San Diego Desalination Plant as a Stepping Stone to a Greener City

The Carlsbad Desalination Project is well on its way to production and it is geared to be a solid contributing factor to San Diego as an ecologically green city. A serious drought has taken the state by storm and a new water source that provides the needs of 300,000 San Diegans is an important step in the right direction of revamping the city for the next generation.

To be certain the desalination comes with a heavy $1 billion dollar price tag that will take some time to pay off. However, it does provide a significant reduction in water consumption for the city somewhere in the 9% range. This means San Diego has a water sources that shaves off another 10% of water usage on top of water conservation efforts.

Considering that it is unlikely that the city will find an untapped source of natural water soon such plants make sense in today’s world. San Diego will stand out as one of the cities in the future that can not only provides water but also contributes to the development of more eco-friendly cities that leave less damaging footprint on the environment.

I believe this to be an important selling point for the city. As local government and stakeholders think about long-term plans they can capitalize on the areas natural beauty, background and resources by engaging in environmentally friendly changes. We can see the tip of the ice berg with new bike lanes. The possibilities are great for other projects.

Someday San Diego may produce another desalination plant. The ocean is plentiful and can potentially provide higher percentages of water as technology improves to reduce household and construction costs that are prohibitive in other communities. Perhaps someday we may be choosing to build another desalination plant if the Chargers decide to move to the scorched earth just to the North.  
What is the economic contribution of a green city?

Historical Oceanfront Dining at Brockton Villa

Dining in style isn’t hard at the Brockton Villa. Towering over the cliffs you get a great view of the bay, sounds and smells of the ocean, and the fresh outdoor air while toasting the great times. As a historical landmark it is one of those places that offers more than just great food. It is a local icon with its own charm and history. Tourists flock to the restaurant as they walk along the coast and cove. 

The barren site was bought by Dr. Joseph Rodes in 1894 for $165. A great ocean front site with access to the cove and the beach. It was a vacationing home in the bungalow style. Over the years it was inhabited by the “turtle lady” who entertained President Truman and bought by Pannikin coffee to turn into a restaurant. It became a historical landmark and local attraction. 

Seating occurs on the deck, terrace or inside. Within the ancient building is a warm fireplace and table seating. The terrace affords a great view of the oceanfront while the deck has a little more space. Around 40% of all seating has great outdoor viewpoint with adequate star covered nightfall.

The dining experience is strong with friendly staff and a variety of food. The menu is focused more on fish and health due to the demographics of their customers. You may find something exotic like swordfish or something as simple as the epic chowder. Perhaps you want to try the Macadamia Nut Crusted Scallops. Lunch time is busy while late evening is sparser. 

1235 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037

http://www.brocktonvilla.com/about/

Starfish Self Exploding by the Millions on the West Coast

Starfish on the West Coast are exploding and scientists don’t know why. Their arms and limbs are literally crawling away from the body and they are dying. What makes the situation unique is that it is happening on a wide scale. Normally, a starfish can lose a limb and regenerate them. In this case they are simply spilling their guts and dying within 24 hours.

The first cases were found within the sunflower star fish and have now moved onto other species. As this disease or issue grows it impacts more species and damaging the ecosystem. The total range of area includes Alaska all the way down to California. It is a large previously unseen phenomenon. 

It has been named the Star Fish Wasting Syndrome. The species develop spots and then their limbs contort and break off. Biologists have no idea where it is starting or why it is spreading. They encourage people to report sightings allowing for the public to get involved. You can report where you found dead starfish with the particular symptoms at the websites below. 

There are two possibilities here, as well as something in between. The first option is that the disease is something that has morphed into something stronger and overwhelms the starfish’s immune system. The other option is that the problem is based within the environment itself. Changes in terms of pollution, ecosystem adjustments, etc. can adjust the nature of the environment thereby helping some species to survive and killing off others. At present scientists are unsure of what is happening.

Sites to Report Starfish Dying

http://www.sickstarfish.com/static/about

http://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/pacificrockyintertidal/data-products/sea-star-wasting/