This year, Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) conducted its 25th Annual Los Angeles River Clean-Up. To commemorate this special anniversary, organizers divided the river into three sections and hosted three separate clean-up days. FilmL.A. participated in the clean-up for its third straight year, using it as an opportunity to give back to the local communities where filming happens.
This year, groups and individuals were able to participate with LA River Clean-Up efforts at the Valley, Glendale Narrows or Lower River sites on April 26, May 3, and May 10, respectively. In the Atwater Village area where the Team FilmL.A. landed, participants were greeted by the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council who helped with check in and registration while FoLAR took care of giveaways and refreshments.
Some interesting treasure is pulled from the river each year during clean-up season, and 2014 proved no different. This year, members of Team FilmL.A. recovered from the river a steering wheel and other car parts like belts and hoses, as well as mud-soaked luggage, clothing and tools.
FoLAR staff observed that the number of plastic bags found in the river had diminished in comparison to years past. The plastic bag ban that went into effect earlier this year was cited as the reason.
FilmL.A. thanks FoLAR and all other volunteers who joined us on the river that day! To register for a future clean-up date or to learn about other LA River activities and events, visit www.folar.org.