Water Resources

The awards ceremony was held at the Fresno Art Museum Wednesday morning. Seven women were recognized for their contributions to the 31st district by Assemblyman Henry T Perea, as well as the community water center, which is an organization led by eight women. Among the others recognized, was a member of the Fresno League of Women Voters' Board of Directors. Also honored, an Edison High School student who's very active on campus, while maintaining good grades.

Nutrient pollution isn't only a Gulf problem, said Glynnis Collins, the executive director of the Illinois-based Prairie Rivers Network, another group involved in the suits. She said nutrient-rich waters have led to toxic algae blooms in many places. "They can sicken people, pets and livestock," Collins said. "It's a worldwide story. We have to get a handle on it. It's crazy not to." Read the full story

How can we ensure the water that runs off our driveways and parking lots is safe for the environment? 2009 Switzer Fellow Brenda Zollitsch works with municipalities to address pollution that impacts waterways.

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Timothy Ramirez, 45, of Albany, has been appointed to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board. Ramirez has served as the natural resources and lands management division manager at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission since 2005. He served as senior advisor for the California Bay-Delta Authority from 2003 to 2005. Ramirez was assistant secretary for water policy and science at the California Resources Agency from 2002 to 2003 and water policy and science advisor from 1999 until 2002.

The polluted water that flows from taps in many small Central Valley communities captures a troubling irony of California water policy.