After The Storm: Is This The Trashiest That The Los Angeles River Has Ever Been?

Every year, the Blogger Kids and I participate in the L.A. River Cleanup: La Gran Limpieza, as sponsored by the Friends of the LA River (FOLAR).  The Cleanup takes place over three weekends, focusing on three different parts of the river, in the spring.

I hate to say it, but FOLAR may want to consider adding several more weekends this time around. Following last week's rains, the river is a mess. It's almost nothing but trash.

The Blogger Kid 2.0 and I noticed this while riding our bikes along the LA River bike path on Saturday. Not only is the river filled with garbage, but there's even a ring of garbage along the cement walls — marking, apparently, how high the water got. The water level has subsided, leaving behind all the trash it brought along.

I almost want to go out there right now and pick up trash, but with more rains likely in the coming month, it would be a bit futile. A few more pics:

A Visit to The Frog Spot, An Oasis Along the Los Angeles River

One of my favorite new summer haunts is The Frog Spot, a weekend oasis on the Los Angeles River operated by FOLAR (the Friends of the LA River).



We ride our bikes along the LA River a lot, but there are only a handful of spots to stop between Glendale Blvd. and the end of the path (close to the 110 freeway). There are a few pocket parks, but no real places to grab refreshments. Until now. The Frog Spot, open on the weekends, offers bicyclists and joggers a spot to sit, relax and take a break.



The Frog Spot sells drinks, snacks and $2 popsicles. But the best feature may be the unlimited ice water.



The Frog Spot also offers free Wi-Fi, and has games to play and even crayons, markers and paper for the kids to get artistic.



The Frog Spot has been funded through the end of September, but let's hope they manage to keep it open throughout the year. We'll still be biking along the river in October, after all!



Here, the Blogger Kid 2.0 gets busy with some art, while I sip on water.



The vibe is chill at the Frog Spot, which attracts all sorts of folks along the river looking for a break.



The Frog Spot also hands out free maps of the River's various sights.



Art by Blogger Kid 2.0.



Nearby, a duck family finds a small island to stand.



This is when the LA River is at its most beautiful. (I know, you probably only know the river as a big concrete ditch. Come down to Atwater Village and Frogtown and see what the river could be!)



The Frog Spot
2825 Benedict Street, LA 90039
323 351-8677

SATURDAYS 8:00 am – 4:00pm
SUNDAYS 8:00 am – 4:00pm

Sunset at the Oasis -- Saturdays, 5pm-8pm at The Frog Spot (This is a ticketed fundraiser benefiting The Friends of the Los Angeles River with a minimum donation of $15 for an evening of music and culture, riverside shade, and two beverages (beer, wine, soft drink), and light snacks.)