Sun Valley, Los Angeles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sun Valley
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Stonehurst Recreation Center building, 2008
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Sun Valley. as delineated by the Los Angeles Times
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 Sun Valley
Location in San Fernando Valley
Sun Valley
Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Los Angeles |
| City | Los Angeles |
| Population
(2008)
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| • Total | 81,788 |
Sun Valley is a neighborhood located in Los Angeles, California. It's part of the San Fernando Valley region. This area is known for having many young people. Sun Valley has three recreation centers, and one of them is even a historic site! You'll also find thirteen public schools and four private schools here.
Contents
What is the History of Sun Valley?
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How Did Sun Valley Get Its Name?
Long ago, a Native American village called Wixánga was in this area. The name Wixánga came from a word meaning "thorn" or "prickle." This was because many prickly pear cacti grew naturally here. Later, the Spanish called the area Cañada de las Tunas, which also meant "canyon of the thorns." This name eventually became La Tuna Canyon, and finally, Sun Valley.
Early Land Ownership and Railroads
In 1874, a California State Senator named Charles Maclay bought a huge amount of land—about 56,000 acres—across the San Fernando Valley. This land stretched from Sunland Boulevard all the way to the Chatsworth Hills. East of Sunland was a large land grant called Rancho San Rafael.
By 1876, the Southern Pacific Railroad built tracks through the eastern San Fernando Valley. This connected Southern and Northern California. A general store called Roberts Store became a post office and a water stop for trains. Later, this area was renamed Roscoe, possibly after a railroad worker.
Development and Modern Name
In the 1920s, new homes and buildings started to be built in an area called Fernangeles. This name was a mix of San Fernando and Los Angeles. Famous movie producer Cecil B. DeMille was one of the people involved in this development. In 1950, the people living there chose the current name, Sun Valley.
Where is Sun Valley Located?
Sun Valley is surrounded by several other neighborhoods and cities. To the northeast, it borders Shadow Hills. To the southeast, it's next to Burbank. South of Sun Valley are North Hollywood and Valley Glen. To the west, you'll find Panorama City. Finally, to the northwest, it borders Pacoima, Hansen Dam, and Lake View Terrace.
Why Does Sun Valley Experience Flooding?
Sun Valley is located at the base of the Verdugo Mountains. Because of this, the area can sometimes have sudden flash floods. For example, in 2005, a flash flood caused a large sinkhole to open up on Tujunga Avenue.
Who Lives in Sun Valley?
In 2000, about 75,848 people lived in Sun Valley. The neighborhood covers about 9.42 square miles. This means there were about 8,048 people per square mile, which is an average number for a city neighborhood. By 2008, the population had grown to an estimated 81,788 people.
What is the Age and Background of Residents?
In 2000, the average age of residents was 28. This is considered young compared to other neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The percentage of children aged 10 or younger was also very high.
Sun Valley is considered "moderately diverse" in terms of ethnic backgrounds. A large percentage of residents are Latinos, making up about 69.4% of the population. Other groups include whites (17.9%), Asians (8.1%), and blacks (1.9%). Many residents were born outside the United States (51.9%), with Mexico (54.5%) and El Salvador (11.9%) being the most common birthplaces.
What are the Income Levels in Sun Valley?
In 2008, the average yearly household income was about $51,290. This was considered average for the city but a bit low for the county. Many households earned between $20,000 and $60,000. About 46.1% of homes were rented, while 53.9% were owned by the people living in them.
What Arts and Culture Can You Find in Sun Valley?
| Old Trapper's Lodge | |
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| Location | Woodland Hills, Los Angeles |
| Built | 1951 to 1981 |
| Architect | John Ehn |
| Reference no. | 939 |
Old Trapper's Lodge: A Unique Art Spot
Old Trapper's Lodge was once located in Sun Valley. It's a special kind of art environment created by an artist named John Ehn. He built it between 1951 and 1981 to show what the "Old West" was like, based on his own experiences and stories. He used his family as models and included old items to create the lodge and its "Boot Hill." This artwork has since been moved to Pierce College in Woodland Hills.
The Theodore Payne Foundation
The Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants is located in Sun Valley. This organization helps people learn about and appreciate the beautiful California native plants.
What Parks and Recreation Are Available?
Sun Valley has several great places for fun and sports!
Sun Valley Recreation Center
The Sun Valley Recreation Center offers a public swimming pool, a baseball diamond with lights, outdoor basketball courts with lights, and a children's play area. It also has a football field, picnic tables, a soccer field with lights, tennis courts with lights, and a volleyball court with lights.
Fernangeles Recreation Center
The Fernangeles Recreation Center also has a public swimming pool, an auditorium, and barbecue pits. You can find a lighted baseball diamond, indoor and outdoor basketball courts with lights, and a children's play area. There's also a lighted football field, an indoor gym with weights, picnic tables, and a lighted soccer field.
Stonehurst Recreation Center: A Historic Spot
The Stonehurst Recreation Center in Sun Valley is a historic site. It has an indoor gym and auditorium that can hold up to 400 people. The center also features barbecue pits, a lighted baseball diamond, lighted outdoor basketball courts, a children's play area, and a community room. You'll find a lighted football field, an indoor gym with weights, picnic tables, a lighted soccer field, and volleyball courts.
What Schools are in Sun Valley?
In 2000, about one out of ten Sun Valley residents aged 25 or older had earned a four-year college degree. This was a lower percentage compared to the rest of the city and county. Also, a high percentage of residents had not finished high school.
Here are some of the schools located within Sun Valley:
Public Schools in Sun Valley
- John H. Francis Polytechnic High School, 12431 Roscoe Boulevard
- Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies Magnet, 9171 Telfair Avenue
- Fernangeles Elementary School, 12001 Art Street
- Robert H. Lewis Continuation school, 12508 Wicks Street
- Richard E. Byrd Middle School, 8501 Arleta Avenue
- Arminta Street Elementary School, 11530 Strathern Street
- Strathern Street Elementary School, 7939 St. Clair Avenue
- Saticoy Elementary School, 7850 Ethel Avenue
- Glenwood Elementary School, 8001 Ledge Avenue
- Roscoe Elementary School, 10765 Strathern Street
- Vinedale Elementary School, 10150 La Tuna Canyon Road
- Charles Leroy Lowman Special Education Center, 12827 Saticoy Street
- Camelia Avenue Elementary School, 7451 Camelia Avenue
- Sun Valley Magnet School, 7330 Bakman Avenue
- Alliance Marine Innovation 6-12 Complex, 11933 Allegheny Street
- East Valley Skill Center (Adult School), 8601 Arleta Avenue
- Fenton Leadership Academy, 8926 Sunland Boulevard (for grades K-2)
- Fenton STEM Academy, 8926 Sunland Boulevard (for grades 3-5)
Private Schools in Sun Valley
- Village Christian School, 8930 Village Avenue
Universities and Colleges
- The Master's Seminary, 13248 Roscoe Boulevard
Public Libraries
The Los Angeles Public Library operates the Sun Valley Branch, where you can borrow books and use computers.
Who are Some Famous People from Sun Valley?
- Michael Horse, an actor
- John F. MacArthur, an American pastor and author
