What People Think
84% For, 16% Against
53 votes cast
Take Action
| Vote on this Earmark | |
 |
For |
 |
Against |
| Speak Out | |
 |
Comment on this Earmark |
 |
Alert Your Friends and Colleagues |
 |
Write Your Representative in Congress |
| Save & Share | |
 |
del.icio.us |
 |
Digg |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Yahoo! |
Cambria Seawater Desalination
$2,000,000 (77 comments ↓)
This earmark request is for the 2010 fiscal year.
Rep. Lois Capps (CA-23) requests $2,000,000 for:
Cambria Community Services District
1316 Tamson Drive, Suite 201
Cambria, CA 93428
Summary
The funding would be used to construct a seawater desalination facility to augment severely limited potable water supplies in Cambria. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because current water sources are shallow wells, which are unable to provide a reliable water source, particularly during dry weather, and severe MTBE contamination.
()
[71 views]
Learn More
RSS Feeds for This Bill
Keep yourself updated on user contributions and debates about this bill! (Learn more about RSS.)
Visitor Comments
cambria beach rat
March 3, 2010, 2:04pm (report abuse)The potable water supplies in Cambria are not severely limited. This request is a waste of taxpayer funds because current water sources are able to provide a reliable water source for current population. An additional new and productive well was paid for by chevron who did leak MTBE into the ground but there is NOT severe MTBE contamination in the potable water wells. check your facts. You have been lied to. Chevron was required to provide funding for an additional water source which they did. The rest of the penalty money chevron paid has been squandered by the CCSD.
Richard Hawley
March 3, 2010, 2:11pm (report abuse)I think that Ms. Capps has been mislead with the notion that Cambria has severe MtBE contamination. Cambria is a very wealthy community and scarce tax dollars should be used for the less fortunate. It would be my opinion that Congress would be funding a fiction if this appropriation was passed.
Elizabeth Bettenhausen
March 4, 2010, 11:08am (report abuse)Every culture has its mythology. The demons of MtBE pollution, shortage of potable water, and quality of life shortfall have been made up. And somebody keeps feeding them. Why? Certainly not to help the creatures of the creek and ocean.
Catherine Ryan Hyde
May 5, 2010, 5:24pm (report abuse)The Cambria CSD has not even seriously considered greener and less expensive ways to extend our water supply, which currently manages to pump 90 gallons per household per day. This is an earmark for big development and big desal, not the people of Cambria.
Deryl Robinson
May 12, 2010, 2:49am (report abuse)Cambria's water district has a new service moratorium in place due to a water shortage. Opposition to this project is from those who want to keep the moratorium alive, enhancing their own property value.
If there's plenty of water, then lift the moratorium.
Major Elaine Gullotta, US Army
May 12, 2010, 5:55am (report abuse)I've been waiting 11 years to build on the Cambria land I pay taxes on every year. I cannot build because there is a moratorium on all building, due to the fact that there is a water shortage in Cambria! Those who live in this sleepy beach community don't want new growth so they fight any attempt to fix the problem. Examples of these attempts are above in the first 4 comments. It's not fair to sell land, collect taxes and then rip off the land owners by not allowing them to build. If there is water, prove it by lifting the moratorium. If there is no water then build the desal plant.
Allan Spitz
May 12, 2010, 7:56am (report abuse)There is a service moratorium in place in Cambria due to a severe water shortage. A seawater desalination plant would provide a reliable water source.
Barbara & Allen Choate
May 12, 2010, 8:18am (report abuse)Cambria's water district has a new service moratorium in place due to a water shortage. Opposition to this project is from those who want to keep the moratorium alive, enhancing their own property value.
If there's plenty of water, then lift the moratorium.
Judy Pinos
May 12, 2010, 9:06am (report abuse)My parents bought land in Cambria in the 1970's intending to retire there. Count the years...FORTY years! Forty years of paying taxes that support this community that fights to keep us out. If there is water without the desal plant, then lift the moratorium.
Rocky and Pam Beckner
May 12, 2010, 9:14am (report abuse)We support this funding. A solution for a serious problem that has crippled and divided this community for over a decade. This is good use of public funding by definition of the concept. Public access to a reliable and safe sourse of drinking water is a basic need and is addressed in this fashion world wide.
Nathan Maragoni
May 12, 2010, 9:31am (report abuse)The desal project is a reasonable and responsible approach which would allow a limited amount of growth over a long period of time. This is good for Cambria and I fail to understand why the opposition does not see this.
Mel McColloch
May 12, 2010, 9:46am (report abuse)Cambria has been in a short water supply for over 20 years. Many studies have been done on every conceivable source of a new water during that period of time. Our businesses that depend on tourism are hurting, as are the residents.This is an opportunity to solve the water problem with a new, dependable water supply. We need to move ahead.
William Currin
May 12, 2010, 10:24am (report abuse)Desalination is a proven technology and an environmentally friendly way to provide a reliable source of water to Cambria. Water is currently sourced from wells, which has the deleterious effect of reducing flow in Santa Rosa Creek, with concomitant impact to Riparian flora and fauna.
I support this wise use of these Federal funds to improve the reliability and safety of municipal water in Cambria.
Eric Lindberg
May 12, 2010, 10:31am (report abuse)I have not been allowed to build on a lot that I own and pay taxes on because of water issues. A desal plant would help provide a consistent, safe water supply for the community.
I strongly support moving forward with this desalination project
Laura & Warren Croyle
May 12, 2010, 10:35am (report abuse)We have been waiting years to build on the Cambria land we pay taxes on every year but we cannot build because there is a moratorium on all building, due to the fact that there is a water shortage in Cambria! Those who live here don't want new growth so they fight any attempt to fix the problem. Examples of these attempts are above in the first 4 comments. It's not fair to sell land, collect taxes and then rip off the land owners by not allowing them to build. If there is water, prove it by lifting the moratorium. If there is no water then build the desal plant or purchase all of the empty lots that were sold to us under false pretenses.
Jim and Linda Ensley
May 12, 2010, 10:51am (report abuse)We support the project. This is needed to complete a master build out plan supported by the majority of the people. This plan provides for a sensible, reasonable and reliable response to the current and future droughts. Many studies on this issue have been done over the past 20 years have proven that the desalination project is the most effective, inexpensive and reliable means to deal with the water shortage during the drought years.U
Lee Cooper and Terrie Wilson
May 12, 2010, 11:11am (report abuse)The facts are: The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is an independent special district established to provide high quality water, fire and other community services to its customers in a safe, cost effective, and environmentally sensitive manner.
CCSD has determined that Cambria's scarce water supplies and recurring drought conditions meant increasing the number of water hookups would jeopardize the District’s ability to provide adequate fire protection. In 2001, it imposed a moratorium on any new water hookups, to remain in effect until the District has a new or additional source of water to accommodate added hookups.
In 2003, the CCSD Board unanimously voted to confirm the use of desalination as a long-term water supply project. In 2008, the CCSD completed a Water Master Plan to determine the eventual “build-out” size of the community and its water needs. The CCSD is currently working through serious permitting and funding issues for the desalination plant.
Tom & Vallorie Borchardt
May 12, 2010, 11:23am (report abuse)The aquifer that provides the fresh water supply to Cambria is very limited and very dependent on abundant rainfall. The community needs a consistent water supply to ensure ample water for the community in years of good rainfall and poor. Please proceed with the funding of this project so all the community will benefit and the many parcel owners can finally build on their property.
Judy Holmes
May 12, 2010, 12:01pm (report abuse)We need a desal plant, there is no more water in Cambria!
Geraldine & Thomas Graney
May 12, 2010, 12:06pm (report abuse)Don't be fooled. Cambria needs water. Approve funding and build the desal plant now.
Bob Horvath
May 12, 2010, 12:06pm (report abuse)There is a "no growth" element in town that would defeat the development of an improved water supply in order to maintain the moratorium on construction that has been in place for years, predicated on a shortage of water. Thus, vacant lots in developed areas have become open space paid for by the owners of the lots. Cambria needs additional water for it's current residents, for fire protection, and to allow strictly limited growth, which is planned for only properties on a water list established over 2 decades ago. I became a resident after waiting 20 years to build, and I support funding of the desalination project, which was approved by a majority of the VOTERS in the only ballot measure placed before the electorate. Cambria is a beautiful town that everyone wants to preserve, but this additional water supply will only allow for ultimate growth of about 660 more homes over a period of about 20 year, by individuals building on lots that some have held for almost a lifetime.
George Johns
May 12, 2010, 12:14pm (report abuse)I agree with Laura & Warren Croyle I to have been waiting years to build on my Cambria land, I pay taxes every year but cannot build because there is a moratorium on all building, When I bought my lot there was no such motatorium just a slow release rate which was fine with me, I purchased one with the CCSD number that best fit my retirement intensions and now are unable to live and enjoy the fruits of my labor, This whole thing is so unfare Those who live there don't want new growth so they fight any attempt to fix the problem. It's not fair to sell land, collect taxes and then rip off the land owners by not allowing them to build. If there is water, prove it by lifting the moratorium. If there is no water then build the desal plant or purchase all of the empty lots that were sold to us under false pretenses.
Barry and Pam Nix
May 12, 2010, 12:14pm (report abuse)If there is plenty of water why is there a moratorium on building? Please fund the desalination prodject.
jacob colarian
May 12, 2010, 12:20pm (report abuse)the funding for desal project is vital and of utmost imortance to cambria ,
if there is enough water to go around , why are we charged extra fee for water usage in cambria restaurants in the summer?
there are a few hundred people on the water waiting list to build on their lots and I am one of them , Without the desal project getting the green light no one has been able to find a viable additional water source.
we are for strictly limited growth in cambria with preserving the environemnt .We dont understand the oppositions behavior tryimg to play down the importance of the project when water shortage also affects their lives , safety fire , etc......
John & Cathy Zettler
May 12, 2010, 12:47pm (report abuse)I urge Congresswoman Capps to continue her outstanding support for the Cambria Desalination plant. Cambria needs a long term solution to its water needs. Many of us own land in Cambria, pay many thousands of dollars a year in property taxes but are denied the right to build on our land due to the water shortages. I urge support for this earmark so that the Cambria desal project proceeds. Thank you.
gregory and Katherine Horn
May 12, 2010, 12:50pm (report abuse)The funding would be used to construct a seawater desalination facility to augment severely limited potable water supplies in Cambria. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds as current shallow wells are unable to provide a reliable water source, particularly during dry weather, and severe MTBE contamination. Fire protection is also severly limited.
my wife and I have owned property since 2000 and paid property taxes each year but cannot build due to water moratorium.
this moratorium will not lift until desal is approved and funded.
we are paying taxes but have no vote in the local community to effect decisions by CCSD!
please protect our property rights to build our retirement home!
vote to fund desal!
Kathryn Levesque
May 12, 2010, 12:57pm (report abuse)I've owned my property since 1984 and purchased a "building permit". At the time of our purchase the wait time was 2 years and look what has happened. I did NOT give Cambria a "money gift" and Cambria allowed these lots to be sold. If they did NOT want to honor these permits in a timely fashion then purchase our property at FAIR MARKET VALUE. If water is not a problem then open up these waiting lists NOW!
Noel Currin
May 12, 2010, 1:25pm (report abuse)I endorse the use of Federal monies for this valuable infrastructure project. Building a desalination plant will give the community the vital water source it so needs.
Harry & Joan McLachlan
May 12, 2010, 1:38pm (report abuse)We have not been allowed to build on a lot that we own and pay taxes on because of water issues. A desal plant would help provide a consistent, safe water supply for the WHOLE community, not just those wishing to build on their existing, properly zoned lots.9W6SW
I strongly support moving forward with this desalination project
Caren Harris
May 12, 2010, 2:06pm (report abuse)I have paid taxes for over 20 years on property in Cambria that I am unable to build on due to a long standing moratorium. The reason given for the moratorium continues to be a water shortage. If, as some Cambria residents claim, there is no water shortage, why hasn't the moratorium been lifted?
Glen Barker
May 12, 2010, 2:19pm (report abuse)I agree with the right to build a desal plant to provide the much needed water in our community.
Richard and Nancy Rentler
May 12, 2010, 2:21pm (report abuse)We are in favor of the funding. We have been waiting to build in Cambria for 22 years. It's clear the "Raise-the-drawbridge syndrome" folks are running out of excuses to prevent us from building our dream home, and appear to be getting desperate. A new abundant water supply would give this little town new life. The revenue collected by "Lowering-the-drawbridge" would allow the city to refocus their attention away from water supplies; restore is infrastructure, and perhaps help the less fortunate. I'd like to see Main Street come back to life as it was in the 70's and 80's.
Greg and Linda Hunter
May 12, 2010, 2:24pm (report abuse)Although we have not owned our lot nearly as long as many land owners, we clearly see and feel the frustrations and aggrevation brought by the selfish no growth faction. The CCSD has done an excellent job of exploring all of the options and now it is time to act in the best interests of the community and move forward.
Desal is the right answer. Please vote YES
Peter Reiter
May 12, 2010, 2:47pm (report abuse)I favor the funding!
I am a long time Surfer and environmentalist.
Cambria needs this Eco friendly
water source for help fighting
future Fires.
It is not a good way to
control growth by holding
us citizens hostage with
water denial.
Frank & Patricia Budicin
May 12, 2010, 2:50pm (report abuse)We stand with Lois Capps in seeking approval for the desal project going forward in Cambria. We have owned property there for 20 years now with no ability to build. The reason given to us: "Not enough water!" As has been pointed out, if there is no shortage of water (as some people say), then issue us a building permit!! Simple. We ask that the money requested for the desal project be approved. Thank you.
Chris Keeney
May 12, 2010, 3:16pm (report abuse)I have also been waiting to build my retirement home in Cambria for over 10 years and have been stopped because there is a new service moratorium based on a water shortage. Either fix the water shortage with a state of the art desal plant or lift the moratorium. I would perfer my tax dollars are used to build a desal plant that can substain the current and future residences and also the current and future businesses of Cambria. Keep Cambria alive and prospering with a new desal plant!
Frances & Don Felich
May 12, 2010, 3:38pm (report abuse)We have owned our lot in Cambria since 1997. We were to retire in Cambria. Of course that didn't happen. Obviously the reason is lack of water. One reason for not building a desal was the cost of running the plant. That reason will be removed as new technology will operate the plant at considerably less cost. Fire is another consideration. Loss of businesses in Cambria has been great. Our state financial crisis has serious consequenses to businesses in Cambria.
Ed & Gloria Toney
May 12, 2010, 3:53pm (report abuse)We have been waiting several years to build.Taxes are paid.Opposition is only to enchance the value of their property.A sense of fairness is missing. If water is available,why the moratorium?Do the right thing by all property oweners and build the desal plant. All Cambrians will benefit.
Karen Kalpakoff
May 12, 2010, 5:02pm (report abuse)I've been waiting 22 years to build on the Cambria land I pay taxes on every year. I cannot build because there is a moratorium on all building, due to the fact that there is a water shortage in Cambria! Those who live in this sleepy beach community don't want new growth so they fight any attempt to fix the problem. Examples of these attempts are above in the first 4 comments. It's not fair to sell land, collect taxes and then rip off the land owners by not allowing them to build. If there is water, prove it by lifting the moratorium. If there is no water then build the desal plant.
Paul McDonnell
May 12, 2010, 5:06pm (report abuse)I find it fascinating that the otherwise liberal Cambrians opposing this funding have become born again fiscal conservatives, at least Cambria water is concerned. The same folks who are opposing the federal funding also opposed a local rate hike to pay for service improvements to exisitng customers, solely as a means to stymie any progress in Cambria. California sends more money to DC than we get back, by far. This project is a viable and constructive use of our tax dollars.
Nancy Mendrin
May 12, 2010, 5:21pm (report abuse)We have been waiting 25 years to build.Taxes are paid.Opposition is only to enchance the value of their property.A sense of fairness is missing. If water is available,why the moratorium?Do the right thing by all property oweners and build the desal plant. All Cambrians will benefit. Cambria needs water
James & Judith Spencer
May 12, 2010, 5:22pm (report abuse)The most critical issue (and objective code-compliance justification for the moratorium) is fire safety -- the lack of sufficient water storage and water production. The risk of a catastrophic wildfire in Cambria with its frequently bone-dry forest, narrow roads, and high retirement population is real. One only need refer to the effects of wild fires within the past two years a few dozen miles up the coast in Big Sur and down the coast in Santa Barbara. The possibility of loss of life under a fire emergency is real and has precedents in history with earlier fires in Oakland and in San Diego County.
Cambria urgently needs sufficient water to provide basic public health and safety. It would be met by the installation of the desalination plant. The minority who oppose the desal plant and who have succeeded in delaying it for years are placing the majority population at risk, along with all their homes and businesses there.
We urge Congress to support this project without delay.
Kathy Eichert
May 12, 2010, 5:39pm (report abuse)Ever since my husband and myself purchased our property over 20 yrs ago, we have paid our taxes and cleared our land every year, in hopes to build. We have been delayed due to the moratorium and lack of water. All sorts of studies have been performed and it is time to either get on with the desalination plant or lift the moratorium, if there is no real water shortage. I believe all Cambrians will benefit from the desal plant. We need to continue on with the project to augment the water supply in Cambria.
Sheila Tomas
May 12, 2010, 5:51pm (report abuse)the Camtia wate district has a new water service moratorium in effect becuase of a severe water shortage.
I have been waiting 10 year to build on my property in Cambria that has a water wait list number on it from the Cambria water district.
The desal plant will give Cambria the water it needs to meet the requirments of the homes that currently have a water meter and also serve the properties on a wait list for water hook up.
If there is not a severe water shortage as some are statng, then the Cambria water district needs to lift the building moratorium and allow those who bought property with a Cambria water district wait list number to be served.
Sherwin & Marilyn Rubin
May 12, 2010, 6:26pm (report abuse)We strongly support the bill in congress to help fund the desalination plant in Cambria
California. Clean water is a necessity. Desalination continues to advance and plants
are being built around the globe. The U.S. needs to keep up on this technology. The
Cambria community has done a lot to conserve water; but, in drought times it needs a
reliable source. Desal will do this in an environmentally wise way. After over 20 years of study and analysis desal was chosen. Desal will be an important asset in the diversified water mix of systems that will serve California’s future.
Sue Bonzini
May 12, 2010, 7:36pm (report abuse)Your odds of winning black jack in vegas are better than the odds on getting water to your undeveloped land speculation gamble in Cambria.
the purchase of undeveloped land with no services makes no guarantee of future service. Don't make me and all tax payers fund your land gamble.
Desal bad for environment, highest cost alternative, HUGE energy hog waster. Don't advocate killing of otters and sea life from Desal effluent pollution for your personal benefit.
Dorothy Ellis
May 12, 2010, 7:38pm (report abuse)Water is desperately needed in Cambria. I urge you to vote the money for the Desal plant.
Vittoria Mills
May 12, 2010, 10:12pm (report abuse)We need Desal now, there is no water in Cambria!
Mike & Debra Dill
May 12, 2010, 10:25pm (report abuse)There has been a ten years moratorium against any new construction residential or commercial for lack of water. Cambria cannot protect it's self from even a minor forest fire. Cambria needs this water supply for everday use and it will help re-vitalize the tourist trade and the welfare of the community. There are a few no-growthers that are willing risk the safty and welfare of the majority at any cost. They would rather see the town burn to the ground that to have one new home built!!!
Wendy A. Naylor
May 12, 2010, 11:25pm (report abuse)Thanks Rep. Capps for your support on this crucial water issue! I strongly urge passage of this bill which would exemplify forward thinking, forward planning, and forward action. The scarcity of water needs serious attention and responsible action globally and in the microcosm of Cambria. I too am one of the tax-paying land owners waiting for my life-long dream of being a resident but maintaining a permanent moratoriuum against development does not sound like a realistic and wise plan for long-term water usage. It seems as if there already has been extensive research and discussion involving multiple experts, politicians, locals and wishing-to-be locals. What further informationis being awaited? What are the motives of the heel-draggers?
Jim Ensley
May 12, 2010, 11:29pm (report abuse)The remarks of Sue Bonzini are typical of those who wish to deny the land owners access to their property. Such bitter remarks are not productive, and in this case, are very misleading and inaccurate. The land owners purchased their land intending to build their homes. This was not done as a gamble or for speculation. Also, based on the many studies done, desal is not the highest cost alternative,and as proposed, will not kill otters or be a pollinate as stated.
Wendy Lindberg
May 12, 2010, 11:39pm (report abuse)Cambria needs water just to survive and protect what already exists. I support the project for many reasons.
Barbara Moyer&Jonathan Clemciuc
May 12, 2010, 11:40pm (report abuse)The opposers to the desal plant in Cambria are only looking out for their own selfish interests. The fact is that Cambria desparately needs a reliable water source. Businesses struggle to survive and a major fire could destroy the town tomorrow. We are lot owners concerned with Cambria's future. Please allocate the funds for the desal plant to save Cambria.
Art and Diane Dube
May 13, 2010, 12:13am (report abuse)We strongly support the bill in congress to help fund the desalination plant in Cambria,
California. Thank you Rep. Capps for your support on this crucial water issue! We urge complete support for this project.
Allen Pachtman
May 13, 2010, 12:13am (report abuse)I purchased 2 lots in Cambria in 1997 with the hope of some day building a modest home and retiring there. I have diligently paid my taxes every year on time and paid for weed abatement. I still hope my dream comes true. Having a desalination plant functioning would allow me to build my home!
Sandie Audette
May 13, 2010, 12:24am (report abuse)So many of us have paid taxes for years on land that we were told we could build on. Cambria needs water now, not later. The opposers should be concerned with all the bad karma they are putting out...it will come back to them ten fold. :-)
Peggy Tomasso
May 13, 2010, 1:23am (report abuse)I urge you to support the desalination plant. I have owned property since 1990 and have been on a water waiting list. That is 20 years I have been waiting to have water to build on my lot and have been told there is no water so I cannot build. The desalination plant is Cambria's only option.
Doug Dickson
May 13, 2010, 1:36am (report abuse)I am in support of this funding for the desal plant. There has been a shortage of water for three decades, how can anybody say that there is adaquate water. The new water hook-up moritorium has been in place for over 10 years. this community have been in an analysis paralysis situation on this issue since 1994. Rep Capps, thank you for your resolve. Let's move forward!
Jane F. Dickson
May 13, 2010, 1:36am (report abuse)Dear Ms & Sir:As a native Californian, I have spent a lot of time on the Monterey Coastal area and we have been home owners in Cambria. The delicate balance of beauty and nature with the need for water has caused a dangerous situation where Cambria's infrastructure--its needs to have water reserves in time of draught and fire fighting--necessitates a creative solution. The desalizination project overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers allows the Federal Government to oversee this project, allowing us who support green solutions and ecological causes to continue working toward preserving the Monterey area including the Cambria area. We helped with Cambria's East-West Ranch project and many of us support good ecology while wanting to use green technology and today's engineering capabilities to increase our water supply. The ocean's water--and using it, will help our cause to halt off-shore drilling to preserve the ocean's water ecology. Thank you,
Jane Dickson
Steve Curavo
May 13, 2010, 12:31pm (report abuse)As a lot owner since 1975, I have been paying property tax for 35 years on a lot that is not buildable due to the water shortage. It government confiscation of the land by default. A desalination plant is the best solution to mitigate the situation. Growth was fine for people who moved to Cambria when they were the "growth", but if it is someone else, then growth is not acceptable? It is not fair.
Richard B. Jones Esq.
May 13, 2010, 12:53pm (report abuse)Owning land, paying taxes with no permits to build smacks of unconstitutionality. Refer to recent Palos Verdes Peninsula (Los Angeles) case where defendants lost.
susan soghomonian
May 13, 2010, 12:58pm (report abuse)I strongly support The congresswomen's efforts to obtain funding for cambria's desal project.
I own a lot in cambria , and I want to build . I cant do that we the Moratorium in effect . An alternative dependable water source for cambria could not be found . Water is essential for tourism , safety , fire , curent and future residents .
Richard and Charmaine Angino
May 13, 2010, 7:00pm (report abuse)We strongly support this funding. We bought our lot to build 15 years ago and have not been able to build because of the new water service moratorium driven mostly by no growth existing residents. We pay taxes and have paid our share for the new sewer system which we are not allowed to access it even if we individually can bring in water. The district has decided this is the most cost effective and envirnmentally friendly method, so please let them move forward by funding this.
Craig and Beth Harrington
May 13, 2010, 8:11pm (report abuse)We are in support of Rep. Capps' efforts to provide funding for construction of a desalination plant in Cambria. The shortage of water is currently placing the residents of Cambria at health and safety risks as well as restricting the efforts of lawful tax paying owners to build on their land. Growth concerns have been addressed through a Buildout Plan, environmental concerns have been addressed in previous and planned studies and all possible alternatives have been pursued with desalination clearly the preferred alternative. Lets please move forward with this project.
Tony and Linda Rotolo
May 13, 2010, 9:12pm (report abuse)We strongly support the funding for the construction of a desalination plant in Cambria. Continued water shortages in the Cambria area could have disastrous consequences. Rep. Capps should be commended for helping to promote desalination for the future and safetly of Cambria.
Chris and Jennifer Nossaman
May 13, 2010, 10:28pm (report abuse)We support the funding and building of the Desalination project in Cambria. We have been waiting for a chance to build on our lot for 13 years. We understand the issues of resource conservation and restricting uncontrolled growth, but we believe that the Cambria Community Service District has done an excellent job of dealing with these issues for the long term benefit of the town and it's citizens. The current residents, the CCSD and the lot owners have been incredibly patient with this whole process and need to put this issue to bed once and for all.
Cassandra and Dennis Metz
May 14, 2010, 1:06am (report abuse)We support the funding for the desal plant. We have owned a lot for the past 21 years with continued excuses as to why we cannot build on our land. If there is no water shortage in Cambria, then why is there a moritorium on building Cambria needs water for fire safety. Please support the bill. Unfortunately there is a very small minority in the community who will do anything to stop growth. Rep. Capps knows best that Cambria needs water.
Lou and Joey Hickam
May 14, 2010, 5:29pm (report abuse)This is not about water it is about growth. A very vocal local faction is trying to deny us our right to build on our lots. Cambria needs water period.
Ron Keck
May 14, 2010, 11:30pm (report abuse)The citizens of Cambria are largely seniors who could not afford a modest water bill rate increase last year as many are on fixed incomes. Now some comments above say we are such a wealthy town that we dont deserve to get some of our tax dollars back in the way of helping to offset the cost of a needed water source. Zero growth is more important to a vocal minority who are out to protect their own interests, and stomp on the rights and safety of others in the process. Thank you Rep. Capps for not being fooled.
Lance Warner
May 15, 2010, 2:21pm (report abuse)This Is It
I’m in favor of the desal project because it will provide recourses for firefighting if there is a fire that would destroy the town of Cambria. We have already seen to many houses destroyed because of forest fires in other areas. Also the additional water would help the town grow and would help out the struggling business. This project is a win/win for everybody.
Lance & Debbie from Rossford Ohio
Kory and Bonnie Long
May 16, 2010, 2:52pm (report abuse)We support Rep. Lois Capps request for funding for the Cambria Desalination Project. This project in conjunction with the CCSD build out and lot retirement plans is a reasonable solution for citizens, landowners and taxpayers.
Marian Willis
May 17, 2010, 6:04pm (report abuse)As a 21 year Cambria resident I've lived through multiple droughts and I can attest to the fact that because of our water shortage, we live in fear of fire, especially in the fall months when our well level is lowest and fire danger is highest. Thank you Lois Capps for supporting the desal project for Cambria. Other methods of obtaining a backup source of water have been studied ad nauseum and it is time to follow through with this common sense plan.
Stevan Rosenlind
May 23, 2010, 2:21pm (report abuse)I am glad to hear most of these writers admit they have a vested and economic interest in desal development. But I worry that so many of these letters sound similar and regurgitate the same untruths. I wonder if they are getting the information from a paid lobbyist. To these writers, I say UNLOC your thinking. There is an alternative to desal that will bring plenty of water to Cambria. Read Cambria's Water Master Plan reference to the "Whale Rock Plan." Then do some real research. I am a business man. I am not against growth. But I am against expensive, taxpayer subsidized, ecologically dangerous growth that is desal. If this community truly has a water shortage, let’s all work together to bring water to Cambria from Whale Rock.
U R WRONG
May 27, 2010, 1:06pm (report abuse)In reply to Mr. Rosenlind comment, where are to untruths? Do you deny the need for water? Do your homework! Whale Rock was studied in the late 1980's and was not a viable water source, would be more costly than desal, would never past EIR requirements and solely depends on mother nature.
Laura Franklin
May 31, 2010, 5:57pm (report abuse)I know the regional water quality control board's latest report says there is NO Mtbe in our water supply. I know there is a productive and active third well at the high school paid for by Chevron(Mtbe penalty) to alleviate the water shortage and I know that there are cheaper and less environmentally damaging water alternatives listed in the water master plan.
Lois Capps' justification for funding is flawed and misinformed.
Sure, Cambria needs additional water.
But what is the REAL reason for the one track mind on desal?
Follow the money.
Desal plant cannot make water fast enough to fight a forest fire. That's what the big tanker planes do, not a desal plant.
Ken Renshaw
July 14, 2010, 1:38pm (report abuse)I am going to vote against Capps even though I don't know who is running against her. I don't want my water bill to double because Capps had caused a desal plant to come into operation.
Lois Capps should examine the list of people who support the earmark for desalinization. Most of the people supporting the earmark are from out of your district. They can't vote for you. Many hopping to realize a gain on their speculative investment. If they wanted to live in Cambria they could buy a home from our glutted market. They can't vote for you.
With climate change and the lessening of demand for second homes Cambria no longer has need for a backup water supply. Only the out of town speculators need it.
Sammie Steelhead
July 19, 2010, 11:21am (report abuse)For more information on the facts around this issue visit www.landwatchsloco.org