History of Panorama City, Los Angeles in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2025

Panorama City is a neighborhood located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. Characterized by a young population and the highest population density in the Valley, it is a diverse community with a significant foreign-born population, primarily from Mexico. Originally an agricultural area, Panorama City transformed into the Valley's first planned community following World War II, experiencing a post-war housing boom. Today, it features a mix of single-family homes and low-rise apartment buildings and has been home to a number of well-known residents.

1944: Servicemen's Readjustment Act

In 1944, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, also known as the G.I. Bill, helped finance the purchase of homes in Panorama City.

1945: Kaiser Community Homes Formed

In 1945, Fritz B. Burns and Henry J. Kaiser teamed up to form Kaiser Community Homes to capitalize on the post-World War II housing boom.

1948: Panorama City Developed

In 1948, Panorama City was developed as the San Fernando Valley's first planned community by Fritz B. Burns and Henry J. Kaiser.

1955: Panorama Mall Opening

In 1955, the Panorama Mall, initially a small complex including The Broadway and five other stores, opened, establishing Panorama City as a major retail center.

1968: Civil Rights Act

In 1968, the Civil Rights Act rendered racially discriminatory covenants legally unenforceable, though the discriminatory language often remained in property documents.

1977: Community Reinvestment Act

In 1977, the Community Reinvestment Act accelerated de facto integration by providing CRA-insured credit without regard to race or income, leading to white flight.

July 2000: Conversion to Senior Center

In July 2000, the former convalescent home in Panorama City was being converted into the Mid-Valley Senior Citizen Center, featuring an auditorium, kitchen, and stage.

2000: Education Statistics

By 2000, thirteen percent of Panorama City residents aged 25 and older had earned a four-year degree, an average percentage for both the city and the county.

March 15, 2007: Neighborhood Council Certification

On March 15, 2007, the Panorama City Neighborhood Council gained its official city role upon certification by the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners.

2008: Los Angeles Times Mapping L.A. Project

In 2008, the Los Angeles Times Mapping L.A. project described Panorama City as ethnically diverse, with a high percentage of Latinos and a significant population of Filipinos.

2010: Census Housing Occupancy

As of the 2010 census, renters occupied 64.8% of the housing stock in Panorama City, while owners held 35.2%.

2010: U.S. Census Count

In 2010, the U.S. census counted 69,817 residents in Panorama City, with a median age of 30.1 and a median yearly household income of USD$41,467.

2027: East San Fernando Valley Light Rail

In 2027, Metro is scheduled to open the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project with stations on Van Nuys Boulevard at Nordhoff Street and Roscoe Boulevard.