A note to my readers: Aqua Blog Maven is taking a day or two off

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on June 26, 2009 at 7:58 am

Dear Readers:

As regular readers know, Aquafornia is updated every day, seven days a week by one lone person - me.

However, the time has come for me to take a couple of days off.

The site will be updated next on Sunday afternoon, and I expect there will be a lot to be posted.

Meanwhile, there’s a beach chair waiting for me ….

Thank you for your continued readership, and I hope you enjoy your weekend!

With warmest regards,

Aqua Blog Maven

Picture of chairs on the beach by flickr photographer Rosa Say.

June 26, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

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Support the Water Education Foundation with every internet search

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on April 13, 2009 at 6:05 am

Here is an easy way that you can support the Water Education Foundation - and therefore, Aquafornia - just by searching the internet:

You can help the Water Education Foundation every time you search the Internet. GoodSearch.com is a search engine powered by Yahoo and each time you search using GoodSearch, they donate a penny to the Foundation. Pennies can add up by using GoodSearch each time you search the Internet. GoodShop.com is a new online marketplace that donates a percentage of your purchase to Foundation. There are hundreds of popular merchants and shopping on GoodShop is just the same as shopping on retailer’s websites directly.

Decide to make every search and purchase matter by using GoodSearch and GoodShop. This is an easy way to help the Foundation at no cost to you. Go to GoodSearch by clicking http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=898475 and make this your homepage or add it to your toolbar. On the GoodSearch page, there are links to clear instructions on how to make it your home page or add it to your toolbar. The direct link for GoodShop is http://www.goodshop.com/?charityid=898475. With these direct links, the Foundation is automatically entered as your nonprofit of choice, but if you go to www.goodsearch.com or www.goodshop.com, enter The Water Education Foundation as the nonprofit you choose to support. You can also track the amount raised by clicking the “Amount Raised” button.

You can help the Foundation every day, and it is just a click away. Please take a few minutes to look at this website and help us spread the word. Forward this message to your family, friends and coworkers and let them in on this easy way to do good every day.

Thanks for your support.

April 13, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

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Happy Easter!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on April 12, 2009 at 8:03 am

HAPPY EASTER
from Aquafornia &
The Water Education Foundation

We hope you have an enjoyable day!

April 12, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

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Picture gallery from above California, the Delta and Sacramento

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 15, 2009 at 7:59 am

This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the Water Education Foundation’s Executive Briefing in Sacramento. It was a wonderful chance to listen to legislators, water officials, and environmental representatives talk about the issues facing California’s water supply. It was also great opportunity to meet some of my readers, and I thank you all for your kind comments regarding the blog.

While I was there, I took some time to drive down to the Delta, and here are some of the pictures I took while I was on my trip.

March 15, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

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A note to my readers ….

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 10, 2009 at 7:03 am

Tomorrow, I’m heading north to Sacramento to attend the Executive Briefing put on by the Water Education Foundation on Thursday and Friday. The airport shuttle is picking me up at 6 am. Usually at that time, I’m sitting in front of my computer, posting to the blog, but not tomorrow. I will hunt down wi-fi access wherever I find it while I’m sitting in airports (do they have internet on planes now?), but I can’t say for sure when Wednesday’s update will be complete. Rest assured, though, that I will be catching it all, and posting it when I can.

While up in Sacramento, I’ll be heading down to the Delta and up the Sacramento River a bit. If I have time, I’ll blog about what’s going on at the briefing, and maybe even post some of the pictures. However, I make no promises. I have no plans to sit around my hotel room and blog. :)

I anticipate a normal posting schedule for Thursday and Friday.

I thank you for your continued readership, and if you’re attending the briefing too, come up and say hi!

March 10, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

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Sorry…. no update today… Expect big update tomorrow morning!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 7, 2009 at 1:59 pm

Dear Readers,

Today has been a day for dealing with other things, so please forgive me. You can expect a big update tomorrow morning!

Enjoy your day,

Aqua Blog Maven

March 7, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

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Introducing … the Aquafornia Discussion Forum!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2009 at 7:30 am

Do you have something to say about California water issues? Now you can have your chance in Aquafornia’s new discussion forum. You can access it by clicking on the “Join Our Discussion Forum” graphic located below the Information Desk, or by clicking here.’

I’ve put some questions in there to get things started, or you can start your own thread. Please note that you need to be registered and logged in to participate. Click here to register.

February 23, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

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A New Year’s message to my readers: there’s much to look forward to from Aquafornia in the upcoming year!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on January 5, 2009 at 8:06 am

Dear Readers:

As the old year closes and a new one begins, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past year, and let you know of the exciting plans in the works for Aquafornia in the upcoming months.

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your continued readership which I sincerely appreciate and for which I am most grateful. Without readers, I would have not had the motivation to work so hard over the past year and a half developing this site into what it is today, and this project would have eventually have landed in the massive scrap heap of abandoned blogs. After all, a blogger blogs to be read; there’s just something addictive about it. And so I thank all of you who take the time to read Aquafornia on a regular basis.

This site was started because in the process of writing an article on water, I had trouble finding up-to-date and impartial information about water issues on the internet. I was also frustrated by the lack of attention in the Southern California media to water issues. I saw the need and opportunity to create a comprehensive website on California water, one that would have up-to-date news articles and cover all sides of the story, as well as educational and background informational pages.

So what began as a hobby, with assurances to the family that it wouldn’t suck up much of my time (ha ha), soon became my big project, dominating my life and driving Aqua Spouse and the family a little nuts at times. As Aqua Spouse will confirm, I never do anything half-assed. To me, following California water issues is much like following football – there is as much brutal action but there’s the added advantage that the season runs essentially all year long.

This year, I had the pleasure of joining forces with the great people at Water Education Foundation in Sacramento who also see the importance of up-to-date news and information. I am pleased to have their backing and support of this esteemed organization; given our similar missions of providing impartial and educational resources on the complex issues surrounding California water, the union is a logical and natural one.

Together, the Foundation and I have a shared vision of making Aquafornia even better – by becoming more of an immediate source of information for California water news. Besides having the articles posted by 8am (most days) with frequent updates throughout the day, there’s even more to look forward to in the coming year:

Do you want to be alerted when breaking news or important events occur? Join Aquafornia’s twitter feed for important updates, suitable for routing to your mobile device. Not one to be a bother, I promise to issue updates to the twitter feed (tweets, as they’re called) only when something important occurs.

Have something to say? You can have your chance in Aquafornia’s upcoming discussion forum, due to be launched in the next week or two. Registration will be required to post comments.

Look for weekly water news wrap-ups on Monday mornings, more blog coverage and more original content this year, including new pages for the Information Desk.

New pages have been added to the Information Desk in recent months, including an update to the California’s Water Crisis article and a general informational article on California water. Be sure to check out the newest page on the Information Desk, Research and Publications, which is updated whenever new reports are released.

I am looking forward to working hard this year to make Aquafornia even better, and I’m pleased to have the backing and clout of the Water Education Foundation behind me.

So if you like Aquafornia – if it is a resource that is valuable to you, please consider supporting the Water Education Foundation, because by doing so, not only will you support Aquafornia, but you will also support the many valuable activities and materials that this non-profit organization provides, disseminating unbiased and impartial information about water issues for legislators, educators, and the general public. There are many ways to support the foundation: by taking a water tour, attending a conference, purchasing a publication, subscribing to Western Water, or simply by becoming a member. The Foundation depends upon donations and grants for funding, and in these tough times, every little bit helps.

I look forward to further developing Aquafornia as a valuable resource for those interested in water issues. As always, I welcome your suggestions, comments and feedback.

May the New Year will be a healthy, happy and prosperous one for all of us!

Warmest regards,
Chris Austin
Aqua Blog Maven

January 5, 2009 · Filed Under Website News

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 25, 2008 at 10:00 am

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Thank you for your continued readership and support. I wish for all of you and your families a wonderful and memorable holiday season.

From Aqua Blog Maven and the staff at the Water Education Foundation

December 25, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Aquafornia is home for the holidays!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 24, 2008 at 8:09 am

Yes, dear readers, while all those other water news services may let you down by taking some time off over the holidays, your water-news-obsessed Aqua Blog Maven will not let you down. Aquafornia will be in the house and blogging for you throughout the holidays, with water news posted by 8am (on most days) including weekends, so stay tuned and stay informed!

For those of you traveling today, travel safe.

Happy Holidays to all,
-Aqua Blog Maven

December 24, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Weekend highlights: a $10K bet, DiFi’s letters, the Colorado River, and more

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 22, 2008 at 7:57 am

Weekend highlights, for those of you who were too busy preparing for the holidays to keep up with the fast paced, ever changing California world of water….

In Sunday’s Stockton Record, Jeffrey Michael, an economist at the University of the Pacific, thinks the PPIC has it all wrong and is willing to bet $10K he’s right.

In Sunday’s Sacramento Bee, Laura King Moon of the State Water Contractors wrote a commentary saying it’s not only the export pumps causing problems. Diane Feinstein apparently has the same thought in mind, as she’s written two letters to officials asking them to address Sacramento’s wastewater treatment plant’s discharges and the proliferation of invasive species.

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Sunday paper included a comprehensive article on the future of the Colorado River, while a development in Arizona wins approval to use groundwater to irrigate a golf course.

Wired Science is reporting on a study which determined that ocean waves are getting bigger and stronger; good news for surfers but bad news for shorelines.

Weekend odds and ends: It’s how you operate the canal that matters, working landscapes for forestry and ag, limiting growth by water policy, water lecture series online, the earth as art, and check out the *new* water cycle!

Aqua Blog Maven needs some more peeps!

Holiday note: DWR Water News and the BC Water News may take a break over the holidays, but rest assured, all you water news junkies, Aquafornia will be open for the holidays, seven days a week, with news posted in most cases by 8am!

December 22, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Welcome to the new Aquafornia / Water Education Foundation blogsite!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on November 5, 2008 at 6:00 am

I am proud to announce that Aquafornia is now affiliated with the Water Education Foundation. This partnership was formed because both Aquafornia and the Foundation strive for balanced, factual and comprehensive news and information about vital water issues. And like Aquafornia, the Foundation does not pick sides.

I have great respect for this nonprofit organization’s mission, which is to create a better understanding of water issues and help resolve water resource problems through educational programs. To accomplish this, the Foundation offers a variety of printed publications, seminars and water tours of interest to both water professionals and the general public, as well as programs for educators and students. I hope you will take the time to familiarize yourself with all the Foundation has to offer at their website: www.watereducation.org.

Together Aquafornia and the Foundation offer a combination of the same great comprehensive water news coverage from around the state along with the in-depth and impartial analysis available from the Foundation. And coming soon in the next few weeks, you’ll have your chance to have a say on water issues in our upcoming discussion forum!

I’m excited about this partnership, and look forward to Aquafornia becoming your #1 source for California water news, education and information.

Warmest regards,
–Aqua Blog Maven

PLEASE NOTE: This introductory post will be hanging out up here at the top for awhile…. please scroll down for the latest water news….

November 5, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Big changes coming real soon to Aquafornia!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on October 29, 2008 at 7:42 am

In the next day or two, I’m going to have big website news of which I am very excited and most proud to tell you about! Check it out - even the cat is excited!

There are fantastic plans afoot to make Aquafornia the #1 website for California water news and information. Aquafornia is going to get a little bit bigger and a whole lot better…

… but I can’t tell you all about it just yet.

So watch this space for some BIG news! And watch your RSS Readers, as sometimes changes can affect RSS feeds, although we’re trying to avoid that.

Remember, all the day’s water news is posted by 8 am, and I post every day of the week, so if there’s nothing on your RSS Reader, you may need to reestablish the feed…..

October 29, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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It’s the first rain of the season - don’t forget to turn off your sprinklers!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on October 3, 2008 at 6:25 am

With rain forecasted statewide, Aqua Blog Maven is reminding you to turn off your sprinklers.

October 3, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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New Aquafornia page: “Research and Publications”

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on September 15, 2008 at 6:00 am

Check out the latest page to be added to Aquafornia: “Research and Publications“. It is sitting in the upper menu bar but will soon be added to the information desk.

Aquafornia reader Margit emailed me on Friday, saying that with all the research and reports being released by so many people, wouldn’t it be great if there were one location on the web where water-related reports and studies could be listed? What a phenomenal idea! (And why didn’t I think of that?, I said to myself!)

And so a new Aquafornia page was born, thanks to Margit. It’s a collection of links to various research papers and publications on California water issues.

I want it to be as complete as possible, so if you have any suggestions for relevant reports to be listed, please email me the link, and I’ll be happy to add them.

Meanwhile, enjoy …!

September 15, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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No internet at Aquafornia headquarters …

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on September 9, 2008 at 8:12 am

The internet has been down at the Aquafornia headquarters all night and still this morning….

So I am here at the local McDonald’s, and just now getting started on the update….

It’s late but coming!

September 9, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Aqua Blog Maven entering Internet-questionnable territory

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on July 30, 2008 at 7:43 am

Hello readers,

I have been on vacation this past week, and so far I have been blessed with Internet access where I have traveled. However, for the next two days, I am unsure if I will have access. So if the blog isn’t updated for a few days, do not worry; I haven’t dropped off the face of the earth! I’ll update on Friday.

I have traveled up through the Owens Valley, and those pictures have been uploaded onto flickr. I have pictures of the intake to the Los Angeles Aqueduct, Crowley Lake and Mono Lake. You can check them out by clicking here.

Saturday, I head for home through the Central Valley.

Thank you for your continued readership!

UPDATE: Thanks to (unknowing) neighbor Gina, I have internet access. Thank you to all who do not lock out their wireless networks!

July 30, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Aqua Blog Maven out in the field …. with no internet access!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on July 21, 2008 at 11:17 am

Dear readers:

I’m traveling ‘out in the field’ as they say. Yes, Aqua Blog Maven is taking the Aqua Kiddies out to the beach to camp overnight, and sadly, I will be lacking internet access while I am there. Expect big updates Tuesday night & Wednesday morning.

Thank you for your continued readership!

-Aqua Blog Maven

July 21, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Test page for ABC embedding

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on July 1, 2008 at 6:22 am

This is what I get when I try and use the embedded code:

July 1, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Internet out … again!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on May 9, 2008 at 6:40 am

Once again, the internet is down at Aquafornia headquarters, a hazard of living where new homes are going in all around us. What little I’ve been able to post has come from the unwitting generosity of the neighbor who has the open wireless system…. Signal strength is low and when I post, I have to hold the laptop up above my head… but still, I keep blogging for you, dear reader….

Again, however, time constraints exist and I will once again have to leave to accomplish some actual paying work.

I have interesting things to post but no time to post them, so check back later!!!

May 9, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Internet out at Aquafornia headquarters … further updates later

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on May 8, 2008 at 8:18 am

The internet is down, down, down at Aquafornia headquarters… the few stories I’ve been able to post have come from my laptop which is hooked on to some neighbors open wireless system, but just barely …

I’ve got to go out now and do some work that pays the bills. I will update as soon as service is restored, so check back later!

-Aqua Blog Maven

May 8, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Check out Aquafornia’s new “Information Desk”, plus improved categories!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on May 6, 2008 at 6:24 am

Regular readers have probably noticed some changes to the blog. Ongoing work continues as there are still a few more features to be added.

New to the page is the Aquafornia Information Desk, which is stocked with important information on water supply issues. Newly posted today, “Southern California & Water” is an introductory article, detailing the sources where Southern California’s water comes from. “California’s Water Crisis” details the issues facing California’s water supply and considers possible solutions. “Why the Delta is Important” takes a look at the character and critical issues facing this tiny but vital region. “Recommended Reading” is a new category of news articles that are particularly relevant to Southern California. The slideshow of the State Water Project is also listed there, plus Water Conservation Tips and a page of other resources.

The new version of Wordpress now allows for a hierarchical structure for categories, which means that the Delta Issues category can now be subdivided into “Delta Vision”, “Peripheral Canal”, and etc. For instance, you can click on “Peripheral Canal” and read news stories only on the Peripheral Canal, or you can click on Delta Issues to read news stories posted on all Delta issues, including the peripheral canal and other stories.

I think the archive of news articles is one of the most powerful features of Aquafornia. Although many of the links have expired, hopefully enough has been excerpted to give you a jist of what the article was about. With over 2800 posts to go through, I’ve only made it back about three months. I work on it a few pages each day, and soon the entire archive will be recategorized.

Next on my list is to update the California Water Crisis article to include sections on our aging infrastructure and Native American water rights. The ending section about what our legislators are doing to solve these pressing issues needs to be rewritten - won’t take a lot of time to write “basically not much” …

So, check out the new Aquafornia features, and please pardon our dust as ongoing work on the blog continues. I am working to incorporate the suggestions I’ve received from readers, so if you have any suggestions or comments about the website, please feel free to email me.

May 6, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Spam and hackers - Aaargh!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on April 23, 2008 at 6:12 am

Some of my regular readers might have noticed the indelicate “Gurus Suck” ad that was forever stuck in the Google ad bar below the heading. I remember thinking it was not necessarily the usual Google ad, but didn’t give it much thought, until Aqua Spouse looked at it and said something is wrong.

Wrong, indeed. Hackers managed to insert their own ad over the Google ad, and getting rid of it was quite a challenge. In a probably unrelated event, my email box got spammed big time, filling up with returned mail from Daemon & everywhere. We finally had to just batch delete the whole shooting match because it was just too much to pick through.

So…. if you emailed me last night for your free refrigerator magnet, or to offer me that high-paying writing/editing/water resource management (anything with a paycheck) job, then please write back!!!

I still have some refrigerator magnets left. Completely free for the asking! Just email me your address, and I’ll send it to you. You’ll receive no other mail from me; I am not compiling a list. Just addressing the envelope, that’s it. Completely free, Free, FREE!

Of course, you can donate if you’d like, but it’s not a requirement. ;)

(Gary, I did get your donation. I appreciate it very much! Refrigerator magnet on it’s way to you!)

April 23, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Happy Birthday, Aquafornia!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on April 21, 2008 at 7:27 am

Well, here it is, my blog’s first birthday!

And yes, I actually did buy my blog a birthday cake!Aquafornia has been broadcasting from it’s home base here in Santa Clarita, California for one year as of today, and in honor of this special occasion, I have prepared some birthday presents for you, my readers (see post below).

I’d also like to take a moment to reminisce on what Aquafornia has accomplished over the year, and my plans for the coming year. I also want to say thank you to those who have helped Aquafornia succeed.

2,437 posts later. Wow, that’s a lot. That’s about 204 per month, an average of 6.658 posts per day! One thing is for sure: water news is never really slow here in California.

Well, I couldn’t really do it without acknowledging Google. It is through a combination of Google News alerts, a personalized Google News page, and Google Reader that I can keep on top of what is going on in an almost instantaneous basis. And I’d like to say a special thank you to Tom Chandler over at Trout Underground. Tom was the first real blog to link to me & his support over the year really helped get Aquafornia off the ground.

Bloggers are not often granted the same access as other media sources, and through the year, a few organizations have snubbed Aquafornia. Rather than dwell on those, I want to acknowledge those that have been responsive. A big thank you to Ted & Dale over at the Department of Water Resources, who have always responded to my requests for photos & press releases with lightning speed! Also thank you to Ryan over at the Long Beach Water Department for sending me press releases directly and sending over some photos on my request. Thank you also to Dan Bacher for contributing to Aquafornia directly. Any organization with water-related press releases or other information is invited to submit directly to Aquafornia. Just drop me a line under the “contact me” link and I’ll send you the email address for submissions.

The mission of Aquafornia is to educate readers on California water issues, and to that end, Aquafornia has been successful. Recently, my Water Crisis article and the Delta article were required reading for a course at San Diego State University. The site was also linked as a resource for debate preparation, and I also have a link from Yale Univeristy. A candidate for a position on a water board wrote me, thanking me and telling me the website was invaluable in preparing his campaign.

The website also is developing into a categorized database of news coverage on important issues over the past year. For instance, where else on the Internet can you read articles chronologically on the Wanger Delta smelt decision?

I have also amassed quite a collection of water pictures on flickr. Want to know what a water bank looks like? I’ve got pictures! Aqueducts, dams, irrigation canals, farm fields … there’s a lot of pictures collected there, including simply the best picture possible of the Cascades facility that a regular person like me can take! I was recently notified of the possibility of some of my photos being included in a museum exhibit on California water! Check out the Aquafornia photo library by clicking here, and also see the special feature in the post below.

Aquafornia is your completely independent source for water news information. Aquafornia is not affiliated with any water agency, environmental group, or other organization. Well, except Cub Scouts, but I think you’ll agree that’s a non-issue.

I seek to make Aquafornia a voice for everyone on water issues. I want all sides to have a say here, and I work hard to post everything relevant, even the stories I don’t personally agree with. Am I missing something, some side of the story? If you think I’ve missed something, please feel free to send me a note.

Who reads Aquafornia? Through sitemeter, I actually have a bit of information about you. From picking through my stats, I have found that water agencies, farmers, government organizations, and universities read my blog. Occasionally, someone from the state senate reads, and I have even had a read or two from the Sargeant-At-Arms in Washington D.C. Newspapers sometimes research their stories here. In addition to Southern California, I get reads from the Bay Area, Central Valley, Las Vegas, and Arizona; sometimes even Colorado & New Mexico.

But as far flung as my regular readers are, the surprising thing that my sitemeter shows me is that regular readership makes up a small portion of visits per day. Out of every 100 hits, the average is about 33% of visits directly accessing the site; the remainder are Google searches that are directed here. There are more regular readers during the day; much less at night. This is a good thing, because it is providing a source of information for those looking for current information on water issues. It also bodes well for advertising as a potential source of revenue.

So what’s in my future plans for Aquafornia? The blog is still being worked on, with a custom header on the way. I’ll be making some room for advertising, and will be exploring other possible ways for Aquafornia to earn a little revenue. I’m planning more exclusive stories and special features, including photo tours of the Colorado River water system and Owens Valley Aqueduct. I am hoping to arrange for tours and write up stories about the Edmonston pumps and DWP’s Cascades facility, as well as other major water infrastructure. Over the summer, I hope to write a big piece on the Imperial Valley. And who knows what else I will be inspired to write about. When it comes to California and water, there certainly is no shortage of topics!

A big thank you to those of you who have taken the time to write to me personally with suggestions and thank you’s. I try to answer every one who writes me and wants a response, although sometimes life is so busy, it’s hard to find time to reply sometimes. But I appreciate the support and suggestions of all of you.

And lastly, thanks to the Aqua Family who graciously put up with the enormous amount of time I spend on Aquafornia. Thanks to Aqua Spouse for being my faithful navigator, and to the Aqua Kids, who seem to have accepted the fact that every vacation means a trip to a dam, reservoir, or a canal. (I tell ‘em it’s a shortcut! ha ha)

—Chris Austin, Aqua Blog Maven

April 21, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Aquafornia’s birthday present for you: something for your eyes and something for your refrigerator!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on April 21, 2008 at 7:27 am

To celebrate Aquafornia’s first birthday, here are not one, but two! yes, two! birthday treats for you, dear readers!

Sit back, relax, and let Aquafornia take you on a trip that follows the trip water takes from the Delta to Southern California in this special Aquafornia exclusive slideshow. The pictures are mostly mine, except for a few. A special thanks to Ted & Dale over at the Department of Water Resources in sending me the pictures to fill in what I cannot photograph myself. I am also a little light on pictures for the East Branch, but throughout the year, I plan to finish the east branch with more detail. I also plan to do the same eventually for the Colorado River system and the Owens Valley Aqueduct. Click here for Aquafornia’s exclusive slide show of the California Aqueduct.

Thank you to all my readers who have supported Aquafornia over the last year. As a special thank you, I have the perfect accessory to your refrigerator - the Aquafornia refrigerator magnet (featuring this picture of the Cascades facility, the iconic water symbol for Southern California. Just email me your address and I will send it to you free of charge, while supplies last, or at least until enough donations come in so I can order more… Click here to receive your free Aquafornia refrigerator magnet.

Of course, any one who makes a donation to Aquafornia will automatically receive a refrigerator magnet! See right side bar. ;) </hint>

April 21, 2008 · Filed Under Slideshows, Website News

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Aqua Blog Maven traveling to the Delta this weekend

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on April 4, 2008 at 9:14 am

Well, I’m off headed to Sacramento and the Delta. Internet access should be available so you’ll hardly know I’m gone! Today we’ll be driving up through the San Joaquin Valley looking at more interesting water infrastructure, and tomorrow, the Delta. I’ll be uploading pictures onto the flickr website; you’ll know I have done so when the flickr scroll changes.

Meanwhile, enjoy these wierd looking creatures found in a recent Antarctic expedition from National Geographic: Weird Sea Creatures of the Antarctic.

Enjoy your weekend!

April 4, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Sneak Preview: Aquafornia pictures now on Flickr!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2008 at 9:12 am

I have been working on posting some of my pictures from my Yuma Trip, and with any luck, I’ll have the post ready by next week. I have been sidetracked in part because I decided to upload my pictures onto Flickr - not just the Yuma Trip, but I am working on getting all of them uploaded onto flickr. Then I’ll post a permanent link somewhere on the blog once it’s finished.

I’ve got over 500 pictures posted already and grouped into collections. I’ll be adding notes, better descriptions and tagging over the coming week. It’s still a work in progress.
If you want to check out my pictures on flickr, click here.

February 23, 2008 · Filed Under Website News

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Aqua Blog Maven out in the field this weekend

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 15, 2008 at 8:04 am

Yes, I’m headed to Yuma, having won two nights in a hotel there in a Water Education Foundation auction, but don’t you worry. Thanks to wi-fi access and a laptop, Aquafornia will still be open and posting water news over the weekend - although it may come more sporadically than usual.

Today we’ll be heading out into the desert, trying to locate the Colorado River Aqueduct. Tomorrow we’ll be exploring the Colorado River area. Sunday, we’ll hang out in the Imperial Valley, and Monday we’ll head back up past the Salton Sea on our way home.

Any ideas or suggestions on what to see? Does anyone know if there is any marker at Pilot Knob that marks the spot where the Colorado River broke through, creating the Salton Sea? Does anyone know where I can get a picture of the All-American canal construction? Any other ideas? Please, send me an email.