Pacoima Wash Vision Plan Book FINAL

8/12/2019 Pacoima Wash Vision Plan Book FINAL

1/95


2/95

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Our deep thanks go out to these individuals who provided us guidance and assistance during the creation o this document.

Pacoima Wash Initiative Partners:Max Podemski, Pacoima BeautiulBarbara Romero Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)Ken Frederick, Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)Veronica Padilla, Pacoima BeautiulKatherine Magwene, Los Angeles County Department o Public Health PLACE ProgramOlga Vigdorchik, Los Angeles County Department o Public Health SPA 2 Offi ceJim Donovan, National Parks Rivers and rails Conservation Assistance ProgramClaudia Rodriguez, Los Angeles City Planning DepartmentAnita Cerna, Los Angeles City Planning Department

Emily Yllescas, Los Angeles City Planning DepartmentNury Martinez, Pacoima Beautiul

Los Angeles County Department o Public Health PLACE Program:Jean Armbruster, Director o Te PLACE ProgramGayle Haberman, Policy Analyst o Te PLACE Program

National Parks Rivers and rails Assistance Program:MaLisa Martin, Outdoor Recreation Planner

Los Angeles City Planning Department:Claire Bowin, AICP, LEED APDeborah Kahen, Planner

Te Offi ce o Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa:Luis Sanchez, San Fernando Valley Representative

Angelica Ayala, East Valley Area Director

Los Angeles Bureau o Engineering:Christine Reusch, Civil Engineer

Los Angles Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA):Ackley Padilla, Planning Deputy

Caliornia State University Northridge:Zeynep oker, Ph.D., Associate Proessor Urban Studies and Planning Department

US Congressman Howard Berman

Caliornia State Senator Alex Padilla

Caliornia State Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes

Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yarosalvsky

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Los Angeles City Councilmember ony Cardenas

Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon

Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community DevelopmentCorporation (ICON CDC)

Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA)

Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

reePeople

Pacoima Neighborhood Council

Te North East Valley Graffi ti Busters

Los Angeles County Department o Public Works Flood Control Division

Te Army Corp o Engineers

San Fernando High School Science Club

Youth United oward Environmental Protection (YUEP)

Joe Linton, Los Angeles River Advocate

All o Pacoima Beautiuls Staff and Members


3/95


4/95


5/95


6/95


7/95


8/95


9/95

PACOIMA WASH VISION PLANVISION STATEMENT

6


10/95


11/95

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA


12/95

PACOIMA WASH VISION PLANDESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA

9

PacoimaWashGreenway Master PlanCityof San Fernando

San Fernando SegmentCompleted 2004

5Freeway

SpreadingGrounds

210Freew

ay

118Fr

eeway

HansenDam

LopezDamAngelesNational Forest

SanGabriel Mountains

Pacoima Greenway Vison PlanLA County Health

Pacoima Segment

Project Area

Sylmar and Pacoima Segments

Pacoima Greenway Vison PlanLA County Health

Sylmar Segment

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA


13/95

PACOIMA WASH VISION PLANDESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA

10

Upper Pacoima WashThe Wash flows in a semi-natural unchannelized state

from the Pacoima Dam to the Lopez Debris Basin.

8th Street ParkPark is designed to clean, detain, and infiltrate

stormwater from adjacent neigborhood

Confluence with Tujunga WashPacoima Wash joins Tujunga Wash here and later joins

the Los Angeles River downstream. They are its lar gest tributary.

Lopez Earthen Dam and Debris BasinThe basin was constructed to capture debris and prevent sediment

from entering and damaging the channelized Wash. The sediment

in the basin is periodically removed to maintain capacity.

Spreading GroundsDesigned to infiltrate stormwater and

recharge groundwater for drinking.

5Freeway

Spreading GroundsDesigned to infiltrate stormwater and

recharge groundwater fordrinking.

210Freew

ay

118Fr

eeway

HansenDam

Angeles National Forest

Lopez DamBuilt to prevent flooding, thedam holds thousands of acre-feet

of water and now prevents sediment from flowing downstream.

Sediment must now be removed mechanically.

San Gabriel MountainsSteep slopes over a large area are highly erodable and cause

large amounts of water and sediment to run-offand enter streams during rain events.

San Gabriel MountainsSteep slopes over a large area are highly erodable and cause

large amounts of water and sediment to run-offand enter streams during rain events.

Hydrologic Infrastructure

of the Pacoima Wash


14/95

VISION PLAN


15/95

PACOIMA WASH VISION PLANVISION PLAN

12

5Freew

ay

118F

reeway

Pacoim

aWash

HansenDam

Angeles National Forest

Pacoim

aWash

ildlife Areas and

PotentialConnections

Wildlife Areas and


16/95

OUTREACH


17/95

PACOIMA WASH VISION PLAN

14

as reported by the Caliornia Department oEducation (Caliornia Dept o Education, Standardsand Assessment Division. 2009-10 Caliornia PhysicalFitness Report.).

In the Pacoima zip code 91331, there are only6.26 acres o park and open space per 1,000people (Healthycity.org: Health and Saety Data,Neighborhood and Community Characteristicsor Zip Code 91331.). In the San Fernando HealthDistrict, only 55.3 percent o adults and 41.3 percento children, age 6-17 years, get recommendedamounts o exercise each week. Some individuals getalmost no physical activity at all, with 32.1 percent oadults and 10.6 percent o children being minimallyto completely inactive. Regular physical activityhelps maintain a healthy body weight and providesmajor protection against chronic disease as well asimproving mental health and overall wellness. Te2008 Physical Activity Guidelines or Americansrecommend at least one hour o physical activity dailyor children and adolescents, and between 1 hour 15minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes o exercise or adults,time depending upon the type o exercise perormed(U.S. Department o Health and Human Services.2008 Physical Activity Guidelines or Americans.October 2008). Even 10 minutes o moderate activity,such as brisk walking, several times each day can playan important role.

Creating opportunities or physical activity is essentialto preventing obesity and the chronic diseases thatresult rom it. Te potential that exists or accessible,attractive open space along the Pacoima Wash makeit an invaluable asset toward improving the healthsituation in Sylmar and Pacoima. Increasingly,research has demonstrated that access to parks andopen space improve health by encouraging physicalactivity (Centers or Disease Control and Prevention2001). Given the high rates o child and adult obesityin the Pacoima and Sylmar Community Plan areas,

increasing physical activity opportunities along thePacoima Wash is an important strategy or improvingcommunity health.

El Cariso Park Focus Group

Sylmar Outreach

Mission College Focus Group


18/95


19/95


20/95


21/95

PACOIMA WASH VISION PLANANALYSIS OF OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE PACOIMA WASH


22/95


19


23/95


24/95


25/95



26/95

23

Sylmar Greenway Map


27/95



28/95

25

Class I bike path near SIBL baseball eld in Sylmar section of wash


29/95



30/95

27

Gladstone Avenue Street-end Park in Sylmar portion of wash



31/95

28

Maclay Street Greenway



32/95

29

Pacoima Wash Multi-Use Trail


33/95



34/95

31

Sylmar Sections



35/95

32

Sylmar Longitudinal Section


36/95


Pacoima Existing Pictures


37/95

34

Wash along elair Avenue.

Te multi-use path will pass under the San FernandoRoad Bridge and Metrolink tracks. A ramp up to

street level will also be built connecting users to SanFernando Road and the bike path running alongSan Fernando Road. At Haddon Avenue the multi-use path will continue along Haddon Avenue. AClass II bike lane will continue along the street andpedestrians will use a path running through RitchieValens Park. Users will proceed underneath the 118Freeway and then continue through Ritchie ValensPark to Laurel Canyon Boulevard where they will

proceed down Paxton Street. At that point, cyclistswill use a Class II bike lane and pedestrians will useda sidewalk with enhanced crossings and pedestrianamenities.

MAIN

CHANNEL

(CONCRETE-

LINED)

PARK AREA PARK AREAPATHMULTI- USE

TRAIL

PRIVATE

PROPERTY

PRIVATE

PROPERTY

MULTI- USE

TRAIL

Section

Pacoima Existing PicturesTe path will run along Paxton Street or 4 blockspassing underneath the 5 reeway until the Pacoimaspreading grounds where it will reconnect to a gradeseparated, multi modal path along the Pacoima Wash.

(See rail and Path Amenities and Multi-Use Pathand Bike Lanes in Sylmar section.)



38/95

35

Pacoima Greenway Map


39/95


40/95



41/95

38

BEFORE

Typical Condition of greenway in Pacoima section



42/95

39

BEFORE

Street End Condition


43/95



44/95

41

BEFORE

El Dorado Street End


Ritchie Valens Park also sofen the landscape along the Wash by addingEnhanced Crossings


45/95

42

Ritchie Valens Park

Ritchie Valens Park is one o the largest parks inthe Pacoima area. Because the Wash passes through

an inaccessible tunnel underneath the interchangeo Interstate 5 and the 118 Freeway, the PacoimaWash greenway must pass through the park. RitchieValens Park is divided by the 118 Freeway and LaurelCanyon Boulevard into 3 distinct sections. Tesection on the west side o the 118 Freeway bordersthe Wash and has baseball elds, restroom acilities,a small Asian-themed garden and picnic areas. Tesection west o the 118 Freeway, north o the Laurel

Canyon Boulevard, is the largest part o the park andhas a recreation center with a gym and classrooms,handball courts, tennis courts, and outdoor basketballcourt, soccer eld, and skate park. Tis area is linkedto the Pacoima Wash with a pedestrian tunnelrunning under the 118 Freeway. Te section belowLaurel Canyon Boulevard has a baseball diamondand swimming pool. Te recreational eatures oundin Ritchie Valens Park make it a major regional

draw and will be a signicant destination along thePacoima Wash greenway.

Because the Pacoima Wash greenway must passthrough Ritchie Valens Park in order to reconnectwith the Wash, improvements should be made toensure a strong connection. Te greenway can ollowexisting paths through the Park. Te way ndingsystem used along the Wash should be used inside

the park in order to brand the path as being parto the greenway and to guide users to the PacoimaWash path. Tis system can include signage as well asstencils on the ground.

Green Buffer

A green buffer comprised o taller vegetation shouldbe implemented between the right o way and

adjacent properties. Tis buffer could help insulateresidents rom noise or activity along the path and

also sofen the landscape along the Wash by addingvegetation to counter the hard suraces o the channeland path. Some residents may preer a window inthe green buffer to open their properties up to thechannel. Tis will allow them to enjoy the Wash andprovide eyes on the street increasing the saety orusers o the path.

Beore

Cleaning Event

Afer


6. Next Steps


46/95

43

6. Next Steps

Te Pacoima Wash Vision plan represents the visiono the residents o Sylmar and Pacoima o how

the Pacoima Wash can be transormed into a newamenity or the North East San Fernando Valley. Tisdocument was made with the intention that it wouldhelp guide and inorm the process o implementinga uture multipurpose greenway along the PacoimaWash.

o make this vision a reality a concerted effort willhave to be made by community residents, elected

offi cials and government agencies with purview overthe Wash. Opportunity areas where uture pocketparks along the Wash can be built will have to beidentied and assessed or easibility. Funding sourcesor the acquisition and development o privateparcels will need to be identied as well as or thosealready in public ownership. An agreement will needto be secured with the Los Angeles County FloodControl District and the Army Corps o Engineers to

allow a multi-modal path. In addition maintenanceresponsibilities will need to be established to ensurelong term maintenance o any acility built along thePacoima Wash.

Although these tasks are daunting, there is precedentwith similar projects in small sections here in LosAngeles County; Ballona Creek, the Los AngelesRiver, and ujunga Wash, all have areas converted to

similar uses. Te potential or the Pacoima Wash toprovide much needed open space, alleviate negativeenvironmental conditions, and improve the health oresidents makes it an excellent candidate to also bedeveloped with similar amenities. A new greenwayalong the Wash, providing bike and walkingopportunities that link residents to the AngelesNational Forest, will become a new centerpiece ornot just the Northeast San Fernando Valley but the

entire region.

Outdoor Classroom

Green Buffer

Tunnel at Ritchie Valens Park

PACOIMA WASH VISION PLANREFERENCE

7. Reerences


47/95

44

Caliornia Dept. o Education Standards and Assessment Division. 2007-08. PhysicalFitness Report. Caliornia.

Offi ce o Health Assessment and Epidemiology, Los Angeles County Department o Public Health. 2007. Los Angeles County Health Survey.

Te rust or Public Land. 2006. Los Angeles County, CA Park Equity Analysis and City Council District 7 Needs Analysis.

Centers or Disease Control and Prevention. 2001. Increasing Physical Activity: A Report on Recommendations o the ask Force onCommunity Preventive Services. www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5018a1.htm.

Mia Lehrer and Associates. 2008. Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department Community-Wide Needs Assessment.


48/95


8.1 Appendix B


49/95

46

Los Angeles

Facility/Amenity Priority Rankings

Walking and Biking Trails 1Small Neighborhood Parks 2

Indoor Fitness and Exercise Facilities 3

Indoor Pools/Aquatic Facilities 4

Nature Trails 5

Shelters and Picnic Areas 6

Indoor Running /Walking Tracks 7

Outdoor Swimming Pools 8Indoor Gyms 9

Large Community Parks and Regional

Parks

10

Playground Equipment 11

Community Gardens 12

Pocket Parks 13

Nature/Environmental Centers 14

Indoor Community Centers 15Off-Leash Dog Parks 16

Outdoor Tennis Courts 17

Outdoor Amphitheater 18

Outdoor Basketball Courts 19

Youth Soccer Fields 20

Golf Courses/Driving Ranges 21

Outdoor Splash Parks 22Skate Parks 23

Outdoor Volleyball Courts 24

Adult Soccer Fields 25

Youth Baseball Fields 26

Youth Softball Fields 27

Adult Softball Fields 28

Youth Football and Rugby Fields 29

Equestrian Trails 30

PACOIMA WASH VISION PLANAPPENDICES

8.2 Appendix C


50/95

47

Los Angeles

Program Priority Rankings

Adult fitness and Wellness Programs 1

Special events/festivals 2

Nature/Environmental Programs 3

Walking/biking groups 4

Family programs 5

Adult continuing education programs 6

Adult art, dance, performing arts 7

Youth swim programs 8

Water fitness programs 9

Senior programs 10

Adult swim programs 11

Adult sports programs 12

Outdoor adventure programs 13

Youth sports programs 14Youth Fitness and Wellness programs 15

Martial arts programs 16

Before and after school programs 17

Youth art, dance, performing arts 18

Youth summer camp programs 19

Pre-school programs 20

Golf programs 21

Programs for people with disabilities 22

Gymnastics and tumbling programs 23


8.3 Appendix D


51/95

48

North Valley

Facility/Amenity Priority RankingsWalking and biking trails 1

Small Neighborhood Parks 2

Indoor Fitness and Exercise Facilities 6

Indoor Pools/Aquatic Facilities 8

Nature Trails 5

Shelters and Picnic Areas 4

Indoor Running /Walking Tracks 3

Outdoor Swimming Pools 12

Indoor Gyms 7

Large Community Parks and Regional

Parks

9

Playground Equipment 11

Community Gardens 13

Pocket Parks 20

Nature/Environmental Centers 14Indoor Community Centers 10

Off-Leash Dog Parks 17

Outdoor Tennis Courts 15

Outdoor Amphitheater 22

Outdoor Basketball Courts 21

Youth Soccer Fields 16

Golf Courses/Driving Ranges 19

Outdoor Splash Parks 18

Skate Parks 23

Outdoor Volleyball Courts 25

Adult Soccer Fields 24

Youth Baseball Fields 26

Youth Softball Fields 29

Adult Softball Fields 30

Youth Football and Rugby Fields 28Equestrian Trails 27


8.4 Appendix E


52/95

49

North Valley

Program Priority Rankings

Adult fitness and Wellness Programs 1

Special events/festivals 3

Nature/Environmental Programs 5

Walking/biking groups 9

Family programs 2

Adult continuing education programs 6

Adult art, dance, performing arts 11Youth swim programs 7

Water fitness programs 8

Senior programs 4

Adult swim programs 15

Adult sports programs 10

Outdoor adventure programs 13

Youth sports programs 12

Youth Fitness and Wellness programs 20Martial arts programs 21

Before and after school programs 14

Youth art, dance, performing arts 19

Youth summer camp programs 16

Pre-school programs 18

Golf programs 17

Programs for people with disabilities 22Gymnastics and tumbling programs 23


8.5 Appendix F


53/95

50

Pacoima Wash Visioning Project

Pacoima Wash Vision Plan | Pacoima Beautiul | Pacoima Neighborhood Council | Housing, EconomicDevelopment and Land Use Committee Meeting |August 12, 2009 | Pacoima Branch Library

Max Podemski presented slides and summarized the general goals o the Pacoima Wash Vision Plan project, withinormation specic to the Pacoima community and conceptual images developed through partnership with thePLACE Program o L.A. County Department o Public Health. Tese notes do not reiterate the presentation,but were instead prepared as a summary o comments expressed by committee members and other meetingparticipants.

Te wash is diffi cult to visualize and must be seen to understand current conditions, the potential or change, andproject benets toward recreational purposes.

One project that might be a good comparison is the ujunga Wash Greenway at Coldwater and Oxnard, nearGrant High School (and L.A. Valley College).

Existing public space is easier to improve than private property. Tis project might inspire voluntary improvementto properties along the wash.

Who will maintain improvements? (to be determined)

Who owns the channel? (Los Angeles County Flood Control District, which is managed by the L.A. CountyPublic Works Department)

Will the channel itsel remain the same and continue to unction as a ood protection acility? (Nobody isplanning to remove any improvements at this time, but to add value to what is already there.)

What do you want rom this group and the Pacoima Neighborhood Council? Support or the concept? (Yes, toshare knowledge about the wash and give the project concept broad exposure among community leaders andgroups along the 10-mile wash, so that the project proposal can be developed and modied according to the needs,desires and interests o the community).

Do you anticipate any problems with access at the citys limit with San Fernando and changes in jurisdiction? (Teunderlying right o way or the wash is managed by L.A. County, and through agreements with individual cities.No problems are anticipated.)

What will happen at the spreading grounds? Tey sit empty most o the time and have a potential to be improvedor public access and recreation. At a minimum, the perimeter could be designed as a walking path, with benches.


How much time will it take to complete the planning process? (Te product will be a vision plan and morespecic inormation will need to be developed beore the project is approved, the design process is concluded and l d l d T ll b h d d h ld d )


54/95

51

acilities are developed. Tere will be phasing and unding issues that would determine progress over time.)

Is there anything like the City o San Fernando Eighth Street project being planned or considered? Te public

drainage and ltration system was discussed. (A site is currently being purchased at El Dorado Street, by City oL.A. Something similar could be planned and developed at this location.)

A meeting participant expressed appreciation or what was shown, but the linear recreation trail project shouldinclude benches or rest stops. Consider the needs o particular users: the elderly, amilies with young childrenand strollers, overweight persons. Te trail project should be augmented by beautiul landscaping and shadetrees to encourage year-round use.

Plan to address, discourage or mitigate vandalism and graffi ti. Both are inevitable.

What will be done to the bridges near San Fernando High School? (Issues need urther study and analysis.)

Provide lighting or evening use. Promote use o the wash to discourage crime and encourage use by communityresidents.

Regular use will promote and increase public saety.


Pacoima Wash Visioning ProjectPLACE Grant | 1st Meeting with Youth Policy Institute Youth GroupA t 13 2009 | 12 00 t 1 00 PM | P i Lib


55/95

52

August 13, 2009 | 12:00 to 1:00 PM | Pacoima Library

Notes taken by Veronica Padilla rom ICON CDC ([email protected])

Comments provided by the youth during the ocus group.

Many o the students at this ocus group demonstrated their optimism or this project by sharing a wide range oideas o what they would like to see developed. Many o the students in this group were rom Pacoima and had abetter understanding o the needs o the community.

What do you do at parks?Hang out, play handball, Soccer, and Basketball.

What parks do you go to?Hansen Dam, Ritchie Valens Park, Chatsworth Park, Humphrey Park, El Cariso Park, the park nearGravity Hills, Sylmar Park.

What do you want to see developed on this new park?Shaded areas, bike paths, a place to sit, a paint ball shooting range, water ountains and skate park. Havemurals to prevent tagging, and dont have handball courts because they promote gang activity. Provide aspace or the youth to do graffi ti art. Have mist sprays during the summer to cool off. Have Bar-B-Q area or

amily picnics. Have a stage or events and perormances rom the community. Have some vendors such asJamba Juice, Starbucks, or Raspado Express.

What should we add to the Ritchie Valens Park?Bigger walk way, jungle gyms with shade

Why do you go to other parks outside o Pacoima?

Because they are saer and have better amenities.

How would you make parks saer?Make the park catered to young children to prevent the appeal to other older crowds,

Should the park be natural or be more o a park or sports?Natural with trails and benches


Pacoima Wash Visioning ProjectPLACE Grant | 2nd Meeting with Youth Policy Institute Youth GroupA

ugust 15 2009 | 12:00 to 1:00 PM | Pacoima Library


56/95

53

August 15, 2009 | 12:00 to 1:00 PM | Pacoima Library

Notes taken by Veronica Padilla rom ICON CDC ([email protected])

Comments provided by youth during ocus group

Tis group o students were very vocal. In act they started asking questions beore the presentation was over. Itwas a very interactive, and skeptic group. Tey had many comments regarding our motives or the development othe park and its sustainability. Saety, and gang activity was a ocus o their concerns. It should be noted that noneo these students were rom Pacoima, Sun Valley, Arleta, or Panorama City.

How are we going to prevent people rom alling into the wash?

Are we going to have bike lanes all the way? A 4-12 mile running trail would be ideal or Student Run LA. Having this park would be a great alternative over running on the street with cars and pedestrians. What are we doing to prevent gang members rom hanging out in these parks? Some kids wonder why build the park i it will get vandalized! What parks do you currently use? Ritchie Valens, Lakeview errace, Veterans Park Students recommend security cameras, lighting, gates, and rangers to help with saety One person suggested that a Neighborhood Watch be created to look afer certain sections o the park. Tat community should be its own police so that there can be that sense o ownership or the park.

One particular student was opposed to a Neighborhood Watch because she elt that they would be calling the cops on everyone and would cause more problems. As a solution to that someone else suggested to properly educate the Neighborhood Watch to distinguish the real troublemakers. One student would like to see a basketball gym. One student expressed her desire to Just make the wash look better Others recommended that crosswalk amenities, parking, etc., be improved around the area o the wash to urther improve access to the park.


Pacoima Wash Visioning ProjectPLACE Grant | 3rd Meeting with Youth Policy Institute Youth GroupAugust 19 2009 | 3:00 to 4:00 PM | Youth Policy Institute


57/95

54

August 19, 2009 | 3:00 to 4:00 PM | Youth Policy Institute

Notes taken by Karen Cervantes rom ICON CDC ([email protected])

Comments provided by the youth during the ocus group.

Many students rom this group werent residents rom Pacoima. However, the ew that resided in Pacoima werevery responsive to the presentation. Te two concerns that arose in this ocus group were 1) saety and 2) the visualaesthetics o the wash.

Saety - two young emales commented that they were prohibited rom walking on or near the PacoimaWash due to sexual predators. Tese young women suggested that in order to make the wash sae and more

inviting, lighting would have to be placed up and down the wash.

Visual Aesthetics - Te visual aesthetics o the Pacoima Wash was another concern or the participating youth.Te youth wanted to have a wash that looked peaceul and scenic. Te youth suggested the ollowing: ChineseGardens, ponds, sh, roller blade and bike paths, planting gardens, and pools.


PLACE Grant | 1S Meeting with Pacoima Elementary Parent CenterSeptember 16th, 2009 | 9:40 to 10:40 PM | Casa Pacoima


58/95

55


Comments provided by adults attending the Casa Pacoimas ESL Program.

Casa Pacoima participants seemed very interested and concerned about the project. Teir comments were basedon unding, taxes, and the multiple uses the Pacoima Wash could bring. Teir responses are as ollows:

What would you like to see be built on the vacant properties along the wash? Parks, pools, water parks,ountains, Bar-B-Q pits, community centers, tables, benches, picnic areas, basket ball courts, jungle gyms,playgrounds, bathrooms, activities or the disabled, public telephones, day cares, art, walking paths, stages,

tables, sinks, skate parks, trees, bike trails, walking trails

What are your concerns or the project? Saety, lighting, security, and wheelchair accessibly.


Pacoima Wash Visioning ProjectPLACE Grant | 2nd Meeting Pacoima Elementary Parent CenterSeptember 18, 2009 | 10:30 to 11:00 PM | Casa Pacoima


59/95

56

p , | |


Comments provided by Pacoima Elementary GED Program participants.

Te Pacoima Wash Visioning Project presentation was not shown at this ocus group. Te director o the GEDProgram decided that the presentation would be too long and take time rom their program. Yet, the directorallowed us to briey talk about the project and take some notes. Te questions that were asked and the groupscomments are as ollows:

Do you use parks now and what parks do you regularly go to?Yes, Ritchie Valens Park, El Cariso Park, and Pacoima Park.

What would you like to see along the wash?Open Spaces, places to sit, parks, exercise areas, kiosks, trash cans, police, and rules.

What amenities would you like to be built along the wash?BBQ-pits, party areas, community centers, playgrounds, gyms.

Other recommendations suggested: Canopies, police surveillance, lighting, no smoking and no drinking regulations.


Pacoima Wash Vision Plan | Pacoima Beautiul | Lead Offi cer WalkerICON Offi ces | September 29, 2009


60/95

57

Max Podemski gave a PowerPoint presentation to offi cer Walker giving background on the project andsummarizing the main goals o the project. Afer the completion o the presentation he asked the offi cer

i a revitalized Pacoima Wash presented any challenges to public saety. Te offi cer said that a revitalizedPacoima Wash wont escalate vandalism and that crime stays down when you have activities in parks. Hepointed out the summer night lights and the new skate park and how those have made local parks suchas Ritchie Valens saer. He said that criminals like to commit crimes where no one can see them and themore people there are the less crime there will be. He also said that graffi ti busters could make a revitalizedPacoima Wash part o their rounds.

Te lead offi cer also pointed out that dumping is a major problem along the Wash especially on Ilex Street.Dumpers want secluded areas where there are dead end streets next to industrial sties and many streets that

lead into the Wash t this description. A revitalized Pacoima Wash could help end this problem by makingthese dead ends more active and making a less hospitable location or dumping.

In terms o amenities or new parks along the Wash the lead offi cer recommend exercise equipment similarto what they have in Sycamore Park in Highland Park. He says that these machines are busy all day and theyprovide places or people to work out in neighborhoods where there are ew gyms and where residents maynot be able to afford memberships.

He also recommended that the greenway and parks be well lit although he did say that this could provide a

problem with neighbors upset about light pollution. He also recommended we talk to LA County Saety andGeneral Services because they will most likely be patrolling the park not the LAPD.

Te offi cer has a avorable opinion o the project and thought it would be a determent to crime in theneighborhoods around it by providing more activity.


Pacoima Wash Visioning ProjectPLACE Grant | Pandaland Elementary Parent CenterOctober 16, 2009 | 8:00 to 9:30 PM | Panadaland


61/95

58


Comments provided by Pandaland Elementary Parent Volunteers

Te Pacoima Washing Visioning Project Presentation was shown to twenty our parents, many o whom haveresided in the community o Pacoima or more than ten years. Tis presentation began slightly different thanother ocus groups. We rst began by having an ice-breaker where parents stated their name and the amount oyears living in the community. Afer the last participant, the presentation began. Te questions asked afer thepresentation were as ollows:

Do you know where the Pacoima Wash is located and runs through?Tere was no single person who answered yes.

What parks do you visit on a regular basis?Ritchie Valens Park, El Cariso Park, Veterans Park, and Humphrey Park.

What would you like to see along the wash?rash cans, lights, policemen, bicycle and running paths.

What amenities would you like to be built along the wash?BBQ-pits, party areas, playgrounds, gyms.

Other recommendations suggested: Lots o police surveillance, lighting, no smoking and no drinkingregulations.


62/95


Pacoima Wash Visioning ProjectPLACE Grant | Jennier Bowers Green Communities ClassroomApril 9, 2010 | 8:00 to 9:30 AM | San Fernando High School


63/95

60

Notes summarized by Karen Cervantes rom ICON CDC ([email protected])

Pacoima Wash suggestions are provided by San Fernando High School students.

Te Pacoima Washing Visioning Project Second Round Presentation was shown to thirty-our high students,many o whom reside in Pacoima or surrounding communities. Te students were amiliar with the Pacoima Washand the connecting bridge between Ritchie Valens Park and San Fernando High School. Tis ocus group was atwo part presentation. Te rst hal involved a twenty minute power point and the second part included a eldtrip to the wash. Each student was given a sheet with our questions to answer afer their eld trip experience. Asummary and the number o times the same suggestion came up are as ollows:

What ideas do you have for the beautification project?

murals Plants bathrooms bridge stability drinking fountains

8 6 5 5 4

air fresheners bike lanes fountains walkways theater

3 3 3 3 2

mile marks removal of barb wire picnic areas telescope restaurants

1 1 1 1 1

What can be done to make the wash into a greener place?native plants trash cans grass trees recycling bins

13 9 7 6 5

gardens pocket parks solar power signs sustainability

2 2 2 1 2

What can be done to make the wash safer for the community?

security cameras wash rails lights park gates

11 9 5 4 4

fix the bridgecaution/park rule

signsemergencyphones

4 4 1

What are some possible problems or roadblocks?

taggers littering community money nothing

10 6 5 4 4

gang activity theftspeoplefalling construction natural disasters

3 2 1 1 1


64/95



65/95

62

Log Fences

Picnic Tables

Fountains

Bushes

Benches

No Smoking

Signs

Bike Lane

Runners Lane

Pet Friendly Lanes

Dirt Path

Resting Areas

Mile Markers

Jungle Gyms

Picnic Areas

Outdoor Stage

Gardens

Sprinklers

Ponds

Snack Shops

Sport Courts

Grills/BBQ Areas

Benches

Tables

Bush Mazes

Trees

Community Gardens

New

Bridge


66/95


can get brown and ratty looking and many people mistakenly think they are dead. For this reason she selected aplant palate consisting o a mixture o native plants and low maintenance evergreen plants such as succulents. Tisway the plants will remain colorull all year long. Te audience seemed enthused by this.


67/95

64

Bridge Color:

An important component to the project is painting the pedestrian bridge ence. Jan led a discussion with theparticipants about potential colors. Te rst thing she asked was colors to avoid such as potential gang colors.Colors mentioned were black and orange, and yellow and black. In terms o colors participants preerred there wasa strong preerence or both green and blue. A vote was taken between these two colors which resulted in a tie. Jansaid that blue, green, and red are all on the same color scale and perhaps a combination o these colors could beused.

Tunnel:

Jan also showed rendering o potential improvements to the pedestrian tunnel running under the 118 reeway.Tey included improving lighting in the tunnel, painting the interior and entrance with bright murals, and puttingnew plantings at the entrance to the tunnel. Participants elt that simply painting murals on the tunnel would notbe enough because they would be tagged immediately considering the area is a popular tagging spot. Tey alsomentioned that one o the reasons the lighting is so poor is because the lighting gets tagged over. One participantmentioned that the area in ront o the tunnel requently suffers rom illegal dumping o debris and he worried thatnew landscaping their could risk getting damaged by dumping. Participants seemed to avor improvements to thebridge over the tunnel.

Bathroom:

Multiple participants requested that a bathroom be placed near the site. However a public bathroom doescurrently exist near the project area, but seems to suffer rom a perception that it is not accessible and is dirty. Apotential project in the area could be to improve the bathroom some how.


8.7 Appendix H

Notes From Focus group with Sylmar Parent Group at Mission College

Jan/13/2009 | 11:00 to 11:30 AM |Mission College


68/95

65

J / / | | g

Places to walkGardens, relaxing areas to sitPlaces to hike- connections with wilderness trails

People would like to have a place to have parties. Tere should be picnic tables and bbq pits. However this areashould be separated rom the calmer area so there are places ro people to relax without hearing the music andnoise rom party. However no smoking are drinking should be allowed.

People expressed interest in having a community gathering space where mariachis could play and where moviecould be shown or other events could happen. Tere should be events and acilities that build community andallow people to get to know one another.

Te also expressed interest in having a covered or sheltered place where there could be senior classes, healthclasses, or health airs with testing.

People who came to the meeting go to the park ofen to walk, watch sporting events, or have parties.

Tey would like ood to be available in park. aco vendors and other vendors should be allowed or there can bea snack bar. Tis area should be near the picnic area so even i people do not bring ood they can buy it and hangout.

People would like places to bike and place or their children to play such as play structures.


El Cariso Parent Center Focus Group NotesFeb/06/2009

Q & A


69/95

66

1. What activities would you like to see used along the river path?

Parks, recreation center, area to walk, and or bicycles. Walkway or trails so people can go out and enjoy the outdoors. Basketball courts and skating. Space to walk. A place or children to play, and a walkway that is away rom the bike path and horse path. I would like to see more space where parents can take their kids or a walk, also to go to a recreation room

where they hold activities. I would like to see a court or all types o sports, an area or BBQ, an area or children to play and an area or

adults to relax. Also a special area or horse. A place to walk and a horse path. But separate rom each other. A bike path. I would like to see more parents interact with their children. Also more restaurants so amilies could be

together more. Clean bathrooms, walk way, bike path, a nice lake with ducks, an area or the kids to play 1-5yrs and or teens,

a new head start. Walkway, bike path and horse path. A bicycle path, a walkway to walk your pets. And a sae sidewalk.

I would like to see more activities and games or the kids and amilies. I would like to see a walking path, bike path and horse path along the river. Tat would be perect.

2. What activities would you want to prevent rom being used along the river path?

Factories that could contaminate the ambience and destroy the owers. No trash. I would not like to see speed limit problems. More lights, no violence. Any thing that contaminates, engines, motorcycles etc.

We do not want actories surroundings the river I would like to stop people rom driving ast and to see people stop abusing and neglecting their animals. No gangs, no commercial buildings, only to preserve the eld and physical activities so much in biking,

walking and mount horses. No graffi ti, alcohol, drug us, cigarettes and gangs. I would like to see less dangerous activities and actories. In reality I wouldnt have a problem with anything

3. What are your priorities or the Pacoima wash in Sylmar?

Programs o cleanliness.


I would like to see more bikes and a pond. Te nature, a continuance cleanliness team and anti re that protects nature. We want to see more trees, water trails. I would try and keep my environment clean and sae. I would do that by picking up afer mysel and others.

I I i b h i I ill i


70/95

67

I I see miss behavior I will report it.

A place to walk, ride bikes, horse mounting and a lot o security. Reduce streets along the river. Have the river conserve the greenery, plants and trees. rees, owers, playgrounds, and sae walk way. I would like to see bike paths

What Would You Like to See?

What parks exist in Sylmar?Veterans

El CarisoSylmar

What would you like to see along the wash?

1. A pond with ducks2. Area or horse riding, different and away rom walking path. It is dangerous to have them together.3. Bar BQ area with shade4. Limit the violence

5. Good lighting6. Gated park7. Bike path only and walking path8. Skate board park (separated)9. rails10. Seating area11. Have security to prevent smoking12. Fencing around the river to prevent people rom going in13. More nature such as buttery exibits

14. 13 people would like to see more parks

What do you do at a park?

1. walk2. use my bike3. play in the playground4. BBQ


What would you not like to see?

1. no motorcycles2. no actories that contaminate3 t t


71/95

68

3. no streets

4. no trash5. no tagging or vandalism

Options or Youth Focus GroupFeb/11/2009

A ocus group was held at options or youth in Sylmar which is a program or at risk high school age kids in theSylmar area. 11 people in attendance.

Participants had a strong preerence or having a running and biking trail through the wash. Tey also thoughtthat the trail should be landscaped with plants and colorul owers. Participants also said there should be signsand inormation about the different plants and also about the ecology o the area.

Participants also wanted a place to sit and hang out. Tis area should have large shade trees, benches, and tables.Many said they already hang out at parks in the area. Tey also thought there should be an area or the communityto gather and have classes or presentations.

Participants had a strong preerence or some kind o water eature in the area such as a ountain, pond, or creek.

When asked what participants did not want to see along the wash many said they did not want there be vandalism.Tey suggested that there should be some kind o security to insure that the park does not get overrun by

vandalism or become unsae. Tey also said that area should remain natural and not be taken over by developmentsuch as houses, offi ces, or actories.

Focus groups participants were asked to ll out index card with top 3 uses they would like to see along wash.Below these uses are ranked:

Bike Path/Walk Way 8rees, Plants, Park 8Benches/ables 3Fountains/ Pond 2Playground 2Picnic Area 1Dog Park 1Exercise Area 1


72/95


73/95


74/95


Foothill and Maclay include pinch points where two vehicle lanes are sometimes reduced to singlelanes, due to underdeveloped private property. How can bike lanes be planned without adequateright o way?

Do not remove parking at the intersection o the wash, Southern Caliornia Edison right o way and210 Freeway. It is important to workers at a local lm industry acility.


75/95

72

y p y y

More general comments were made by speakers as the meeting concluded.

Tis is a vision plan and you want to place an emphasis on the needs o the community so you cansatisy those needs in the uture.

Te Pacoima Wash project is a good thing, a worthwhile effort that is needed or the community. Beware o the power o the river and be cognizant o graffi ti and crime. Be careul to avoid oppor tunities or encampments by homeless people. Address the resources you will need to keep new acilities sae and protect public investments. All bridges should be designed to support the weight o emergency vehicles. Foot bridges that

cannot be used by the Police Department will become escape routes or the criminal element, taggers and vandals. A vision or Pacoima Wash is a great idea. Provide or minimal intervention and low-impact construction techniques. Avoid disruption o any ood protection acilities, conict with the Army

Corps o Engineers and other ederal river laws. Congregate zones are not welcome.

Sylmar has a high concentration o sex offenders. Te general vision plan concept that was presented is a great idea and it should be pursued.

Veronica Padilla o ICON conducted a drawing and distributed door prizes. Max and Veronica thankedeveryone or their time and participation. Te meeting was adjourned at 7:30.


76/95


Connections to existing bike paths, lanes and routes should be identied as part o the project. Keep in touch with the citys community planners. Identiy all political districts to coordinate action with state legislature and U.S. Congress. Identiy opportunities to connect the trail to resources in Angeles National Forest. (Campgrounds,

etc.)


77/95

74

Identiy educational opportunities and interpretive sites. Identiy opportunities to make connections to local residential neighborhoods. Tink about using both sides o the wash, especially at the debris basin. Plan green elements on

both sides. Tere are equity issues that should be considered. Fully integrate this project with the City o San Fernando Pacoima Wash project. How does the project relate to the Pacoima Dam? Reer to the ujunga-Pacoima Watershed Management Plan that was recently completed by Te

River Project. Tis organization may have unpublished inormation about Pacoima Wash. Clariy the approach to coordinating ood protection goals and unding sources. Proposition K

and Quimby unds may be available through contacts with local legislators. Will the project goals include acquisition and conversion o the asphalt batch plant on the edge o

the wash? (Tis is a separate project being pursued by Pacoima Beautiul.)

Max thanked the meeting participants or their time. Te Sylmar portion o Pacoima Wash was the rst projectpriority because o the citys schedule in updating the local community plan. Max is working with MRCA on adraf report. Te AG will be asked to reconvene, review and provide inormation at each o our key projectphases. Te next meeting will ocus on Pacoima and Arleta. It will be scheduled afer a broader communityworkshop occurs.


78/95


79/95


Pacoima Wash Bicycle Access Plan

NORTH/ SOUTHROUTES

(1) HUBBARD STREET

From Foothill Bd.


MACLAY STREETFrom Harding St.To Gladstone Ave.


80/95

77

March 2011 Page 5 of 17

To Gavina Ave.

EXISTING

4 lanes with center-turn lane andon-street parking (parking andcenter-turn lane vary)

PROPOSED

Add bike lanes with road diet

GAVINA AVENUE

From Hubbard St.To Wash

EXISTI

NG

4 lanes with center-turn lane andon-street parking

PROPO

SED


From WashTo Via San Diego

EXISTING

2 lanes with on-street parking Potential access to Wash via

Pacoima Canyon Road

PROPOSED

Add bike route with sharrows

HARDING STREET / PACOIMA CANYON ROADFrom Via San DiegoTo Maclay St.

EXISTING

2 lanes with center-turn lane No parking Existing access point to Wash

PROPOSED

Add bike lanes Open access point for use to

Wash and improve trailhead


To Gladstone Ave.

EXISTING

2 lanes with on-street parking Existing access point to Wash

across from 12831 Maclay St.

PROPOSED

Add bike-friendly street Create Wash access point at

existing opening near LopezDebris Basin

From Gladstone AveTo Eighth Street (San Fernando City Limit)

EXISTING


PROPOSED

Add bike-friendly street



(2) FOX STREET / WOODMAN AVENUE

From San Fernando Rd.To Laurel Canyon Bd.


(3) PAXTON STREET

From Foothill Bd.To Dronfield Ave.


81/95

78


y

EXISTING

2 lanes with on-street parking

PROPOSED


From Laurel Canyon Bd.To 118 Freeway

EXISTING


Narrow sections

PROPOSED Add bike lanes

Option: Add bike route withsharrows in narrow sections

From 118 FreewayTo Devonshire St.

EXISTING

4 lanes with center-turn lane


From Devonshire St.To Terra Bella St.

EXISTING

4 lanes with center-turn lane Bike lanes

PROPO

SED Keep as is

From Terra Bella St.To Kagel Canyon St.

EXISTING

Existing bike route



EXISTING

4 lanes with center-turn lane andon-street parking northbounddirection only

PROPOSED

Remove center-turn lane and addbike lanes

From Dronfield Ave.To Arleta Ave.

EXISTING



(4) VAN NUYS BOULEVARD

From Foothill Bd.To Telfair Ave.

EXISTING



From Telfair Ave.

To Haddon Ave.

EXISTING

4 lanes with center median andon-street parking


From Haddon Ave.To Woodman Ave.

EXISTING





(5) TERRA BELLA STREET

From San Fernando Rd.To Woodman Ave.


WEST/ EASTROUTES

(6) ELDRIDGE AVENUE

From Hubbard St.


82/95

79


EXISTING

4 lanes with on-street parking Entrance to Wash south of Arleta

Ave.

PROPOSED

Add bike lanes with road diet Provide access to the bike path

along the Metrolink right-of-way Option: Add bike route with

sharrows


To Harding St.

EXISTING

2 lanes On-street parking (parallel and

diagonal head in)

PROPOSED Change parking in front of college

to diagonal reverse-in parking Add bike-friendly street

HARDING STREETFrom Eldridge Ave.To Maclay St.

EXISTING

2 lanes

PRO

POSED Add bike-friendly street

(7) GLADSTONE AVENUE

From Hubbard St.To Wash

EXISTING

2 lanes with on-street parking Residential, low volume Existing connection to Wash at

end of street PROPOSED

Add bike-friendly street Open up existing connection to

Wash

(8) FOOTHILL BOULEVARD

From Hubbard St.To Gridley St.

EXISTING


PROPOSED

Add bike lanes

From Gridley St.To Maclay St.

EXISTING

4 lanes

PROPOSED




From Maclay St.To Brand Bd.

TING


OSED

Add bike lanes


(10) GLENOAKS BOULEVARD

From Arroyo St.To Van Nuys Bd.

G

4 lanes with center-turn lane andD

Add bike lanes


83/95

80


EXIS

T

PROPO

From Brand Bd.To Paxton St.

EXISTING

4 lanes with center-turn lanes

PROPOSED

Add bike lanes

From Paxton St.To Van Nuys Bd.

EXISTING


PROPOSED

Add bike lanes

From Van Nuys Bd.To Pierce St.

EXISTING

4 lanes with center-turn lane andon-street parking eastbounddirection only

P

ROPOSED

Narrow center-turn lane to 9 oreliminate

Add bike lanes Option: Add bike route with

sharrowsFrom Pierce St.To Osborne St.

EXISTING


PROPOSED

Add bike lanes

(9) DRONFIELD AVENUE


EXISTING


PROPOSED



EXISTING

on-street parking

PROPOSED

From Van Nuys Bd.To Osborne St.

EXISTING

Existing bike lanes

PROPOSED

Keep as is

(11) HERRICK AVENUE


EXISTING


PROPOSED




(12) BRADLEY AVENUE

From Library St.To California Commerce Center


(15) OMELVENY AVENUE / SAN JOSE STREET

From Fox St.To Wash

G

2 lanes with on-street parkingE

D Add bike route with


84/95

81


EXISTING

2 lanes with on-street parking Existing access point to Wash at

Library Street Bradley crosses over Wash

PROPOSED

Add bike-route with sharrows

From California Commerce CenterTo Paxton St.

EXISTING


P

ROPOSED

Add bike lanes

From Paxton St.To Van Nuys Bd.

EXISTING


PROPOSED


(13) METROLINK RIGHT-OF-WAY

From Truman St.To Branford St.

EXISTING

Available right-of-way

PROPOSED

Add bike path along railroadright-of-way

Provide Wash access

(14) TELFAIR AVENUEFrom WashTo Terra Bella St.

EXISTING

2 lanes with on-street parking Existing access to Wash (closed

fence)

PROPOSED

Add bike-friendly street Open gate to wash


EXISTING

Existing access to Wash (closedfence)

Pedestrian bridge connects SanJose St. and Haddon Ave.

PROPOSE

sharrows Add directional signage to

the bridge and connection toHaddon Ave.

HADDON AVENUEFrom WashTo Terra Bella St.

EXISTING

2 lanes with on-street parking Existing access to Wash (closed

fence) Pedestrian tunnel under 118

Freeway (no direct vehicularaccess)

Difficult crossing Paxton St. withno signal

PROP

OSED

Add bike route withsharrows

Open fence to Wash andadd access

Improve crossing at PaxtonSt.



(16) LAUREL CANYON BOULEVARD

From San Fernando Mission Blvd.To Paxton St.


WASHACCESSPOINTS

Providing numerous, convenient access points to the Wash is important in attractingnearby residents, recreational and utilitarian users. We suggest access points at the


85/95

82


EXISTING


PROPOSED

Add bike lanes

From Paxton St.To Mercer St.

EXISTING

4 lanes with center-turn lane

PROPOSED Add bike route with sharrows

Option: Add bike lanes with roaddiet

From Mercer St.To Pierce St.

EXISTING


PROPOSED Add bike route with sharrows

Option: Add bike lanes with roaddiet

From Pierce St.To Terra Bella St.

EXISTING

4 lanes with center-turn lane andon-street parking westbound

direction onlyPROP

OSED Add bike route with sharrows

Option: Add bike lanes with road

diet

(17) DEVONSHIRE STREET

From Woodman Ave.To Wash

EXISTING


Street passes throughundeveloped land with existing

channelsPROPOSED

Add bike path


following locations:

Pacoima Canyon Road Harding Street Maclay Street Gladstone Avenue Bradley Avenue

Metrolink Bike Path Telfair Avenue Haddon Avenue Paxton Street (near Arleta Avenue) Devonshire Street

ROUTING AT118FREEWAY AND5FREEWAY INTERCHANGE

The Pacoima Wash goes underground just north of the 118 freeway near Ritchie Valens

Recreation Center / Paxton Park. We propose to route bicyclists onto Haddon Avenue toPaxton Street, where they can then reconnect with the Wash on Paxton Street just north ofArleta Avenue. Directional signage will be of utmost importance to route cyclists to returnto the Wash once they exit prior to the underground portion. Directional signage shouldalso be used along bikeways indicating closest Pacoima Wash entrances.



IV. ROUTE MAP


86/95

83



8.10 Appendix K


87/95

84



88/95

85



89/95

86



90/95

87



91/95

88



92/95

89

PACOIMA WASH WALKING TOUR AND MOBILE WORKSHOP | 11



93/95

90

PACOIMA WASH WALKING TOUR AND MOBILE WORKSHOP | 13



94/95

91


95/95

Pacoima Wash Vision Plan Book FINAL

Documents

Transcript of Pacoima Wash Vision Plan Book FINAL