Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Flooding In East L.A. Yesterday Was Caused By A Mattress, Officials Say
Yesterday's rain caused flooding in East L.A. and Boyle Heights, but officials say it wasn't just the rain—it was a mattress that caused the whole ordeal.
Officials say an abandoned mattress was blocking the inlet to a catch basin, which was a factor in yesterday's flooding during the early evening rainstorm, KTLA reports.
Residents were concerned that the City had actually failed to clean the debris from the storm drains, but officials assured us all that we're El Nino ready—except for that mattress, apparently.
"Unfortunately, we have a lot of debris that floats down with the water. We're asking homeowners to check their property and look for items that could float down in heavy downpours and secure those items," Brian McCormick with the Department of Public Works said.
KTLA reporter Kareen Wynter said that McCormick was going to provide photos of the mattress blockage to the media, but then later said he was unable to show them. "Many people are very skeptical here…they question how that one item could have caused such widespread, extensive flooding," she said.
Wet weather hit SoCal Monday, flooding Boyle Heights streets https://t.co/mJxXMTKo3u https://t.co/tTT6Tsmbgw
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) October 20, 2015
THIS JUST IN: Flooding in Boyle Heights after heavy rain hits the area https://t.co/kf9X9V3503 pic.twitter.com/gTAUr63VgI
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 20, 2015
Sponsored message
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
