Closed Rest Stops

Is California so desperate for water that officials have to close the rest stop areas from Los Angeles to the Nevada border?

My husband and I left Laguna Beach on Aug. 14 to drive home to Las Vegas. Fortunately, we stopped in Barstow for gas and to use the restroom. However, if we had tried to make the five-hour trip without that stop, we may have risked a ruptured bladder. All of the rest stops on I-15 were closed. (There was no explanation such as “closed for repair” or any other sign.)

As a part-time California resident and registered nurse, I find this to be a disgrace and potential health hazard. I strongly urge California officials to open rest stop areas or explain why these facilities are being wasted--but not for human waste.

MARY McGOLDRICK, Las Vegas