A Neighborhood Council’s purpose is to promote Stakeholder participation in local issues affecting their community, and to make government more responsive to local needs. To achieve this goal, the voters passed Charter reforms in 1999, creating the Citywide System of Neighborhood Councils through the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.
The Greater Valley Glen Council (GVGC) was formed in 1996 and was certified as the 42nd Neighborhood Council on August 27, 2002.
The GVGC consists of committed community stakeholders who plan and implement community projects to foster improvement. The GVGC shall seek to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of the community, to preserve and enhance its character and prevent its deterioration.
A Stakeholder is anyone who lives, works or owns property within the Council boundaries. In addition, a Stakeholder is anyone who participates in educational institutions, religious institutions and community organizations.
As a Stakeholder you can participate by:
- Attending meetings the first Monday of each month at Valley College, Campus Center, Fireside Room, 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen.
- Be on our email list to be notified of important issues and meetings.
- Take a position on issues.
- Run for a seat on the Board of Directors.
- Vote for the Board of Directors.
About the Greater Valley Glen Council
Some years ago the City of Los Angeles embarked on a new and exciting experiment in bringing local government even closer to the people – Neighborhood Councils representing the many diverse and vast neighborhoods and communities of this great City of the Angels.
So democracy was re-invented once again.
Our local community – the Greater Valley Glen community represents over 45,000 people – not counting those Stakeholders who work or participate in organizations or attend school or churches in the Greater Valley Glen Community – a fair bit more than a neighborhood and much more like a small City
Thus, the slogan: YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD – OUR COMMUNITY.
The Greater Valley Glen Council constantly is interacting with City officials, departments, agencies and numerous other public officials and governmental bodies so as to achieve a safer, better and cleaner environment for our Stakeholders. From land use decisions (i.e: variances and conditional use permits to policing and other first responder services to neighborhood watches) – WE HAVE OUR SAY – and our say is an effective voice on behalf of our Greater Valley Glen community.
Now we need to hear YOU – to give voice to your concerns.
Please participate…please be involved…please let us hear your say…so that the GVGC can give voice to every voice in Greater Valley Glen.
The GVGC is here.
Now we need to hear from YOU!
About the Greater Valley Glen Community
The Greater Valley Glen Council area is in the South Valley district of the San Fernando Valley along with neighboring communities, Valley Village, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Toluca Lake, and North Hollywood to name a few. The GVGC is in Council District 2 represented by Councilmember Paul Krekorian.
According to the U.S. Census 2000 Data, the estimated population for the Greater Valley Glen Area is 45,072. The demographics are 42.8% white; 41.9% Hispanic; 5.3% Asian; 5.1% multiple race; 4.1% Afro-American; 0.4% other race; 0.2% Native American; 0.1% Pacific Islander. Renter-occupied housing units make up 61.5% and owner-occupied housing units make up 38.5%.
Greater Valley Glen is home to Los Angeles Valley College, founded in 1949, with an enrollment today of 16,000 students. Los Angeles Valley College is the center of influence for education, personal development, lifelong learning, cultural activities, and career training in the San Fernando Valley. LAVC offers classes in more than 75 academic disciplines, as well as certificates in 60 vocational fields, to help students reach their educational goals. LAVC is now in the midst of a decade-long, physical revitalization process made possible by the passage of Propositions A, AA, and 47. Dr. Tyree Wieder, Ed.D. is President of Los Angeles Valley College.
Greater Valley Glen is also home to the Great Wall of Los Angeles, the world’s longest mural (2754 feet) along the L.A. River/Tujunga Wash flood control by Grant High School. Begun in 1974 by San Fernando Valley native, Dr. Judith Baca, Founder and Artistic Director for Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), it was painted over five summers by mostly at risk youths between the ages of 14 and 21 to help beautify and restore the river. The Great Wall is a landmark pictorial representation of the history of ethnic peoples of California from prehistoric times to the 1950’s. Production of the Great Wall has involved the support of many government agencies, community organizations, businesses, corporations, foundations, and individuals. With accompanying park and bike trails, the Great Wall hosts thousands of visitors every year.
Public Schools include Ulysses S. Grant High School, located on 34 acres in Valley Glen. The school was established in 1959 as part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Grant High School is a ninth-to twelfth-grade comprehensive high school with an enrollment of just under 3200 students in the residential school. In addition, 390 students attend the Communication Technology Magnet. Linda Ibach is Principal of Grant.
Erwin Street Elementary School is located in Valley Glen near Los Angeles Valley College. Opened in 1949 to 300 students, Erwin serves 750 pre-K – 5th grade. Led by principal Kevin McClay, Erwin Street Elementary students are encouraged to reach their goals through strong academics and good citizenship. Enthusiastic about learning, they know a rewarding education begins with their commitment to: “Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, Be on Time and Be Ready to Learn”.
Monlux (John B.) Elementary School, located in Valley Glen, serves Grades K-5 with an enrollment of over 800 students. Randy Benigno is Principal of Monlux.
Kittridge Street Elementary School, located in Valley Glen, serves Grades K-5 with an enrollment of over 1115 students. Joan Blair is Principal of Kittridge.