 |
Revitalizing
the LA River
LA City Council
Ad Hoc Committee |
|
|
The Los Angeles River
Past,
Present, and Future
Current
Ad Hoc Committee Current Agenda
Two
Previous Community Meetings
The Committee's
Guiding Principles
LA
River Ad Hoc Committee website
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All over the world, cities,
founded on great rivers, are rediscovering and revitalizing their
riverfronts. River revitalization brings many and varied opportunities
- including: parks, trails, recreation, nature, neighborhood identity,
jobs, community development, tourism, and civic pride. Many Angelinos
are unfamiliar with the LA River, even though it flows through our
communities. Here is some history and background on what's happening
on the LA River.
Early
History
The Los Angeles River flowed here long before Europeans first
arrived. The River was the only source of water for Los Angeles
for much of the time as we grew from a small pueblo to the world
class city we are today. Water was diverted from the river to
the pueblo through a complex system of zanjas (ditches), which
allowed agriculture to flourish in the region.
Flood Danger
Though it carried very little water in the dry season, the LA
River frequently flooded during winter rains. Two major floods
in the 1930's killed over 50 people and damaged a great deal
of property. In the 50's and 60's the federal government straightened,
deepened, and reinforced the river with concrete. The concrete
structure has saved lives and prevented property damage, but
has resulted in a river that is considered an eyesore, and not
particularly welcoming to humans and nature.
|
|
 |
River Revitalization
In recent years, various community and governmental groups have
been working together to revitalize the LA River. In 2002, under
the leadership of Councilmember Ed Reyes, the Los Angeles City Council
established the new Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River. The
committee serves as a clearinghouse for river projects, encouraging
community involvement in the ongoing river improvements, and helping
coordinate river projects within the City.
Rio Salado - Tempe, Arizona
Using inflatable dams, the City of Tempe created the 2-mile long
“Tempe Town Lake”. The project features boating, parks, trails,
and nature areas and has been a focus for new community and economic
redevelopment.
San Antonio River - San Antonio, Texas
The San Antonio River Authority transformed a once-neglected, nearly
dry stretch of their river into “Paseo Del Rio” or River Walk -
an international tourist attraction. The 3-mile long Paseo Del Rio
includes lush landscaping, riverboat tours, shopping, restaurants,
and more.
Guadalupe River - San Jose, California
When faced with flooding problems in downtown San Jose, the City
created a 3-mile Guadalupe River greenway. This project met flood
protection needs, while renaturalizing the river, creating parks
and trails, connecting downtown destinations, and fostering redevelopment.
Platte River - Denver, Colorado
The City of Denver reclaimed its neglected and flood-prone river
by creating a greenway with parks, trails, housing, and more. The
centerpiece of the greenway is Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek
meets the Platte River, where Denver was founded.
Los Angeles River - Los Angeles, California
The LA River has gradually undergone a renaissance with new small
and large parks, bike paths, public art, and much more to come.
For more information
on the Ad Hoc River Committee, contact:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AD HOC RIVER COMMITTEE MEMBERS
LARiver@council.lacity.org
Councilmember Ed Reyes, Chair
Lupe Vela (213) 473-7896
Councilmember Eric Garcetti, Vice Chair
Glen Dake (213) 473-7013
Councilmember Wendy Greuel
Janelle Erickson (213) 485-3391
Councilmember Tom LaBonge
Ana Munsell (213) 485-3337
Councilmember Jan Perry
Rocky Camarillo (213) 473-2310
Maria Leonida Espinoza, Legislative
Assistant - 213 / 978-1078
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
|
