Local news briefs
LADWP to supply irrigation water through September 30
Bishop, CA — The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is committing to continue irrigating city-owned lands through the duration of irrigation season thanks to water reductions on Owens Lake obtained through the granting of a variance by Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (Great Basin).
“We are encouraged by the collaboration from our partners at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the State Lands Commission,” Manager of Los Angeles Aqueduct James Yannotta said. “Through the State Agencies’ approval of the variance, LADWP now has the necessary water for irrigating leased City lands in the Owens Valley through September 30.”
The variance granted by the Great Basin Hearing Board in July enables LADWP to initiate a late ramp-up of shallow flooding on Owens Lake. This allows for a water savings of approximately 4,200 acre-feet this fall, which in turn will in turn provide sufficient water for the remainder of irrigation season.
LADWP previously committed to irrigating city-owned lands through August. Irrigation season will end on September 30.
Snowcreek Golf Course closes Sunday
Snowcreek Resort Director of Operations John Morris announced this week that the Gofl Course will close for the season on Sept. 13.
It traditionally closes around Columbus Day.
The reason for the closure is to expedite the ongoing water project.
Snowcreek is installing new water lines to transition the course from one that uses potable water to one that uses reclaimed water.
The new irrigation pond will be located where the driving range used to be located, and will be incorporated into any course design when Snowcreek ultimately expands from 9 to 18 holes.
The closure “is not because of anything other than this project,” said Morris. “This will save many acre-feet of potable water. It will be a win for the community.”
Morris said to stay open would’ve meant that some holes would have been unplayable, and there would have been some noise issues.
Morris added, “For Gibson [Course Superintendent) to be able to do his magic, he has to be able to do it without interference.”
Morris said unlimited passholders are being offered several options, including a credit towards next year’s pass or a complimentary rest-of-season membership at Sierra Star Golf Course.
-Lunch
Rough Fire update as of Sept. 10
Per Public Information Officer Deb Scweizer:
Fire Size: 110,134 acres
– Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park: 7,715 ac.
– Sequoia National Forest: 36,830 ac.
– Sierra National Forest: 65,280 ac.
– State Responsibility area: 175 ac.
Containment: 29%
– The fire remains active on the western flank:
On Sept. 9, crews began a burnout operation along Highway 180 from Indian Basin to Cherry Gap. This will bring the fireline down to Highway 180 with a low intensity fire to minimize risk of spotting across the Highway.
Given the drought, heavy fuels, steep topography and large areas of bug kill, active fire behavior is expected. Smoke conditions will hinder the use of air resources.
Traffic ticket amnesty
Beginning October 1, persons who have unpaid traffic fines that were due to be paid on or before January 1, 2013 or had a court appearance date on or before January 1, 2013 are eligible to have their fines reduced by 50% to 80% depending on income and have their driver’s license reinstated.
Persons who are currently making payments for unpaid traffic tickets may also be eligible to have their driver’s licenses reinstated.
Please do not contact the court to find out whether you are eligible. The court will not have the information needed to give a definitive answer to anyone’s question about his or her eligibility until after October 1.
For further information, you can use this link to the State of California Judicial Council Website : www.courts.ca.gov/trafficamnesty which provides a written explanation of the law or click the YouTube link for a video produced by the Judicial Council that also explains the law: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fF04lBgMPSs
