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Los Angeles County: Northridge
The Northridge area, located in the
Northwest part of the San Fernando Valley, is sheltered
by the majestic Santa Susana Mountains and has a
history that can be traced back to the 1700’s.
It first was named Zelzah, a biblical name meaning,
Oasis. The reason being it had a spring of water
that became the gathering place for the local Indians.
The spring is still located, although now tapped
off, at the intersection of Parthenia and Reseda
Blvd.
The area was very fertile and soon became famous
as a shipping point for produce, once the railroad
was built.
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Everything was shipped from nuts to olives and of course,
citrus. It further became known as a chicken raising area.
Benjamin Porter purchased the northern hilly area of Northridge
in the late 1800’s. Wheat became a very popular
crop on the Porter ranch.
Then came the movie stars, who had horse ranches as hide-away
from the hectic Hollywood life. Such notables as Clark
Gable and Carol Lombard, Barbara Stanwyck, Harry James
and Betty Grable, Jack Oakie, Louella Parsons, Montie
Montana, Robert Taylor and Mr. And Mrs. Zeppo Marx.
It has since gone through several name changes to its
now popular “Northridge”. Porter Ranch was
sold to the developers and beautiful homes were built
in the lovely hills overlooking the entire San Fernando
Valley.
When water was brought to Southern California near the
turn of the 20th Century, Northridge became a part of
the city of Los Angeles and remains so today. So all city
services are provided by Los Angeles.
Recently, a study was begun to see if the entire San Fernando
Valley, including Northridge, could sustain itself as
an independent city. It would take a majority vote of
the entire city of Los Angeles.
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