The Sacramento-San Joaquin delta, the center of California's water wars

Last week, the National Academy of Sciences released their long-awaited report on the Delta. The results were received by stakeholders on both sides of the Delta debate as a sort of victory, according to a New York Times report.

On the one hand, the findings validate environmental actions taken by the federal agencies to protect fish populations like the delta smelt and salmon that migrate through the delta. These restrictions compounded water shortages already in place due to California’s three-year drought.

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Wildflowers at Diamond Valley Lake

Recent Southern California rains have cleared for now, leaving behind magnificent wildflowers at Diamond Valley Lake.

This weekend the seasonal wildflower trail opened to the public, displaying gorgeous California poppies and other native plants. The 1.3-mile trail makes for an easy hike, and is said to be “spectacular” at mid-morning.

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April 22 marks the start of the Cash 4 Appliances Program, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The California Energy Commission has allocated $35.2 million towards rebates on energy-saving appliances.

Spring cleaning may have just gotten a little greener!

What does that mean for you? Californians are eligible to receive a $100 rebate on select Energy Star washing machines. But the savings don’t stop there. Manufacturers, retailers, and utility companies are pitching in, too: the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will throw in an additional $50 rebate, and residents can receive $50 more from the California Department of Water Resources. Finally, check with your local utility company for extra rebates—for example, SoCal Gas has a $35 rebate, which would bring your grand total to $235 in savings!

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