COUNCIL BACKS VALLEY CENSUS DESIGNATION EFFORT COULD BRING ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM STATE AND FEDS.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

A new effort to give recognition - and, possibly, future dollars - to the San Fernando Valley received approval Friday from the Los Angeles City Council.

In a resolution sent on to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the council unanimously joined the growing call to have the Valley considered a separate geographic and statistical reporting area for all levels of government.

``One of the biggest concerns during the secession debate was that the San Fernando Valley was not being recognized,'' said Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, one of the Valley's five council members. ``The San Fernando Valley is unique and deserves to have its own identity, both for statistical purposes and what it will mean in terms of grants.''

Greuel said the Valley could help the city get additional state and federal money if it is considered a separate statistical entity from the rest of Los Angeles.

``Seventy-five percent of the Valley is within the city of Los Angeles,'' Greuel said. ``Giving businesses and community organizations statistical information on the Valley for planning, social, economic and policy decisions will make the Valley a better place to work, play and live.''

Councilman Ed Reyes, who represents the Eastside, said he was concerned how a focus on the Valley would impact other, poorer areas of the city.

``I support the Valley being considered separately, but I think it's important we not overlook the pervasiveness of poverty. It overwhelms whole neighborhoods of our city and we can't ignore where it historically has been an issue.''

Councilman Tony Cardenas said the proposal is important in helping determine what is being provided the San Fernando Valley.

``This is what the secession movement was all about - finding out if we are getting our fair share,'' said Cardenas, whose district includes Van Nuys and Sun Valley.

``The San Fernando Valley is a vibrant and exciting part of the city, but the people who live there want to make sure they are getting an equitable share.''

The council's action follows a similar resolution by the Board of Supervisors in calling on the Census Bureau to create a separate statistical area for the Valley. Greuel said officials have been working through Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks, to require the action.

Bob Scott, vice chairman of governmental operations for the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, said the city action was important in trying to influence the Census Bureau.

``This is something that would allow us to analyze what comes into the Valley,'' Scott said. ``We tried to get this information in the past, but it never worked out.

``What is important about this is that it will help us learn more about ourselves, but also serve as a way for us to approach government and foundations to make sure we are eligible for more grants.

``Part of the problem we've had in the past is the San Fernando Valley was never a real place,'' Scott said. ``This will let us be known on our own.''

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com