Dodgers Cesar Izturis and Manny Mota Big Hit at Los Angeles DWP Power Hitter Competition.

Business Editors & Sports Writers 

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 23, 2002

LADWP and Dodgers Host Young Baseball Fans at Algin Sutton

Rec. Center To Teach Conservation and Baseball Techniques

Dodger shortstop Cesar Izturis and coach Manny Mota today taught the fundamentals of baseball to young ballplayers at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (LADWP) "Power Hitter Clinic and Competition" at the Algin Sutton Recreation Center in South Los Angeles.

The event got started with Izturis and Mota leading hitting, pitching, and catching drills with the young athletes. Following the clinic, the kids put the hitting techniques to the test in a Power Hitter contest. The winners advanced to the finals, which will take place on the field at Dodger Stadium later this summer. The young competitors were divided into different age groups to see who could hit a baseball the farthest and most accurate.

"Today's Power Hitter Clinic and Competition is an important way that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to enriching the lives of the communities in the 8th Council District and beyond," said Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas. "I appreciate the LADWP for hosting this event at the Algin Sutton Recreation Center and for creating positive ways to reach young people."

Also on-hand was an LADWP exhibit, which was staffed by Department representatives who distributed information and goodies to the community members to help educate them about the utility, water conservation, and the wise use of electricity.

"The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is thrilled to partner with the Dodgers to bring today's Power Hitter Clinic and Competition to the Algin Sutton Recreation Center in Los Angeles," said David Wiggs, LADWP general manager. "This program gives boys and girls from communities throughout the city of Los Angeles the opportunity to learn baseball pointers from their hometown heroes, while also receiving water and energy conservation tips from their hometown utility."

This is the fifth summer that the LADWP has sponsored the Power Hitter event. It is one of several programs for children sponsored by the Department to demonstrate their longstanding relationship to the community it serves and its commitment to the youth of Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, established 100 years ago to provide water and electric needs to the city's residents and businesses, serves more than 3.8 million people in Los Angeles. The LADWP is a recognized leader in sponsoring programs to enhance the success of the youth of Los Angeles. For more information about the LADWP, log on to www.ladwp.com.