A resort-style community in Stanislaus County is facing a severe water crisis. Diablo Grande’s water district is proposing a major rate hike – from $145 to $569 a month – to avoid shutoff. If residents don’t approve the increase, their water could be cut off by June 30. Many are retirees on fixed incomes who say they can’t afford the hike and feel abandoned by officials. For now, the water is still flowing – but no one knows for how long.
Luke Cleary 