Does Center Hold Water?

First it was called the Drought Information Center. Then, when California’s five-year dry spell ended in 1993, it became the Water Conservation Center.

By any name, Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Northridge) announced Wednesday that it merits his first “Stupid Government Trick Award.”

As more rain soaked Ventura County, McClintock said he expects the center will “continue on until the next biblical flood.”

State officials were quick to defend the center in Sacramento, saying it serves an important role in water conservation--come rain or shine.

“This is an arid state,” said spokeswoman Anita Fante. “There is only so much water to go around.”