NORTH HILLS : Residents Will Clean Streets Near Schools

Residents of North Hills will have an opportunity to make local streets sparkle today during a community cleanup organized by Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon.

Families from the Langdon Elementary School Parent Center and the Sepulveda Middle School Parent Center plan to take up brooms, trash barrels and paintbrushes to rid the neighborhood around the two schools of unsightly garbage and graffiti.

“In the past we’ve had problems with bulky items like sofas and chairs that people threw away on the street or in an alley,” said Arturo Gonzalez, communications director for Alarcon’s office. “Thanks to cleanups like this, we were able to identify areas that were problematic and respond to them.”

The Los Angeles Department of Housing’s Operation Clean Sweep will provide supplies and equipment for the cleanup.

Gonzalez predicted that about 100 people would participate. Anyone wishing to pitch in is invited, he said.

“The cleanup not only beautifies the area, but also gives the residents an opportunity to participate and get involved and take pride in their neighborhood,” said Gonzalez. “It kind of empowers them.”

After applying enough elbow grease to make Sepulveda Boulevard sparkle, participants in the cleanup will be treated to a noon Mexican-style barbecue, featuring traditional carne asada .

The cleanup beings at 8 a.m. at Sepulveda Methodist Church, 15435 Rayen St., North Hills.