SAN FERNANDO VALLEY : 14 Groups Receive Grants for Projects

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved grants totaling $10,750 for 14 nonprofit San Fernando Valley-based groups to perform a variety of community service projects.

Without debate, the council approved a plan by Councilman Marvin Braude to spend $5,000 on West Valley cleanup programs, including $1,700 for graffiti sandblasting work by West Valley PALS, a police support group. Braude represents part of the West Valley.

Receiving $500 each for planting and debris removal are the Encino, Tarzana, Van Nuys and Woodland Hills chambers of commerce and Neighborhood Beautification. Another $800 was allocated for cleanup work to New Directions for Youth, a youth activities program.

In a separate motion sponsored by Braude, the council granted $5,000 to six public service programs.

The Mid-Valley Community Police Council will receive $2,000 for youth recreation programs; Employ America, a jobs program for disabled adults, $1,000; New Directions for Youth, $750; Boys & Girls Club of West San Fernando Valley, $500, to set up a club at Serrania School; West Valley PALS, $500, for an Explorer Scout program, and the West Valley Symphony, $250, to fund a concert.

At the request of Councilman Ernani Bernardi, who represents the central Valley, the council also approved $250 for the Astoria in Motion Boys Club to buy playground equipment; $250 for the Sylmar-San Fernando Little League to use for operating expenses, and $250 to the Valley Interfaith Council for a human relations conference of junior high school students.