San Gabriel River Cleanup and Renewal

Thank you for helping to raise the awareness of the plight of the San Gabriel River. “The River That L.A. Forgot” (Dec. 23) correctly highlights the water quantity issues of the upper river and the barriers to restoring the San Gabriel to a free-flowing river. But it neglects to mention that the section of the river just below San Jose Creek flows year-round, even in the worst drought. Fed by sewage treatment plant effluent and urban runoff, this section of the river provides an oasis of green trees and flowing water to the densely urban and industrialized core of the San Gabriel Valley. On any warm day you can see people fishing, families wading and swimming and people walking and riding horses along its riverbanks.

But is it safe to eat the fish or swim in the water? Probably not. Our organization, Friends of the San Gabriel River, is committed to enhancing this important recreational opportunity by restoring the water quality in the river. In conjunction with federal, state and local agencies, Friends of the San Gabriel River, with more than 100 local community volunteers, conducted two annual water-quality snapshot sampling events on the river to provide a baseline for future cleanup efforts.

Additionally, we have received a grant from the CalFed Bay-Delta Program to develop a citizen water-quality monitoring program to provide long-term assessment of the river’s health and monitor the cleanup efforts as well as educate on water conservation measures. With effort and attention, the San Gabriel River can continue to provide water to a thirsty region and become a recreational jewel for local communities.

Jacqueline Lambrichts

Director, Friends

of the San Gabriel River

Whittier