As a new water year starts, the state is taking stock of current conditions and looking ahead to the next few months. The latest info puts the state’s biggest reservoir–Lake Oroville–at 109 percent of average. While the state DWR says that’s encouraging, there is uncertainty about this winter’s long-range forecast with a strong chance of La Niña conditions–meaning drier weather overall but an increased chance of strong storms. Officials say they’re prepared to respond to whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
If you are a member of a homeowners association, a new California law will limit the fines your neighbors can impose on you. The new law caps violations at $100 without late fees for additional penalties. Members have been fined for seemingly trivial violations like flying flags, putting up holiday decorations, or not keeping up with the weeds in their yards. More and more homeowners are part of associations that require compliance with certain rules. ` Supporters of the cap say some homeowners have racked up thousands of dollars in penalties and have even been forced into foreclosure because of those extra fees.
Governor Newsom is threatening to withhold state funding from any college or university that agrees to conditions set by the Trump administration to get more favorable treatment. The governor calls the conditions ‘radical’ and says any school that signs off on them will lose millions from the state. No word has been received on whether any of the nine California schools targeted by the president will comply
