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River Advocate Melanie Winter Passes, Leaves Lasting Legacy

10/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Melanie Winter, a prominent advocate for the Los Angeles River and leader of the River Project, died at 67 after a long battle with lung cancer.
Winter spent three decades pushing to restore the river's natural state by removing concrete barriers and creating green spaces to reduce flood risk.
Winter organized community efforts, including river cleanups and the creation of Rio de Los Angeles State Park.

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Story summary

Melanie Winter, a prominent advocate for the Los Angeles River and leader of the River Project, died at 67 after a long battle with lung cancer.
Winter spent three decades pushing to restore the river's natural state by removing concrete barriers and creating green spaces to reduce flood risk.
Winter organized community efforts, including river cleanups and the creation of Rio de Los Angeles State Park.