Introduction
Exploring the gaps between current planning processes, holistic river management, and community engagement surrounding the Los Angeles River.
Running 51 miles through Southern California, the Los Angeles River serves as a hub of industry and innovation, and engages, albeit unconventionally, with the Los Angeles community. In 1936 and 1938, the River experienced catastrophic flooding. Hundreds of lives were lost and millions of dollars accrued in damage. Due to it being a public safety hazard, the city enlisted the United States Army Corps of Engineers to concretize the River. Portions of the River have been closed off to the public through fencing and signs, forcing the ideology that the River shouldn’t play an important factor in urban planning. Today it seems to serve one purpose: to divert stormwater runoff to the ocean as quickly as possible. However, many groups advocate returning the River to its foundational characteristics of a community asset.
The outlook on the River is changing. There are several projects and visions in different stages of completion that hope to revitalize the River. These projects include the Los Angeles River Greenway, the city’s Revitalization Master Master Plan, the County River Master Plan, Glendale Narrows Riverwalk, Taylor Yard, and the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan. A part of these plans include public outreach in the form of public meetings, surveys, and educational campaigns. While these efforts are commendable, there seems to be an exclusion of certain topics and communities.
About the project
Partnering with our IoES advisor Liz Koslov and our client Melissa Von Mayrhauser of LA Waterkeeper, our research team will focus on assessing community perceptions of impacts caused by continuing and future development of the LA River. Particularly, we will explore the gaps between the current planning process, holistic river management, and community engagement.
Our Findings
Interviews
Everyone was asked the following three questions.
- Describe your relationship with the LA River and any memorable experiences you’ve had at the River.
- What do you think is the purpose of restoration efforts, and what is your opinion about current efforts?
- What are your thoughts on climate change and flood control in regards to the River?
Voices of Influence
South Gate business managers, workers, government officials and NGO members.
“It is a good idea. It's poor execution. Their thought process is good to help these struggling cities and to do these things. But what they're doing is not necessarily going to help.”
“The River has long been a very divisive element in the city. The revitalization efforts encourage community participation just because we want to make it more inviting.”
“I don't know if everyone in the South Gate community is aware that the restoration is even happening.I feel like maybe they're not even aware of the fact that it's being restored.”
Out and About
Many of the people that we interviewed were at the South Gate Earth Day event on April 13th. We also visited Hollydale Park a few times and met a variety of people.
Homeowners on the River
Many of the people that we interviewed were at the South Gate Earth Day event on April 13th. We also visited Hollydale Park a few times and met a variety of people.
