Governor calls special legislative session on water

Although state lawmakers didn't reach agreement on a deal to fix California's broken water system by the Oct. 11 deadline imposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, he said in the final minutes before midnight Sunday that he'd found enough progress in efforts to solve the state's crippling water supply problems to call a special session of the Legislature. Members have been called back to Sacramento and they're preparing to discuss a package of bills. The bill package includes a policy bill—a five-part bill sequence that was rolled into a single omnibus bill—and a bond measure that would require a two-thirds majority vote for passage. Farm advocates characterize the package as "inadequate," but say they will continue working to encourage passage of comprehensive water-system improvements...read more