A Resolution to Meet the New Year’s Challenges : Grappling with economic, political, leadership issues in ’97

Priorities tend to change with the calendar. Each new year brings a new set of private promises, pledges and hopes--from losing a few pounds to finally fixing that squeak in the car door. But the dawn of 1997 is also the perfect time to take stock of where we are as neighbors, as a community, as a city. Where do we want to be in 1998? And what will it take to get there in 1997?

However slowly, the economy in the San Fernando and surrounding valleys is picking up. Despite the optimism of 1996, key indicators just moped along--getting no worse, but certainly not getting a whole lot better. Industries such as entertainment and technology appear to be strengthening--fueled by the seemingly insatiable demand for everything from new television shows to interactive software. Office and studio space in the southeast San Fernando Valley is tough to find as production companies fill every spare spot.

NBC, Warner Bros. and Disney all plan big expansions. Universal Studios, likewise, wants to double the size of its theme park and production facilities. That’s good news and we encourage local officials to help studios get the job done. But we caution against putting all our economic eggs in the studios’ baskets. A decade ago, it was tough to imagine the kind of wholesale changes that gutted the local aerospace industry. Expansions should take place in a way that minimizes the impact on neighbors--many of whom work for the studios.

We hope a similar rebound is in store for real estate. Already, commercial projects such as the revitalization of the old General Motors plant in Panorama City and the Warner Ridge project in Woodland Hills are taking off. After record years for personal bankruptcies and foreclosures, declining home prices appear to be leveling off, offering homeowners a little cheer for 1997.

In government, we encourage efforts to get the Los Angeles City Charter in line with the needs of the city. The City Council and Mayor Richard Riordan should quit bickering and work together to chart a path into the next century. Otherwise, they may soon find themselves with no one to lead. The Valley secession movement will gain momentum here and in Sacramento, although we hope supporters will recognize the divisive way in which the legislation is now written. We don’t oppose the right of residents to decide their future, but what sort of future awaits a community that is willing to turn its back to the problems of neighbors in other parts of the city?

These are the big issues facing the Valley in the year ahead, the dramatic plans and power plays that affect everyone’s quality of life. What the future holds may be partly a function of luck or factors no one can control, but a good measure of what ails the Valley can be fixed by the same persistence and patience that mark any successful new year’s resolution.