Background on L.A. River - Lesson Sheet Part II
Background on the Los Angeles River:

The Los Angeles River, a well-kept secret here in the Los Angeles Basin (except during the winter rainy season), has become the focus of much discussion, planning, and contention in the past few years. Since its channelization beginning in the 1930's as part of the Flood Control District, it has been transformed into a giant paved drainage ditch that has nearly lost its identity as a true river. Lately, environmental groups as well as other groups concerned with increasing L.A.'s recreational capacity have begun the fight to recreate that river identity. They feel that there are alternatives to the plan to make the river even more regulated, controlled, and walled-in. Officials responsible for public safety see the need to prepare for the "100 year flood" which they fear would cause the river to overflow the existing channel. Their argument says that since L.A. is now so paved over with little remaining open land for absorbing rainfall, we have no choice but to continue to process of harnessing in the river. Any other plan would prove disastrous.

Over the last few years, many studies have been conducted regarding the river and its future. Plans have been drawn up to show the efficacy of the various points of view. In the following activity, these points of view are the focus of a simulation in which groups set their plans before the Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors then render a decision on the future of the Los Angeles River.

Materials:

Video: "No Way Out" (available at your school or from the LA. County Office of Education)
Timer

For Elementary Students:

Position papers
5 Name Cards labeled "Supervisor"
Name tags for Group Members
Pictures of the River

For Secondary Students:

Newspaper articles about the river (students may be asked to do their own research and interviews regarding the river)
Position Papers (may be composed by students after doing research)
5 Name Cards labeled "Supervisor"
Name tags for Group Members
Pictures of the River

* LACOE / (310)922-6111
9300 Imperial Highway
Downey, CA 90242-2890

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Los Angeles River Connection is a part of LAEP Learning Exchange.
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