If you say "Los Angeles River" to most left coasters, they think of a an overlarge, concrete-lined storm drain that makes an exotic background for Hollywood chase scenes. NOT. It is an actual fifty-one mile river that is bound up in concrete since 1938 when the last major flood killed 98 people and destroyed 1500 homes. In fact local Indians (Gabrieliño-Tongva tribe) fished for steelhead in the sparkling waters of Paayme Paxaayt once upon an alternate universe. No more; Southern California steelhead have been on the endangered species list since 1997. But some Angelenos still fish the river for carp and large mouth bass, species adapted to slow moving, silt-laden water. Some are concerned that the river is too polluted, making the fish unfit for human consumption. A 2019 water quality report concluded that the river is clean enough to allow a person to consume 8 ounces of fish--common carp, bluegill, and green sunfish--up to three times a week. There are ambitious plans to rejuvenate the river, restoring some of its natural habitat and water quality.
Concerns are however, that the plans leave out the homeless who depend on the river for sustenance. According to some observers up to a thousand unhoused supplement their diets with fish and crustaceans from the Los Angeles River. Along its concreted banks 9,000 people live in camps and shelters, some with small gardens. The LA River Master Plan is set to be made public soon. Critics say the plan makes no provision for the people who already call the river home and depend on it as a food source. The Plan admits many will be ousted in a process of 'green gentrification' after the planned green spaces and law enforcement raise housing prices in marginal neighborhoods. No homeless advocacy organizations were involved in the planning process. The Plan does prioritize a healthy ecosystem, compatible with fishing. [photo credit: Getty Images]
An unnamed resident of the river for ten years who eats its carp and bathes in its water told a journalist, “I don’t know where I would go if [the master plan] swept me away from my home. The river keeps me alive.”