OVERVIEW
The Lower Los Angeles River (river) is the core of southeast Los Angeles and serves a critical role in managing flood risk. It protects life and property by collecting stormwater from surrounding areas and conveying it to the ocean. The river’s paths and trails also provide a space for the community to recreate and travel within the region. Despite these functions, the river’s potential value as a place for relaxation, discovery, recreation, tourism, and economic development is yet to be realized.
In 2015, California State Assembly Bill 530 (AB 530) was passed to revive the river through the development of a watershed-based, equitable, community-driven plan. The language of AB 530 (Rendon) called for Secretary John Laird of the Natural Resources Agency, in consultation with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, to appoint members to participate in the Lower Los Angeles River Working Group for the development of the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan (the Plan). The Working Group, chaired by the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, included elected officials and representatives from local cities, regional agencies, and community advocates who came together to create the Plan.
The Plan encompasses areas within one mile on each side of the 19-mile river from the City of Vernon to its outlet in the City of Long Beach, which includes unincorporated County communities and 14 Southeast Los Angeles County cities. The Plan describes opportunities for improving the environment and residents’ quality of life along the river. This Plan also ensures the voices of the people are heard now and in the future as the river is reimagined and revitalized into an integral part of a healthy, equitable, and sustainable community.
The Plan will be incorporated into the LA River Master Plan for the entire 51-mile LA River.
