Communities within the Central San Fernando Valley include, Canoga Park, Valley Village, Winnetka, Reseda, Lake Balboa, Lake View Terrace, Shadow Hills, Sun Valley, and Valley Glen.

 

 

Canoga Park

Canoga Park is a lower middle income community in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. The community was originally incorporated as the city of Owensmouth in 1912, but was annexed to the City of Los Angeles in 1917 due to a shortage of water. Except for Winnetka, the name of the area was changed to Canoga Park in 1930. The western portion of the original area was renamed West Hills in 1987, and an eastern portion was renamed Winnetka in 1922. Canoga Park is bordered by Chatsworth to the north, Woodland Hills and Warner Center to the south, West Hills to the west, and Winnetka to the east.

The Los Angeles River begins in Canoga Park at the confluence of Calabasas Creek and Bell Creek. The headwaters include Dayton Creek and Bell Creek flowing from the Simi Hills and Calabasas Creek or Arroyo Calabasas flowing from the Santa Monica Mountains. Downstream, Aliso Creek becomes the second major tributary to enter the Los Angeles River.

 

Lanark Recreation Center

Lanark Recreation Center in Canoga Park is maintained and operated by the City of Los Angeles. It was formerly known as Orcutt Park. It features a large unheated outdoor seasonal public pool, two lighted baseball diamonds, lighted indoor basketball courts, a lighted football field, lighted tennis courts, lighted volleyball courts, a children's play area, an auditorium, and lots of mature shade trees and open space.

 

Canoga Park Library

The Canoga Park Library is part of the Los Angeles Public Library system. It includes a children's area, teen area, meeting rooms, and lots of computers.

 

Canoga Park-West Hills Chamber of Commerce

The Canoga Park-West Hills Chamber of Commerce serves its member businesses in Canoga Park and West Hills, and the surrounding San Fernando Valley communities, including Woodland Hills, Warner Center, West Hills, and Winnetka.

 

West Valley Playhouse

The West Valley Playhouse is a popular non-profit community theater located in Canoga Park which is a community in. the western part of Los Angeles. Ticket prices are low, but the quality of performances is high.

 

Valley Village

Valley Village is a small lower middle income community in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Valley Village is located south of North Hollywood, east of Sherman Oaks, west of the NoHo Arts District, north of Studio City, and northeast of Toluca Lake. Prior to 1991, Valley Village was part of North Hollywood.

 

Valley Village Homeowners Association

Valley Village Homeowners Association is a non-profit voluntary membership association made up of residents living in the area bounded by the Ventura Freeway on the south, the Tujunga Wash on the west, the Hollywood Freeway on the east, and Burbank Boulevard on the north.

 

Valley Village Park

Valley Village Park is a small community park in Valley Village that features a jogging path, picnic tables, two children's play areas, restrooms, and plenty of green open space.

 

Valley Village Residents Association

Valley Village Residents Association (WRA) is a voluntary, non-profit membership organization that advocates for and enhances the quality of life in Valley Village. WRA is active in improving the visual beauty of Valley Village through the planting of trees and conducting clean-up activities when needed. Memberships are open to both homeowners and renters.

 

Winnetka

Winnetka, founded in 1922 by Charles Weeks, is a lower middle income community in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Winnetka was once part of the incorporated city of
 Owensmouth which was annexed by the City of Los Angeles in 1930. Chatsworth is to the north, Woodland Hills and Warner Center are to the south, Canoga Park is to the west, and Reseda is to the east. The Los Angeles River flows through Winnetka.

 

Winnetka Recreation Center

Winnetka Recreation Center features an indoor gymnasium which doubles as an auditorium with a capacity of 400, a lighted baseball diamond, picnic areas, a children's play area, a community room, and plenty of shade trees and open space.

 

Reseda

Reseda, founded in 1912 as the town of Marian, is a lower middle income community in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Northridge is to the north, Encino and Tarzana are to the south, Winnetka is to the west, and Lake Balboa is to the east. Marian, now Reseda, was named after Marian Otis Chandler, the daughter of the Los Angeles Times publisher, Harrison Gray Otis, and wife of Harry Chandler. At one time, the Chandler family was the largest land owner in Los Angeles, owning much of the San Fernando Valley.

 

Reseda Park and Recreation Center

Reseda Park and Recreation Center features a community room with a capacity of 200, lighted basketball courts, a lighted baseball diamond, picnic areas, barbeques, lighted tennis courts, a children's play area, volleyball courts, and a seasonal pool. The park is maintained and operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

 

Reseda Chamber of Commerce

The Reseda Chamber of Commerce serves its member businesses in Reseda and the surrounding San Fernando Valley communities, including Northridge, Winnetka, Canoga Park, and Tarzana.

 

North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

The North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce serves its member businesses in the north valley region and the surrounding San Fernando Valley communities, including Northridge, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, North Hills, Mission Hills, and Reseda.

 

Lake Balboa

Lake Balboa is a middle-income community in the central San Fernando Valley which is part  of the City of Los Angeles. Northridge is to the north, Reseda is to the west, Chatsworth and Porter Ranch are to the northwest, Encino is to the south, North Hills is to the northeast, Van Nuys is to the east, and Sherman Oaks and the Sepulveda Basin are to the southeast. The actual lake, named Lake Balboa, is located within the Anthony C. Beilinson Park, also known as Balboa Park.

 

Balboa Park

Anthony C. Beilenson Park

Balboa Park, now Anthony C. Beilenson Park, is an 80 acre park in the Sepulveda Flood Basin located in Lake Balboa, formerly Van Nuys. The park features a 27 acre fishing lake that can be used for private boating (without engines) and remote control boating. In addition to the lake, the park features a 1.3 mile jogging path, picnic pavilions, barbeques, restrooms, two children's play areas, cricket fields, and lots of shade trees and open space.

 

Lake View Terrace

Lake View Terrace is a rural residential neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley surrounded by the Los Angeles National Forest, Big Tujunga Canyon, Little Tujunga Canyon, Hansen Dam, Kagel Canyon, and a portion of the Verdugo Mountains. It is Adjacent to Sylmar, San Fernando, Shadow Hills, Sunland, Sun Valley and Pacoima. It is one of the few residential areas in Los Angeles zoned to permit horse-keeping and hosts a large equestrian community. Lake View Terrace was part of the 6,661-acre Tujunga Mexican land grant made in 1840 by Mexican governor Juan Alvarado.

 

Shadow Hills

Shadow Hills, originally Hansen Heights, is a community in the Verdugo Mountains and northeast San Fernando Valley within Los Angeles. Shadow Hills is north of Burbank and southeast of the Hansen Dam Reservoir. Lake View Terrace is to the north, Sunland and Tujunga are to the east, Sun Valley is to the south, and Pacoima is to the west. The community is primarily equestrian zoned.

 

Shadow Hills Property Owners Association

Shadow Hills Property Owners Association is a non-profit voluntary membership association formed in 1964, dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Shadow Hills equestrian community. Members must live in Shadow Hills or the Stonehurst section of Sun Valley.

 

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a community in the San Fernando Valley at the base of the Verdugo Mountains bordered on the northeast by Shadow Hills, on the southeast by Burbank on the south by North Hollywood and Valley Glen, on the west by Panorama City and on the northwest by Pacoima, Hansen Dam, and Lake View Terrace.

 

Valley Glen

Valley Glen is a community in the San Fernando Valley. It was once part of Van Nuys and North Hollywood and becomes separated in 1998. Valley Glen is home to Los Angeles Valley College.

 

Top of Topanga Overlook

The Top of Topanga Overlook can be accessed from Topanga Canyon Drive above the San Fernando Valley. The overlook provides visitors outstanding views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Santa Susana Mountains, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the San Fernando Valley below.

The nine-acre site includes a parking area, restroom facilities, extensive native landscaping, interpretive displays, a drinking fountain, benches, and picnic areas. The Top of Topanga Overlook is south of Woodland Hills and east of Calabasas. Pacific Palisade is to the south.

 

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, established in 2005, is located in Northridge which is a community in the central San Fernando Valley and part of Los Angeles. Northridge is also the home of California State University, Northridge. The museum is an educational and cultural organization that preserves and displays artifacts, documents, records, photos, and various historical items. The museum also offers walking tours, oral histories, speakers, and special events for members. Memberships are available and donations are always appreciated.

 

The Master's Seminary

The Master's Seminary (TMS), founded by Pastor John F. MacArthur in 1986, is the graduate seminary division of The Master's University. TMS, is located in Sun Valley which is in the northeast San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. The 32,000 square foot facility is located on the campus of Grace Community Church. It includes, class and seminar rooms, an extensive library, faculty and administrative! offices, and studio facilities. The seminary is conservative and fundamentalist, affirming Biblical inerrancy. TMS offers five degree programs: Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Ministry, and Master of Biblical Ministry (Spanish).

 

Los Angeles Valley College

Los Angeles Valley College, established in 1949, is a public community college located in Valley Glen which is a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. It is one of nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District. The 100-acre two-year college offers more than 140 Associate Degree programs and certifications. Earned credits are transferable to the University of California and state colleges. The founder of Pacific-Realtors.net, Michael Chulak, was an instructor at Los Angeles Valley College for several years. His classes included real estate principles, real estate finance, legal aspects of real estate, and property management and leasing. Enrollment is approaching 20,000 students.

 

Los Angeles Mission College

Los Angeles Mission College, established in Los Angeles in 1975, is a 22-acre, two-year accredited community college located in the community of Sylmar which is in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Courses of study include Administration of Justice, Business, English, Journalism, Real Estate, and Zoology. College credits earned by students are transferable to four-year colleges and universities including the University of California and the California State Universities. The college also offers certificates in Computer Applications, Paralegal, Child Development, and several other areas. The founder of Pacific-Realtors.net, Michael Chulak, was an instructor at Los Angeles Mission College for several years. His classes included real estate principles, real estate finance, legal aspects of real estate, and property management and leasing.

 

Los Angeles Pierce College

Los Angeles Pierce College, also known as Pierce College, is a 426-acre community college located on the northern edge of the Chalk Hills in Woodland Hills which is in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. The college offers 44 Associate's Degrees and 78 Certificates of Achievement. Students can transfer most earned credits to the University of California and California State University schools. The college, which serves more than 24,000 students, was founded in 1947. The founder of Pacific-Realtors.net, Michael Chulak, was an instructor at Pierce College for several years. His classes included real estate principles, real estate finance, legal aspects of real estate, and property management and leasing.

 

Van Nuys Airport

The Van Nuys Airport is a public airport located in Van Nuys which is part of the San Fernando Valley, within the City of Los Angeles. The airport is used by private, chartered, and small commercial aircraft. While no major airlines utilize the Van Nuys Airport, it is one of the 25 busiest airports in the world. The airport is used extensively by business executives, Hollywood Celebrities, and politicians.

 

California Wing Civil Air Patrol

The California Wing of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the highest level of the Civil Air Patrol in California. It is headquartered in Van Nuys which is a community in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. The California Wing includes more than 3,000 cadets and adult members at 77 locations across California. Squadrons of the California Wing include the following locations: Van Nuys, EI Monte, Pacoima, Santa Monica, La Verne, Torrance, Norwalk, Riverside, Palm Springs, Chino, Upland, Norco, Rialto, Hemet, Victorville, Big Bear City, Camarillo, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Simi Valley, Tehachapi, Rosamond, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Chula Vista, San Diego, Escondido, and many others.

The California Wing Civil Air Patrol performs emergency services including search and rescue missions, offers cadet programs for young people, and provides aerospace education for both CAP members and the general public.

 

Valley Performing Arts Center

The Valley Performing Arts Center is a 166,000 square foot, 1,700 seat first class theater located on the campus of California State University, Northridge. The theater is magnificent  and the performances are world-class.

 

VICA

Valley Industry and Commerce Association

The Valley Industry and Commerce Association, also known as VICA, is a business advocacy organization that promotes the San Fernando Valley as the location of choice for Southern California businesses and families. Its mission is to enhance the economic viability of the Greater San Fernando Valley region by advocating for a better business climate and quality of life. VICA maintains a regular presence at all levels of government in order to effectively represent local businesses.

 

Greater San Fernando Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Greater San Fernando Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, established in 1911, is the 20th largest chamber in Los Angeles County and the largest chamber in the San Fernando Valley. The chamber was formed in 1989 by the merger of the Van Nuys Chamber, the Panorama City Chamber, and the Sepulveda Chamber. Members are drawn from all over Los Angeles County.

 

North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

The North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce serves its member businesses in the North Valley Region and the surrounding San Fernando Valley communities, including Northridge, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, North Hills, Mission Hills, and Reseda.

 

San Fernando Valley Historical Society

The San Fernando Valley Historical Society, established in 1943, is a private organization that is dedicated to researching, collecting, and preserving the history, art, and culture of the San Fernando Valley. The San Fernando Valley Historical Society offers tours and regular programs to educate the public at the historical Andres Pico Adobe. The Adobe is located in the community of Mission Hills which is in the northern San Fernando Valley.

 

Save LA River Open Space

Save LA River Open Space is a non-profit all volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the last remaining Los Angeles River frontage in the San Fernando Valley as open space. The goal is to utilize the land as a river-oriented park and to restore the river to its natural condition where possible.

 

Brown's Creek

Brown's Canyon Wash

Brown's Creek, also referred to as Brown's Canyon Wash, is a 10.3 mile long tributary of the Los Angeles River. It is located in the western San Fernando Valley which is in Los Angeles County. The creek originates in the eastern Santa Susana Mountains and runs adjacent to Browns Canyon Road and under the Ronald Reagan 118 Freeway, south to Chatsworth, then Winnetka, and finally to Canoga Park where it joins the Los Angeles River.

 

Big Tujunga Dam and Reservoir

Big Tujunga Creek

The Big Tujunga Dam, constructed in 1931, spans the Big Tujunga Creek, just northeast of Sunland, forming the Big Tujunga Reservoir, The Big Tujunga Creek is a major stream in Los Angeles County with its headwaters deep in the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains, The stream flows for nearly 29 miles joining Little Tujunga Creek to form the Tujunga Wash near Pacoima in the San Fernando Valley.

 

Hansen Dam - Recreation Area

Hansen Dan, completed in 1940, is a flood control dam in the northeastern San Fernando Valley in the Lake View Terrace neighborhood of Los Angeles, The dam contains a 1,300-acre reservoir, commonly referred to as Hansen Lake, The Hansen Dam Recreation Center and Park are located adjacent to the dam and reservoir, Recreational facilities include an aquatic center, extensive play areas, a sports center, an equestrian center, bike trails, picnic areas, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and more

 

Neighborhood Council Meetings

There are currently 99 Neighborhood Councils in the City of Los Angeles, each serving an average of 40,000 people, A Neighborhood Council is an advisory body that advocates for their community on important issues affecting their neighborhood, Each council has a budget funded by taxpayer dollars. Board members are elected every two years, Each council meets monthly, where residents may express their concerns and make recommendations, Additional information is on the Los Angeles City website. See: Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles.

 

Romulo Pico Adobe

Romulo Pico Adobe, also referred to as Ranchito Romulo or Andres Pico Adobe, was constructed in 1834 making it the oldest residence in the San Fernando Valley. The historic adobe home was owned by the Pico family and is located in the Mission Hills community near the San Fernando Mission. The home is listed on the U. S. National Register of Historic Places. It is also a California Historical Landmark and a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

 

Valley Cultural Center

The Valley Cultural Center, founded in 1975, serves the cultural needs of the greater San Fernando Valley by providing concerts, performing arts, and special events through its free Concerts on the Green program. Performances are held at the Warner Ranch Park in Woodland Hills. The program is run by the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks.

 

San Fernando Valley Chinese Cultural Association

The San Fernando Valley Chinese Cultural Association (SFVCCA), founded in 1971, is a nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Chinese culture and civilization. SFVCCA is committed to promoting mutual understanding and respect through its many programs and activities. SFVCCA provides quality instruction in Mandarin for anyone wanting to learn. They can be contacted through their website.

 

West Valley Playhouse

West Valley Playhouse is a popular non-profit community theater located at 7242 Owensmouth Avenue in Canoga Park which is a community in the western part of Los Angeles. Ticket prices are low, but the quality of performances is high.

 

 

Canoga - Owensmouth Historical Society

San Fernando Valley

 

The Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society is a non-profit corporation formed in 1988 for the purpose of identifying and preserving those landmarks and objects that are of interest and historical value in Canoga Park which is part of the City of Los Angeles located within the San Fernando Valley. Canoga Park was originally named Owensmouth after the Owens River Aqueduct that brought water to the area.

 

West Valley Chinese Academy

The West Valley Chinese Academy (W\ICA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the teaching of Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Located in Woodland Hills, the San Fernando Valley school offers classes for students from kindergarten through high school.

 

San Fernando Valley Chinese Cultural Association

The San Fernando Valley Chinese Cultural Association (SFVCCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to "the preservation and celebration of the splendors of Chinese civilization". SFVCCA provides quality instruction in the Chinese language and Chinese cultural activities. The SFVCCA Chinese School utilizes the Granada Hills Charter High School in Granada Hills.