the occasion, and discussing the crucial role KCWA has played in its community over the last half-century.

Legislative Update

Earlier this week, SCWC submitted a letter of support for AB 741 (Huffman), a bill which would allow property owners to work with local wastewater agencies to finance necessary sewer improvements on their properties, such as transitioning from the use of a septic system to a sewer system.

SCWC has also signed onto a coalition letter supporting SB 224 (Pavley), which would exempt the Department of Water Resources (DWR) from certain state contract laws, and allow for more efficient management of the  State Water Project.

Are You on Facebook? So are We

With so much happening in the world of California water, there couldn’t be a better time to join SCWC on Facebook. To “like” our page and receive up-to-the-minute news, information and resources on California water issues, just visit us at www.facebook.com/socalwater and click the “Like” button. Then, check your news feed often to stay connected.

New to Facebook? Joining is free and easy. Just visit www.facebook.com and follow the simple steps. Then, check out SCWC’s Facebook page and never be out of touch with the latest water news, information and resources.