Polluted Beaches

Submitted by Zebra24601 on Sat, 07/10/2010 - 13:08
in

The SGV Tribune seems to be opposed to cleaning up our beaches. That's somewhat typical of their provincial approach to policy.

Perhaps reading this story from a few years ago will remind them why cleaning up our storm water runoff matters.

Besides, we live in a semi-arid land. It makes no sense that what little rainfall we get is designed to go into channels, then straight off into the ocean. Permeable surfaces near streets, parking lots, and driveways, and catch basins and settling basins need to be designed back in to our environment. Parkways and lawns need to be made functional.

Cities should ask for Federal assistance

Submitted by night reader on Sat, 07/10/2010 - 16:47.

This is necessary to comply with Federal laws, so they should ask for money from the Federal government.

Use stimulus money to pay for it - after all, it's a kind of stimulus that actually has tangible benefits.

It's not a "nice to have" project, but a "must do" project.

Here is the article at the Times about Marrano Beach.

Riverbank's Transformation Into Park Triggers Flood of Memories

August 29, 1997|MATEA GOLD, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Daniel Tirre stands at the edge of the Rio Hondo's murky green water, resurrecting images from the past.

Decades-old memories come flooding back: Families lolling on blankets, children chasing crayfish through the shallow stream, people dancing to the joyful strumming of guitars.

"What I enjoyed the most were all the people . . . so happy, dancing and singing," said Tirre, 80, gesturing to the sandy banks. "Everyone would come here."

For years, this small beach at the edge of Los Angeles County has been hidden from view, boxed in by tangled brush and forgotten by many. Old-timers in East Los Angeles still remember the spot and reminisce about the hot summer days they spent along the river beach, dubbed Rancho de Don Daniel or Marrano Beach.

Now, this riverbank--the Eastside answer to the broad, white sands of the Pacific--is being introduced to a new generation.

Bob Bracamontes also wrote about the area and his memories: 'Preserve Our land, Parks And Sacred Sites'

I do not live far from here and so I am lucky. You see, I have spent time here at Whittier Narrows – fishing across the street with my children when they were young, rode their bikes up and down all these paths while my wife jogged. I remember Spicer, my dog, dragging me into the Lake chasing the ducks and geese. So, as a local resident, I appreciate my green open space. This is where I grew up and raised a family.

I really don’t know of a human being who hates to smell a rose or sit in the shade of a tree on a warm day. I can’t imagine anyone who would be against parks, beaches, and trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. I have hiked the Santa Anita Creek to see the waterfall. My elders have the fondest memories of Marrano Beach just up the road. I support a National Recreation Area that includes indigenous input every step of the way.

Clean up after yourself

Submitted by RosemeadOne on Thu, 07/15/2010 - 23:22.

Cities can always "ask" for money, but I think cities should be like everyone else--Clean up after yourself!