Conservative talk show host Sean Hannity will travel to the Valley to help bring national attention to the on-going water crisis.
Water activists say after nearly a dozen marches and protests, it’s time to try something different, so on Thursday, Hannity will broadcast his national show from a dry, dirt field west of the Fresno/Kings County line.
Farmers say they just want the pumps to stay on during the growing season, which means another review of the environmental studies at the center of this debate. To get it, they're counting on public pressure from across the country.
Valley farmer Shawn Coburn said, “I don't think the public actually knows what's going on in California.” He says the problem is only going to worse. “If you want to see the future of the east side in 10 or 15 years, maybe sooner, just look at the west side -- because that's what's going to happen over there,” said Coburn.
The California Water Alliance met with Sean Hannity's producers to work out the logistics. They and others, like KMJ radio host Ray Appleton, say it’s time the nation realizes the impact of the Valley's water crisis. Appleton said, “It's hard to invoke passion where there is none, so we have to get them to believe that this is a very, very real problem and it's a real problem that will absolutely strike down California.”
Comedian and water activist Paul Rodriguez said, “We believe if we can get enough people interested, enough people focused to be our advocates and just to annoy or bug their legislators, something will happen.”
Just last week, state lawmakers adjourned without taking any action on the water issue so many believe any long term solutions will have to come from Congress.
If you plan on attending the event, it will begin at 6:00 PM but you're advised to arrive at least an hour early.
The field is off Highway 198, about 9 miles west of Lemoore Naval Air Station.
