Panel to Weigh Cultural Center Plan for Valley

The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission will review a city councilman’s proposal today to create a cultural center adjacent to the historic San Fernando Mission.

Los Angeles City Councilman Alex Padilla, who represents the northeast Valley, has proposed a center that would feature the culture of the San Fernando Valley much the way Barnsdall Art Park does for Hollywood and Plaza de la Raza and El Pueblo do for East Los Angeles.

Padilla said he envisions a place where the area’s ethnic history, art and culture converge.

The councilman said he would like the proposed Mission Cultural Center to highlight the Spanish, Mexican, indigenous and European influences that are part of the Valley’s history and also include a performing arts center.

“This is a vision driven by residents,” Padilla said. “I would like to see the dream become a reality.

“It’s a concept in the early stages at this point,” Padilla said.

At today’s meeting, the Cultural Heritage Commission is expected to discuss what the next step might be to proceed with the idea, he said.