California’s Newsom Declares Drought Emergency in 2 Counties

Dry cracked earth along the banks of Phoenix Lake in Ross, Calif., on April 21, 2021. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Mendocino and Sonoma counties on April 21 because of drought conditions.

The declaration marks the second year of drought conditions in the Golden State. Newsom’s emergency order directs state agencies to inform Californians about the conditions and encourage water conservation.