A name change skirmish

For the Fourth of July, they throw their own parade and block party, where more than 150 people and the Sherman Oaks Fire Department come out to celebrate. Troy Anderson in the Daily News.

They feel safe walking their dogs day or night and can only recall a couple of serious crimes. And unlike many parts of Los Angeles, they know most of their neighbors by name.

"We're kind of a throwback to the 50s," said Van Nuys resident Gail Salem. "It's an odd community and it's like nowhere else."