Despite the relatively normal fall rainfall, the National Weather Service’s latest long-range forecast is pessimistic regarding a wet winter and the end of the five-year drought, which is expected to enter its sixth year next spring.  On Dec. 8, NWS issued its winter forecast that said, “Given the current conditions and the model forecasts, the…

Fern Valley Water District directors approved a 2014-15 budget at last week’s meeting and while next year’s budget is less than this year, the district wants to consider options for increasing its future revenues. Next fiscal year, which begins July 1, expenses are projected to be about $835,000, significantly less than the actual expenses for…