Protection for Delta Smelt Challenged in Federal Court
The Delta Stewardship council has called into question longterm viability of some fish species. Recent studies have shown that smelt and certain runs of salmon may not be viable in the long term. The itty bitty smelt is not a commercial catch, but it is considered a bellweather species indicating the general health of the state's most important water system, and it's played a key role in determining how much water is disbursed to California cities and farms. As Peter Jon Shuler reports, three San Joaquin Valley farmers are challenging the federal government's right to use the Endangered Species Act on the smelt's behalf.
Just Don't Call it a Crash Tax
To make up for shrinking budgets, a growing number of California municipalities are asking drivers involved in accidents to foot the bill for the emergency response.