4 Local Alleys Get a Touch Up

Four North Hollywood alleys were recently retrofitted to ensure the capture of more rainwater.

The alleys, serviced by the Bureau of Street Services as part of a citywide project, are located west of Vineland Avenue, between Oxnard Street and Hatteras Street. 

A three foot depression called a swale was placed in the middle of the alleys to capture runoff and filter it through the permeable pavers into the sandy soils below, according to L.A. City Councilman Paul Krekorian's latest newsletter.

With current infrastructure, only about 10 percent of rainwater is collected.

This project is aimed at limiting harmful runoff into the L.A. River and beyond, officials said.