A freeway runs through it (when it's dry)

City officials have release their grand vision for the L.A. River -- calling for more parks, trails and a lot less concrete. But some commentators believe the river actually needs more concrete -- in the form of roads to ease traffic congestion. Others suggest building a rail line down it (would that make it the famous Aqua Line?)

Joking? Back in 1991, there was actually a serious proposal (it went nowhere) to use the river during dry months as a "carpool lane freeway." The Times wrote back then:

The bed of the Los Angeles River could be used in dry weather as a roadway for car pools between North Hollywood and downtown and by trucks from there to the Los Angeles Harbor, according to a preliminary report prepared for the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission. The report by independent consultants, to be delivered to the commission on Tuesday, concludes that the proposal would cost about $700 million and could be in operation by 1995. Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar), who proposed the plan, said Thursday that the study shows "it would lessen congestion and improve the air, and could be done quickly." Katz and others contend it should be used to solve some of Los Angeles' traffic problems. Mayor Tom Bradley leads those who contend the river should be converted to a park.