Negotiations to overhaul California's water system, now in its third year of drought, have been on-going for some time, supported by Governor Schwarzenegger and many lawmakers as well as diverse farming interests. The proposals include the creation of a water bond to aid in repair, upkeep, conservation, and clean-up projects at all major watersheds in the state, as well as extensive revitalization projects at the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, California's largest water source. The United Farm Workers Union, however, has not been in favor of the water bond, and created quite a stir in the state yesterday when the notoriously-poor union announced a $1-million dollar donation from national labor coalition Change to Win, which will be used to fight the creation of statewide water bonds. If lawmakers do get the proposal to pass, voter approval will be required.
See "Farmworkers union has $1-million war chest to fight water bonds", Shane Goldmacher, Los Angeles Times, September 1, 2009