April 4, 2015
By Frank Shyong, Hailey Branson-Potts and Matt Stevens
There are few signs of California’s epic drought (click here) along a stretch of Maple Drive in Beverly Hills.
Deep green front lawns stretch out, dotted with healthy trees and sculpted foliage. The only brown lawn in sight was at a home under construction.
As California gears up for the first mandatory water restrictions in its history, a long-standing class divide about water use is becoming increasingly apparent....
Water is a big deal. It is a part of our lives in insidious ways. No one no matter what community they live in believes they would have to part with this vital component of this entitlement of life.
Besides the communities, there are businesses that are going lose revenue because they won't have the same Spring Time and Summer Time market places. They can become inventive and invite ideas such as sand boxes for the children and patio furniture where dinner is served.
But, water is something most people take for granted and I guarantee you no matter who it is this idea of sacrificing more and more is stressful. Imagine that. The lack of water in day to day life is stressful. Water is stressful when there is too much of it and now it is stressful when there is too little.
The folks in Beverly Hills have spoiled themselves into thinking they can have everything they want if only they pay the bill. They aren't so much belligerent as they are soiled. They don't know what it is to sacrifice. That seems obvious to me.
Governor Brown should hold town hall meetings across the state. He needs to hear what people think and offer them remedies to cope. I personally challenge him to bring back water to all of California in one year. This time next year California needs water flowing and crops blooming and Beverly Hills getting off their psychologist couch.
It is important Governor Brown has this relationship with the people. Everyone needs to be connected. Their sacrifice has to be realized and their suggestions and complaints noted.
This is a very difficult time. Crime may escalate and jobs might be lost. The Governor has to bring about an understanding that he is aware of their burden his ambitions to bring an end to the water shortage. It may even be wise to have an emergency plan ready with water trucked in should the drought this summer become unbearable. Citizens can have copies of emergency plans for reassurance.
The people living in Beverly Hills need to have a small greenhouse(s) on the property where rare and important plants can receive attention if they haven't made the jump to light speed yet. Water needs of special and precious plants can be better managed in a greenhouse where their own humidity can be contained. Those folks will need their gardeners all the more to control the climate in order for those plants to be maintained.
Governor Brown is up to this. If there is still noncompliance after a town hall meeting then citations for breaking the law should be issued. I wish everyone good luck.
By Frank Shyong, Hailey Branson-Potts and Matt Stevens
There are few signs of California’s epic drought (click here) along a stretch of Maple Drive in Beverly Hills.
Deep green front lawns stretch out, dotted with healthy trees and sculpted foliage. The only brown lawn in sight was at a home under construction.
As California gears up for the first mandatory water restrictions in its history, a long-standing class divide about water use is becoming increasingly apparent....
Water is a big deal. It is a part of our lives in insidious ways. No one no matter what community they live in believes they would have to part with this vital component of this entitlement of life.
Besides the communities, there are businesses that are going lose revenue because they won't have the same Spring Time and Summer Time market places. They can become inventive and invite ideas such as sand boxes for the children and patio furniture where dinner is served.
But, water is something most people take for granted and I guarantee you no matter who it is this idea of sacrificing more and more is stressful. Imagine that. The lack of water in day to day life is stressful. Water is stressful when there is too much of it and now it is stressful when there is too little.
The folks in Beverly Hills have spoiled themselves into thinking they can have everything they want if only they pay the bill. They aren't so much belligerent as they are soiled. They don't know what it is to sacrifice. That seems obvious to me.
Governor Brown should hold town hall meetings across the state. He needs to hear what people think and offer them remedies to cope. I personally challenge him to bring back water to all of California in one year. This time next year California needs water flowing and crops blooming and Beverly Hills getting off their psychologist couch.
It is important Governor Brown has this relationship with the people. Everyone needs to be connected. Their sacrifice has to be realized and their suggestions and complaints noted.
This is a very difficult time. Crime may escalate and jobs might be lost. The Governor has to bring about an understanding that he is aware of their burden his ambitions to bring an end to the water shortage. It may even be wise to have an emergency plan ready with water trucked in should the drought this summer become unbearable. Citizens can have copies of emergency plans for reassurance.
The people living in Beverly Hills need to have a small greenhouse(s) on the property where rare and important plants can receive attention if they haven't made the jump to light speed yet. Water needs of special and precious plants can be better managed in a greenhouse where their own humidity can be contained. Those folks will need their gardeners all the more to control the climate in order for those plants to be maintained.
Governor Brown is up to this. If there is still noncompliance after a town hall meeting then citations for breaking the law should be issued. I wish everyone good luck.
