"Drought Disaster in East Porterville Turns To Budding Health Crisis"

"East Porterville [California] saw some of the first dry wells last year. Local doctors say more people have difficulty breathing. No running water, dirtier air amplify pre-existing health issues."

"EAST PORTERVILLE -- Sweating and wincing in pain, Juana Garcia struggled up the stairs to her first shower in four days, pausing after each step. The single mother battling a chronic disease had just walked five blocks from her waterless home.

Garcia, 49, lives with lupus in East Porterville, the epicenter of California’s epic drought. The illness makes her sensitive to the sun and constantly tired. It also mimics rheumatoid arthritis, triggering searing pain to her knees and hips.

At the top of the staircase leading to a row of shower stalls for the public outside Iglesia Emmanuel church, Garcia paused to catch her breath. She reconsidered, opting instead to bathe in one of the handicap stalls with graded ramps."

Andrea Castillo reports for the Fresno Bee June 20, 2015.