Governor Schwarzenegger should be happy about the pending rain…
Predictably the T.V. and radio media are reporting in an increasingly alarmist tone that the first significant storm (possibly 2) of the winter season is approaching. Not one mention of the dramatic need we have for rain and the benefit it will bring to our environment and for farmers. Instead every speculation about the impact of the storm is focusing on potential mudslides from the various hill and mountain burn areas, likely traffic congestion and other inconveniences.
If it does rain thousands of kids will don raincoats, boots and umbrellas and play in the rain and resultant puddles. Many old timers will rejoice in seeing much needed rain. Most areas of open space will eagerly gulp any moisture that falls. Of course, many street corners will be occupied by TV. news crews on “storm watch” hoping to be the first to report a rain drop or – better yet – some calamity they will try to describe as storm-caused. And politicians are undoubtedly dusting off their yellow rain gear to be ready for any possible on-camera news appearance during the storms as the name of the game is TV fact time, even when the face might be wet.
People in other parts of the country make fun of our region turning the few storms we do get into storm watch and breaking news reports. This coming storm or storms will be no different. But, some of us will enjoy a good rain storm, while hoping that any runoff problems are minor. Bring it on.
I always thought they should use those road condition/Amber Alert signs that are on the freeways to tell people to turn their sprinklers off three days before a storm. My water district needs to save 20% and from the chart out in front of the water district offices, I don’t think we are going to make it.