Legislation to improve public access to the Los Angeles River crossed an important hurdle Monday.
The state Assembly approved legislation authored by state senator Kevin DeLeon.
Under DeLeon's SB 1201, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District would be required to provide access to sections of the river suitable for recreation and education, as long as no risks to users or the landscape were created.
"It’s a major step toward governing the river as a river rather than a flood control channel," said Lewis MacAdams, president of Friends of the Los Angeles River, in a Los Angeles Times article.
The Flood Control District--the main county agency with responsibility for the river--would still have to develop specific policies.
The bill goes back to the Senate, which already passed it, for some refinements.
De Leon represents parts of Echo Park, Silver Lake and Atwater Village. He recently
