Mason Gaffney wrote:  
> Indeed it does bear on the previous discussion, thank you. California   
> solved a small part of its parallel problem by enabling and promoting   
> "Irrigation Districts", mostly on the east side of the San Joaquin   
> Valley, from about 1887-1930.  
  
  
Much of the difference between the east side and the west side has to do   
with the state water program that gives subsidized water to the great   
landholders.  The state project was used to subvert the Reclamation Act   
of 1904 (the date might be wrong), which placed a 160 acre limitation   
for federal water.  
  
Paul Taylor fought a valiant effort to keep the act from repeal.  For a   
fascinating, easy to read story of California Water look at the book,   
King of California.  
  
  
Michael Perelman