The USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers, who built it) and the LADPW (LA County Department of Publics Works, who now handle "O&M" - Operations and Maintenance) refer to it as "Centinela Flood Control Channel", Centinela FCC", and "Centinela Creek Channel" depending on year and context.  Unfortunately, people are sloppy, and few newbies take the time to learn history.  The original design specifications and documentation are Centinela Flood Control Channel and were part of the development of the San Diego Freeway.  (They had to figure out how to get rid of the water and re-route the Creek at the same time so the consolidated them.)  - Tom McMahon