Last year, June 2012, the weather news was full of reports anticipating an El Nino (wet) winter. "Southern California to be Hit Hard by Developing El Nino Pattern" read the headline. People bought umbrellas and fixed their roofs.

But au contraire, mon frere, we've had much less than expected. After a couple of good soakers, there has been nothing but clouds and cool weather, followed by hot spells which dried everything up, then finally spring (now) with overcast mornings and pleasant afternoons. For the next couple of days, anyway.

So we're facing a drought, once again, when we thought maybe we'd have a normal year, thus proving (to me, at least) that Los Angeles is indeed morphing from Mediterranean SubTropical climate into desert. You'd never know it to look at all the green lawns and blue backyard pools, because we're supported by out of state water (Owens River, etc.), but as we keep growing, I predict fresh water supply will become critical.

I lift my glass to you. L'chaim!