California Drought SpreadingChris Carrington The agency has five levels of alert with exceptional drought, the current level in California, listed as the most serious. The LA Timesreports: The drought is now in its third year and shows no sign of abating. To add to the problems, Californians facethe states water regulators have established new regulations that allow them to levy fines of up to $500 against those using water wastefully, while Gov. Jerry Brown has tried to drastically lower the states overall consumption of water. At the same time some people are being fined for not keeping their ever-shriveling lawns neat and green. California produces much of the fresh produced consumed in the United States, as well as topping the export market in some soft fruits and almonds. With farmers letting fields lie fallow some produce will be in much shorter supply than usual, and its likely that food prices will start rising before the end of the year. Chris Carrington is a writer, researcher and lecturer with a background in science, technology and environmental studies. Chris is an editor for The Daily Sheeple, where this first appeared. Wake the flock up! 