Sacred springs waterfall's elimination leaves Tongva mystified

University High School has eliminated a picturesque waterfall of sacred springs water about a year ago, upsetting local Native Americans, a state official said.

“The springs are kind of a treasure in West Los Angeles,” said Doug Singleton, environmental analyst with the California Native American Heritage Commission. “We certainly don't want the site to be diminished. We want this site protected.”

On a small escarpment on the northern edge of the so-called “Upper Field,” the tiny waterfall beautified Uni High, which hosts the ancient Gabrielino/Tongva village grounds and burial site registered by California as a historical site and a historical landmark.

But those waters have been piped to the storm drain by Los Angeles Unified School District workers about a year ago in a move that was  “much to the chagrin of the Native Americans,” Singleton said.

LAUSD officials said they temporarily diverted the waters because an 2013 environmental report found unacceptable levels of tetracholorethene – a possible carcinogen from dry cleaners.

"The number one issue is the health and safety of our students and staff," said Pat Schanen, LAUSD's environmental health manager. "It's our intent to restore the site to natural conditions as soon as possible."

Jenan Saunders, deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, said law requires notification to her office if any federal funds are used on any construction project on state-protected locations. It could not be determined the funding source of the piping at publication time.

Even so, project managers are required to develop a report weighing impact on historic resources to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act. Failing to do so would open them up to lawsuit from conservationist, Saunders said.

But LAUSD officials disqualified the term "construction" on Thursday due to its "temporary" nature. They said they consulted and followed recommendations from the state Department of Toxic Substance Control.

"We didn't do anything illegal," said LAUSD spokesperson Shannon Haber. No timeline for the restoration of the waterfall could be given, she added, saying project managers were pursuing appropriate protocol.

"They may or may not be taking short cuts here," said Singleton, reflecting on the multiple concerns and agencies involved. "We support those concerns" for restoration.

In addition to diverting the waterfall, LAUSD posted signs warning visitors not to drink the water, which was also found to have chloroform, Schanen said. The same study checked and cleared the grounds and classrooms, he added.

The Tongva Native Americans – called Gabrielinos by the Spanish colonizers -- lived and thrived in the Los Angeles basin since up to 8,000 years ago. They were peaceable, not warriors, said Angie Behrns, director of the Gabrielino/Tongva Springs Foundation, which leases 2.5 acres on the Eastern corner of the Uni High campus to protect the springs and provide free, educational, once-a-month tours to the public. Tours are open this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m.

Twenty years ago, Behrns fought off a proposed development project on the site and rallied tribe members to clean up spring ponds that were polluted with trash cans and school benches. A 1955 graduate of Uni High herself, Behrns remembers how the pristine site was enjoyed by students. By 1994, heroine addicts had invaded the abandoned horticulture classroom, and the site was trashed, she said.

For its work, the Gabrielino/Tongva Springs Foundation has won grants and awards. Uni High has historically been a great collaborated, Behrns said. She has no plans to sue LAUSD and instead, like state officials, is hoping Uni High will restore the waterfall, she said.

While the waterfall has been removed, two other springs are still beautifully available to see on the museum grounds. A Tongva village named Kuruvungna occupied the land around Uni High and the Veterans Administration grounds. There were many springs, but most were stopped up by development before protective laws watched for historical sites.

When Uni High was built in 1925, officials excavated a number of artifacts that are now lost, Behrns said. Current law requires any construction to be observed by an archeologist and a monitor from the Tongvas.

The Tongvas never received federal recognition, along with many California Native Americans. They are only recognized by the State, Behrns said. Recent constructions have yielded a trove of artifacts -- such as tomahawks, grinding stones and flint knives – which are on display at the museum.

Tours are free, and the Foundation asks only for a donation. Behrns, a grandmother of Lighthouse students, makes presentations each year at the Lighthouse Church School around Thanksgiving.

Archeology shows Tongvas present at the site from 500 B.C. The Portolá Expedition of 1769 recorded its encounter with the springs. Father Junipero Serra reportedly celebrated mass at them.

On Wednesday, four Uni High School students worked volunteer hours cleaning, raking and organizing the museum grounds.

Will LAUSD officials likewise worry to conserve State Historic Landmark #5222?