The Agricultural Core (Chapter 11)

Here is a picture of Owens River in California. (This image is not mine, it is from http://www.noehill.com/inyo/default.aspx?sequence=city)

The chapter talks about the agricultural core in the United States. One of the sections they focused on is the waterways which are very crucial to the development and progress of agriculture anywhere. Pretty much after the gold fever in California, the state started to focus on the agriculture and became very successful. By 1940, Los Angeles became number one in agricultural county in the country. This agricultural success is due to the importation of water to the land. Los Angeles was pretty much a desert back then, but with the help of water we are able to make this dry land very fertile and fruitful. Sadly, our water resources do last. During 1980 LADWP water source was mostly coming from Owens and Mono (80%). Now, only about less than 25% of our water comes from the Owens and Mono. We took too much water from Owens Lake that it actually dried up which causes many environmental and health problems in California and as well as Nevada. The lake dried up and the traditional winds carries off the alkaline dust to the air. Toxic to our lungs. DWP was taken to court and forced them to restore the lake and its ecosystem, also to reduce the dust. Many Californians out here don't know how to conserve water. Water is the most valuable commodity especially in places like California and other drier states. We have to be aware that we are taking our water in Los Angeles from a far natural source. The problem in Owens Lake shows that water is not at all unlimited and should be respected.


Here is a video showing the alkali dust near Owens...scary actually!

The Southern Coastlands: On The Subtropical Margin (Chapter 10)

Farming in Los Angeles, California in general. (This image is not mine, it is from http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/pesticides-parkinsons-disease-well-water-contamination.html)

There are plenty of produce markets around my neighborhood here in Los Angeles. In Chapter 10 of thebook the authors discussed the agriculture prevalent in the Southern Coastlands. They focused on Florida's important produce such as citrus fruits like orange. It is mentioned that only our state of "California exceeds Florida in the production of lemons and navel oranges." (p.192) Florida's citrus economy was first introduced by the Spanish during the 1500s. Like Florida, California also shared a European Spanish influence in its history. According to The Arboretum - Los Angeles County Aretum & Botanic Garden, "the Spanish missionaries brought with them many fruits and vegetables from Europe to (Southern) California and planted several orchards." The Spanish brought apples, oranges, lemons and others. Initially, when the Spanish came to California, they weren't agriculturally skilled. It took them a couple of years to get the handle of it, of course with the slavery of Native Americans. When the Spanish left California, the Mexicans took over and introduced the rancho system. The system really made great used of the fertile land in California.

Here are some of California's seasonal fruits and vegetables (according to about.com) : Apples, Apricots, Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocados, Basil, Beets, Belgian Endive, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Broccoli, Broccoli raab, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cantaloupes, Pumpkins, etc. Here is the link so you can check out the whole list : http://localfoods.about.com/od/searchbyregion/a/CAFruitsVeggies.htm

This is a picture of the Grand Central Public Market in Downtown Los Angeles.  I have been here a couple of times when I was in jury duty before this semester started.  They sell many things here other than fresh produce. The food they have in there are pretty good and inexpensive! (This image is not mine, it is from http://zanzinger.photoshelter.com/image/I0000fyN.FhkF8.k)

Here is a video showing Grand Central Public Market.