Shasta Lake down to 45 percent of capacity

In the photos, taken last week, people launch their boats from the exposed bed of Shasta Lake on a warm afternoon. As I reported in my story on California's persistent drought, the lake is down to 45 percent of capacity, according to the California Department of Water Resources. The lake is holding 70 percent of its normal amount of water for this time of year.

I'm headed to Sacramento for the next couple of days to meet with California Cattlemen's Association folks and cover a state hearing regarding the ongoing plight of dairymen seeking a better price for their milk used for making cheese. I'll update the Journal as time and circumstances warrant.