Water - Matters of Import 2013

Thought I’d mention a few matters of import in my world this second month of 2013.  A year from now I’ll be interested to compare the status of these topics with 2014’s reality.

World issue reports I’ll leave to each in their own country, though our nations impact one another as I think about economies, the environment, social issues and all the many ways we interact.   What happens this year for those of us in the United States as a consequence of events elsewhere is yet to be known.  My desire is that we stay out of war!

Los Angeles area Catholics have been shocked today to learn Roger Mahoney, Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus, has been relieved of public duties for actions taken to shield priests alleged to have molested children.  Accusers have come forth as adults with their allegations stemming from when they were children subjected to abhorrent acts by priests.   Persistent legal efforts have forced the Church to finally release written records, 12,000 pieces of paper (available on the Internet,) documenting how those in charge failed to follow legal requirements in such circumstances.  

Californians have been informed our state actually has a balanced budget now.  Our overwhelming deficit has been significantly lowered with an expectation of more reductions.   This was accomplished by voters passing a tax increase recommended by our Governor.  He had also instituted significant budget cuts adversely affecting many areas and individuals for whom this was painful.  Likewise, increased tax on the most wealthy has not been welcomed by those individuals.  Voters gave one political party the majority in our state legislature which is now Democratic like our Governor.   There's always a risk when one political party has all the power, but given the problem previously with a state legislature that functioned as incompetently as our U.S. House of Representatives, California voters acted for resolution. 

Latinos are expected to be the largest ethnic group in California surpassing whites in 2014 according to demographic numbers released yesterday by the state Department of Finance.   

Jobs in our state and my area with new hiring opportunities are slowly increasing.   Still today's news says the unemployment rate has increased slightly -- so, many challenges still are present.

Housing is beginning to gradually rebound with gains evidencing in price increases, especially with a shortage of existing homes available for sale. 

Occupy Claremont has continued to focus on issues of specific impact in our community which similar groups may be doing throughout our country.  Members meet regularly as emphasis has been placed on addressing our city's local homeless issues.  Occupy and our local government working together when possible has included a re-assessment of what financial institution will handle our city funds.  Previously, Bank of America has been entrusted with this function, but was singled out for picketing at various times the past few years as an example of peoples outrage stemming from the national financial collapse and especially local home foreclosures.  

High Speed Rail between southern and northern California, though long ago authorized by voters who passed a bond issue to finance the project, continues to garner attacks as a colossal wasteful expense.  The latest complaint is that not one bit of land has been purchased on which to begin rail construction.  Strong objections have come from several sources including central Californian farm land owners whose property will be divided by the rail system.

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station along the coast between Los Angeles and San Diego had an unexpected radiation leakage necessitating that it be shut down a year ago.  Seems some tubes that had to be replaced retained functional integrity for considerably less years than they were believed to be viable when installed only a few years prior.    There has been considerable controversy since then as a variety of issues and repairs were necessitated, more problems were found, resuming generating becoming highly debated.   Efforts to reopen San Onofre persist as some still question the wisdom and safety of doing so.   Lots of people live within a 50 mile radius.  My residence is at the outer edge of that measure. 

Water continues to be a volatile local issue with citizens in my city,  reaching an explosive level from residents long simmering anger over outrageous water rates.  Our rates have been significantly higher than the surrounding cities served by this for-profit water company owned by an even larger conglomerate.  There is also anger with the California Public Utilities Commission and their Division of Ratepayer Advocates for failing to meet their mandate to obtain the “lowest possible rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service levels.”  

Studies are being made as the city moves closer toward a goal of taking over our water for the future generations to come who will most benefit from any savings.  The water company has refused to sell us our water rights.   Our city officials are exploring other options including acquiring ownership through eminent domain.  The company probably fears the latter and has recruited groups outside our city to make this a greater issue than just about citizens wanting fair, just and reasonable water rates instead of our lining the pockets of a far-removed corporation focused on excessive profit.  There are many facts that have bearing including residents responding positively to significant reduction in water usage for several years while the company profits increased as they sought even greater rate increases i.e. they want over 25% increase in 2013.   

Years ago I recall reading that water would be the oil of the future.  Also then, PBS broadcast a special documenting that large water corporations were quietly buying up water rights all over the world.  If we think paying outrageous amounts for gas, or not being able to afford to operate our cars is a calamity, car makers have finally begun offering us vehicles that use alternative energy.  Somehow, I think our bodies will be less inclined to tolerating too much water cutback if we want to continue living.  So far, I don't know of any sufficient water substitute.  

Here's a link to 10 videos about the world water situation.  I haven't had a chance to view them, but wanted to share them here.  You may be well-advised to explore your local water source, who owns it and what is projected for your water cost future.

For many years we’ve been conditioned, with erroneous information in many instances, to believe we should purchase bottled drinking water.  So, we are being slowly moved toward even more water commercialization.  An expectation of raiding what may seem now like an endless water source with desalinization of our oceans may need to be limited in centuries to come. 

Many of our fresh water streams, rivers and lakes are all too frequently under assault from pollution. Mining of various sorts, including coal, have contributed to this situation as have the deepest of underground penetrations such as with fracking.  We already have seen the devastation of oil pollution in Alaska and the Gulf accidents from which neither area has recovered.  Still we’re prepared to run an oil pipeline from Canada through a major water acquifer area. Water acquifers must be protected across this nation, just as ours here in my hometown need to be which this current water company wants to continue controlling.     

DAYS SLIPPED AWAY

The days since I last posted have slipped by rather quickly I notice. What can I say? One thing or another has resulted in my focusing my attention elsewhere. Actually, there were a few days when some sort of bug slowed me down with the effects primarily in my head (sinus, ears, eye.) Residual effects continued for several more weeks. I'm not convinced it was bacterial so may have been viral. I was most comfortable avoiding digital device visual stimulation, then allowed myself to continue avoiding writing long after I could have resumed doing so.

Coincidentally during some of those weeks, when I fortunately had no patients, the site I serve had an onset of the norovirus -- the one you've likely heard of that sometimes occurs on cruise ships. Lucky me, I was able to avoid exposure to that unpleasantness, but have been in retirement communities before when norovirus emerged and I've always avoided contracting or spreading the contagion. Health officials emphasize the importance of hand washing protocol which I always follow at all times anyway.

During this time I've listened to many news reports locally, state-wide, nationally and internationally on subject matters that have kept my thoughts roiling. Many of the serious issues might aid my tolerance through some mellowing with the introduction of humorous quips. I continue to notice missing being able to exchange such commentary with my husband. Instead my pithy observations are all relegated to just my thoughts and I don't have the pleasure of his observations. You likely know all the news fodder anyway, and may well have written about some of these topics yourself, but here are a few matters I noted.

The ups and downs of the European financial crisis is no laughing matter when we consider the potential impact on our own pocketbooks if they fail to achieve some solvency, first in Greece, then in several other nations. The world of those nations citizens is being turned upside down -- their jobs, businesses and future financial status. Those whose age has them in the second half of their lives are likely the most profoundly affected. The younger folk have more time to adapt.

The continuing evolution of Arab Spring events with people fighting for their freedom from military rule and/or despot rulers continues to leave many unanswered questions as to the outcome. Again, the resident's suffer the adverse consequences with too many paying the ultimate price with their lives.

Our attention to nations south of our border beyond Mexico is minimal in our news reports, but there are significant activities happening there, too, which are intriguing -- including the Falklands ownership matter challenged again, Ecuador's dispute with America's Chevron oil company over billion dollar damage awards for distribution to rainforest residents, and Brazil's burgeoning commercial growth.

Internet privacy concerns keep periodically appearing with many companies including Facebook in the past. More recently Apple and Google have joined those whose activities have raised privacy questions. Finding ways to monetize the Internet while protecting a users privacy is the challenge. Whatever develops I want the "opting" choice for myself.

I've noted the behavior and statements from some of the current U.S. political candidates vying to be their political party's presidential nominee to be quite a circus. They aren't lax in playing fast and loose with the facts, either. So far my state of California has been spared being subjected to the obnoxious advertising bombardment. We'll likely receive our share when we draw closer to California's Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Primary Election.

Locally my community is protesting against the financial maneuverings of our water company rate setting. Seems the company has been so busy paying administrative salaries, dividending stockholders and providing their parent company profit, that they didn't reserve funds in advance for expected upkeep, improvements and expansion -- just raise the customer's rates for what is needed when the time comes has been the practice. Also, there are some other methods used that have allowed them to apply higher rates in our community than in other cities that has truly raised everyone's ire.

Our local officials continue to explore purchasing our cities water company as I've mentioned here before. When the state commission that has generally automatically green-lighted the company rate increase requests came to town for an open meeting, members were shocked at the overflow crowd protesting. They said they'd never before encountered such a turnout which gave them pause to reflect on their future considerations and actions.

I think most people take for granted and trust their utility company practices. Los Angeles residents are beginning to take a look at some of their utility company rates and executive salaries. Residents in all U.S. cities might do well to examine more closely their water company and other utility financial operations including, but not limited to, their pricing criteria, the size and use of various water pipes.

A few Tea Party residents have protested Occupy Claremont's tent erection outside City Hall. The area is always neat and clean, does not block an entrance -- only three or four tents on a concrete patio. The Occupy-previously supportive City Council determined the tents presence primarily qualified as camping equipment so Occupy's argument they were basically free speech symbols did not take precedence. The tents will have to be removed before this month ends. Further Occupy group activities are being determined but the group's intent is to be peaceful. In the future they plan to continue focusing on our local homeless population and homeowners subjected to bank foreclosure.

Tragically, a homeless 50+ year old former businessman who reportedly was finally beginning to experience some positive promise in his life unexpectedly died there recently. He had asked to sleep there that night due to safety concerns which he was allowed to do. There was no foul play. Ultimately, contact with his family was made.

The Los Angeles public school system continues to be jolted by the revelation that elementary school age children have allegedly been inappropriately abused by one of their teachers for many years in an unusual sexually-related manner. Subsequently a few other adult staff and teachers at other schools have also been accused of unrelated behaviors, but unacceptable ones, at their schools. No child should be subjected to such an experience and the emotional residue created with the betrayal by a trusted adult in any situation.

On the state level there's much discussion about whether or not we should proceed with the planned bullet train between southern and northern California even though a bond issue was passed for the project. The cost is now thought to be much greater than anticipated among other arguments.

The 9th Circuit Court has issued a decision against the legality of a ballot measure voters previously passed that prohibits gay marriage. The passage of that measure overturning the right of gays to marry had been unexpected by many. This latest judicial decision to allow gay marriage has been appealed to the U. S. Supreme Court.

Another tragic youthful death with Whitney Houston's demise the night before the Grammy Awards here in Los Angeles. She was one of those vocalists whose voice I most enjoy hearing because they simply sing. The note changes are natural sounding and don't seem to be forcibly tacked on. The vocal quality is smooth, not rough, raspy and strained, so not abusive to the vocal cords. These singers, male and female, don't need excessive gesticulating and acrobatics augmenting their delivery. They don't need the trappings of costumes designed for shock appeal, a band behind them playing so loud I can't hear or much less understand the song's lyrics. They don't need a stage full of special effects with flashing lights and explosions. Such a voice that reveals the singer's inner emotions in relation to the song's mood could hold my attention for many of the songs she sang with such ease.

Outside my living room window when the sun beams down warming the colorful golden bird of paradise hummingbirds have been flitting about seeking nectar, with pauses to rest on the more sturdy protruding flower projections. Those spring-like days have been intermittent with cooler temperatures. The past week winter finally arrived here for a few days. Eventually the parting clouds revealed some snow on our local Mt. Baldy. Further down the foothills where I live we were treated to some rain. Hopefully we'll have more moisture in an amount to at least reach our normal seasonal level in the weeks or months ahead.

"OCCUPY" ROSE PARADE - Monday

2012

H A P P Y
N E W
Y E A R !

What will this new year bring to our lives?

We'll continue to be affected by world affairs with Europe's financial woes, the Middle East's uncertainties, and the Far East's growing economies plus the inevitable unexpected events internationally and/or domestically.

Eventually the U. S. political parties will each officially declare their Presidential candidate. I would welcome a campaign focused on the issues and minus negative attacks.

A new political party, Americans Elect, may emerge with a candidate. He/She may have the potential strength to spoil the election for our traditional political parties, or even be voted into office which could be a positive - or not.

The Occupy protest movement is another group that may have some impact on election outcomes. Their primary focus centers on the growing social and income inequity being experienced by 99% of the United States population.

Southern California's Occupy Claremont has actively supported Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Los Angeles and the movement across this nation. Last October their initial action involved staging a protest at one of our major local banks. Community local activists are often joined by nearby University students. All maintain their tent area erected on concrete neat and clean outside our City Hall.

I've been interested in conversing with a few of the Occupiers. They assured me this movement is still quite active locally and nationally. Also, Occupy anticipates more peaceful protests and actions in the coming year. Perhaps there is still hope some of the more definitive objectives they described will make a difference for citizens and their support will broadly increase.

A handout distributed there provided information promoting a Constitutional Amendment that would rectify the interpretation of law that allowed corporations to be considered individuals like you and me.

The Occupy movement with some protestors from around the country will be marching Monday at the conclusion of Pasadena's famed Rose Parade. After all the floats, bands, performers, celebrities, Rose Bowl dignitaries have passed, typically the multitude of trucks used to transport the floats to the display site appear followed by law enforcement vehicles. Occupy's group most likely will emerge with their display before or after the trucks and police cars. The degree of media coverage Occupy marchers receive remains to be seen.

I wonder if Occupy groups are still active in the community where you live, even if they aren't still camping out?

* * * * *
Up Date with further details for Occupy at Monday's Rose Parade.......
credits: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin - Occupy article by Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer;
Los Angeles Times - Occupy article by Michael Hiltzik


A several thousand large Occupy contingent will be parade side with tents and camping overnight.

Select marchers expect to exhibit "...a giant 70-foot-long octopus and a 250-foot-long Constitution as parade elements."

This will not be an official parade entry but one being "...allowed to march on the parade route after the last float." Rose Parade officials have been quoted as saying other groups have marched in the past under supervision of the Pasadena Police Department.

This will be a peaceful activity as Occupiers stressed to me when I spoke with some of them. This movement is far from over in their efforts to focus citizens attention on issues affecting us all including: bringing accountability to Wall Street, addressing banks excessive power, concern there's too much money in politics, caution that there's increasing infringement on individual rights and privacy.

Citizens aware of inequities must take responsibility to bring about the changes needed for our nation.