Where on the Irvine Ranch was this photo was taken? #3

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This is so hard! All I see are trees and water. This could be anywhere. Hey, is this your new backyard pond? I love it! ;-)
 
This wall and body of water was built in 1932 during the WPA era and the public has access to it. That should be a big hint.
 
The Irvine Company sued upstream users in 1932 to obtain rights to SAR water and halt further diversions. Any connection?
 
During the era after the depression WPA projects were both big and small. Some were just a mural in the city hall or a lobby tile pattern by artisans. Projects were an economic stimulus to put the unemployed workers back to work. OC was very rural at that time and the depression did not take its toll to the population. Santa Ana at that time numerous projects were built and the Ranch was primarily undeveloped. This project location depicted in the photo sits at the border boundary of the Ranch and its access point is from another adjoining city with water reservoir need. This location has been long abandoned as other larger retentions were built to replace its limited size. Only a small corner coincides with the Ranch border boundary thus its still technically on the Ranch.



Since I gave you this big clue the answer then should be posted soon?
 
[quote author="SoCal78" date=1249175465]Walnut Canyon Reservoir?</blockquote>no, sorry.



The location was strategically located at an elevation high point to take advantage of the gravity potential energy to naturally create water pressure without pumping devices. The water was used to irrigate the adjacent cities with farming parcels. Since the early days this location maintained its rural character and equestrian heritage despite of the land economic pressure.



Another huge hint.
 
Irvine Realtor PM me the answer and he is correct. He does not want to spoil the fun for many Irvine specialists on this board. Because of the weekend many posters are not present so I will not post answer until the mid week.



The previous rounds of trivia I was a bit disappointed that only the same few loyal Irvinites and outsiders came to participate. I began to wonder whether the other Irvinites really truly love and know their city. Before calling others as "Irvine haters" one should really reassess their own commitment first.
 
I've been working on this puzzle so long. Too long. I can't believe IR2 got this so quickly. Got any more clues for us slow people, Bk? Maybe after Monday.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1249176585]Since the early days this location maintained its rural character and equestrian heritage despite of the land economic pressure.



Another huge hint.</blockquote>


Hmm.. Something near Orange Park Acres? Is it Handy Creek?
 
I think I'm wrong because I don't know anything about WPA projects here. But it looks like the Turtle Rock Nature Center. So that's my final answer Regis.



Edit: should have read the clues before I posted. I don't think there is a equestrian presence in TR. whoops
 
IR2 is a good investigator. He first evaluated the edges of the Irvine Ranch from the first clue. Then he studied the the towns near by the perimeter edges that had population and demand for water consumption during the time of the WPA era after the depression (1931-1939).



Knowledge is his strength and knowing the development of OC he quickly employed the process of elimination narrowing his focus on the the few historic towns with sizable population and demand for water. He also knew the clue as population expanded such a limited retention was replaced by larger cavities to sustain the growing population since the 1940s. By checking the aerial and the map he posted he narrowed in his search and found a specific public project and a document link that has 92 pages that illustrated this particular landmark and facets.



I have very little respect for realtors but IR2 and his understanding of our environment, history, research, market, and people. He has earned a very high place in my book. He is a testament of someone who truly loves Irvine and his action and knowledge synchronize with his words.
 
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