Global water crisis talk tonight

Water issues are constantly in the local news these days, what with our drought and the various measures cities are taking (or not taking, in Glendale's case) to combat them. And while we may be faring worse than the Great Lakes States, SoCal's hardly alone in facing water concerns. In fact, water service issues, water shortages, and water pollution are creating a global crisis that, according to scientist and environmentalist David Suzuki, is the first face of climate change.

Tonight, you can get a macro-perspective on these water issues at an event with Maude Barlow, board president of Food and Water Watch, who'll be joined by members of local groups addressing water issues:

When: Tonight, Feb. 14, 2008, from 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Where: Santa Monica Public Library -- Ocean Park Branch. 2601 Main St., Santa Monica
Cost: Free!

Barlow recently published a new book titled "Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water," which covers both the vast water problems facing the world today -- as well as how to care for our water future.  Barlow will be joined by Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch; Conner Everts, executive Director of Desal Response Group; Dorothy Green, founder of Heal the Bay; and Tim Brick, chairman of the board of the Metropolitan Water District.

Be there to find out more about both global and local water issues facing us, and to discuss what we can do to address them in the years to come.