SYLMAR : Community Services Sought at Swap Meet

One-stop shopping is hardly a novel concept, but if the owner of the Fiesta Plaza Swap Meet in Sylmar has his way, patrons will be able to get groceries, clothing and a haircut at his place--and pick up their Social Security checks or take English as a Second Language courses.

“The northeast part of the Valley has been neglected as far as government services are concerned,” said developer Steve Brown, who has owned the 60,000-square-foot Fiesta Plaza for the last 18 months. “If I can get them into the mall it would really enhance the community.”

Joe Sandoval, president of the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce, said the idea was interesting, but hesitated to predict its success.

Brown has scheduled meetings with Los Angeles city officials to discuss his vision for the swap meet, which he hopes will become “the Olvera street of the San Fernando Valley.” He has also met with representatives of state agencies and several English language training schools. And, he said, he has offered to donate space to social service organizations.