Loyola Marymount University will host Water and Politics in Southern California, a conference commemorating the centennial of the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct on Saturday, October 4th.
The conference will examine the role of water in Southern California history and politics. Scholars from throughout the state will explain current water policy, historical records and case studies in water management.
“The construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct was one of the most pivotal events in L.A.’s history,” said Clay Stalls, of LMU’s Department of Archives and Special Collections. “I thought it would benefit the university and the community to become informed about this historic milestone. Water affects us all on a daily basis.”
Running 22.6 miles from the Owens Valley of eastern California to the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Aqueduct uses gravity to bring water to the city. Under the supervision of Los Angeles superintendent of water William Mulholland, construction began on the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1908 and was completed in 1913. Its completion ensured Los Angeles a reliable source of water to sustain the city’s growth. It remains Los Angeles’ main source of water.
The keynote speaker of the conference will be Steven Erie, Professor of Political Science at the University of California, San Diego. The event is sponsored by LMU’s Department of History, the Charles Von der Ahe Library and the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts. Funding for the conference is provided by the Haynes foundation.
Admission to Water and Politics in Southern California is free and open to the public.