‘Val’ References and Rights

In response to Scott Harris’ Feb. 1 and 4 columns: No Mr. Harris, it is not “Rilly OK to Be a Val” or to hold 1.3 million people up to ridicule. San Fernando Valley residents are sick and tired of rhetoric that belittles us. We have a right to be treated better by Harris, The Times, the state and the rest of the city.

We have been paying the lion’s share of taxes for years and have not gotten a representative share of benefits. The bill introduced by Assemblywoman Paula Boland may lead us to revisit many of the same issues that were raised by the Committee Investigating Valley Independent City / County (CIVICC) 20 years ago. At that time Valley leaders documented that we Valley residents did not receive our fair share of services for the tax dollars collected. What was true 20 years ago is still largely true today.

In bashing the Valley, Harris has failed to appreciate that the area’s people are as ethnically, politically and economically diverse as any other. Labeling us “Vals” is a simplistic attempt to ridicule and homogenize us. We face the same challenges, share the same dreams as [residents] in other parts of the city. I applaud Boland and urge passage of AB 2043, which would return self-determination and empowerment to Valley residents. If The Times continues to take these potshots at us, Valley residents might decide it’s time to revive CIVICC.

FRANCINE OSCHIN

Sherman Oaks

Oschin is a candidate for state Assembly.