PERSPECTIVE - We joined DWP’s CEO Ron Nichols and community representatives for a walk around the Lake Hollywood Reservoir this morning.
The setting is a hidden gem. It is hard to believe it is nearly surrounded by urban sprawl.
We learned a little history along the way. The dam was built in the 1920s under the supervision of William Mulholland. The ill-fated St. Francis Dam was a sister facility. The water depth is around 150 feet, but none of the supply comes from the Owens Valley – it is all local. Owens Valley water is stored in adjacent underground tanks.
The reservoir is for emergency use only. It would have to undergo chlorination treatment before distribution. The water is readily available for fighting fires.
The walk is about 3 miles over a level service road, but there is no access to the shoreline due to the presence of a chain link security fence topped with barbed wire. However, the fence does not obstruct the fine views. There are plenty of mature trees offering shade.
The gates open at 6:30 AM. The best access is from Barham. You can also approach the lake off Cahuenga near the Ford Amphitheater, but be prepared to drive up very narrow and winding residential streets.
(Paul Hatfield is a CPA and serves as Treasurer for the Neighborhood Council Valley Village. He blogs at Village to Village, contributes to CityWatch and can be reached at: [email protected]) –cw
CityWatch
Vol 11 Issue 51
Pub: June 25, 2013