City Council Moves to Boost Sports for Women

The City Council adopted a host of initiatives Wednesday aimed at bolstering female participation in city sports programs, many of which are already underway within the city Department of Recreation and Parks.

Included in the new measures are a program requiring the department to increase female participation by 10% the first year and 25% the second year, a sports “czar” to supervise development of youth sports programs, a five-year plan to add new playing fields, and a youth sports task force.

The initiatives--approved unanimously--formalized several changes sought by Councilman Mike Feuer, chairman of the council’s Arts, Health and Humanities Committee.

A federal lawsuit filed in April against the city by the West Valley Girls Softball League--and later expanded to include girls citywide--alleges inequality in sports programs for boys and girls.

Although the improvements were backed by the full council, several members said the city must do more to enhance sports programs and parks for all children, particularly those in the inner city.

“It seems to me that the [San Fernando] Valley is already rich in park space and in facilities for sports, whereas my district and Mr. [Mike] Hernandez’s district rank almost at the bottom,” said Councilwoman Rita Walters, who represents parts of South-Central.

The council also adopted an amendment by Councilwoman Laura Chick requiring a five-year plan for boosting sports fields across the city.