Pacoima Beautiful

Pacoima Beautiful is the only environmental justice organization advancing community and economic resiliency in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. We repurpose urban areas into sustainable green spaces, provide hands-on education and opportunities to develop their leadership skills, and empower individuals to become active advocates for the community’s most urgent social and environmental needs. We organize, educate, and empower residents to develop community-based solutions to the challenges they face.

The Electro-Bici program is a library of 100 pedal-assist electric bikes available for rent to residents throughout the Northeast San Fernando Valley. Bikes are available through long-term rentals of 6 - 12 months, provided free of charge to low-income participants following training on the use of the bike, proper storage, and charging. Community members can use the e-bikes for transportation to and from work, to access public transit hubs, to attend school and youth programming, and for personal recreation.

The Green Together Collaborative received a grant of $23 million from the California Strategic Growth Council’s Transformative Climate Communities Program to increase the climate resilience of Pacoima and Sun Valley through tree planting, solar panel installation, active transportation, and more. We seek support for a project coordinator to marshal the efforts of multiple agencies and for a resilience center that will serve as the focal point for the community’s fight against climate change.

Join us in developing a safe creative space for the community and by the community.

Revitalize underutilized sidewalks into urban trails to increase walkability and connectivity for active and healthier lifestyles.

Van Nuys Boulevard is often referred to as the central artery of Pacoima. For the LA 2050 Challenge, Pacoima Beautiful would like to reinvigorate the 1.6 mile stretch of Van Nuys Blvd. between Laurel Canyon Blvd. and Glenoaks Blvd. There are over 60 small businesses on that portion of Van Nuys Blvd. These businesses range from independently owned and operated grocery stores, restaurants, mechanic shops, cell phone stores, flower shops, and many others. Many of these businesses are surviving on a month-to-month basis. They cover their payroll, and operating costs (rent, and utilities) without being able to invest in business improvements, much less streetscape improvements. If granted $100,000 Pacoima Beautiful would like to reward business owners in a manner that promotes environmental stewardship and saves them money. The funds from the LA 2050 Challenge would allow us to award 40 businesses, each with $1,000 in goods and services paid by Pacoima Beautiful to make environmentally friendly improvements to their business. The remaining funds would be used to make streetscape improvements to the 1.6 mile stretch of Van Nuys Blvd. and cover program costs. Making these green improvements will begin a shift in the way our business community thinks about environmental responsibility. Examples of eligible improvements are (but not limited to): Implementing the use of recycling bins, zero to low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint, energy efficient lighting, energy efficient windows, drought tolerant/native landscaping, green roofs, air conditioning system improvements, etc. Eligibility for the $1,000 (in goods and services) would be determined through an application process. Working in conjunction with groups such as the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Economic Development Center we would look into 1) Which environmental impact would the applicants improvement minimize? 2) How long has the business been in operation? 3) How will the business owner(s) maintain/sustain the improvement? We will also evaluate our award recipient’s awareness of environmental hazards and green business practices starting at the application process. This initial evaluation will be used as a baseline to gauge need for improvements and knowledge of environmentally safe practices. Awards would be given out from September 2013 through October 2013. Streetscape improvements would be completed no later than the end of April of 2014. In regards to the Environmental Quality indicator, our efforts would result in improved environmental quality due to creating a business culture that is less harmful to the environment, and more welcoming due to improved streetscapes. We also look forward to providing an increased sense of support for our business community and increased civic pride. In our community our people are our strength. Within our business community, business owners are very dedicated to creating jobs, and serving the needs of their customers. At Pacoima Beautiful we would like to include businesses into our culture of environmental justice and provide them with education and support to pass on to their employees and customers. At Pacoima Beautiful we create awareness in our community through engagement in our various free programs. To sustain the enthusiasm for maintaining improved streetscapes and business practices we welcome all members of the business community to learn how city planning and civic engagement can benefit them through our 12-week People’s Planning School. The curriculum focuses on city planning, public participation, environmental stewardship, advocacy, and leadership development which will help us achieve our vision of a better L.A. in 2050.