International

California drought water wasters attend Water School for hosing sidewalks, filling Jacuzzis

Martha Mendoza, The Associated Press , 09 Aug, 2014 08:47 AM

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Dozens of residents who violated their strict rations of water in the drought-stricken California beach town of Santa Cruz are taking a seat at Water School.

Some of the residents overindulged their zucchini patch. Others didn't bother with that dripping kitchen sink. They are now hoping that by attending Water School, they will be able to get distressing penalties waived.

At a recent Water School, Nik Martinelli, a Santa Cruz water-conservation specialist, launched a lesson warning the crowd that they all went over their allotment and have been penalized.

Two hours later, everyone was ready to ace their Water School quiz, identifying the community's sparse water sources and listing ways to conserve water.

So far more than $202,000 in fines have been suspended for Water School graduates.

Prev Next

MORE International ARTICLES

Indian-origin leader quits British party alleging racism

An Indian-origin member has quit a political party in Britain, branding it "racist" and "terrifying".

Indian-origin leader quits British party alleging racism

Russia to hit back at Western sanctions: Minister

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday Moscow may retaliate against Western sanctions if those countries continue confrontation, indicating possible blow to such payment systems as Visa and MasterCard.

Russia to hit back at Western sanctions: Minister

MERS virus exposure: US Hospital workers fall ill

Two workers at a Florida hospital, who came into contact with a US imported case of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, have fallen ill and one of them has been hospitalised, a hospital spokesperson said

MERS virus exposure: US Hospital workers fall ill

Tibet Plateau older than the Himalayas?

Contrary to popular belief, the Tibetan Plateau, or the roof of the world, could be there even before the Himalayas, a study of fossils and oxygen isotopes of rocks in the southern parts of Tibet has said.

Tibet Plateau older than the Himalayas?

Friends, kin recognise some kidnapped girls in video

Relatives and friends of some of the abducted Nigerian schoolgirls have identified them from a video released by Boko Haram militants, BBC reported Tuesday.

Friends, kin recognise some kidnapped girls in video

Polio virus found in Pakistani sewage samples

Samples taken from sewage from different parts of Karachi and Lahore, the country’s most populated cities, have tested positive for the polio virus, officials said Tuesday.