Happy Valley Pride; February 11, 2009

I attended the 42nd Mid Pacific Region Water Users Conference in Reno this past week. The Bureau of Reclamation for the water districts in the Central Valley Project (CVP) puts it on.

Clear Creek Community Service District always intends to keep up to date on any new mandates or regulations that the government comes up with.

They also let us know the percentage we will be receiving for municipal and industrial (M and I) and agricultural water.

The conference started off with a sad note. We were told because of the Endangered Species Act, fish will get the water first, then M and I, and if anything is left, the farmers.

The conference was also about the delta; its many problems and the canal they want to put around it. They reported that any dams built or added on to, the water would go to the fish.

On the last day we were told due to the current dry conditions and low reservoir storages, project operations and water delivery will be very challenging this year. As a result, the initial CVP allocations will be relatively low this year.

They will be announcing the water allocations on Friday, Feb. 20. This is the first time in the last 16 years since I have been on the board they have not made an announcement.

The only answer I have for right now is to pray for rain and lots of snow so that our reservoirs fill up. Lets keep a positive attitude.

The Happy Valley Farm Trail meeting is on Feb. 19, 7 p.m. at Happy Valley Community Center, 5400 Happy Valley Road. The subject will be on the drought.

My shoulder is slowly healing and I have a good physical therapist. It's comedy hour; it helps to joke and make everyone laugh. Laughter is so good for the soul, especially if you can brighten up someone's day.

I attended Dr. Reifert's funeral and the church was packed. Father Hebna officiated and suggested we share one thing we remember about him.

I use to go to a bible study with him and after one such meeting we were sharing. I made the statement, "My head understands, but my heart doesn't."

His reply was "Your heart understands; it's the head that doesn't."

Since that time I listen to my heart. I always called him Father and he always gave me the biggest smile; he will be missed.

I know things look badly, but hang in there. Remember God loves you so go to him and ask Him for help. I read the bible every morning; it helps me keep a positive attitude.