Read Our Editor’s Note On The February 2023 H2OC Issue

Our travel destination this month is Beaver Creek, Colorado, a fabulous mountain escape in any season. A Denver native, I spent plenty of time in the mountains of Colorado growing up. Our family went on hiking daytrips, and I learned to ski at age 10, taking the train from Union Station to Winter Park every Saturday as part of a ski school. When it was time for college, though, I was eager for something different. I headed west and stayed here.  

Colorado has lovely aspects—fantastic parks and the mountains—but as I write this, the actual temperature in Denver is 15 degrees BELOW zero. I certainly don’t miss that! Nothing beats the delightful climate of Southern California and, of course, the ocean. After living and/or working in Orange County for more than two decades, I’ve discovered there’s much more to love here. The spirit of innovation and adventure, the sense of community and generosity, and the brainstorming that has always been part of the culture here continue to amaze me. Case in point: The Groundwater Replenishment System—which was conceived in the mid-1990s and completes its final expansion this winter—will provide water for 1 million O.C. residents. Folks ahead of their time saw a need, despite naysayers and enormous risk, and now we’re reaping the benefits. You’ll learn about this and many other water companies and systems that serve our area in this month’s cover story. You’ll also find tips about planting a water-friendly garden and smarter ways to use water at home.

Enjoy this time of year, when we can cherish our temperate weather, get a jump on spring planting, and savor the rainstorms every time they arrive, as February is usually the wettest month of the year in O.C.