Lost in The Salton Sea

Fish, in the Salton Sea, generally drown when oxygen levels in the water (usually after an algae bloom) drop below a survivability threshold. Fish in the Salton Sea do not usually die of botulism.
Further, the excellent but bleak images would provide a more honest photo essay if they were balanced by the inclusion of images of new homes and businesses surrounding the lake. A single slice of reality is never accurate or fair.

Dr J is absolutely correct! The fish die because of a natural algae bloom NOT FROM BOTULISM OR CONTAMINAION!!
The State of California has to realize that this is a viable point of population, if they would only revive the Sea. A major flyway for the birds, a viable place for recreation, a growing community of new commerce.
Arco is currently building what is professed to be the largest travel center in Southern California, to be completed before the end of 2008.
New businesses are moving in all of the time. New residents were buying homes until the economy took a nose-dive.
The local school has tripled in population in the last two years.
What does it take for the State to recognize a growing, affordable place for it's residents to reside?
The Salton Sea was once the focus of water speed records. It was the place the 'Rat Pack' went to play golf.
Because it is so far removed from the infamous Palm Springs (some 50 miles) it just didn't fit into the popular places to go.
However, I don't know of any other place in California where you can look up at the sky at night and actually see the stars; watch a sunset that is indescrible; or let your kids go for a walk and not worry about them being harassaed by some jackass driving down the street.
The State needs to recognize this area and the Salton Sea as a place where families can still live in peace whithin the state of California!!!
Get a grip and SAVE THE SALTON SEA!!!!!!!!! It's worth the money spent -- ten fold.

I have lived here twenty years. The school has tripled in population and is still a low performer. Over-crowded classes,spanish being spoken instead of english (even in the office), I took my son out of the school because he was getting harassed on the bus, and on campus-- his lunch box stolen at least three times in as many months. Teachers have to spend too much time worrying about testing and dealing with the kids that are behind...
I was robbed for the first time last month to the tune of $1,000. Who the hell takes a kid's bike? Graffiti is moving in too. Don't forget all the illegal dumping in the washes, that's pretty too.
The 'new' houses are sitting unsold and many have poor construction.
If that's the largest AM/PM, they must be counting the parking lot.
Yes, you can still see some stars, but if we don't quit putting in ugly street lights and lighting up schools all night, it won't be that way for much longer.
If only the sun would set on Mr. Cannell and his cronies....

Do you realize you are blaming the incoming population for your woes? Where people go thus follows crime, prejiduce, and graffitti. The school curriculim is that of the state of California; (not West Shores alone).
In fact, the news has been full of the 'no child left behind' controversie of late.
You are right that Spanish is a predominent language in this area, but I also know many, many Hispanic people who make every effort to learn the language of this country they live in.
As for your attack on Mr. Cannell -- please explain how a special district (run by a board of directors - elected by the residents) in an unincorporated area of the county can make any major decisions with regard to the school system, the police protection, fire protection, or the trash that people feel free to spew on the desert.
If you have lived here for twenty years there must be something about the area and the living conditions that appeals to you.
As for your child having things stolen, WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD!
It's not the Hispanics -- it's the real world of population!