The current drought is worldwide. Here’s how different places are fighting it [Los Angeles Times]
…In the U.S., nearly half the mainland is currently afflicted, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. The situation is especially dire in the Northwest, which is facing some of its driest conditions in over a century following a heat wave that killed hundreds of people….In Brazil, the current drought is one of the worst ever recorded. Coffee production is expected to fall 23% this year, and low reservoir levels mean the country can’t fully utilize its hydroelectric plants, driving up electricity bills….One water dispute over agriculture is playing out in Oregon, where Native Americans hold senior legal rights to the Upper Klamath Lake through a treaty with the federal government. The lake is a major supplier of water to the Klamath Tribes and home to the endangered and culturally significant sucker fish. Non-native farmers in the area also depend on the lake, which is used irrigate over 130,000 acres of fields.
Marin ag production rises in 2020 despite pandemic, drought [Marin Independent Journal]
Despite a worldwide pandemic and a historic drought, Marin’s agricultural production grew 4% in 2020, according to a report released Tuesday by the county’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures….The annual report prepared by the county’s Department of Agriculture shows that the gross value of agricultural production in Marin County amounted to $101.8 million in 2020, compared to $97.9 million in 2019. “Our producers are used to change and having to adapt and innovate on the go, and 2020 challenged their resilience and resolve and their adaptability,” Parnay said. “Some had great success and others struggled to a degree.”…“Next year’s 2021 crop report will reflect some of the challenges our local producers have faced, but I’m more concerned about the long-term impacts and the viability of our livestock and crop industries,” he said. Parnay said much of Marin’s livestock industry has had to reduce its herd size, due to a lack of forage and water, and that will decrease the overall agricultural output of meat, milk and value-added products in the coming years.
Marin ag production rises in 2020 despite dual calamities (marinij.com)
Coalition blasts plans to divert Colorado River amid drought [Associated Press]
Farmers, environmentalists and small-town business owners gathered at the Hoover Dam on Thursday to call for a moratorium on pipelines and dams along the Colorado River that they said jeopardizes the 40 million people who rely on it as a water source. They’re pushing for the moratoriums as parts of the U.S. West are gripped by historic drought and hotter temperatures and dry vegetation provide fuel for wildfires sweeping the region. Federal officials expect to make the first-ever water shortage declaration in the Colorado River basin next month, prompting cuts in Arizona, Nevada and Mexico. “We’re here to say, ‘Damn the status quo,’” said Kyle Roerink, the executive director of the Great Basin Water Network.
Valley rivers going dry [SJV Water]
Southern San Joaquin Valley Rivers are running at near historic lows — again….The driest year on record was 2015, the worst year of the 2012-2016 drought….In that vein, Water Resources also made a deal with Kern Delta Water District in late spring to keep enough water in the river to supply the northeast water treatment plant, which takes water directly off the Kern River….The ag district has been feeding its Kern River water to the treatment plant since about mid-May, he said. “We’re doing an operational exchange where we’re allowing our water to stay in the river for the city and they’re delivering a like amount to Arvin-Edison Water Storage District on our behalf,” Teglia said. Though this year is not quite as dry overall as 2015 was, Teglia said, in some ways, the river’s flow is actually worse this year.
LOIS HENRY: Valley rivers going dry | Lois Henry | bakersfield.com
California opens new marijuana agency 5 years after legalization, aiming to simplify rules [Sacramento Bee]
Five years after California legalized recreational marijuana, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law aimed at simplifying how the state regulates the growing industry. The new law creates a single Department of Cannabis Control, consolidating enforcement, licensing and environmental oversight that had fallen under three different departments….The Department of Cannabis Control will now take over responsibilities from the Bureau of Cannabis Control under the Department of Consumer Affairs, CalCannabis under the Department of Food and Agriculture and the Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch under the Department of Health.
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article252810093.html
Palos Verdes Peninsula designated an official wine-growing region [Hermosa Beach Reporter]
Look out, Napa Valley and Sonoma — there’s a new contender for wine-making supremacy in California: The Palos Verdes Peninsula. That means any wine made on the hill’s15,900 acres can have “Palos Verdes Peninsula” stamped on their labels….To receive an AVA designation, a region must have specific geographic or climatic features that separate it from surrounding areas and influences how the grapes are grown, the alcohol and tobacco agency says on its website. “Using an AVA designation on a wine label allows vintners to describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers,” the website says, “and helps consumers identify wines they may purchase.”
CA consolidates marijuana enforcement under new department | The Sacramento Bee (sacbee.com)
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