Assemblywoman Luz Rivas Secures $5 Million for The Great Wall of Los Angeles

VALLEY GLEN, CA – Today, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas(D-San Fernando Valley) held a press conference with the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) to highlight the $5 million dollar state investment coming to revitalize The Great Wall of Los Angeles.

The $5 million will assist with the development of an interpretive green bridge along the mural, a much-anticipated expansion of the mural, refurbishing of existing artwork, which will span a mile in length, and feature new art from present history. By expanding the mural, and depicting current history, The Great Wall will illustrate the current realities facing local communities and the state.

“When Judith Baca created her mural in 1974, she sought to highlight the diversity and uniqueness of California through the lens of women and minorities. I am happy to see $5 million return to Valley Glen to unravel the story of a community who rarely gets told,” stated Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “This budget allocation in the 43rd Assembly District provides creative opportunities for a humble community who rarely gets to see them. Veteran muralists will take lead of the project while providing aspiring artists with the unique opportunity to assist with the mural, opportunities, which are not normally found due to the uneven distribution of state funds in Los Angeles County. I am excited to see our local artists participate in this culturally significant mural, providing them with a safe space to express themselves, and how this expansion will empower the next generation of local leaders.”

“The funding provided by Assemblywoman Luz Rivas provides critical monies for the completion of a pedestrian bridge across the Tujunga Wash reach of the Los Angeles River. It bridges three schools from across the river to Coldwater Canyon for public transportation. It also bridges a residential community with the schools while creating a perfect viewing station for the 1/2 mile narrative Mural on the little known histories of women, indigenous peoples, and people of color that have contributed much to the building of our country,” said Judith Baca (Artist of The Great Wall). “With this support the much needed amenities of restrooms and drinking fountains will be added before the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 for school tours and visitors. Landscaping and fencing enhancements and lighting will make this site a cultural destination in the San Fernando Valley commensurate with its recent designation as a National Historic Site by the US Department of Interior.”

The Great Wall of Los Angeles is one of the region’s most iconic cultural landmarks located in the San Fernando Valley community of Valley Glen. Work on the mural will begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2028, when Los Angeles will be hosting the Olympics.

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Assemblywoman Luz Rivas proudly represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of Los Angeles communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Panorama City, Sun Valley, Sylmar, North Hollywood, Valley Glen and the City of San Fernando.