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It's LA River X, remixed by
Contrasts, both wild and controlled
Contrasts, both wild and controlled
By Nelson Hernandez, founder of Contrabando
By Nelson Hernandez, founder of Contrabando
The LA River is a mix of nature, culture, and resilience all flowing together. Here are five moments from the LA River X collection that caught my eye:
Image from an LA River X guest host takeover by Kim Holtyn in 2019. Retrieved from the Western Water Archives.
Glendale Boulevard Bridge – A prime spot for appreciating nocturnal aerial pest control. With fewer natural roosting spots theyve adapted to using bridges and underpasses as their homes. Wildlife adapting to urban spaces is really cool. Grab a beer from the nearby brewery and watch them hunt.
Leo Limon’s LA River Cats – These iconic storm drain cats have been watching over the river for decades and now they’re getting painted over by new graffiti. It serves as a reminder of how street art is always changing and curated by many.
Image from an LA River X guest host takeover by Fred Kaplan in 2020. Retrieved from the Western Water Archives.
Image from an LA River X guest host takeover by Jody Rath in 2021. Retrieved from the Western Water Archives.
Woman Fishing – Whether she’s catching "gutter salmon" like tilapia or carp, this moment challenges the idea of what most think the river is. An ever evolving living ecosystem with humans as a component in the web. I probably wouldn't eat the catch though.
Algae Blooms – Ancient Algae have been around for billions of years and it'll be here long after us. I get a little excited whenever I see some fresh blooms. There's a lot of really cool bugs living in and around them. I tried keeping some in a turtle tank and felt a little bad imprisoning the bugs and snails so I tossed them back into the river.
Image from an LA River X guest host takeover by Jim Kisiel in 2021. Retrieved from the Western Water Archives.
Image from an LA River X guest host takeover by Margaret Gallagher in 2019. Retrieved from the Western Water Archives.
Native Flowers of the LA River – After the rainy season, native blooms start making a comeback along the river. I haven’t seen dudleya along the main stretch, but Big Tujunga Creek has a shitload of them. Always cool to see them brought back to life after the rain.
The river is a place of contrasts, both wild and controlled, forgotten yet still standing.
— Nelson Hernandez, March 2025
Meet Nelson Hernandez
Meet Nelson Hernandez
Nelson Hernandez, founder of Contrabando, a brand dedicated to sparking curiosity about the natural world by weaving together culture, community, and scientific exploration. Rooted in Latino & Indigenous perspectives, it challenges cultural erasure through nature-focused clothing and products, encouraging our community to connect with their heritage and environment. The name draws inspiration from culturally significant plants and fungi made illegal in the U.S., reclaiming them as symbols of resilience. Beyond products, Contrabando fosters community through events, collaborations, and education, ensuring cultural legacies endure while reshaping dominant narratives.
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