In a reversal of a policy in place since the 1930s, the city of Los Angeles has opened up its namesake river to kayakers who can now legally row its waters. The river had been closed to kayakers since devastating floods earlier in the 20th century forced the city to pave the banks of the river to improve drainage. The Los Angeles River is a seasonal desert waterway that experiences dry and wet seasons, changing in size and intensity accordingly.

[CNN]