"California's Vulnerability to Extreme Weather Worsens as Flood Defenses Weaken"

Record rainfall in Southern California led to dramatic scenes at the mouth of the Los Angeles River, but the city managed to stave off disaster thanks to a century of flood control projects. However, as climate change brings more extreme weather, the region will need to balance flood defenses with ecological and environmental concerns. The history of deadly flooding in Southern California, particularly the 1938 storm, serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat. Efforts to manage flood risk include cleaning basins, removing sediment, and considering the river's complex legacy and potential for restoration.