Drought? What Drought?

What happened to the attractive, well-established native and drought-tolerant plantings along Honolulu Avenue in Montrose? I was shocked and concerned to see they had been replaced by grass. Allow me to explain the reason for my initial reaction and now my concern for the new landscape design.

Wasn’t it only a year ago we were still in the throes of a five-year drought? We had hopes of an El Niño event the previous year but it did not materialize. Weather forecasts held little promise of rainfall. Another year of drought seemed likely. But “Mother Nature” heard our cries and she delivered. Northern California received the biggest share of precipitation – both rain and snow – overflowing dams and blanketing the Sierra Nevada in a record-breaking snowpack. Here, in the Crescenta Valley, rainfall totals were only a few inches above our average season total. Yes, this is all good news!

According to the Crescenta Valley Water District, 40%-60% of our water comes from local wells. It will take several more years of good rain [before they] produce at capacity; their water source is underground aquifers along the Verdugo Mountains. So, until this groundwater is replenished, we will be dependent on purchased water from northern California and the Colorado River. As many know, our water rates will reflect the impact of the drought.

As we live in a semi-arid region, bordering on the Mojave Dessert, drought conditions are normal. Even if we are not experiencing one presently, it is only a matter of time before we are in the midst of one again. Water, like money, must be used wisely and saved for emergencies – like a drought.

So, why did the City of Glendale replace the drought-tolerant landscape in the Montrose Shopping Park? The only answer I’ve heard is because it looks lush and green, much more attractive. Maybe so, but…

There are many more reasons why their decision was not a good one. Grass requires more water than native plants, especially when planted during the summer. Glendale is setting a bad example for its citizens who have replaced their lawns. Also, the cost must have been considerable for the project. What about the plants that were ripped out? What a short-sighted waste in many ways. Has Glendale recently rescinded its water conservation policy? http://tinyurl.com/k6uqeyd Included within [the policy] are tips of “how to change your water guzzling landscape” and links to “Ca Native landscapes.” Another sited link is Bewaterwise.com in which replacing turf (grass) with native plants is suggested.

Perhaps an oversight, but it seems the City of Glendale is not following its own water conservation policy.

“What drought?”

Sue Kilpatrick

La Crescenta

  Sue Kilpatrick