Local News in Brief : L.A. City Council Goes to Bat for Sylmar Baseball Complex

The Sylmar Independent Baseball League scored a victory Tuesday in its bid to build a baseball complex in Sylmar.

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to grant the league permission to build eight ball fields with bleachers, dugouts and a 364-space parking lot at 12700 Gridley St.

Councilman Ernani Bernardi, whose district includes Sylmar, supported the league, which he said provides wholesome activity for 800 youths, many of whom are underprivileged.

Neighbors sought to restrict use of the complex, claiming that it would increase litter, noise and traffic. They also sought to prohibit play on Sundays “to give us one day of peace and quiet,” one resident said.

Said councilman Hal Bernson: “Some people might object to having a Little League field in their neighborhood. It’s a lot better than some of the things that go on in other neighborhoods.”

And Bernardi assured residents that if the league is not a “good neighbor,” he will seek to revoke its permit.

The council action allows the league to play at the site from 3 p.m. to dusk Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to dusk Saturday, and noon to dusk Sunday. The league will begin playing at the site next April, a league official said.

Play will be prohibited from Aug. 16 through Dec. 31.

The league had played at baseball fields at Eldridge Avenue and Hubbard Street. This year the property was acquired by Mission College and league games have been played at other area fields.