Keep concrete in the L.A. River

Re “New flood-risk report widens danger zones for L.A. River,” Oct. 19

It may be delightful to think about sipping a latte alongside a “restored” Los Angeles River. However, before the existing concrete channel is ripped out over a stretch of riverbed, we need to review the reasons it was installed and not make hasty decisions based on wishful thinking.

A lack of rain in recent years is misleading. Periodic downpours and even major flooding along the usually quiet river can and did happen, most notably in 1938. The Times’ article makes clear that a similar disaster can happen again, as was found in a new federal study. Homeowners in some areas are already being told they need to buy flood insurance, which, according to the National Flood Insurance Program, averaged almost $700 last year.

Just how badly do you really want that latte by the L.A. River? Don’t try to make our flood control system too pretty, as we need it to work well. Concrete channels are perhaps not attractive, but safety from flooding is positively beautiful. Harvey Barkan Studio City