Senate District 20 City Feature
Burbank
From quiet neighborhood parks to a bustling downtown, Burbank has a place for every occasion. You can stroll a farmer’s market, shop local small-businesses, or enjoy food and night life. Burbank is also home to world-renowned media studios, artists, and animators who bring their talents to the district from all over the world. The city has a notable aviation history, and Hollywood Burbank Airport provides a convenient, competitive alternative to LAX for air travel.
Canoga Park
Canoga Park was originally called Owensmouth, an ode to the Owens River water San Fernando Valley developers vied for, and inspiration for the storyline of Chinatown. Today, Canoga Park brands itself as an arts destination, with several artist collectives promoting this emergence. Along Sherman Way, local businesses and restaurants are infusing the area with renewed economic vitality. Little known fact, in 1961, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a speech at Canoga Park High School!
Lakeview Terrace
A picturesque neighborhood in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, and originally called Tujunga Terrace, settlement began in the 1870s. Welcoming residents and visitors with breathtaking views of the mountains, Lake View Terrace is home to many outdoor amenities. The famous Hansen Dam Recreation Area offers fishing, hiking, picnicking, water sports, and swimming during the hot Valley summers. Embracing its equestrian legacy, the community maintains horse-friendly trails and is one of the few remaining residential areas in the City of Los Angeles that has homes zoned for horsekeeping. Lake View Terrace promotes unity among neighbors through numerous family-friendly events.
Mission Hills
Mission Hills has the unique distinction of being intersected by the I-5, I-405, and SR-118 freeways! Named after the Mission San Fernando Rey de España, Mission Hills is home to the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, the first Armenian museum on the West Coast of the United States.
Pacoima
Pacoima history can be traced back more than 1,500 years with the Fernandeno-Tataviam tribe. They called the land “Pacoinga Village,” translated to “the entrance.” In Pacoima, 3 miles of large-scale murals stretch down Van Nuys Boulevard. Locals use this art medium to pay homage to their rich cultural heritages. Hector Ponce, a native of El Salvador, debuted in Pacoima as a muralist for storefronts and trained his children in the arts. Levi Ponce was determined to continue his father’s legacy, installing iconic murals that inspired others to contribute their own work to Mural Mile.
Panorama City
Encompassing land that was once owned by the largest dairy and sheep ranches in Southern California, Panorama City was developed in the late 1940s as a post-WWII planned community. Embracing a melting pot of cultures and traditions, this neighborhood is rapidly changing while staying conscious of its roots. Strong local activism during revitalization ensures a resilient future for this community.
Reseda
Previously known as Marian, Reseda was designated as one of the “Wonder Towns of the San Fernando Valley” by L.A. Times publisher and real estate tycoon, Harrison Gray Otis, in 1912. Not only is Reseda known as the location of iconic rock songs and movies like Karate Kid, today it boasts a proud comeback story of economic development, including affordable housing in the midst of the housing crisis. Little known fact, the Northridge Earthquake epicenter was in Reseda.
City of San Fernando
The soul of the San Fernando Valley, establishment in 1874 earned San Fernando the title, “First City of the Valley.” The city continues to emulate its rich and vibrant history, as showcased with their downtown architecture, farmer's markets, and local art found at the San Fernando Mall’s famous outdoor swap meet. At the same time, San Fernando is establishing itself as a stronghold of small businesses, fueling the city’s economy. With an inclusive community and many cherished traditions, San Fernando prides itself on its captivating blend of old-world charm and modern living.
Sun Valley
Named Roberts in the 1870s, then to Roscoe in 1886, in 1948 residents voted to rename the neighborhood Sun Valley. During WWII, Lockheed Air Terminal (currently Hollywood Burbank Airport) was the center of the aerospace giant’s Southern California manufacturing operations, motivating developers to quickly build a suburban community for defense workers’ families. Residents and visitors have easy access to hiking in the Verdugo Mountains, horseback riding in Shadow Hills, and the wild flower blooms in spring.
Sunland-Tujunga
Known for its spectacular canyon tranquility, wildlife and flora, Sunland-Tujunga boasts a “Gateway to Angeles National Forest,” and gives residents the feeling that they’re a million miles away from the city. Its history dates back to the early 20th century, when farmers worked collectively to create a utopian sanctuary. Today, each neighborhood has unique charm while retaining the area’s strong sense of community pride.
Sylmar
In the late 1700s, Spanish missionaries were quick to recognize the agricultural potential of Sylmar’s plains and foothills. Olive trees especially thrived in the alluvial soil. So when the town annexed with the City of Los Angeles, it was named Sylmar, meaning “sea of trees.” The olive groves are gone, but there’s still a rural vibe with ranches, foothills, and mountains that are popular hiking destinations for both locals and visitors.
Van Nuys
A historic neighborhood in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, the first building and bank in the region, Valley General Store, still stands at Van Nuys Boulevard and Sylvan Street. After its founding in 1911 by real estate developer Isaac Van Nuys, the area quickly transformed from agricultural land into a vibrant urban community. With an airport, excellent transportation connectivity and ongoing investments in revitalization, Van Nuys is positioned to become a thriving hub for future generations.
