SoCal Water Wars

SoCal Water Wars goes beyond just the disputes between water districts regarding water rights and management practices. It delves into the tensions that arise between their common business philosophies and the natural world, which encompasses all living beings, including people. The story highlights our efforts to mitigate and adjust to the impacts of climate change caused by human activity, particularly in how we handle water resources in Southern California.

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DOGE: When 'oversight' backfires

1 week ago | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

On Feb. 26 President Donald Trump ordered a 30-day suspension of credit card use at all federal agencies, except for disaster-relief services approved by his newly created ad-hoc agency, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by the Nazi-saluting richest person in the world, Elon Musk, who owns the social media platform, X.
For consideration: Annual Awards for Water Reform Advocacy Communications

1 week ago | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

Dear SoCal Water Wars readers:After covering SoCal water wars for 20 years, this is the only journalism award I’ve ever thought to be worth having. As an anti gentry-journalism journalist, I can tell you that it has never been about the money. It has been about producing good journalism for a good cause and being recognized for doing so, which is what the Dorothy Green and Dan Bacher Awards are all about. If you like my work, I would appreciate it if you would let the C-WIN awards committee know.
Will our 'water protectors' face The Fascist Beast? - We the People (2)

4 weeks ago | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

For Americans and other citizens of the world who are determined to counter our nation’s suicidal decline into MAGA fascism, it’s crucial to examine the challenges we face from President Donald Trump and the influence of his governing style on the political leaders managing our water-supply agencies. History shows that most water board directors struggle to address weighty issues proactively—if at all—until near-disaster strikes.
[COPY] MWD pushes bankruptcy with Delta support says former state water analyst

1 month ago | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

I’m reposting this interview in two parts to add context to my “We the People” series underway presently. Since it was first posted two years ago SoCal Water Wars has gained thousands of subscribers and followers, many within the past six months, who did not have a chance to read it. — JEA report released by the non-profit California Water Impact Network says that Gov.
[COPY] Scrap outdated and racist water-rights system, says Gov. Newsom's former water manager

1 month ago | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

I’m reposting this interview in two parts to add context to my “We the People” series underway presently. Since it was published was first posted two years ago SoCal Water Wars has gained thousands of subscribers and followers, many within the past six months, who did not have a chance to read it. — JEMax Gomberg served as a conservation manager for the California State Water Resources Control Board for ten years under Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom.
[COPY] Gavin Newsom's 'culture of distrust' revealed by ex water conservation manager

1 month ago | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

I’m reposting this interview in two parts to add context to my “We the People” series underway presently. Since it was published was first posted two years ago SoCal Water Wars has gained thousands of subscribers and followers, many within the past six months, who did not have a chance to read it.
'We the People, in order to form a more perfect water district ...'

2 months ago | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

Most of us understand that human-induced climate catastrophe is an urgent and escalating issue of life, which I favor, versus death. It demands an immediate and collective response to minimize humanity’s self-inflicted evolutionary collapse and ensure a life worth living for future generations.
The inexcusable excuses of Metropolitan board members for violating due process

Jan 20, 2025 | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

On Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors will hold a special closed session to review and act on the results of a seven-month investigation into allegations of discrimination and harassment made by Assistant General Manager and CFO Katano Kasaine against General Manager Adel Hagekhalil. Kasaine sent her 14-page complaint to 11 board members and Metropolitan’s Legal Counsel.
Tactics in GM investigation: 'standard practice' claims Metropolitan Chair

Jan 8, 2025 | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

Previously, I exposed the alarming due process issues tainting the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's investigation of its general manager, Adel Hagekhalil, following allegations of harassment and discrimination. This ongoing investigation was triggered by a 14-page complaint filed by Assistant General Manager and CFO, Katano Kasaine, on May 27. She delivered it to 11 selected members of Metropolitan’s Board of Directors, including Chair Adán Ortega.
Metropolitan h2o: Chair Adán Ortega's confession almost went unnoticed

Dec 16, 2024 | socalwaterwars.substack.com | John Earl

The first two parts to this story can be read in full here and here in chronological order. First, a summary of my reporting so far on the case of Metropolitan’s Assistant General Manager/CFO Katano Kasaine versus General Manager Adel Hagekhalil. In an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint-letter dated May 27, AGM Kasaine accused GM Hagekhalil, her boss, of harassment and discrimination. On June 12 the online political journal Politico published her complaint.