LOS ANGELES (December 19, 2025) —Today, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (FTBMI) co-hosted a Winter Solstice Ceremony at Chatsworth Nature Preserve to welcome the start of the winter season. A cherished annual tradition since 2021, the event included ceremonial songs and blessings shared by FTBMI followed by remarks from LADWP officials.
“Chatsworth Nature Preserve stands as a powerful symbol of our shared connection to the land and to one another,” said LADWP Commissioner Nurit Katz. “We’re deeply grateful for today’s gathering led by the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians as we welcome the winter season in a moment of reflection and renewal in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship in all we do.”
Community members gathered at the City of Los Angeles’ only nature preserve to observe ceremonial songs, with attendees invited to take part in a blessing led by the FTBMI. Attendees had the opportunity to visit multiple informational and activity booths, including an LADWP booth with resources on customer programs. Chatsworth Nature Preserve is home to more than 200 species of birds, multiple species of amphibians and reptiles, and small to large mammals such as coyotes, desert cottontail rabbits, cougars, bobcats, and mule deer to name a few.
“Since time immemorial, my Tribe, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, has carried the wisdom of our ancestors in our hearts and the future of our descendants in our hands,” said President Rudy Ortega Jr. “The Winter Solstice Ceremony at our ancestral village of Momonga (Chatsworth) reflects this enduring responsibility, and we are grateful to LADWP for supporting this cultural tradition and helping us share it with the broader community.”
A marked, guided trail with posted signs was created for attendees, offering them a chance to experience the natural beauty of the preserve. This rare access allowed the community to explore the area’s rich biodiversity, as the preserve is typically closed to the public to protect its sensitive habitat.
“Chatsworth Nature Preserve stands as a testament to how we can reimagine urban areas into thriving spaces of environmental protection,” said Adam Perez, LADWP Director of Water Operations. “Today, it serves as a safe haven for wildlife and promotes environmental and sustainability education in the region.”
The site was originally Chatsworth Reservoir, placed in service in 1919 but due to seismic concerns, was taken out of service following the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. The site was successfully repurposed in 1997, when the Los Angeles City Council renamed the facility Chatsworth Nature Preserve, establishing the City’s first and only nature preserve.
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