Listen Live
Donate
 on air
Schedule

KCRW

Read & Explore

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Food
  • Culture
  • Events

Listen

  • Live Radio
  • Music
  • Podcasts
  • Full Schedule

Information

  • About
  • Careers
  • Help / FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Contact

Support

  • Become a Member
  • Become a VIP
  • Ways to Give
  • Shop
  • Member Perks

Become a Member

Donate to KCRW to support this cultural hub for music discovery, in-depth journalism, community storytelling, and free events. You'll become a KCRW Member and get a year of exclusive benefits.

DonateGive Monthly

Copyright 2026 KCRW. All rights reserved.

Report a Bug|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service|
Cookie Policy
|FCC Public Files

Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

Is it Time for Local Golf Courses to Just Dry Up?

With drought into its third year, California farmers are pulling up orchards and fields are lying fallow. But, when President Obama came West to talk about water, he played golf in the desert of Coachella Valley—home to 124 well-watered courses. Does a major Southland recreational pastime have a future?

    • Share
    By Warren Olney • Jul 11, 2014 • 24m Listen

    With drought into its third year, California farmers are pulling up orchards and fields are lying fallow. Bu, when President Obama came West to talk about water, he played golf in the desert of Coachella Valley—home to 124 well-watered courses. One environmentalist says some of LA’s municipal courses could qualify as wetlands, and he knows—because he plays. Does a major Southland recreational pastime have a future?

    Also, can South Pasadena’s Rialto Theater—a relic of Vaudeville—be saved?

    Banner Image: Golfing at Griffith Park, Los Angeles; Credit: Billy Hathorn

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

      News
    Back to Which Way, L.A.?