Reframing the LA River

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Advocates for the LA River believed that changing how people perceive and speak about the river was crucial to its restoration. By reframing it from a flood control channel to a natural river, they aimed to spark a shift in mindset. This change in perception led to questions about restoring natural habitats, using the river as a drought solution, creating inviting spaces, and building parks. Despite the initial concrete appearance, ongoing grassroots activism from groups like Friends of the Los Angeles River has gradually improved the condition of the river.

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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