**PRESS RELEASE**
COUNCILMEMBER BLUMENFIELD UNVEILS RESTORED ART PANELS ON SNOOPY BRIDGE
TARZANA, CA- Councilmember Blumenfield today joined community members and students from Tarzana Elementary School to formally unveil the restored art panels on the one-of-a-kind Snoopy Bridge.
“Snoopy Bridge has been a staple in the community on Wilbur Ave since the 1970s and sadly over the last few years, graffiti has made these wonderful murals an eyesore,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield. “I am thrilled that the art panels have been restored for future generations to enjoy and I am grateful to the community members who brought this to my attention and have been a driving force behind this project, especially Stephanie Brody, Kirk Donovan, and Patty Jo Wolfson.
Since the 1970s, the Snoopy (also called “Peanuts”) Bridge over Wilbur Avenue near Tarzana Elementary School has been a beloved community landmark. After the Snoopy art panels were defaced with graffiti, Blumenfield and his team worked with community members, Charles M Schulz Creative Associates, and Hattas Studios to refurbish this Valley treasure. It was a complicated task, but all parties worked together to make it happen.
“I attended Tarzana Elementary School in the 70’s and most of us remember it was Principal Mendie Koenig and the PTA’s connection to Charles Schulz that prompted the Snoopy panels to be gifted to our school for the bridge. As young as we were, we all knew what a special honor it was to receive these Snoopy panels,” said Stephanie Brody, a lifelong West Valley resident. “It was the best of times growing up here, leaving me with great memories.”
Blumenfield secured $20K in funding and contracted with Hattas Studios to bring the murals back to their original condition. The work also included an application of an anti-graffiti coating both to deter future vandalism and, if it occurs, make it easier to remove.
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