Sun Valley : Riordan Kicks Off Beautification Project

Standing beside railroad tracks with shovel in hand, Mayor Richard Riordan broke ground Thursday to kick off the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative. The program, also known as LANI, aims to improve Sun Valley’s image by renewing the neighborhood’s landscape with lush trees, colorful bus kiosks, better street lighting and bright banners displaying the new Sun Valley logo.

The Sun Valley LANI project was conceived by City Councilman Richard Alarcon and area businesses and residents who wanted to meet the area’s deteriorating condition with a visible solution. Hector Briones, a member of the Sun Valley Recognized Community Organization, said the community realized that something had to be done.

“We’ve been neglected for so long,” Briones said. “This is the first major renovation Sun Valley has had in years and it will give us a good feeling about living and working here.”

The beautification process will focus on the bustling and often heavily congested intersection of San Fernando Road and Sunland Boulevard and amounts to a half-million-dollar overhaul. Phase 1, which begins in May, includes planting of 72 potted trees and installing 15 street lights and three bus shelters.

The next phase will concentrate on installing ramps for the disabled along sidewalks, making preparations for a new Sun Valley Metrolink station and putting a water slide in the Sun Valley Park swimming pool.

“I have always believed the best way to get things done is to empower people and have them take responsibility of their community,” Riordan told more than 30 Sun Valley residents. “Now your hard work has paid off and the sun is shining brightly on your efforts.”

Developed by the mayor’s office in 1994, LANI seeks to revitalize Los Angeles neighborhoods dependent on public transportation through federally funded projects.