As San Diego progresses deeper into a looming water crisis, many environmentalists are calling on the city to enforce mandatory water restrictions. But the city is putting its efforts on urging residents to voluntarily conserve - with hopes of saving 20 gallons a day per person, and closing the gap between supply and demand.

Is volunteer conservation enough, or will it take mandatory restrictions to get residents to change their habits?

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Water that was once flushed down the toilet may soon be flowing from your kitchen sink. That's one idea that San Diego water officials are suggesting as a solution to the region's water woes. Although officials insist the program is safe, many opponents have voiced their concerns over health and safety issues.

The controversial proposal is also stirring debate at San Diego City Hall. Mayor Sanders voiced opposition to using treated sewage because of the time-frame and cost of the plan, while City Attorney Mike Aguirre said that San Diego is facing a water crisis, and there's simply no other option.

As our water supply continues to face uncertainty, are you willing to drink recycled waste water?

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Some scientists have been sounding the global warming alarm bells for more than a decade, but lawmakers spent those years arguing over whether the grim forecasts were true. Now, in 2007, global warming is in the news every day and infiltrating pop culture. Americans are seeing images of polar bears clinging to their melting ice floes. Al Gore's documentary about global warming won an Oscar. Presidential candidates know it's on the minds of voters, and have vowed to make it a top priority in their campaigns. Governments at all levels - from the U.N. down to local cities - are racing to find ways to reduce emissions.

What do you think? Has the public consciousness of global warming reached a tipping point? Will the combination of individual, corporate and governmental actions lead to real, tangible change? What needs to happen?

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(Updated 3-8-07)The American obsession with super-size houses to go along with their super-size TVs, SUVs and meals, has some communities across the country banging down the doors of their local city council chambers. People are buying existing homes in older or historic neighborhoods, tearing them down and replacing them with McMansions or mega-houses, that consume entire lots, and often overshadow their neighbors. Opponents feel McMansions create an architectural eyesore that destroys the character of their neighborhoods. In addition, they argue bigger houses use more energy and resources. Homeowners say they have a right to use their property as they see fit, and believe their large homes brighten neighborhoods and add value to communities.

Solana Beach residents are currently grappling with this issue, and voted on an ordinance Tuesday to put a limit on house sizes in certain areas. The vote is too close to call -- leading by about a dozen votes -- and will be officially determined once all absentee ballots are counted. The unofficial final results show Proposition A or the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance, passed by 67 votes

What do you think? In this issue of community preservation vs. property rights, how much power should a city have over a person's most valuable asset?

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A controversial battle of conservation versus recreation is heating up in San Diego County's backcountry. The U.S. Forest Service wants to close three popular rock climbing and hiking areas in Cleveland National Forest during the nesting season for golden eagles and falcons, from December through May. Environmentalists' agree with the proposal, and want to protect these dwindling species' cliff-side nests. Climbers and hikers say the restrictions go too far.

What do you think? Should recreational forest access be limited to protect nature?

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The vast majority of scientific studies on global warming conclude that the average global temperature is rising. Questions remain as to how fast it will adversely affect the climate and what should be done about it. In the documentary film An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore suggests several measures for reducing green house gases that heat the earth.

What do you think? Have you made any lifestyle changes in response to global warming?

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