California 2000

In this San Diego Union-Tribune column, Richard Louv writesabout the need for a regional "civic entity" to provide leadership forSan Diego as it faces the prospect of accommodating 1 million newresidents.

Excessive levels of chromium 6, a suspected carcinogen, werefound in tap water tests of 100 Los Angeles County facilities, accordingto a state official; however, officials stressed that these werepreliminary results that need follow-up testing.

At an annual housing conference at UC Berkeleyhousing researcher Robert Lang of the Fannie Mae Foundation warned that by enacting smart growth revitalization strategies without ensuringaffordable housing and subsidy programs, gentrification occurs.

A pilot project in Dana Point of Orange County will installfilters on public storm drains in efforts to keep trash and motor oilout of the ocean.

Editorial encourages Congress to pass theConservation and Reinvestment Act of 2000, an annual fund created 35years ago that intended to set aside $900 million every year to expandnational parks, preserve historic sites and rebuild urban parks.