California homeowners warned about brown lawns

Michael Korte and his wife Laura Whitney, pose outside their home lawn in Glendora, Calif., Thursday, July 17, 2014. The Southern California couple who scaled back watering due to drought received a letter from the city of Glendora warning that they could face fines if they don't get their brown lawn green again. They are told if they don't revive the lawn they could be hit with up to $500 in fines and possible criminal action. City Manager Chris Jeffers says the couple has not been cited and called it a friendly letter prompted by a neighbor's complaint. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) Michael Korte and his wife Laura Whitney, pose outside their home lawn in Glendora, Calif., Thursday, July 17, 2014. The Southern California couple who scaled back watering due to drought received a letter from the city of Glendora warning that they could face fines if they don't get their brown lawn green again. They are told if they don't revive the lawn they could be hit with up to $500 in fines and possible criminal action. City Manager Chris Jeffers says the couple has not been cited and called it a friendly letter prompted by a neighbor's complaint. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

By Associated Press July 17, 2014 4 min read

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Some homeowners following the state’s new drought-conscious motto that brown is the new green are being warned by local governments that they could be slapped with fines because of those dried up lawns.

In an attempt to get Californians to take the drought seriously, the state water board voted this week for mandatory outdoor watering restrictions that carry the threat of $500 fines.

“Having a dirty car and a brown lawn should be a badge of honor because it shows you care about your community,” said Felicia Marcus, the board’s chairwoman.

Not all communities see it that way.

Michael Korte and his wife Laura Whitney received a letter from the city of Glendora warning them about their brown lawn on the same day the state approved the fines. The letter said the couple could be hit with up to $500 in fines and possible criminal action if they didn’t restore their landscaping within 60 days.