In Chapter 2, the author discusses the early development of southern California and the water challenges that the pioneers encountered. In doing so, he also discusses the well-known water tale of Los Angeles' water supply manipulation and thievery. He talks about how Los Angeles practically hijacked the Owens River, which eventually led to the Owens Valley's collapse. He also discusses the construction and aftermath of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913. He discusses water difficulties between cities and farmers, as well as the sad fatalities that occurred as a result of the Saint Francis Dam's collapse. He also mentions the city's extraordinarily rapid population expansion and how there is never enough water for its inhabitants and the land (Reisner, 1993).