Skip to main content

The History and Future of the L.A. River with Shelly Backlar, FoLAR

Support Provided By

Executive Director of Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR)--the organization founded by Lewis McAdams--Shelly Backlar and the rest of the organization is committed to restoring the Los Angeles River and creating awareness throughout the community through education and advocacy. Recognizing that the river and the city should and can coexist, among FoLAR's goals are creating a LA River Conservancy and to protect the bridges of the river by getting them recognized on the National Historic Registry. While it has many longterm plans, in its 25 years, FoLAR has already seen numerous victories in protecting and revitalizing the river.

Student Producers Marcela and Erendira interviewed him. Click here to read about Marcela's impressions; click here to read about Erendira's impressions.

Below are four videos of Shelly Backlar, Executive Director of FoLAR, discussing the history and future revitalization of the Los Angeles River. 

  

Shelly Backlar - Executive Director FoLAR - Egret Park

Egret Park

A historical overview of Egret Park.

Shelly Backlar - Executive Director FoLAR - Evolution

  
 Evolution

How the LA River evolved during the 20th Century. 

Shelly Backlar - Executive Director FoLAR - History of the River

 History of the River

An historical overview of the LA River.

Shelly Backlar - Executive Director FoLAR - The Master Plan

 
 The Master Plan

An overview of the LA River Revitalization Plan.

 

Support Provided By
Read More
Ed Fuentes, artwork Colette Miller (preview)

In Remembrance of Arts Journalist and Advocate Ed Fuentes

Collaborator and friend James Daichendt remembers Ed Fuentes, a longtime advocate of the arts, who passed away this week.
mount_baldy_photo_by_daniel_medina

The San Gabriels: The Remarkable History of L.A.'s Threatened National Monument

An exploration of the rich history and culture of the San Gabriel Mountains and its eponymous river.
Boyle Heights Street Vending. Credits: Feng Yuan

Is Los Angeles Finally Legalizing Street Vending?

Trend-setting entrepreneurs versus “illegal” street vendors is a confusing dichotomy that has become the center of many conversations.