MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA TO BREAK GROUND ON LARGEST MUNICIPAL WIND FARM IN THE COUNTRY

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Villaraigosa will break ground on the largest municipal wind farm in the country at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 31, 2008, at Barren Ridge Switching Station, on Pine Tree Canyon Road, half mile west of Highway 14. Detailed directions follow below.

With the rugged Tehachapi Mountains as a backdrop, the Mayor will make this major announcement within sight of the first-ever aqueduct and transmission line for the City of Los Angeles. The brand new Barren Ridge electrical switching station, which will bring the wind generated power to Angelenos, is where the history of the City's water and power will meet the future of the Mayor's renewable energy plan. 

The first of its kind for the City, the project will bring Los Angeles closer to meeting the goals of the Mayor's renewable energy plan and aggressive Climate Change Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

WHO:
Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Members of the Los Angeles City Council
Don Maben, Second District, Kern County Supervisor
Nick Patsaouras, President, Board of Water & Power Commissioners 
H. David Nahai, LADWP CEO & General Manager
Rhonda Mills, Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology
William (Bill) H. Jayne, GE Energy Western Region Executive

WHAT:
Mayor Villaraigosa will break ground on the largest municipal wind farm in the Country.

WHERE:
Barren Ridge Switching Station
Located on Pine Tree Canyon Road, ½ mile west of Highway 14,
about 14 miles north of Mojave.

Directions from Los Angeles:
1. Take I-5 North
2. Take the exit onto CA-14 N toward Lancaster/Palmdale 3. Continue North on CA-14 through town of Mojave 4. Travel 13.7 miles N of Mojave and turn Left onto Pine Tree Road 5. Follow the posted signs to the Pine Tree Wind Project Ground Breaking Ceremony

The Barren Ridge Switching Station is approximately 1/2 mile into the road.

Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours. Allow additional time for traffic.

WHEN:
Thursday, January 31, 10 a.m. - Noon

VISUALS:
The major announcement will be made in front of the City's brand new electrical switching station that will bring wind generated power into Los Angeles. Also in the background will be the City's first-ever aqueduct nestled in the Tehachapi Mountains. Wind Turbines are scattered through the mountains

Opportunities will be available for media to participate in an aerial tour of the wind farm location over the Tehachapi Mountains.

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CONTACT:

L A Mayor's Office: Parita Shah (213) 978-0741
LADWP Public Affairs (213) 367-1361
                                   (213) 367-3227-after hours