No More Valley of the Cliches : New evidence of the diversity and complexity of San Fernando Valley

The San Fernando Valley is still viewed by some as a conservative, affluent and nearly all-white enclave of Los Angeles. That perception may have been reinforced by its role in electing Richard Riordan as mayor. But the Valley has clearly evolved from its former incarnation as a bedroom community.

For proof, consider Cal State Northridge University, where the percentage of Anglo students has dipped below 50% for the first time. That’s down from a peak of 67.3% in 1986.

Latinos (16.7%) make up the largest minority group on campus, followed by Asians and Pacific Islanders and African-Americans. These numbers mirror a trend at other California State University campuses, too.

The changes in the Valley as a whole, however, are less well known. A recent UCLA study found a sharp decline in the percentage of white residents, while the numbers of Asians and Latinos have doubled and nearly doubled, respectively, since 1980. Now, Anglos make up 57% of the Valley’s residents, down from 92% in 1960, and Latinos account for a third of the population.

Latinos are the dominant population group in the city of San Fernando and in Sun Valley, Arleta-Pacoima, Sylmar and the area encompassing Mission Hills, Panorama City and North Hills.

More than 70% of the Valley’s public school enrollment is made up of minority students, and only 3% of them arrive by bus from other parts of the city.

Accompanying these changes is a widening gap between rich and poor, between the well-schooled and the least-schooled and between those who are disgruntled over what they pay in taxes and those who are more and more dependent on dwindling social services.

More than one of every 10 Valley residents lives in poverty. Housing in Arleta-Pacoima is among the most severely overcrowded in Los Angeles. These changes should be noted by both city and county policy-makers.

The Valley has inherited much of Los Angeles’ rich diversity, as well as many of its problems and needs.