The importance of neighborhood distinctions in L.A.

With its vast variety of distinct areas, the neighborhood in which Angelenos call home is not only important for property values, but also defines where they often shop, walk, exercise and socialize. In the city's San Fernando Valley, as neighborhoods have evolved, some have broken off from historical names such as 'North Hollywood' or 'Van Nuys' to join neighboring areas that better define them or simply conjure up a new name such as 'Valley Village' (forever immortalized in Comedy Central's "The Sarah Silverman Show") or 'Lake Balboa.'

The latest battle is for a part of Van Nuys that has long considered itself to be 'Sherman Oaks-adjacent,' and organizers have launched a compelling Web site that shows photos of the neighborhood in question versus other parts of Van Nuys to the north.

The city council is expected to soon vote on this change and organizers are asking for area residents to weigh in by email, so I'll be watching it closely. But does seem to make sense that neighborhoods should follow ambience and demographics more than historical boundaries that are sometimes drawn without much forethought.