L.A. Aqueduct celebrates centennial

Water flows down the 100-year-old Los Angeles Aqueduct Cascades.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge arrives at the aqueduct event with a life-size cardboard cutout of William Mulholland, the engineer who supervised the building of the L.A. Aqueduct.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

L.A. Department of Water and Power employees open gates to release water at the Los Angeles Aqueduct Cascades as the opening of the aqueduct 100 years ago was reenacted in Sylmar.   (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Rich Skidmore, portraying engineer William Mulholland, speaks during an reenactment of the opening of the Los Angeles Aqueduct 100 years ago.   (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Christine Mulholland, great-granddaughter of engineer William Mulholland, shares a light moment with actors portraying historical characters during the L.A. Aqueduct centennial event.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Rich Skidmore, right, portraying engineer William Mulholland, prepares to wave a flag signaling DWP employees to open gates and release water down the Los Angeles Aqueduct.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)