Fran began the celebration by reminding us that as we celebrate 20 years of advocacy for Mono Lake, we must look to the challenges that lie ahead, to healing the damage and to restoring the Mono Basin ecosystem.

Both the producer, Stephen Fisher, and the host of "The Battle for Mono Lake," Richard Hatch, were on hand to introduce the film. Steve spoke about his relationship with Mono Lake and explained that after many years of watching the lake level drop, it was in 1990 while hiking in the Mono Basin that he was inspired to tell Mono Lake's story. "'The Battle For Mono Lake' is a Jimmy Stewart story where democracy triumphs and the people are heard," said Fisher.

In an inspiring introduction, Richard Hatch confessed that he knew little about Mono Lake before joining the project. It is through Hatch's explorations--and interviews with attorneys, scientists, water managers, indigenous peoples, and activists--that Mono Lake's story is told. Hatch said that the experience "opened my heart to Mono Lake. I have become one of Mono Lake's most avid supporters."

After the film screening, Committee Board Co-Chair Ed Manning moderated a forum discussion that included Fisher, Hatch, and others who played a significant role in Mono Lake's protection: Rich Atwater, president of Bookman-Edmonston Engineering and former General Manager for the West Basin and Central Basin Water Districts; Ruth Galanter, Los Angeles City Council-member and water conservation trail-blazer; and Elsa Lopez of Mothers of East Los Angeles--Santa Isabel, the first community organization to launch LA's ultra-low flush toilet program.

Elsa Lopez described how she became involved with the pilot effort to distribute ultra-low flush toilets throughout Los Angeles via community organizations. While she admitted several times, "I did not know what I was getting into," she stated that toilet distribution and water conservation projects are changing people's lives. "It is important to educate the children," she emphasized. "When they learn, they are eager to spread the word to their parents and to others in the community." Elsa, who is entering her fifth year with Committee's Outdoor Experiences Program, said, "After the first trip to Mono Lake, once workers and their families saw first hand what their efforts were protecting, toilet distribution went through the roof!"

Ruth Galanter, proclaiming herself as "the toilet lady," played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles City Council's decision to require ultra-low flush toilets in all new residential and commercial developments. Ruth emphasized that times are changing at DWP. The toilet distribution program has been accelerated and efforts are underway to retrofit laundromats with the front-loading, water-saving machines now used in Europe.

Rich Atwater noted that because of the successful toilet distribution and water conservation programs, Los Angeles residents have returned water consumption to 1970s levels. Rich, who is currently involved in the CalFed Bay-Delta Program water hearings, emphasized that two-thirds of California's water supply can come from conservation and wise water management. "By using reclaimed water, and by storing water in underground water aquifers in the San Fernando and San Joaquin Valleys, we can reduce the need for imported water."

The event culminated with a 20th Anniversary Celebration Reception, sponsored by Santa Monica's Border Grill. We thank all those who attended and supported this event. Special thanks to the following individuals and corporate sponsors, who donated $500 or more to the event: American Hi Definition, Inc., Border Grill, William Dahl, Environment Now!, John Genette and Associates, Pacific Enterprises, Marion and Rocco Siciliano, and Trader Joe's.