About the publisher: The LA River ‘bottleneck’ article at the Glendale Narrows rightly recognizes that flooding is an important climate impact that we need to address. However, the solutions discussed, such as removing vegetation and sediment from channels, are only short-term solutions in response to our past failure to develop in floodplains.

We must strive for long-term and climate-resilient solutions to flooding, which means adopting a comprehensive watershed approach that prioritizes nature-based solutions.

These include collecting more rainwater across the region (with funds from the Safe Clean Water Program) to reduce runoff into the river, and expanding green walkways and natural floodplains along the river channel.

In the meantime, to stop the worsening of flood risks, we need to stop adding more buildings and pavements right next to the river. This approach to flood management will protect our most vulnerable communities from climate impacts and create a healthy and resilient future for all Angelenos.

Benjamin Harris, Los Angeles The author is an attorney with the Los Angeles Waterkeeper.