What to Call a Valley That Becomes a City
Re “Valley Secession Group Drops a Few Names” (Feb. 11), on the creation of a name for a proposed new city should the San Fernando Valley secede: Why not take the simple, honest and forthright approach? Both “Valley City” and “City of the Valley” smoothly roll off the tongue and are simple monikers that embrace the history and identity that is the Valley. Why trump up some hokey new name?
As a native of Studio City and Van Nuys, I say it’s time to come out of the closet and say we’re proud. What other valley is there (and we’re surrounded by them) that has the distinction of being recognized nationally through print, film, TV and folklore as the original one-and-only true valley? Although ambivalent about the breakup of Los Angeles (nostalgia aside, it could actually prove positive on both sides of the hill), I feel that any future entities must build on their existing strengths rather than trying to recreate themselves as something they are not.
Philip Hindenach
West Hollywood
*
I’ve lived in the San Fernando Valley my whole life. I’ve seen it grow and change from a quiet suburb to an exciting, diverse community to live and work in. My suggestion for a new city name is Los Encinos Valley. This would reflect the oak-covered hills surrounding the valley, the original Spanish name (El Valle de Santa Catalina de Bononia de los Encinos), honoring its large Hispanic population, as well as the Ventura Boulevard feel echoed in “Encino.” Even the “Los” continues the connection with Los Angeles.
Fred Mandell
Studio City
*
The logical and geographically appropriate name for the new Valley city is North Los Angeles. The new municipality would comprise what is now the northern part of the city of Los Angeles. Let’s call it what it is. And by keeping the appellation “Los Angeles” in their name, the Valleyites would send the message that there is no ill will in their bid for secession and that they are not running away from their neighbors south of Mulholland Drive. They would also hold on to--and profit from--a place name known the world over.
Mark Ryavec
Venice