Flooding has been a known problem in the Valley since at least 1915, when Pacoima Wash overflowed through the streets of Van Nuys. Hansen Dam, Sepulveda Dam and Pacoima Dam (above Sylmar) were all erected to prevent inundation on the Valley floor. The wash and Los Angeles River became concrete channels after disastrous floods in 1938, and a vast network of underground storm drains were installed to protect the postwar suburbs. It has worked beautifully in most corners of the Valley floor, but never very well in Sun Valley. Every storm brings out TV news crews to watch water fill up the intersection of Tuxford and San Fernando Road, year after year. In the papers today is the good news that an innovative program will catch stormwater near Sun Valley Park and store it in aquifers for later use. The bad news is this quote in the Daily News story:

"This is the beginning of flood protection for residents of the Sun Valley community," said county Department of Public Works spokesman Kerjon Lee.

Geez, if this is the beginning what took them so long? The photo is of the L.A. River during rains in 2003 near Griffith Park. From You-are-here.com.