Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolitan area whose pores are paved over with concrete. A thirsty city parched were it not for other people's water, obtained amid great and continuing controversy. Is it possible that this City of the Angels can tell a story to the world about environmental rebirth?

We believe the answer is a resounding Yes! Because of several vital visionary pioneers, including TreePeople's founder and president Andy Lipkis, change has already begun.

Andy has developed, formulated, and fought for the 10-year long T.R.E.E.S. Project (Trans-agency Resources for Environmental and Economic Sustainability). This project has already transformed urban infrastructure spending and has influenced the planning of an approximately $10 billion overhaul in Los Angeles city's watershed management over the next 30 years.

Leadership in watershed planning has also come from the San Gabriel and Lower Los AngelesRivers and Mountains Conservancy. Working with local governments, citizen groups, the California Resources Agency, and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, comprehensive watershed and open space planning continues to develop for the benefit of the entire region.

The vision for rebirth of a downtown city center is centered around grand plans for Grand Avenue. Edens spoke with Eli Broad about LA's efforts to correct past mistakes and move ahead to build light rail, downtown housing, arts and cultural venues in the heart of the city.

Los Angeles traffic is legendary, but plans are looking positive for development of light rail to connect commuters with key destinations. The Expo Line, by cutting individual use of automobiles to move large groups of people at critical times, poses a sustainable solution to freeway jamming.