Looking Better All the Time

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but even the most generous beholder would be hard pressed to find much beauty along the concrete banks of the Los Angeles River. Or amid the ticky-tacky shops that line Sherman Way in Reseda. Or in the congested din of the intersection of Ventura and Topanga Canyon boulevards in Woodland Hills. That may change, though. Over the past week, each of these less-than-scenic spots took a big step toward gaining an aesthetic to match its utility.

For example, about $10 million from Proposition K, the parks bond approved in November, is earmarked for improvements along the Los Angeles River through Sherman Oaks and Studio City. At a community meeting, City Councilman Mike Feuer entertained visions of a river that is pleasant to walk along, with shade trees, picnic tables and pathways--maybe even a cafe or two.

Reseda, meanwhile, received $300,000 in federal money as part of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative to spruce up stretches of Sherman Way with new signs, lighting and benches. The hope is to restore the allure Reseda once held for shoppers and pedestrians. In the same way, plans to dress up Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills with benches and brick crosswalks got a preliminary go-ahead from city officials. Still to get: approvals from the city Planning Commission. And merchants need to raise enough money to pay for the improvements.

The San Fernando Valley’s future lies in project like these. It’s easy to let the inertia of indifference drive our communities, but the result is hardly what most of us would want. Look around the Valley for proof. A little money, a little effort and a little hope may be all it takes to find the beauty that lies just beneath the surface.