Water Education Foundation

Water Education Foundation announces photography contest – “California Water”

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 18, 2010 at 6:40 am

aphotoFrom the Water Education Foundation:

“The Water Education Foundation is an impartial, nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a better understanding of water resources and foster public understanding and resolution of water resource issues through facilitation, education and outreach.

The Water Education Foundation is seeking the best California water photographs that best represent each of the following categories:

• California Rivers
• The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
• Indoor/Outdoor Water Conservation
• Agricultural Water Use
• Fish and Wildlife
• Urban Water Use
• Recreation

PRIZES: The top three entries will be announced and posted on the Foundation’s website, Facebook page and Aquafornia along with a link to the artist’s webpage. The winners will also receive $50 and a copy of the Foundation’s Emmy award-winning DVD, Salt of the Earth: Salinity in the Central Valley.

GUIDELINES: Photo submissions should be in color, creative but realistic and must be at least 8 ½ by 11 at 300dpi. You can submit as many entries as you’d like but they must be original work. Please email digital photo submissions by April 10, labeled with your name and title of the piece to Robin Richie, rrichie@watereducation.org. No calls please. The winner will be chosen in May.

All entries become property of the Water Education Foundation and could be used in future publications. Photographer will receive a photo credit and copy of the publication for any photos used. The Foundation reserves the right to edit, modify, publish, use, and reproduce any and all entries without further compensation.

Aqua Blog Maven on the road today!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 10, 2010 at 6:59 am

I’m in Las Vegas this morning, getting ready to start the Water Education Foundation’s Lower Colorado River Tour.  They’ve got a busy day planned for us, which will include a private tour of Hoover Dam, a cruise on Lake Mead,and  a trip to the Lake Havasu Wildlife Refuge.   I’m planning on taking lots of pictures and will try to post a gallery at the end of each day.

There’s not much downtime for us, as there will be people presenting to us on the bus and DVD’s being shown to us en route to our various destinations.  I’m sure I will learn a lot and have fun, too!

During this period of time, regional water news and smaller stories will appear in a condensed format as a way to save some time getting the posting done.  Doubtful I’ll have a chance to update the site or even have internet access during the day, so my next dispatch will be from Lake Havasu City.

Enjoy your day!

Register now for the Water Education Foundation’s Colorado River Tour

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 22, 2010 at 7:55 am

There’s not much time left to register for the Water Education Foundation’s upcoming tour of the Colorado River, scheduled for March 10 through the 12th The tour starts in Las Vegas, and over the next three days, winds it’s way through the Colorado River and the Imperial Valley, providing participants with behind-the-scenes access to water infrastructure and the chance to hear from people on all sides of the contentious issues facing the Colorado River system today.

I will be going on this tour and I’m so looking forward to it! I’ve never been on one before. The Foundation has put together this interactive Google map that shows all the stops we’ll be making: Hoover Dam, Lake Havasu Wildlife Refuge, the Yuma Desalting Plant, IID Headquarters, and more. I’ll get to see places that I could never get to on my own, and I plan to take a lot of pictures. Maybe I’ll post them as we go along, but I’ve read the articles Rebecca has written about the tours, so I know I’m going to be very busy!

The Water Education Foundation’s Lower Colorado River Tour is March 10-12. Check out this interactive map to find out what sites along the lower Colorado River we will be visiting. The blue points are the locations we will be visiting on Day 1, the red points Day 2 and the green points Day 3. For more info about our tours and to register, visit www.watereducation.org/tours.


View Lower Colorado River Tour Map in a larger map

For more information on the Foundation’s Colorado River tour, click here.

Last day for the reader survey: Please take a moment to tell me what you think of Aquafornia

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on January 12, 2010 at 6:51 am

My Cup Runneth OverThank you to all who have taken the time to answer the reader feedback survey.

If you haven’t yet, could you please take a few moments of your time to tell me what you think of Aquafornia? It’s just ten questions long, and you don’t have to answer all of them if you don’t want to. At the end, you will have a chance to enter any comment, suggestion or message you’d like.

Your opinions and comments matter to me, and I want to know how well Aquafornia meets your needs and expectations.

Click here to take survey!

This will be the last day I will be collecting responses. I’ll tabulate the results and post them, as well as respond to your comments and questions in a later post.

If you have any other comments, suggestions, or feedback, please feel free to send me an email.

Thank you for your continued readership!

Aquafornia Reader Survey: Please take a moment to let me know how I am doing!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on January 11, 2010 at 7:28 am

My Cup Runneth OverWhat do you think of Aquafornia? Love it? Hate it? Am I missing something? Here’s your chance to let me know by taking the reader survey!

It’s just ten questions long, and you don’t have to answer all of them if you don’t want to. At the end, you will have a chance to enter any comment, suggestion or message you’d like.

Your continued readership and support is important to me, and I want to make sure this blog meets your needs and expectations. Your comments & suggestions will be considered and possibly used to shape Aquafornia in the future, so please, take a moment to give me some feedback!

Click here to take survey!

If you have any other comments, suggestions, or feedback, please feel free to send me an email.

Thank you for your continued readership!

Happy New Year!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on January 1, 2010 at 9:13 am

Fireworks #3 July 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Aquafornia & the Water Education Foundation thank you for your continued readership, and wish you and yours the very best in 2010!

Here’s a picture gallery  of the New Year’s celebrations from around the world from the Boston Globe’s Big Picture blog.

Merry Christmas to all!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 25, 2009 at 12:18 am

IMG_4319

AQUAFORNIA
&
THE WATER EDUCATION FOUNDATION
wish you and your family and happy and healthy holiday!!!

Aquafornia open for the holidays!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 24, 2009 at 8:00 am

snowCalifornia water news never stops flowing, and Aquafornia will continue going with flow, right on through the holidays.

Yes, your water-obsessed blogger will be posting any water news that’s out there, every day as usual, although perhaps a little later than first thing in the morning……

I hope Santa Claus brings you everything on your wish list!

Meanwhile, check out this slideshow from the Boston Globe’s Big Picture on snow!

Oops… technical difficulties!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 19, 2009 at 11:24 am

IMG_4272So much for automatic upgrade, which crashed my blog software this morning.

It is now fixed – hence I can post and tell you this – but I must be out the door now as my son is in the soccer playoffs this afternoon, playing for his region’s championship…. GO GREEN GOBLINS!!!!

There’s plenty to post so look for an update later today.

Aquafornia included in list of “100 Best Blogs for Socially-Minded MBAs”

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 18, 2009 at 8:03 am

Aquafornia – The California Water News Blog is currently featured as one of “100 Best Blogs for Socially-Minded MBAs” – a comprehensive list compiled by the people at OnlineClasses.org to highlight the important connection between ethics and social responsibility in today’s business world.

Online Classes.org is a one-stop site with resources for anyone interested obtaining a degree or certificate through online education. Aquafornia and other sites included are cited as providing “insight and thought-provoking posts on environmental and social justice topics” – beneficial reading not only for MBA students, but for all socially-conscious individuals. Take a step toward learning more about global issues – check out the list at: http://www.onlineclasses.org/2009/12/06/100-best-blogs-for-socially-minded-mbas/

Aqua Gems: Perfect for last-minute gift giving

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 14, 2009 at 8:22 am

WEF Item 20From the Water Education Foundation:

If you’re still searching for a last-minute holiday gift or that certain something to highlight your New Year’s Eve ensemble, AquaGems jewelry is the perfect fit. AquaGems is a line of necklaces, bracelets and earrings available for sale through the Water Education Foundation. Each piece from three distinct collections is a one-of-a-kind creation and handmade in California.

Swarovski crystals, lapis lazuli, blue topaz and pearls are just some of the materials used to make these unique pieces. Most pendants and bracelets are strung on strong, coated steel Soft Flex wire. All components are sterling silver unless otherwise noted. AquaGems jewelry is shipped in a colorful drawstring pouch, along with care instructions and information on tWEF Item 19he Foundation’s mission for water education.

Proceeds from the sale of AquaGems benefit the school and other educational programs of the Water Education Foundation, a non-profit organization. Help support the Foundation and make the holidays even more special for someone you love.

Visit the Foundation’s website at www.watereducation.org/products for more information or call Jean Nordmann at (916) 444-6240.

Note to readers: State Water Project Allocation to be announced today

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on December 1, 2009 at 7:47 am

Today the Department of Water Resources will issue it’s first allocation for the State Water Project for the new year. The press release is expected around 10am and will be posted here upon receipt.

Now you can follow the Water Education Foundation on Facebook!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on November 18, 2009 at 8:10 am

Pulgas Water Temple2From the Water Education Foundation:

If you are a Facebook user – or thinking of becoming one – now you can stay up to date with the Water Education Foundation by becoming a fan on Facebook. Fans can check out the latest information on Foundation events, tours, links and products, as well as network with other water-affiliated users.

Our extensive photo gallery gives viewers an inside look at our tours, a glimpse of Foundation documentaries in the making and much more.

field studyConnect with Project WET and learn the latest on our special projects and publications. Leave us your comments and feedback by posting a message on our wall or on our discussion board.

Check us out by simply typing Water Education Foundation in the searchbox.

Top of the scroll: On this day, Veterans Day, please take a moment to remember…

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on November 11, 2009 at 8:12 am

Flags at Eternal Valley

Regardless of how you might feel about our current military involvements, please take a moment today to remember all veterans, both the ones who have passed on and those who are still with us today, who have given their energies, time, and lives in service to our country.

Enjoy your holiday!

Tuesday’s top of the scroll …. …. is a whole bunch of commentary!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on September 15, 2009 at 8:49 am

The top of the scroll designation usually goes to the most interesting story out there. However, today there’s a bucketload of commentary, and everyone has something interesting to say, so I have arranged them beneath this post in the newest to oldest, as best I could determine.

Enjoy!

A note to my readers….

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on September 7, 2009 at 9:03 am

There’s a worm going around infecting WordPress blogs worldwide, and unfortunately, Aquafornia is no exception.

While this problem is being worked on, I have suspended the ability to register on the site; those who have already registered can still comment. In the meantime, if you would like to comment and this is preventing you from doing so, please email me with your comment and the post you want it on, and I will put it there for you.

I am also in the process of cleaning out over 5000 mostly-bogus spammer/hacker registrations. I am trying to be careful not to delete actual users; please forgive me if I delete yours. You can re-register once the problem is fixed.

Good news is, if you were hoping for user name “Inseftzitte” or “JervegroriBug”, it will be available soon!

A note to my readers….

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on August 30, 2009 at 5:00 am

I have an early morning obligation this morning; the site won’t be updated any further until probably Sunday afternoon.

Unless Sunday morning’s news is boring. Then Monday….

Thanks for understanding! :)

-Aqua Blog Maven

Introducing Aqua Gems: Look great while helping the Water Education Foundation!

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on August 3, 2009 at 7:24 am

From the Water Education Foundation:

A new line of jewelry is now available for sale through the Water Education Foundation. Perfect for gift-giving, AquaGems is a line of handmade necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that echo the multihued aspects of the West’s water resources. From the deep, earthy tones of the Colorado River to the pearly foam of the Pacific, these one-of-a kind pieces are crafted in California from the finest materials, including sterling silver and semiprecious gemstones.

Proceeds from the sale of AquaGems benefit the school and other educational programs of the Water Education Foundation, a non-profit organization. Help support the Foundation and receive something beautiful to wear in return! Pieces from 3 unique collections are available:

The Colorado River Collection – From the bold colors of the canyons to more muted tones of the desert sand and skies, the Colorado River Collection embodies the spirit of the Southwest. Here you’ll find pieces that incorporate turquoise, silver and other traditional materials.

The Pacifica Collection – This collection incorporates the jewel tones of deep water and the pale hues of foam along the sandy shore of the West’s mighty ocean. Materials used include recycled “beach glass,” coral, genuine cultured pearls, Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones.

The Sierra Streams Collection – The Sierra Streams Collection encompasses the earth tones: the greens and browns of forests and farmland nurtured by precious waters flowing westward to the sea, as well as the blues of rushing streams and limpid mountain lakes. Materials used in this collection include lapis lazuli, carnelian, jasper, and other forms of quartz.

Most pendants and bracelets are strung on strong, coated steel Soft Flex wire. All components are sterling silver unless otherwise noted. “Bali silver” refers to sterling beads and clasps that have a unique design and are treated with a special oxidizing solution to give them an antique appearance.
AquaGems jewelry is shipped in a colorful drawstring pouch, along with care instructions and information on the Foundation’s mission for water education.

For more information, visit the Foundation’s website by clicking here or call Jean Nordmann at (916) 444-6240.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Read more

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!

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.

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

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

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!

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….

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…..

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.

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 …!

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!

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!

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

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:

allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"
src="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=&station=kfsn&section=&mediaId=6892866&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&site=">

Next Page →