Bulpitt, Ernest I.,

Ernest I. Bulpitt was born in Round Valley, Inyo County, California in 1895, and graduated from the University of California in 1918 with a degree in Civil Engineering. This training led him to work in the early development of hydroelectric facilities in Inyo and Mono Counties, and the adjucation of water rights in the Bishop Creek area. Bulpitt became involved in the conflict between the City of Los Angeles and the Owens Valley farmers over water rights and, after 1925, ensured that no abuses were made of the provisions of the Chandler Decree. Through the 1930s Bulpitt made use of his expertise to help the people of Owens Valley in their fights against the Los Angeles water interests.