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Lower Los Angeles River Watershed

Tara Dales
SGA Marketing
LLAR_WC@pw.lacounty.gov

The Lower Los Angeles River is unique as it is one of the most industrialized watersheds in LA County, but also one that includes Compton Creek and parts of the Rio Hondo River.

The LA River provides so many benefits to this watershed, including managing flood risk and draining stormwater and other runoff to the Pacific Ocean. In sections of the LA River where there is a soft bottom, green spaces line the river and its tributaries and feature local wildlife, hiking trails, and bike paths. 

I’ve always been passionate about climate change and water conservation. This role, to be able to help have a positive impact on so many people, is an incredible opportunity I don’t take for granted. I see myself as an educator and a connector between the community and the Safe, Clean Water Program. I help people understand where their tax dollars go and why it’s exciting. My favorite place in the watershed? Rosie’s Dog Beach, definitely. 

– Watershed Coordinator Tara

Get in touch with Tara to learn about how we can create exciting water capture projects in your community. 

From the Community

  • The Los Angeles River is one of the biggest and longest river projects ever done across America. While many miles of the river are made with concrete, there are many types of different habitats and wildlife that call this channel home.
  • The Queen Mary in port (Carla Francisco)
  • Sculpture garden at Spane Park (City of Paramount)

  • “My goal is that every resident has access to a park close to their home—for our mental health, environmental health, and public health.”

    Tara Dales
  • Long Beach urban stormwater treatment project (LBPW)
  • The Deforest Park in Long Beach is often referred to as the most haunted park in LA County.
  • Skaters filming on the bike path (Kevin Turcios)
  • Running along the Dominguez Gap Wetlands (LA County Public Works)
  • Featured Project

    Urban Orchard, South Gate

    A park equipped with wetlands to capture and store water along with a community food orchard and nature-based playground honoring Tongva history.

    • Wetlands with infiltration gallery
    • Educational garden and food orchard
    • Nature-based playground honoring Tongva history
    • Multi use paths for hiking and walking
  • Rendering of the park and food orchard from above

Watershed Area Steering Committee Members

Watershed committee members work with the watershed coordinators to develop investment plans for their watershed.

Madeline Chen

Central Basin

Agency
Co-Chair

Asha Kreiling

Water Replenishment District

Agency
Co-Chair

Stephen Scott

City of Long Beach Parks and Recreation

Agency

Dave Pierce

LA County Sanitation Districts

Agency

Ernesto Rivera

LA County Flood Control District

Agency

Irene Lopez-Muro

Conservation Corps of Long Beach

Community

Mark Stanley

Rivers and Mountains Conservancy

Community

Manny Gonez

TreePeople

Community

James Vernon

Port of Long Beach

Community

Candice Dickens-Russell

Friends of the Los Angeles River

Community

Cecilia Salazar

Long Beach

Municipal

Gina Nila

Commerce

Municipal

Dan Mueller

Downey

Municipal

Julian Lee

Lynwood

Municipal

Adriana Figueroa

Paramount

Municipal

Gladis Deras

Southgate

Municipal

Joseph Venzon

Los Angeles County

Municipal

Tara Dales

SGA

Watershed Coordinator
Non-voting Member

Upcoming Events

Events and meetings related to Lower Los Angeles River watershed.

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Resources

Documents, facts sheets, links, and more related to the Lower Los Angeles River watershed.

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