Sunland-Tujunga : March Will Celebrate Community Progress

Much has happened since last October when Sunland-Tujunga residents participated in the community’s first-ever pride march.

The Los Angeles City Council approved a new revitalization plan for a strip of Foothill Boulevard, the new branch library is ready and a new honorary mayor and mascot have assumed power, among other highlights. So at this year’s “March for a Clean, Safe Community,” coming up Saturday, organizers say there is much to cheer about.

“Over the last year, I think we’re seeing a lot more cooperation between local schools and local service organizations, for one thing,” said Joanne Wright, director of the Sunland-Tujunga Coordinating Council, which, along with the Sunland-Tujunga Rotary Club, is co-sponsoring Saturday’s event.

In addition, Wright said, participation has increased in local Neighborhood Watch and citizen patrol groups. That factor, combined with the establishment of a police substation in Sunland on Foothill Boulevard, has helped restore residents’ sense of security in their neighborhoods, she added.

The march will begin at 10 a.m., but participants should plan to assemble at 9:30 a.m. at the Verdugo Hills Family YMCA parking lot, 6840 Foothill Blvd. The march will proceed west on Foothill Boulevard, then north on Commerce Avenue to Little Landers Park.

Councilman Joel Wachs, Assemblyman Bill Hoge (R-Pasadena) and Los Angeles Police Cmdr. Tim McBride will appear at a community rally in the park, scheduled for 11 a.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Verdugo Hills High School Band and Telfair Avenue Elementary School Ballet Folklorico. Refreshments also will be available.

The march and rally are open to all community members. For more information, call (818) 352-7847.