Garcetti asks DC for help with expensive LA River revitalization project

Kayakers paddle the L.A. River on June 1, 2013 during a tour led by George Wolfe and L.A. River Expeditions. On Memorial Day, the Los Angeles River Pilot Recreational Zone, a 2.5 mile stretch of the river, officially opened to the public for kayaking, walking, birdwatching and fishing.

For a look at the history of the river, and what could change for the people and wildlife along its route, we're joined by KPCC's Patt Morrison and our Washington correspondent Kitty Felde.

The LA River snakes through 52 miles of Southern California.

Along most of its path from Ventura County to Long Beach it's guided by concrete, but it wasn't always this way. Before it was covered in concrete, the riverside was green and home to an abundance of plants and wildlife.

This week, Mayor Eric Garcetti is making the pitch to make it that way again. He's been in Washington, DC to ask the White House for help on giving the L.A. River a makeover. It's a plan that could cost more than $1 billion.

For a look at the history of the river, and what could change for the people and wildlife along its route, we're joined by KPCC's Patt Morrison, author of the book "Rio LA: Tales from the Los Angeles River."

Then, KPCC Washington correspondent Kitty Felde joins the show with more on Garcetti's efforts in DC.