The LA River Runs Through It

Photo by Bekah Wright

Listen closely… I LIVE BY THE LA RIVER! Why the caps and exclamation point? Well, it took me a while to figure this out. Thanks to Jenny Price of LA River Tours, I now realize what a lucky Los Angeles County resident I am.

Like most Angelenos, I see the river every day. Heck, it’s literally right outside my door. As Price points out during her tours, the city’s collective subconscious, though we constantly drive over it or around it,  doesn’t really notice this 51-mile-long body of water running right through our very heart.

Photo by Bekah Wright

I met Price during MOCA’s summer-long Engagement Party with the LA Urban Rangers. She introduced a bevy of curious participants to the portion of the LA River under the Sixth Street Bridge. When asked if they recognized the spot, everyone in the crowd shot their hands up. Yes, it’s been featured in myriad films and television shows. Beyond picturing Grease’s Danny Zuko, Sandy and the Pink Ladies, my mind fixed on something else. In all the years I’d lived right next to it, I’d never given the LA River one iota of my attention. It was way past time.

Photo by Bekah Wright

As you can see, it’s clearly marked. No mistaking it. An entrance to a walking and biking trail alerted me there were adventures ahead.

Photo by Bekah Wright

I descended a set of stairs, excitedly anticipating what I would discover.

Photo by Bekah Wright

First up, a bit of history. As much as I wanted to run down the path taking in everything, I respected the river and read about its long, illustrious history. And thanks to Price, I was equipped with knowledge about the hopes for the river, including a massive series of pedestrian walkways and bikeways that could change the scope of how we live and interact within Los Angeles.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Soon, aspects of the river were calling, like this little fellow.

Photo by Bekah Wright

He wasn’t alone, other pops of color informed me.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Photo by Bekah Wright

Photo by Bekah Wright

Declaring space of its own was street art.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Photo by Bekah Wright

My museum/garden-like reverie, was disrupted by a whirring sound. Humans on two wheels! Dogs taking their owners for a walk.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Ducks, herons and seagulls, all of whom were camera shy, left evidence that they were teasing me from above.

Photo by Bekah Wright

And, as if knowing I wanted to sit a while, an amphitheatre appeared. I sat and reflected on the beauty around me. It had been there all along. Before leaving, I made a promise to always be open and aware to the treasures the LA River has to offer me.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Some people declare, “I love NY!” or “Virginia is for Lovers!”. Now, not only do I proclaim, “I LIVE BY THE LA RIVER!” –  I heart it, too.

To learn more about Jenny Price’s LA River Tours visit the following Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/LA-River-Tours/145014985524137. Better yet, discover how close you live to the LA River and pay it a visit.

Tagged as: California, Jenny Price, LA River, LA Urban Rangers, Los Angeles, Los Angeles River, MOCA