Eric Averett, General Manager of the Rosedale Rio Bravo Water Storage District, discussed California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and its impact on Kern County.
California is experiencing a hydrologic drought (the past three years have been the driest three years in California’s recorded history) and a regulatory drought (environmental restrictions limiting the ability to move water.) The regulatory drought has had a more profound effect on Kern County than the hydrologic drought, resulting in reduced surface supplies which lead to an increased reliance on groundwater.
The SGMA will prevent the overdraft of groundwater. This is the first time that groundwater supplies in California have been regulated.
The good: local control and local solutions.
The bad: reduction of groundwater demand will be required in many areas of the county, requiring coordination amongst all water districts in the basin.
The ugly: economic impacts will be real. It’s estimated that 15-20% of Kern’s irrigable acreage will be taken out of production.
VISITORS & GUESTS
Fred Misono visited from West Bakersfield Rotary. Mike Chertok introduced his guest, Stilian Kirov, conductor of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.
Good News & Announcements:
Garro Ellis announced that next week’s program on “What It Means to be a Rotarian” will be presented by Zoot Velasco.
Sheryl Barbich invited everyone to attend the VIP celebration at the Kern County Museum marking the opening of the new research center. The event will be held next Thursday, November 10, at 10:00.
Dave Turner and his wife celebrated their 25th anniversary.
New Member:
Michelle Chantry, CEO of the Bakersfield Californian, was welcomed as a new member.
PHOTOS BY GIRISH PATEL:
Downtown Rotary donated $1000 towards Rotary International's "100 Year Anniversary" Rose Bowl float.
When your firm enjoys a windfall of commissions, you're not gonna' weasel out of paying your Rotary dues... as Duane Keathley found out at Thursday's meeting.
President Dave gives Michelle Chantry her "New Member" swag bag.
Zoot Velasco, sitting here with Signee Hoffman, will be our speaker next week. His presentation on “What It Means to be a Rotarian” will be a good one to bring a guest to.
Jeff Green commended Beth Pandol for an excellent job moderating the Kegley Institute’s recent program on ethics and water.
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