The Evolution of the Los Angeles River

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This chapter traces the natural history of the Los Angeles River from its unpredictable behavior shaping new pathways to its significant impact on the ecosystem, supporting diverse wildlife and wetlands. It discusses the historical importance of the river to the indigenous Kich community before human intervention altered its course, leading to conflicts over water diversion and turning it into a dumping ground. The chapter highlights the vulnerability of Los Angeles to flooding due to rapid urbanization and depletion of the watershed, drawing parallels with the Mississippi River and reflecting on the consequences of development near flood-prone areas.

When you hear the word "river," you probably picture a majestic body of water flowing through a natural habitat. Well, the LA River looks nothing like that. Most people who see it probably mistake it for a giant storm drain. It's a deep trapezoidal channel with steep concrete walls, and a flat concrete bottom. Los Angeles was founded around this river. But decades ago it was confined in concrete so that, for better or worse, the city could become the sprawling metropolis that it is today. All these years later the county is still grappling with the consequences of those actions.

Reported by Gillian Jacobs, guest hosted by 99PI producer, Vivian Le.

A River Runs Through Los Angeles

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