Polo Grounds must minimize future water use; keep water-intensive facilities a no-go

I read, with interest, Thursday’s Desert Sun story by Janet Wilson regarding water use by the Polo Grounds in Indio and local water use in general. The lack of well-founded and enforced water use policy, both statewide and local, has created the worst of consequences. We have a developing water crisis with little or no significant response.

Arguments can be made about continuing water use in support of existing businesses and facilities such as the Polo Grounds, golf courses, parks, nurseries, farms, etc. It should be required that such water-intensive facilities minimize their future water use. Individual homeowners must contribute by reducing their use of water.

However, there is just no justification to support the creation of surf parks and other water-intensive facilities such as Disney’s huge Cotino water lagoon in our desert environment. Wilson’s article quotes that “other uses” for water, such as polo fields, ponds, etc. used just 3% of desert water in 2019. That percentage is expected to increase to 14% by 2045 if frivolous water use is tolerated.

Kudos to the La Quinta City Council for denying permitting for the Coral Mountain Resort project. One step in the right direction.

The Colorado River is overused to breaking. Precipitation in the Southwest is less common. We citizens must demand more of our leaders in recognizing and addressing this existential crisis.

John Emmel, Palm Desert

Calvert has devoted his life to public service in Riverside County

Vote centers throughout our valley opened last Saturday, with more opening today. It is easy and convenient to vote in person at any center in Riverside County.

The newly drawn districts placed most of our Coachella Valley in Congressman Ken Calvert’s 41st District. We are fortunate to be represented by an experienced leader in Congress.

Ken is the most senior member of Congress from California and is a ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee. Ken is also on the important energy and water subcommittees. I support him because he is an experienced leader who works hard for his constituents.

Please don’t listen to the lies being told in TV ads; Ken has devoted his life to public service in Riverside County. His opponent has only lived here for a few months. Vote for experience, integrity, and common sense; vote Ken Calvert for Congress.

Ellen Way, La Quinta

Re-Elect Aurora Wilson for trustee, Fourth District COD

I have known Aurora Wilson both professionally and personally for over 20 years. She is to be admired for her integrity and dedication to all and any responsibilities she undertakes. I believe any decisions made by Aurora as a Trustee of COD have been to the betterment of the citizens of the Coachella Valley. For these reasons I encourage your vote for Aurora as Trustee for the 4th District.

Eileen Packer, Palm Desert

Is Ken Calvert the messenger we want to send to D.C.?

I was sickened, but not surprised, when I learned of the attack on Nancy Pelosi’s 82-year-old husband, Paul, at his home in San Francisco. The heated political rhetoric espoused by MAGA Republicans has produced this result.

One has just to watch one of Ken Calvert’s reelection campaign TV ads, calling out Nancy Pelosi, to know these extreme tactics foster the environment that normalizes an attack on a defenseless grandfather.

I am calling on all fair-minded citizens in our newly formed 41st Congressional District to speak out and tell the country these values do not define, nor represent us. Is Ken Calvert the messenger we want to send to Washington, D.C.? I hope enough of us will say no and make our children proud to live in a community that rejects hate-filled speech and actions.

Dale Maguire, Palm Springs

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Why Polo Grounds and Coachella valley must minimize future water use