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Is the L.A. River Really a River? Documentary Screening at Hollyshorts Film Fest Explores the Controversy
Remember last year when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed taking away “traditional navigable waters" status for the Los Angeles river? That stirred some major controversy including a three-day kayak trip from the Valley to the ocean by a group of activists set out to prove the river's navigability. Heather Wiley, who works for the Army Corp and disagrees with their decision, was caught up in the mess.
Now her story is part of a short documentary called Heather and Goliath that will play this weekend at the HollyShorts film festival (it's also embedded above, but we recommend checking out the festival anyway because short films rule). The filmmakers behind the short are now at work on a feature-length documentary, Rock the Boat, about the river and clean water politics in the country.
LAist photographer Tom Andrews tagged along for all three days so you can see the rapids, the basin, the narrows, the graffiti and the ocean. Check out the photos here, here and here.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
