Nine Groups Win $20,000 in Grants

Nine West Valley schools and community groups were selected this week to receive a total of $20,000 in neighborhood improvement grants from the office of Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick.

The yearly “NeighborGood” grants provide community service money of $250 to $2,500 for grass-roots improvement projects.

The recipients were:

* El Camino Real High School student council and surrounding neighbors in Woodland Hills, $2,500 for landscaping, beautification, a sound wall on Ventura Boulevard and other efforts;

* Hart Street Elementary School in Canoga Park, $2,500 for the preservation of murals and landscaping;

* Shirley Avenue Elementary School in Reseda, $2,500 for a mural project;

* Main Street Canoga Park, $2,500 for curb painting and plants;

* O.N.E. of Van Nuys, $2,500 for trees;

* Pierce College, $2,500 for landscaping;

* Union de Vecinos Amistosos, $2,500 for a mural project;

* Vanalden Elementary School in Reseda, $1,500 for a mural project; and

* Mulholland Middle School in Van Nuys, $1,000 for landscaping and a vegetable garden.