Portrait of Pacoima

* I applaud the outstanding photographic work of the Cal State Northridge graduate students in their photo essay “Beautiful in Pacoima” (Valley Perspective, Sept. 24).

This series of photos, which includes seniors and schoolkids along with playgrounds and parks, truly captures the spirit of Pacoima and its surrounding communities.

Pacoima has long lacked basic services that other areas take for granted, such as banks and sit-down restaurants and unbroken sidewalks. But Pacoima’s heart and soul can be found in our Neighborhood Watch groups, our block clubs, our church congregations, our after-school programs and our community-based organizations.

It has long been a tradition for local families to play a direct role in improving our community through volunteer work. Events such as the Pacoima Pride Day are examples of the types of activities that bring together residents, businesses and organizations to work toward a common goal.

My family and I are proud to call Pacoima our home. Thank you for printing a photo essay that really does give Times readers a residents’-eye-view of the neighborhood.

ALEX PADILLA

City Council, District 7