City pledges $80,000 to renovate center's facade

The City Council approved a matching grant of $80,000 to the owner of a shopping center at 665 Los Angeles Ave. who has promised to undertake $664,000 in extensive facade renovations.

Upon a recommendation from the Los Angeles Avenue Revitalization Committee- which has helped the city oversee redevelopment of the area since 2003- the council decided Monday to help fund the project.

Councilmember Glen Becerra said the action would "hopefully send a message to other property owners that it's time to upgrade."

Becerra and Councilmember Barbra Williamson serve on the committee, which must get council approval for requests of grant funds exceeding $35,000.

- Kyle Jorrey