History of Westlake Village

      Settled snugly on the western edge of Los Angeles County, the city of Westlake Village is 9 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and 38 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. Occupying only 5.4 square miles, averaging 900 feet above sea level, the community is framed by the Simi Hills to the north and the Santa Monica Mountains to the south.

      About 3,000 years ago, Chumash Indians moved into the region and lived by hunting rabbits and other game, and gathering grains and acorns. On-going excavations, archaeological sites, and polychrome rock paintings in the area provide a glimpse into the social and economic complexity of the ancient Chumash world. In 1770, Captain Gaspar de Portola led a party of Spanish explorers and missionaries, traveling north on the route that became known as the El Camino Real. The party camped near a Chumash village, believed to be the site of present-day Westlake Village. Father Juan Crespi, chaplain and diarist of the expedition wrote: "We are on a plain of considerable extent and much beauty, forested on all parts by live oaks and oak trees, with much pasturage and water." When the Spanish finally did settle the area, they were given huge land grants, the largest of which was Rancho Simi, given to the Pico family. When Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, California became a territory of Mexico, and a few more land grants were given. When California was admitted to the union in 1850, most of the land that later became Ventura County was divided among only 19 families. The picturesque future Westlake Village site among rising knolls, arroyos, barrancas and ancient oaks was recognized as the central part of two Mexican land grants: Rancho El Conejo and Rancho Las Virgenes. In 1881, the Russell brothers purchased a large portion of the land for cattle ranching. According to Patricia Allen, historian and family descendant, Andrew Russell beat the competition in buying the land by racing across 6,000 acres on a fifteen-minute trip in a buckboard, and sealed the deal with a $20 gold piece. The price per acre was $2.50! The area continued to be known as the Russell Ranch although it was sold in 1925 to William Randolph Hearst and again in 1943 to Fred Albertson. The Russell family leased back part of the land to continue their successful cattle ranch operation while the Albertson Company used the vast acreage as a movie ranch. Many movies and television shows were filmed here, including "Robin Hood," "King Rat," "Laredo," and various episodes of "Tarzan," "Buck Rodgers," "Gunsmoke," and "Bonanza."

      In 1963, the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the 12,000-acre ranch for $32 million and, in partnership with Prudential Insurance Company, commissioned the preparation of a master plan for a "city in the country". Prominent architects, engineers, and land planners participated in designing a unique, integrated community that has become a nationally acclaimed model for the planned community concept. "The city in the country" was named Westlake Village and soon became recognized as one of America's most successful suburbs and finest areas to live, work and raise a family.

      Today, a population of 8,800 resides within this beautiful, natural environment of award-winning neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and enviable lifestyles. The original master-planned community of Westlake Village is transected diagonally by the Los Angeles and Ventura County line. The Los Angeles County side, consisting of 3,456 acres, was incorporated as the City of Westlake Village in 1981 and became the 82nd municipality in Los Angeles County. The Ventura County side, comprised of the remaining 8,544 acres of the original Russell Ranch, was annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions in 1968 and 1972. Today, both sides of Westlake Village, with an area population estimated at 30,000, identify as a single community despite the county boundary that separates them. The wisdom of the master planners in preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the area is evident today in the consistent growth and vitality of Westlake Village. Residents and businesses receive high quality community services operated on a contract basis with private and public agencies and overseen by a 5-member elected City Council and an appointed City Manager. Under the protection of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the city consistently maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the nation. Although the city is almost built-out, residents and officials look forward to the completion of a new resort hotel and health spa in the next few years.

Westlake Village

      The City of Westlake Village is a Los Angeles County municipality created in 1981. Located on the eastern side of the Ventura/Los Angeles County line, Westlake Village was formed in 1966 by the American Hawaiian Steamship Company. It includes a total land area of 5.4 square miles and a population of 8,836. Less than nine miles from the Pacific Ocean and 38 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, it is approximately 900 feet above sea level. The community is framed by the Simi Hills to the north and the Santa Monica Mountains to the south.

      The City of Westlake Village is located in the heart of the Ventura Freeway (Highway 101) "Technology Corridor". The Corridor stretches along the freeway from Calabasas westward through the Oxnard plain, and is recognized as one of Southern California´s major R&D and technology growth areas. A host of high-tech manufacturing and Research and Development firms, biotechnology companies and healthcare organizations are located here, including the corporate headquarters of Dole Food Company and K-Swiss.

       Events and activities include Summer Friday Fun Nights with concerts, shows and entertainment at the Westlake Village Civic Center. There are also play for children and a variety of camping, hiking, bicycling and other sports available.

      Native settlers include Chumash Indians. In 1770, Captain Gaspar de Portola led a party of Spanish explorers and missionaries, traveling north on the route known as the El Camino Real. The party camped near a Chumash village, believed to be the site of present-day Westlake Village. Father Juan Crespi, chaplain and diarist of the expedition, wrote: "We are on a plain of considerable extent and much beauty, forested on all parts by live oaks and oak trees, with much pasturage and water".

      Spanish settlers were given huge land grants that included the largest Rancho Simi, given to the Pico family. Westlake Village was recognized as the central part of two Mexican land grants: Rancho El Conejo and Rancho Las Virgenes. In 1881, the Russell brothers purchased a large portion of the land for cattle ranching. The area was sold in 1925 to William Randolph Hearst and again in 1943 to Fred Albertson. The Russell family leased back part of the land to continue its successful cattle ranch operation while the Albertson Company used the vast acreage as a movie ranch. Many movies and television shows were filmed here, including "Robin Hood," "King Rat," "Laredo," and various episodes of "Tarzan," "Buck Rogers," "Gunsmoke," and "Bonanza."´

      In 1963, the American- Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the 12,000 acre ranch for $32 million in partnership with Prudential Insurance Company and commissioned a master plan for a "city in the country." The original master-planned community of Westlake Village is transected diagonally by the Los Angeles and Ventura County line. The Los Angeles County side, consisting of 3,456 acres, was incorporated as the City of Westlake Village in 1981 and became the 82nd municipality in Los Angeles County. The Ventura County side, comprised of the remaining 8,544 acres of the original Russell ranch, was annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions in 1968 and 1972. 

      With Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area adjacent to Westlake Village, a variety of nature trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, picnics, horseback riding and camping. Westlake Village maintain numerous scenic sidewalks, green belts, and protected bike lanes. Visitors can enjoy these outdoor activities plus golfing, tennis, swimming, fishing, boating and sailing.

      Westlake´s 150-acre lake is stocked with bass, blue gill and catfish. Docking privileges, fishing licenses, boating and sailing are available to residents. Nearby commercial harbors offer sports fishing, whale watching and tours to Channel Islands National Park, five islands that begin just 12 miles off the mainland, where the marine sanctuary contains giant kelp forests that shelter more than 1,000 species of ocean life. Hiking and camping is permitted on all the islands and there are many sea caves and deserted coves that attract snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as kayaking and boating. Many excellent state and county beaches and campgrounds are scattered along the coastline just 9 miles across the Santa Monica Mountains. Swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers enjoy nearby Malibu, Point Dume, Zuma, Leo Carrillo, County Line, Sycamore Cove and Point Mugu beaches. Birdwatchers can watch migratory birds heading south for the winter. Herons and egrets in the protected areas.

      11 public golf courses, 10 tennis courts and several swimming pools are open to the public. The Conejo Recreation and Park District manages 33 developed parks, 5 play field parks, and 1 district-wide park in addition to the 1,300 acre Wildwood Park, 12,000 acres of open space and 75 miles of trails. The District offers more than 2,500 organized recreation and leisure programs each year. Westlake Village manages three city parks and a recreation program as well. Organized sports available for youth through area organizations include soccer, football, softball, baseball, basketball, swimming, boating, and track and field.

      Buses into the Los Angeles area are provided by Rapid Transit District. Taxi and bus services are available within the local area. Greyhound Bus Lines pass through Thousand Oaks daily and maintain a flag stop. Metrolink commuter rail lines connect Ventura County with four other counties and are accessible from a station 10 miles north of Thousand Oaks in Moorpark, or from Simi Valley, 15 miles north of Thousand Oaks. Amtrak has a station and ticket office in Oxnard, about 30 miles west of The Conejo. Three commercial airports are located within a 45-mile radius: Los Angeles International; Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport; and Oxnard Airport. Several bus, van and limousine services offer transportation to and from the Los Angeles and Burbank airports.

Courtesy of Beach California.