Agriculture Daily News 1/11

A $480 million system that converts sewer water into drinking water was switched on Thursday in Orange County, and began sending as much as 35 million gallons per day to an underground barrier that prevents seawater from seeping into the county's drinking-water aquifer. It could be six months to a year before any of the water, which will then be mixed with other water in the deep aquifer, will be drawn out by wells and consumed by anyone. OC Register 1/11/08

 

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today submitted his proposed budget for 2008-09, which addresses the systemic problems that drive California's chronic deficits. At the same time, Governor Schwarzenegger issued proclamations declaring a fiscal emergency and calling a special session of the legislature to address the current year $3.3 billion budget gap. He has also proposed the Budget Stabilization Act (BSA) which limits spending. Governor's Office Press Release 1/11/08

 

The budget proposes slashing payments to schools by billions of dollars, releasing tens of thousands of "low risk" inmates from prison early, and closing dozens of state parks as part of a plan to fill a $14.5 billion hole in the state budget. CC Times 1/11/08

 

Joggers, surfers, artists and other avid users of California's state parks and beaches expressed outrage and disbelief as they absorbed word of Schwarzenegger's proposal, which would shutter 48 parks. LA Times 1/11/08

 

Nine state parks in the Bay Area - including one that is the largest in Northern California - would be closed under the budget. SF Chronicle 1/11/07

A map of proposed park closures.

 

The state Coastal Commission yesterday agreed in principle to oppose developments that require the sale of public tidelands to individuals, including fractional ownerships for time-share hotel units. The commission was reacting to a proposal by the San Diego Unified Port District to partner with a hotel company to build. Commissioners indicated they had no objection to standard hotel developments on the waterfront, as long as public access is protected and adequate parking is provided. San Diego Union Tribune 1/11/08