Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI) was requested by the Office of Councilwoman Janice Hahn to facilitate a conceptual planning and design project for Bandini Canyon, a misused and underutilized open space in the heart of a dense San Pedro neighborhood. Between March 2003 and January 2004, LANI conducted and facilitated community outreach to mobilize and empower community stakeholders and oversee the development of a community-driven conceptual plan. This plan is aimed to serve as a catalyst and guide for the design, development and construction of Bandini Canyon improvements. A steering committee of local stakeholders selected a design firm, RRM Design Group, to assist them in identifying improvement options for Bandini Canyon.

The steering committee's recommendations, widely supported throughout the community, include the following improvement guidelines for the development of Bandini Canyon Trail in order to create a much-needed community park asset with not only new recreational opportunities, but also improved safety, security, and maintenance, while preserving the natural habitat, atmosphere and views from the Canyon.