California Adopts Israeli Tactics To Fight Drought

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
To help it cope with a historic drought, California is turning to Israeli desalination technology to help boost the water supply. What other Israeli strategies are Californians adopting to fight the drought?
First the municipal government of San Luis Obispo replaced the town’s customary greeting of “Have a nice day!” with “What’s it to you, punk?”
Second, California politicians have adopted a series of distinctive diminutives as recognizable nicknames.

Image by Nikki Casey
Third, Jerry Brown has funded settlements in Occupied Baja California through a series of grants and tax exemptions. Many settlers on the West Bank of the Gulf of California believe that they are fulfilling an ancient scriptural promise by being there. But most just like the view.
Computerized falafel stands are the new hot start-up in San Francisco.

Image by Nikki Casey
In an attempt to maintain glamor with a minimum of moisture, Los Angeles has imported drought-resistant Israeli supermodels.
Finally, if all else fails Californians can, like Israelis, just fly to join their families in Florida.

Image by Nikki Casey
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
