Via NASA's Terra satellite, which uses a MODIS Spectraradiometer to measure plant growth.
In the Central Valley, the drought is worst in the Westlands water district. Many in the area blame Congress for lack of water, and for the 70,000-80,000 farmworkers reported to be out of work.
Interestingly, NASA talks about this in a note that goes with the picture:
The Westlands, reports National Public Radio, is the United State’s
biggest irrigated region. Water pumped into the region from the Delta
via the San Luis Reservoir supports farms where much of the nation’s
fruit, nuts, and produce are grown. It was the last water district to
join the federal irrigation agreement, and therefore it is the first to
face restrictions during water shortages. Meanwhile, the Fresno
District, immediately east of Westlands, had far fewer bare or failing
fields.
According to the LA Times, Westlands just got $9.5 million in Federal stimulus money, a down payment on $260 million pledged by Dept of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
Squeaky wheel gets the grease?
Kit Stolz 