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California is entering their fourth year of a drought that has cost the state billions in agriculture revenue and thousands of jobs. On April 1, California Governor Jerry Brown, speaking from a dry patch of dead grass, issued an executive order to implement mandatory water restrictions across the state. Communities are now required to reduce water usage by 25 percent, although some cities and towns will have to cut current usage more than others. How has the drought affected California tribes? Are tribes required to enforce the mandatory reduction in water use? What steps can tribes take, both in California and other western states, to adjust to drought conditions?
Guests:
Rod Mendes (Karuk) – Director of the Office of Emergency Services for the Hoopa Valley Tribe
Heather Hostler (Hoopa) – Chief Deputy, Tribal Advisor, Office of Governor Brown
Chairman Mickey Gemmill (Madesi band of the Pit River Tribe) – Chairman of the Pit River Tribe
Break Music: Henry Kapono (artist) Heeia (song) The Wild Hawiian