News of the Arroyo
Title: | Water projects get green thumbs-up |
Subtitle: | |
Date: | 2006-12-10 |
Summary: | December 12, 2006 - They're putting water back in the Owens Lake 200 miles north of Los Angeles and restoring some of the environmental damage of generations past at home too. |
Author: | Editorial |
Publication: | Pasadena Star-News |
Content: | LONG before most contemporary Californians were born, the Owens Valley was a lush and green oasis at the base of the state\'s most majestic mountain range. Then, the water barons of Los Angeles came looking to quench the needs of their growing city, and everything changed. As the metropolis sprouted, the fertile valley was sucked dry. After more than 90 years of what many consider to be theft of water, things are changing back. On Wednesday, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presided over the most significant modification to the aqueduct since the water from the valley was diverted in 1913. The project will mean a 62-mile portion of the depleted lower Owens River will see significant water flow again. This isn\'t a water giveback - things are too far gone for that - but it is a creative diversion of the river that allows it to nurture nature as it rolls south to L.A.\'s thirsty homes. This isn\'t a re-greening of the Owens Valley or the Owens River. But it is a start. Also, this effort follows green steps taken by multiple cities and agencies toward restoration of past environmental damage more close to home. Projects to restore the Los Angeles River, which takes water from the Arroyo Seco, and growing efforts to bring to life the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers are good for the planet and the people living on it. Protecting the watershed - whether 200 miles away or right in our backyard - is good policy. And this one initiated by the City of Angels is long overdue. |
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