The Making of a Uniquely Metropolitan Video Story
|
At times, it felt like working on the “Lawrence of Arabia” of the water world to update Metropolitan's inspection trip video. After all, both are epic stories steeped in history that crossed deserts and have a soaring soundtrack.
But after several script revisions, months of meticulously piecing together new and old footage, and the blessing of eagle-eyed reviewers, the new overview of Metropolitan is completed and being shown on the inspection trips.
“Uniquely Metropolitan: A Regional Success Story” replaces an outdated 2003 version. It follows the early beginnings of the district, chronicles decades of progress, and spotlights the workforce behind nearly a century of success.
~~
Watch the new "Uniquely Metropolitan"
video
~~
"With so many changes and accomplishments, it was absolutely necessary to upgrade this video,” said Chief Videographer
Romeal Hogan
. “What’s more, our video archive is rapidly filling up with high quality video technology and aesthetics. Met's epic story is worth the highest production value."
With 22 music selections and more than 320 video or photo cutaways, the film was an enormous undertaking for
Romeal
and project collaborators
Debra Sass
,
David Keller, Kevin Mapp
and
Kevin Mann
.
To tackle the project, the team developed the story and themes, music selection, voice-over coordination oversight, and sound editing. An introduction featuring Chairwoman Gray will be added soon.
|
|
Ensuring Water Reliability, Piece by Piece
|
The Second Lower Feeder is one of the major pipelines in Metropolitan’s system. It has been in continuous service for over 50 years, but due to the shorter-than-expected service life of some of the pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP), approx. 28 miles needs to be relined with steel to ensure future reliability.
~~
Watch a two-minute
video
to see how Metropolitan installs steel lining in the Second Lower Feeder
~~
The pipe relining process is tricky because it passes under heavily populated areas. How do you reline all that pipe with minimal impact? That’s where Metropolitan's innovation comes into play.
In the past, the process to install a new steel lining took a very long time. As recently as 15 years ago, each 10,000-pound steel liner was pushed into place manually by two workers with nothing but a pallet jacker.
Now, using new techniques, workers can reline 300-600 feet of pipeline per day - about 10 times faster than before.
How’s it done? First, locations are excavated and a steel-shored pit is created. Then a new 20-foot long segment of steel liner is lowered and inserted into the opening. A pipemobile -- half forklift, half go-cart - carries the liner into the pipeline. Once in place, the ties holding the liner are cut, and then it snaps into place. A welder seals the split along the length of the liner.
Currently, Metropolitan is relining 4.5 miles in Carson and Los Angeles County, with more on the way. More information is available
here
.
|
|
Preserving the Past, Planning for the Future
|
When she came to Metropolitan as a senior designer in the Facility Design Support Team last year,
Cathy Chang
brought a lot of experience in project management and the historic preservation of buildings.
“Working on projects with historical significance is challenging because you need to find that right balance between preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction,”
Cathy
says.
Cathy
had worked with Met as a consultant since 2002 on projects including the Weymouth ORP, La Verne Shops, and Administration & Headhouse buildings seismic upgrade.
Born in Taipei, Taiwan,
Cathy
came to the United States when she was 16. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and her Associate Degree from Mt. San Antonio College. She is now pursuing her architectural license and is an associate member of the AIA.
Two of her largest projects before coming to Metropolitan were the Van Nuys City Hall seismic/historic retrofit and Building A complex & Grand Theater historical modernization at LA Trade Technical College.
Cathy’s
interests include outdoor sports, gardening and dancing. In fact, she met her husband on the salsa dance floor and they still enjoy dancing.
She also loves to travel. “I enjoy the richness of Alaska in the summer, love the vibrant energy of Costa Rica and St. Lucia, enjoyed a cultural tour in Vietnam, and like to visit Southeast Asia,” she says. Next up?
Cathy
plans to visit Japan this fall, after the Olympics.
|
|
