Owens Valley Ceremony Commemorates Los Angeles Aqueduct Intake that Brought Eastern Sierra Water to Los Angeles 100 Years Ago

Owens Valley, CA – (October 18, 2013) Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) officials, Inyo Board of Supervisors representatives, and more than 200 Owens Valley community members convened today at the Los Angeles Aqueduct Intake in the Owens Valley to unveil a bronze plaque to mark the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Los Angeles Aqueduct Intake in the Owens Valley.  The ceremony included the launch of a commemorative artist action, 100 Mules Walk the Los Angeles Aqueduct, as 100 mules accompanied by about 20 wranglers and riders departed the Intake on their 233-mile journey traversing the Los Angeles Aqueduct that will culminate in Los Angeles.

 “We recognize, on this 100^th anniversary of the Aqueduct, how far we have come in our partnership with Inyo and Mono counties, and our collaborative efforts to preserve and enhance the Eastern Sierra environment,” said Jim Yannotta, manager of the L.A. Aqueduct. “We look forward to the next 100 years as we amicably share the water resources for the benefit of all,” he said. Also offering comments on the collaborative working relationship between the Department and Inyo County was Inyo County Supervisor Linda Arcularius who, together with L.A. Deputy Mayor Doane Liu, helped unveil the commemorative Intake plaque.

The mule walk was organized by Metabolic Studio to pay homage to the mules that helped construct the Aqueduct from 1908-1913 by hauling materials and pipe.  The action is a unique, nearly month-long journey to symbolically reconnect Los Angeles to its water source. Today, the long line of mules crossed over the intake, assembled between the Aqueduct and the restored Lower Owens River, and then departed for Los Angeles along the Aqueduct operations road.  Along the way, the mules will pass through three counties and nearly 50 communities, culminating at the Glendale Veteran’s Day Parade followed by a ceremony at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center’s Equidome.

The ceremony at the Aqueduct Intake is one of several activities planned to celebrate the centennial of the L.A. Aqueduct. Dedication of the Los Angeles Aqueduct Centennial Garden at the Mulholland Memorial Fountain will take place October 23. On

November 5, a re-enactment of the opening of the L.A. Aqueduct Cascades in Sylmar is planned with dignitaries, elected officials and invited guests. Simultaneously at LADWP headquarters downtown, there will be a special centennial event viewing and open house.

For more information about the Los Angeles Aqueduct Centennial, visit https://www.facebook.com/LAsWaterFuture and www.LAAqueduct100.com, or contact Chris Plakos, LADWP Bishop Office, 760-873-0264.