KJZZ Here and Now Weblog

Here and Now - State Land, Leopold Legacy

Here and Now - Bashas' Bankruptcy, Robert Glennon and Water Use

I first encountered U of A law professor Robert Glennon a decade ago. For some reason he chose to become an expert in water use law, perhaps one of the most difficult areas of legal practice that I have encountered in my 20 years in journalism. It doesn't help that water law in Arizona doesn't make much sense, but I digress.

Yet, becoming a wonk on the minutia of water rights wasn't enough for Glennon. Nope. In his latest book Unquechable: America's Water Crisis and What To Do About It, Glennon takes readers on a tour of all the silly, stupid ways we use water in America, including many practices that will leave you saying "Wow! I didn't know that."

I won't ruin the book for you, or his interview on Here and Now by revealing some of the more interesting factoids here, but let's just say this should be required reading for EVERYONE in Arizona, and the U.S.--or, at least suggested reading.

If you have a comment or question for Mr. Glennon, fire away. Also, if you've got any good one-line water jokes, you can pass those along too--Glennon will be on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart Thursday night. Although I'm sure once the Comedy Central audience hears about some of the various ways we waste water, they won't be laughing.

Here and Now - Earthday: Environmental Issues and Sustainability

Here and Now host Steve Goldstein will talk to new Arizona Department of Environmental Quality director Ben Grumbles about the major environmental issues his office faces. Steve will also get the perspective of an an environmentalist about air, water, wildlife, and other environmental concerns.

Sustainability experts Greg Peterson and Maura Yates will be available to talk about what individuals and companies can do to be responsible concerning the environment.

Your thoughts, ideas, comments, and questions are welcome.

Drought / Disappearing Desert

Droughts are nothing new to the desert southwest, but the increasing impact of human development is affecting the ability of ecosystems to adequately respond. Here and Now delves into the latest data to find out how bad the current drought is and what options are available to those areas affected the worst.

Janine Schipper is an NAU associate professor who has studied he impact of growth in the Phoenix area. Her new book Disappearing Desert: The Growth of Phoenix and the Culture of Sprawl explores the ramifications of rapid growth with a focus on sustainable development in the Cave Creek area; the ecological impact caused by master-planned communities, and ecological balance sought on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Reservation.

Your thoughts and concerns about drought and ecological harm caused by humans is welcome below.

Here and Now - Monsoon & Wildfires

Last summer we suffered from a record number of days above 110 degrees. Yikes! What does this summer hold for us? We'll talk to Tony Haffer from the National Weather Service about what kind of summer we'll likely experience. Oh, that little moisture system we get on an annual basis now has an official start date. The Monsoon officially begins June 15, despite storms historically starting in July.

A wet winter brought lots of grass and brush, but now much of it is brown, creating fire hazards around the state. State forester Kirk Rowdabaugh discusses the summer wildfire season, which has been mild so far, but could explode at any time.

Here and Now - Sustainability

Is it just me or is the concept of "sustainability" the new buzzword? And it seems like everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. What can individuals due to help limit their impact on our planet? What about businesses? And do we force conservation, encourage it, or reward it? Your thoughts are welcome below! (If your post doesn't appear right away, don't worry, I have to moderate the site to prevent spammers from filling this page with all sorts of junk)

Here and Now: Colorado Water Agreement

Where do you start? Seven states that share one thing in common--a river runs through-thereby giving them the so called 'life blood' of the arid desert southwest. But how do you divide it up so everybody is happy and those in most need have their concerns addressed. That dilemma set the stage for the last round of negotiations. We'll do our best to talk about what all this means to regular people like you and me. Have a comment or question? Starting writing!

Here and Now: Clean Air

People once came to the valley so they could breathe easier. Now, thousands suffer from asthma triggered in part by the increasing amount of air pollution in the valley. In 2006, the valley violated clean air standards more than two dozen times. 2007 wasn't as bad, but we're still under the gun to clean up our air. In a plan just submitted to the EPA, local governments agreed to take more preventative steps while the county will increase enforcement of air quality violations. The new plan also calls for industry and individuals to do their part. What do you think? Jot down your comment or question now.

Here and Now: Conserving H20

You've heard the clichés about water being important living in the desert. You know, the 'life blood,' all that stuff. Well, guess what? We won't be getting much more than the allotment we have now. Other states will only be demanding more of the water we use. Our 13-year drought hasn't helped. And oh yeah, our population is going to double in 25 years or so. Worried about water now? Nope, because we have plenty. Or do we? Here and Now looks at what water we have and how we use it. One guest booked so far practices what he preaches. Greg Patterson runs the Urban farm and teaches permaculture, including the installation of systems to conserve water at home and work.

Historian and author Jack August is also a guest on Here and Now. He'll discuss his new book on Mark Wilmer. Heard of the law firm Snell and Wilmer? Snell was known as one of the big three movers and shakers that helped make the valley what it is. Mark Wilmer wasn't as public a figure, but August contends he did more for Arizona than perhaps any other person in it's history. What did he do? Only push the largest case ever before the U.S. Supreme Court in which tiny Arizona defeated a team of well financed attorneys from a much more populated California. In the process, Wilmer secured water rights essential to the state's well being. We'll let August tell you more.

Have a question or comment for the show? Go ahead and post it below.

Here and Now: Summer Weather

Arizona's weather is unlike almost any other state. One day it can be scorching hot and dry and the next day it will be pouring rain creating dangerous flash floods. Since everybody talks about the weather, here's your chance to tell us your story, offer advice, or ask a question about why Arizona has such extreme weather.

We're also going to talk about the role of TV news helicopters following the crash of two valley helicopters last week. That discussion will begin at 11:41 am.

Thanks for listening to Here and Now.

Here and Now: Drought

Arizona will soon enter it's 13th year of drought. Why are Arizona's mountains, plateaus, and deserts receiving less snowfall and rain? How are land management policies in Arizona contributing to the problem? And, with abundant water available in the Phoenix area, how do you convince people of the need to conserve water? Here and Now explores the reasons behind our drought, its current and potential impacts, and what can be done to mitigate the damage. Have a question about the drought, post your question below, or call 480.774.8200 Wednesday, May 9 between 11am and noon.

Check out a video of Thomas Pierce's drought story and learn more about Arizon'a drought with Here and Now Fast Facts by clicking here.

Here and Now - Air Quality

Pollution from vehicles is responsible for a high percentage of the air quality challenges Maricopa County is facing. We'll talk about ways to reduce air pollution around the valley... plus Governor Napolitano just signed an agreement with four other western states to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. We'll find out what that means to Arizona... That's this Wednesday on Here and Now, from 11:00 until noon.

To ask a question during the show, call 480-774-8200 or you can post a question ahead of time by clicking on the "comments" link below.

Here and Now: Big Ideas in Arizona Public Policy

KJZZ's Steve Goldstein and a panel of guests looks at the biggest public policy ideas to have come from the Grand Canyon State. We'll review the soon to be released Morrison Institute report Policies from A to Z for a Livable and competitive state State. The report looks at major achievements in such areas as politics, water, health care, and education.

We also want to hear from you. What ideas do you have for making Arizona a better place to live.

To call-in during the show, phone (480) 774-8200.

To post a question ahead of time, click on the "comments" link below.

Forest Health

Here and Now: August 25, 2004
In this hour of Here and Now, we talked with Sandy Bahr of the Sierra Club, and Martos Hoffman former director of the Southwest Forest Alliance about Arizona's overgrown forests and possible solutions. The Bush administration wants to let logging companies take bigger trees. But others say it's the smaller trees that are fueling wildfires.
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Solar Power

Here and Now: July 21, 2004
The sun shines on the Arizona deserts more than 300 days a year, making conditions ideal for the development of solar energy. So why aren't we doing more to exploit that resource? In this half hour of Here and Now, we talk with Chuck Skidmore, Arizona Solar Energy Association Board Chair and City of Scottsdale Energy Management Engineer, about the future of solar power in Arizona.
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Palo Verde Power Plant

 Listen to the previously aired show

The Nation's largest nuclear power plant is situated just west of Phoenix. Palo Verde generates and supplies electricity to millions of people in nine states.We'll talk about the role Palo Verde plays in the western power grid. We'll delve into safety and security issues.