Public Transportation and Smart Growth

why does a city in the middle of the desert have so many lawns and golf courses?

I spent some time actually in the desert and found old-timers in houses with no lawns, but the sand raked in patterns and desert flora. And no AC, just swamp coolers. There was the Desert Botanical Gardens where we were told to stay on the sidewalks because the rattlesnakes didn't like the hot concrete.

I forget what colors the hotel carpets were, but when I mentioned them, I was told that they were chosen because it was easier to see scorpions on them.

Yes, it did seem a bit fragile. Why people retire there I just don't get. At least it doesn't have alligators, I suppose.