It is often said that there isn’t anything new under the sun….especially a good idea.  An idea being promoted in Chatsworth by the Mid San Fernando Valley Rotary is the establishment of a community garden.  Reminiscent of the World War II Victory Gardens that the U.S. government promoted, the Rotary Club is creating an opportunity for people to save money and eat healthier by growing their own vegetables.

For those who live in an apartment or condominium, or homeowners who just don’t have room in their backyard, the community garden is available to you.  Rotary says the benefits include educational opportunities, children's plots, affordable organics, and building neighborhood self-reliance. 

Use of the land, located on Jordan Street and Topanga Cyn Blvd is made possible by Chatsworth dentist Barbara Pampalone, who owns the property.  I “have worked in Rotary on many community and International projects.  The lot on Jordan has been empty for many years and I learned it could be used for a community garden without raising the taxes.  So the Mid San Fernando Valley Rotary Club decided to create a Rotary Community Garden so local people who don’t have access to land can raise their own vegetables and will share some fruit” said Pampalone.. 

The Rotarians will be working at the site on April 25th, preparing it for community use. Residents who want to create a space to raise vegetables and share in the "fruits" of their labor can contact the coordinator, Marie Patterson, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (818) 341-8888.