In California, Hillsiders and Flatlanders Live in Close Proximity but Different Worlds

The Bordering Neighborhoods of Encino and Reseda Exemplify a Class Divide in the Golden State

These are times for choosing, Californians, so pick a side: Do you prefer to elevate with Encino or roll with Reseda?

You may not know anything about these two neighborhoods, which border each other in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley. But if you’re a Californian, you should be familiar with the divide they represent—between those of us who live in the hills (or aspire to) and those of us who occupy the flatter precincts (and love them).

You don’t hear that much about this hillsiders-vs-flatlanders dynamic. Our media, elected officials, and intellectuals …