LOCAL HEARTS BEAT TRUE 'NEATH THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE.

Byline: Rachel Uranga Staff Writer

SUNLAND - Stretched out on lawn chairs and waving American flags, hundreds of people lined the main thoroughfare Monday to celebrate the nation's birthday with a hometown parade and some old-fashioned water-gun fights.

The colorful procession, along a one-mile stretch of Foothill Boulevard beginning at Mount Gleason Avenue, drew loyal enthusiasts, immigrants learning the Fourth of July tradition and new Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. It was the first official visit from a mayor of Los Angeles in the parade's history of more than two decades.

``This was (also) his first parade ever as mayor, and we were honored he picked Sunland-Tujunga,'' said Michael Lucas, president of the Rotary Club of Sunland, Tujunga and Shadow Hills, which sponsored the parade.

``The energy is always incredible. The patriotism in this town is unbelievable, and you see it especially on the Fourth of July.

``It's Andy of Mayberry meets the Doo Dah Parade.''

Across Southern California, millions celebrated Independence Day with picnics, barbecues and fireworks. In Studio City, hundreds gathered for the seventh annual Fourth of July Festival at CBS Studio Center, where children chowed down on hot dogs and were awed by magic tricks. Pyrotechnics lighted up Warner Center in Woodland Hills, and in Burbank, people gathered for a concert.

``We came out to be a part of this,'' said Maria Gomez, a 38-year-old Mexican immigrant attending her first U.S. Independence Day parade. ``We felt it was so important to show our support.''

The restaurant worker, dressed in red and white, kept a small American flag behind her ear. Her 8-year-old son clapped fervently as boys with squirt guns passed by to cool off the sunbaked crowd.

With 78 entries, the parade reflected the spirit of a close-knit hillside community. Local organizations, ranging from an anti-development group to an anti-abortion committee, used the opportunity to stir the crowd and to see and be seen by the neighborhood council, a councilwoman and the mayor.

``This is the Fourth of July, and this is about America, about free speech,'' said Nina Royal, who marched with a group opposed to plans for a Home Depot in the semirural community.

Ahead of her were a gold-costumed Statue of Liberty and antique firetrucks carrying children squirting water guns.

``This is one of our most patriotic places,'' said City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel.

For Velia Willard, a 51-year-old day-care worker, the patriotism was almost overwhelming. Her 24-year-old son, Wesley Willard, is fighting in Iraq.

``I just wish he were here,'' she said, a tear trickling down her cheek as an Army truck with a ``Support our Troops'' banner passed by. ``It's so hard for me. It's rough right now.''

Rachel Uranga, [phone]

rachel.uranga(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1) Joyce Hunter rides behind a California-style Uncle Sam, Charles Pelland, in the annual Fourth of July parade sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sunland, Tujunga and Shadow Hills.

(2) With banners unfurled, the Verdugo Hills High drill team and band march in the Fourth of July parade in Sunland.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer

(3) Visitors to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library get to talk with ``President George Washington'' on Monday.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News