Back in Boston the Charles River separates the old town from Cambridge. Taking the bus over the river feels like leaping into another world. They say someday you will be able to swim on the beaches. The prospect makes me hopeful like a dream just out of reach.

Someday LA could block a section of its river and open it for recreation. Could you imagine college teams rowing, people swimming. It seems possible. Footage of the river raging provides a glimpse into what could be. Just dam one section with a controlled release to prevent overflow. I would go.