Shortage of Water

I’ve just returned from the Los Angeles area. Fortunately, I don’t have to go there often. But for those of us who vacillate on whether to send more water down south and who are about to embark on another water-rationing fiasco, I want you to know I think I saw our Northern California water in action.

While at Dana Point, I saw people hose down sidewalks, driveways and areas around swimming pools every morning. The sprinklers were on all night outside my room and, I ask you, how much water does ice plant really need?

Then on my way to the airport, I saw two--count them--two completely different construction crews with fire hoses washing down sidewalks and streets where dirt from their embankment landscaping, drainage systems--and get this--sprinkler installations had spilled onto the pavement. This river of muddy water running across the streets and down the gutters really got to me.

Now the actual water I saw may not have come from my precious Northern California--but the least they could do is cut out the blatant waste. I mean I’m already sharing my shower with another person, and I don’t even know who she is! That’s the kind of guy I am.

RANDY HOWSMON

Oakland