Los Angeles Gets Split By Census Bureau

The census report resulted from a hard-fought battle by Valley leaders to have the area recognized as geographically distinct from the rest of the city and county of Los Angeles. According to Congressman Brad Sherman, who represents the area, the report will allow elected leaders to pursue federal and state funds based on its unique demographics. For example, the report showed that the Valley is not only made up of rich white people; in fact, more than 72,000 households have incomes under $15,000. "There is significant poverty in the Valley, justifying our requests for housing funds and for inclusion in tax-incentive empowerment zones," Sherman said. The San Fernando Valley's 2005 population of 1.74 million, makes it larger than every American city but New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.