Cadillac Desert • William Mulholland migrated from Ireland at a young age and eventually settled in Los Angeles. He became a civil engineer and would plan and build the L.A. water system.

• November 5, 1913 was the day the water flowed. “There it is – Take it” were his famous words.

• By 1922 L.A. had grown to 1 million in population. When water was brought in, San Fernando valley was flourishing with oranges, lemons, tomatoes and peaches.

California Water Wars

• The Water was siphoned from Owens Lake and River. The local ranchers fought to regain their water. • The ranchers would dynamite the aqueduct and eventually Mulholland would send in Police with machine guns. • Besides Owens Lake, Mono Lake and the Colorado River were also sources for the L.A. water system. • March 1928 the St. Francis Dam broke killing 450 people. Mulholland was personally devastated. The cause of the break was never found.

Viva Zapada!

Euphemio and Emiliano Zapada

• 1909 Emiliano and other local peasant farmers would visit President Diaz asking to have their land returned that had been taken illegally. • Angered by Diaz’s lake of concern, he would lead his town in the south to fight the injustice. • Known as a rebel, he would dynamite a train to steal weapons to fight. • President Diaz would flee and a new President Madero would take over but would be controlled by the military General Gonzalez.

• Pancho Villa would control the North of Mexico and newly appointed General Zapata the South. • President Madero was a pawn and later would be assassinated. • Pancho Villa was tired and would retire and fight no more. • The Federal Military would ambush General Zapata, and claim “The Tiger is dead”. • Zapata became a martyr for his fight to free land for the peasants and fight against corrupt power. He was a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution.