Decision may help local water supply
A court decision last week to temporarily lift pumping restrictions to protect salmon migration in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta could bring more winter storm water to Burbank and Glendale, officials said.
U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger issued a 14-day restraining order last week that lifts delivery cutbacks intended to keep migrating salmon away from pumps pulling water from the south delta.
He concluded that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation had not fully analyzed the pumping permit and its restrictions under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Increased pumping would not seriously harm young winter-run salmon migrating from the delta, but reduced deliveries were taking their toll on agricultural and urban water supplies, Wanger wrote.
The injunction was sought by the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, Westlands Water District and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which provides Burbank and Glendale with a majority of its water.
Agency officials this week said it will be some time before they have a handle on how much water would be distributed to member agencies as a result of the decision.
The decision comes as reservoirs have dwindled amid three consecutive years of drought. Still, the second of five monthly surveys by the state Department of Water Resources concluded that the water content of snow is 115% of the average statewide, up from 61% of normal over the same period last year.
?
Panda Express gets drive-through
The Planning Board on Monday approved a drive-through at Panda Express restaurant, saying the fast-food lane would not worsen traffic conditions.
The board voted 4 to 1 to bring the restaurant at 2585 N. Hollywood Way in line with neighbors Del Taco and McDonald’s, which have similar pickup windows. Panda Express executives said the added feature would generate 10% to 20% more business.
“I think it helps and makes our city better in terms of the various foods that are offered around the airport,” said board member Vahe Hovanessian.
Board member Emily Gabel-Luddy opposed the measure, citing the potential for jams near the pickup window’s exit. The Planning Board asked city planners to monitor the drive-through lane and make necessary changes if traffic problems arise.
