Tunnel Visionaries

Generations of subway riders to come will be greeted at the North Hollywood station by a giant mural depicting a smiling teenage girl leaning against a 1957 Ford--the epitome of a bygone era in the San Fernando Valley.

That teenager was Diane Nathanson, a proud native daughter of North Hollywood who attended area schools, opened a business nearby and volunteers for several area organizations. She is also part of the committee organizing the subway’s grand opening celebration.

“I could not think of any better place to live,” she said.

Artist Anne Marie Karlsen created a view of North Hollywood streets as they looked in the 1950s and 1960s, including the image--adapted from an old photograph--of a 17-year-old Nathanson, wearing black Bermuda shorts, a white top and no shoes.

Karlsen interviewed members of the community who had left an impact in the area and Nathanson caught her attention.

“Her image captured the spirit of ‘American Graffiti’ and the spirit of that era,” she said. “She is still active in the community and grew up in the area. She lived in an area that influenced L.A. culture.”

In the mural, Nathanson looks relaxed and happy, just the way she wants to be remembered, she said.

“Can you imagine? I will be there for generations. I will be there long after I am gone,” said Nathanson, 57. “I’m so thrilled.”

Nathanson said she hopes the mural will help educate others about the richness and diversity of the Valley and its hard-working residents.

“I am a Valley girl at heart,” she said.

Even after she finished school, Nathanson never contemplated leaving the Valley. She has been active in charitable organizations and the business community, and runs her own company, Brownstone Printing.

So when the artist asked if she wanted her image to be on display in North Hollywood for posterity, she said she did not have to think twice.

“My son, husband, we were all very excited,” she said. “I’ll be part of history.”