David Carle Bücher

The book explores how imported water has significantly reshaped California's environment and societal structure, influencing land ownership and real estate development. Through first-person narratives and historical documentation, it highlights the transformative impact of redirecting water from various sources, as articulated by engineer William Mulholland. The author argues for a reevaluation of water management practices in light of climate change, suggesting that embracing limited water supplies could restore California's quality of life and environment.

The transformation of California's environment and society is intricately linked to its imported water sources, including the Eastern Sierra and the Colorado River. Over the past century, these water supplies have reshaped land ownership and urban development, as highlighted by engineer William Mulholland's assertion that water attracts people. Through first-person narratives from Californians, the book explores the profound changes brought about by this water-driven growth and suggests that the new millennium may be an opportunity to reevaluate the California dream.

"What is fire? How are wildfires ignited? How do California's weather and topography influence fire? How did the California Indians use fire? David Carle focuses on this fundamental element of the natural world, giving a fascinating and concise view of this complex topic. This clearly written, dramatically illustrated book will help Californians, including the millions who live near naturally flammable wildlands, better understand their own place in the state's landscape. Carle covers the basics of fire ecology; looks at the effects of fire on wildlife, soil, water, and air; discusses fire-fighting organizations and land management agencies; explains current policies, and explores many other topics, including the extreme and deadly fire events of 2020 and evidence that climate change is changing the wildfire story in California"--