The drought is more complex than green lawns

I’m writing to respond to Brittany App’s commentary “Where there once was water” (April 23).

LAWN BOMB: Part-time Cambria resident Retagene Hanslik said Brittany App’s commentary that ran on April 23 inspired this cartoon. App’s piece, “Where there once was water,” started with the line: “I know this may sound strange, but to be perfectly honest, I think your lawn is rude. It’s screaming at me from the top of its thirsty little lungs: ‘California is running out of water … ’” Credit: CARTOON BY RETAGENE HANSLIK

Not everyone has the time and means to travel and snap pictures for relaxation, and there’s already an epidemic of kids sprouting apparatus from their heads instead of playing on lawns.

Gardens require more water, maintenance, and precious time than drought-resistant landscaping, which most people already have in LA.

California residents should be concerned about losing agriculture as our No. 1 resource, but their water waste should be addressed before we mere 10 percent users assume all burden for them.

I take (water) baths instead of taking drugs, which are liver killers. If I want to kill my liver, I’ll drink wine. Wineries use water but keep California’s economy afloat. Real people own wineries and provide jobs.

Your heart may be in the right place, but the situation is much more complex than “just drop everything and be like me” can fix.

This article appears in May 14-21, 2015.