96-663: Agoura Hills ( / ə ˈ ɡ ɔːr ə ˈ h ɪ l z / ) is a city situated in the Santa Monica Mountains region of Los Angeles County, California , United States. With a population of 20,330 as of the 2010 census , which decreased to 20,299 in 2020. Agoura Hills lies in the eastern Conejo Valley , nestled between the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains. Located 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Downtown Los Angeles and less than 10 miles (16 km) west of
192-694: A barrier between the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles Basin , separating "the Valley" on the north and west-central Los Angeles on the south. The Santa Monica Mountains are parallel to the Santa Susana Mountains , which are located directly north of the mountains across the San Fernando Valley. The range is of moderate height, with no particularly craggy or prominent peaks outside
288-444: A barrier in the wildlife corridor between the Simi Hills to the north and the Santa Monica Mountains to the south. The National Park Service has recorded a dozen mountain lions struck and killed by motorists on this section of freeway since 2002 when they began a study. Mountain lions approach this particular area and turn back without attempting the hazardous crossing of the freeway as shown by GPS tracking collars fitted to them by
384-585: A cleanup of the contamination from a partial nuclear meltdown in 1959 and extensive rocket engine testing . After the fire, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health found "no discernible level of radiation in the tested area" and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control , which is overseeing cleanup of the site, said in an interim report that "previously handled radioactive and hazardous materials were not affected by
480-548: A harmful impact on the surrounding environment. On November 10, President Donald Trump , stated poor forest management by the state of California as the cause of the Woolsey Fire and the concurrent Camp Fire . In a controversial tweet , the President threatened to end federal assistance unless the state improves its "gross mismanagement of the forests". The small groves of California sycamores and coast live oaks amidst
576-753: A personal request to the city fire chief by Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti . Amidst the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, Alex Villanueva , Los Angeles County Sheriff , was removed from his position as head of county emergency operations by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors due to the poor emergency response reported by investigators in the Woolsey Report. Scientists analyzed coastal water quality and found unusually high levels of fecal bacteria and sediment that remained for months. The Santa Susana Field Laboratory site has been undergoing
672-564: A third victim was discovered in the 32000 block of Lobo Canyon Road in Agoura Hills. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced on January 22, 2019, that charred human remains had been found in the burn area in Malibu and that homicide detectives were trying to determine if the victim had been killed in the flames or had met with foul play. The fire destroyed 1643 structures and damaged 364, including at least 1600 houses destroyed by
768-400: Is a rare species of succulent plant known by the common name "Verity's liveforever". This species is endemic to Ventura County and is found only on one edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, where it occurs in coastal sage scrub habitat. The most common trees in the mountains are oak and sycamore. The California black walnut , endemic to California, grows on the northern side of the mountains in
864-599: Is an invasive species found in the Santa Monica Mountains, that pose a serious threat to native species, complicating efforts to improve stream-water quality for the endangered steelhead . Within a period of four years, the snails expanded from their first known population in Medea Creek in Agoura Hills to nearly 30 other stream sites. Researchers at the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission believe
960-656: Is another prominent mountain on the west side of the Conejo Valley and stands at an elevation of 2,031 feet (619 m). Agoura Hills is called the "Gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area ". Natural areas of Agoura Hills are part of the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion and are covered by hundreds of local plant species, some of which are very rare, and others of which have become popular ornamentals. The range
1056-470: Is challenged because the Santa Monica Mountains are isolated and not big enough for weaned cubs to find their own territory. The primary cause of the decline is due to a combination of traffic-related mortality, anti-coagulants ingested from human poisoned prey, and attacks by other, more dominant mountain lions. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will bridge the Ventura Freeway which acts as
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#17328521530671152-644: Is chosen by the City Councilmembers to serve a one-year term. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council to supervise the administrative personnel and contract services. As of May 2024 the Agoura Hills City Council consists of Illece Buckley Weber (Mayor), Penny Sylvester (Mayor Pro Tem), Jeremy Wolf, Deborah Klein Lopez, and Chris Anstead. The City Manager is Nathan Hamburger and the city attorney
1248-727: Is contracted through RWG Law. As of 1990 the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District includes Agoura Hills. In the California State Legislature , Agoura Hills is in the 27th Senate District , represented by Democrat Henry Stern , and in the 50th Assembly District , represented by Democrat Eloise Reyes . In the United States House of Representatives , Agoura Hills is in California's 26th congressional district , represented by Democrat Julia Brownley . The Board of Supervisors
1344-460: Is governed by a City Council/City Manager form of government. A five-member City Council is elected by the residents to oversee city operations and guide the development of the community. Councilmembers are elected to four-year terms. The terms are staggered so that a measure of continuity is maintained from one Council to the next. The role of Mayor rotates among the Councilmembers. The Mayor
1440-511: Is home to the Great Race of Agoura Hills, an annual running event held at Chumash Park in Agoura Hills in March of every year. The Great Race was established in 1986 and features six races including Pacific Half (half-marathon), Chesebro Half (half-marathon), Old Agoura 10K, Deena Kastor (5 kilometers), Kids 1 Mile, and the Family Fun Run (1 mile). The Chesebro Half was voted best half-marathon in
1536-476: Is home to the southern steelhead trout , which is an endangered species. Snakes are common but only occasionally seen: the Southern Pacific rattlesnake (the only venomous species), mountain kingsnake, California kingsnake , gopher snake , and garter snake . The mountains are also home to the western fence lizard and the coastal whiptail . The population of red-legged frogs is small and isolated, and
1632-489: Is host to an immense variety of wildlife, from mountain lions to the endangered Southern California Distinct Population Segment of steelhead . The mountain lion population within the Santa Monica Mountains (which includes the Simi Hills & Santa Susana Pass) is severely depleted with only seven known living adult individuals. The primary cause of the decline is due to a combination of traffic-related mortality (three from
1728-470: Is located within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area . The area was purchased by the U.S. National Park Service in 1980. The Rosewood Trail near Stagecoach Inn , which leads to Angel Vista is an access point in Newbury Park. At the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains are Griffith Park and Elysian Park . Griffith Park is separated from the rest of the Santa Monica Mountains to
1824-550: Is part of the Reyes Adobe Museum built around 2004 and owned by the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department.) By 1900, the area was being used as a popular stage stop for travelers because of its natural spring. In the 1920s, the community was briefly known as Picture City, as Paramount Pictures owned a ranch known as Paramount Ranch used for filming Westerns . To obtain a post office of their own,
1920-586: Is the governing body of the County of Los Angeles, a charter county. Lindsay P. Horvath is the Supervisor for Los Angeles County's 3rd District where Agoura Hills is incorporated. Las Virgenes Water District serves Agoura Hills along with Westlake Village and other parts of western Los Angeles County. State water provided by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is the sole source used by
2016-513: The 2010 census Agoura Hills had a population of 20,330. The population density was 2,599.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,003.5/km). The racial makeup of Agoura Hills was 17,147 (84.3%) White, (78.6% Non-Hispanic White), 267 (1.3%) African American, 51 (0.3%) Native American, 1,521 (7.5%) Asian, 24 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 590 (2.9%) from other races, and 730 (3.6%) from two or more races. There were 1,936 Hispanic or Latino residents, of any race (9.5%). The census reported that 20,242 people (99.6% of
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#17328521530672112-1261: The California Coastal Commission and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program, a land-use plan that will distinguish between the private lands that need strict protection and property that could be developed in strict conformance with this detailed plan. Over twenty individual state and municipal parks are in the Santa Monica Mountains, including: Topanga State Park , Leo Carrillo State Park , Malibu Creek State Park , Point Mugu State Park , Will Rogers State Historic Park , Point Dume State Beach , Griffith Park , Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park , Charmlee Wilderness Park , Franklin Canyon Park , Runyon Canyon Park , King Gillette Ranch Park , and Paramount Ranch Park . The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center in Newbury Park, California
2208-696: The Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles to Point Mugu in Ventura County . The western mountains, separating the Conejo Valley from Malibu , suddenly end at Mugu Peak as the rugged, nearly impassible shoreline gives way to tidal lagoons and coastal sand dunes of the alluvial Oxnard Plain . The mountain range contributed to the isolation of this vast coastal plain before regular transportation routes reached western Ventura County. The eastern mountains form
2304-563: The Los Angeles County Fire Department , the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol and their poor handling of the evacuation, and the city of Malibu and their lack of preparation and overall response during and after the fire. California Public Utilities Commission launched a probe into Southern California Edison who reported a problem with their transmission grid at
2400-660: The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area . Preservation of lands within the region are managed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy , the National Park Service , the California State Parks , and County and Municipal agencies. The Santa Monica Mountains face pressure from local populations as a desirable residential area, and in the parks as a recreational retreat and wild place that's increasingly rare in urban Los Angeles . In 2014
2496-513: The Santa Susana Mountains above the Simi Valley near the boundary between Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The Santa Ana winds , which often are a factor for Southern California fires, pushed the fire in a southerly direction throughout the first day. The Ventura Freeway (US 101) between the San Fernando Valley and the Conejo Valley was closed as the fire crossed and headed into the rugged Santa Monica Mountains . The fire raced through
2592-517: The United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 8.2 square miles (21 km), of which 8.2 square miles (21 km) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1 km) of it (0.37%) is water. Agoura Hills has a mountain called Ballard Mountain named after pioneer settler and freed slave John Ballard. The name of the mountain was officially changed from Negrohead to Ballard in a ceremony on February 20, 2010. Ladyface Mountain
2688-514: The Woolsey Fire burned through 88% of the federal parkland resulting in trails being closed for months. The fire, which was three times larger than the biggest fire ever before in the mountains, burned over 40% of the natural area in the Santa Monicas. A restoration plan was developed to plant 100,000 trees, shrubs and grasses of 25 different species. Much of the mountains are located within
2784-566: The chaparral-covered steep canyons where it encountered historic movie and TV sets, small ranches, and the houses of celebrities. Hundreds of houses in Malibu were destroyed or damaged on both sides of Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) . Many of these were on Point Dume that juts out from the narrow coastal terrace that lies between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean . The mitigation measures Pepperdine University had in place successfully protected
2880-515: The sage and chaparral covered hillsides in the area of the fire are not considered to be forests as commonly understood by the public or wildfire experts. Since these small, critical habitats are not logged, President Trump's statements had little relevance to the Southern California fire. The firemen's union disagreed with President Trump's claims, noting that California experienced unusually dry conditions and abnormally high fire danger at
2976-476: The shooting of thirteen people in a bar including a police officer and the perpetrator . As the fires threatened the community and otherwise disrupted their routine, memorial services had to be postponed. By November 9, Cal Fire and the United States Forest Service were also helping local services with the fire. This resulted in 3,242 firefighters being deployed to contain the blaze by
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3072-688: The Big Rock 16 kV circuit out of the Chatsworth substation on the Santa Susana Field Laboratory property, south of Simi Valley , Ventura County, California . At 2:24 p.m. PST a brush fire was reported in the same location. The first firefighters arrived almost 20 minutes later, a Ventura County engine carrying three firefighters from the Simi Valley station about eight miles (13 km) away. Ventura County had heavily dedicated crews to
3168-455: The Hill Fire burning near Newbury Park . The nearest fire crew, part of a private company contracted to protect Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a Boeing Company facility nearby, was delayed by its engine breaking down. Powerful Santa Ana winds, reaching 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h), caused the fire to spread rapidly and beyond firefighting capabilities. During the overnight hours into
3264-539: The Los Angeles area. Heavy graupel was recorded in Malibu Canyon on January 23, 2021. It accumulated as low as 400 feet in elevation. In the Santa Monica Mountains, when the fuels, seasonal drought, wind, and terrain combine with an ignition, a major wildfire occurs. These fires are large, wind-driven canopy fires that consume the above ground vegetation and often cause major property damage and home losses. In 2018,
3360-505: The Los Angeles city limits at Woodland Hills , Agoura Hills is bordered by Bell Canyon and Ventura County . Neighboring communities include Calabasas , Oak Park , and Westlake Village , while the unincorporated area of Agoura sits adjacent. The area was first settled by the Chumash Native Americans around 10,000 years ago. The Alta California (Upper California) coast was settled by Spanish Franciscan missionaries in
3456-520: The Sandstone Peak and Boney Mountains area. While often rugged and wild, the range hosts a substantial amount of human activity and development. Houses, roads, businesses, and recreational centers are dotted throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. A number of creeks in the Santa Monica Mountains are part of the Los Angeles River watershed. Beginning at the western end of the San Fernando Valley ,
3552-523: The Santa Monica Mountains. Authorities in many of the damaged communities declared that they needed to prevent residents from returning quickly as neighborhoods were crowded with crews repairing downed power lines and other hazardous conditions. In the months after the fire, residents criticized what they thought was a slow and inadequate response by cities and counties during public meetings held by public officials. While this and other fires were burning, President Donald Trump blamed poor forest management by
3648-650: The U.S. in 2011. Santa Monica Mountains The Santa Monica Mountains are a coastal mountain range in Southern California , next to the Pacific Ocean . It is part of the Transverse Ranges . The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area encompasses this mountain range. Because of its proximity to densely populated regions, it is one of the most visited natural areas in California. The range extends approximately 40 miles (64 km) east-west from
3744-410: The Valley and Griffith Park. Other species include willow and alder (along stream courses) and bay laurel. Several species of ferns (including large sword ferns) are found in wetter, shady areas throughout the range, especially near streams. Many invasive weeds have colonized the mountain habitats which can bring about significant changes in the ecosystems by altering the native plant communities and
3840-471: The Woolsey Fire response (the 'Woolsey Report') cited the unavailability of firefighting units in Western Malibu during critical times of the fire, where hundreds of houses were lost. The report stated: "a significant number of requests by political figures to check on specific addresses of homes to ensure their protection distracted from Department leadership to accomplish priority objectives" which included
3936-437: The Woolsey Fire, along with atmospheric dispersion modeling and an offsite soil sampling program designed specifically to look for impacts from the fire, showed no evidence of SSFL impact in offsite soils because of the Woolsey Fire. No anthropogenic radionuclides were measured at levels above those expected from global fallout. The soil sampling confirmed that no detectable levels of SSFL-derived radionuclides migrated from SSFL at
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4032-561: The area were killed within a matter of months,) anti-coagulants ingested from human-poisoned prey (two individuals within the Simi Hills), and attacks by other, more dominant mountain lions (an elder male, known as P1, killed both his son and his mate, this is thought to be due to a lack of space available.) The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a proposed vegetated overpass spanning the Ventura Freeway and Agoura Road at Liberty Canyon on
4128-562: The area. White-tailed kites , Bald Eagles , Golden Eagles , and Burrowing Owls have also been sighted. In addition to these residential species, many bird species pass through the Santa Monica Mountains as they travel along the Pacific Flyway including Brown Pelicans , Rufous Hummingbirds , Canada Geese , Bonaparte's Gulls , and Elegant Terns . Native fish found in the Santa Monica Mountains include tidewater gobies, arroyo chub , and pacific lamprey . Additionally, Malibu creek
4224-655: The arrival of the Spanish . The Spanish mission system had a dramatic impact on their culture, and by 1831 their population had dropped from over 22,000 to under 3,000. Geologists consider the northern Channel Islands to be a westward extension of the Santa Monicas into the Pacific Ocean . The range was created by repeated episodes of uplifting and submergence by the Raymond Fault , which created complex layers of sedimentary rock, some containing fossils of invertebrates and fish. Volcanic intrusions have been exposed, including
4320-413: The campus, with students sheltering in place, to the south. The entire sparsely populated portion of the Malibu coast west to the community of Solromar , which includes state and national parklands, suffered damage from the fire. The fire cost at least $ 6 billion (2018 USD) in property damage. Thousands of residents were kept away from their houses in numerous neighborhoods along the Ventura Freeway and
4416-475: The coastal fog), which makes the range prone to wildfires , especially during dry "Santa Ana" wind events. Snow is unusual in the Santa Monica Mountains, since they are not as high as the nearby San Gabriel Mountains . The lower slopes of the range average between 15 and 20 inches (380 and 510 mm) of rain per year, while the higher slopes of the central and western Santa Monica Mountains average 22 to 27 inches (560 to 690 mm) of rain per year. The bulk of
4512-399: The communities along the Malibu coast. The evacuations frustrated residents as they lasted for many days as the fire continued to threaten houses especially when the winds increased and fanned the flames. The evacuated residents were incrementally allowed to return to see if their houses were damaged or destroyed as the fire continued to spread through the rugged wilderness at the western end of
4608-690: The community. One victim was found on Tuesday November 13 in the 32000 block of Lobo Canyon Road. Agoura Hills is known regionally for its live music scene and originality in the nu metal scene, a fame that has given rise to such acts as Linkin Park , Dub Thompson , Skye Aspen, Incubus , Hoobastank , and Fort Minor . Agoura Hills is home to The Canyon Club, a concert venue that hosts touring acts such as Peter Frampton , Smash Mouth , Pat Benatar , Cyndi Lauper , REO Speedwagon , X , Steel Pulse , The New Cars , Asia , Boyz II Men , Alan Parsons , Foreigner , Bret Michaels and The Smithereens . According to
4704-500: The crowded highway to evacuate. Farther north, the flames spread to portions of Thousand Oaks , Bell Canyon , Westlake Village , Oak Park and the West Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles forcing residential evacuations and the closure of numerous business and corporate offices in the region. On the day before the Hill and Woolsey fires started, residents in the Conejo Valley experienced
4800-488: The day burning through the mountains and along the 101 Freeway, eventually reaching Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu by the afternoon devastating numerous houses there. Firefighters and firetrucks who did not know the area were reported idle by many frustrated citizens. Several homeowners stayed despite the mandatory evacuation to defend their houses. Pepperdine University in Malibu recommended that students shelter in place in specific buildings on campus rather than use
4896-583: The district. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) operates the Malibu/Lost Hills Station in Calabasas , serving Agoura Hills. The United States Postal Service Agoura Hills Post Office is located at 5158 Clareton Drive. The Las Virgenes Unified School District serves Agoura Hills. Agoura Hills is the corporate headquarters of the Los Angeles Rams since 2016. Agoura Hills
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#17328521530674992-436: The early morning of November 9, the fire crossed U.S. Route 101 near Calabasas and spread through Liberty Canyon in Agoura Hills . Aerial suppression of the fire was unable to commence until 5:00 a.m. PST, November 9, when winds lessened enough. On the morning of November 9, Assistant L.A. County Fire Chief Williams told KBUU-LP that his request for 70 strike teams had been denied. The blaze spread rapidly throughout
5088-786: The east end of the city. Snakes are common but only occasionally seen. Local species include the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake , Mountain Kingsnake, California Kingsnake , Gopher snake , and Garter snake . The mountains are also home to the Western fence lizard . In 2010, the Los Angeles Times reported that the New Zealand mud snail had infested watersheds in the Santa Monica Mountains, posing serious threats to native species and complicating efforts to improve stream-water quality for
5184-680: The east to Leo Carrillo State Park in the west. Communities along the north slope of the mountains include (from east to west): Communities along the south slope of the mountains include (from east to west): Woolsey Fire The Woolsey Fire was a wildfire that started in Los Angeles County and spread north to neighboring Ventura County , both located in the U.S. state of California . The fire ignited on November 8, 2018 and wasn't fully contained until November 21, 2018. The fire burned 96,949 acres (39,234 hectares) of land, destroyed 1,643 structures, killed three people, and prompted
5280-412: The endangered steelhead trout . According to the article, the snails have expanded "from the first confirmed sample in Medea Creek in Agoura Hills to nearly 30 other stream sites in four years." Researchers at the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission believe that the snails' expansion may have been expedited after the mollusks traveled from stream to stream on the gear of contractors and volunteers. At
5376-524: The evacuation of more than 295,000 people. It was one of several fires in California that ignited on the same day, along with the nearby Hill Fire and the destructive Camp Fire in Northern California. The fire started in Woolsey Canyon on the Santa Susana Field Laboratory property, and burned 80% of the site, a complex of industrial research and development buildings belonging to Boeing , in
5472-405: The federal government within the national recreation area includes some developed parks and large undeveloped tracts of land. The fire caused trails to be shut for months as 88% of the federal parkland was burned. The fire created a challenge to native plants as black mustard with bright yellow flowers quickly established itself post-fire. Thirteen mountain lions with radio collars were within
5568-422: The federal parkland. The fire, which was three times larger than the biggest fire ever before in the mountains, burned over 40% of the natural area in the Santa Monicas. The fire created a challenge to native plants as black mustard with bright yellow flowers quickly established itself as a wet winter followed the fire. The mustard plants will also provide fuel for the next fires. The New Zealand mud snail
5664-510: The federal poverty line. At the 2000 census there were 20,537 people in 6,874 households, including 5,588 families, in the city. The population density was 2,511.8 inhabitants per square mile (969.8/km). There were 6,993 housing units at an average density of 855.3 per square mile (330.2/km). The racial makeup of the city was 86.96% White, 1.32% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 6.50% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 2.09% from other races, and 2.78% from two or more races. 6.85% of
5760-530: The fire area according to National Park Service researchers. Repairs were needed to the Ventura Freeway at the proposed location of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing designed to benefit the mountain lions. Two people were found dead in a vehicle on Mulholland Highway in Malibu. Emergency personnel were unable to reach the victims when a report of a critical burn victim was relayed, due to downed power lines. On Tuesday November 13,
5856-399: The fire, including Paramount Ranch , Peter Strauss Ranch , the former Reagan Ranch now part of Malibu Creek State Park , and the lower house of Villa De La Vina, the mansion where The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are filmed. The numerous drug rehabilitation centers and sober living houses in Malibu that have given rise to the nickname "Rehab Riviera" were evacuated ahead of
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#17328521530675952-686: The fire. Several celebrities were among those who lost their houses, including Jonathan Banks , Kim Basinger , Tracey E. Bregman , Gerard Butler , Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth , David Dreier , Scott Derrickson , Shannen Doherty , Fred Durst , Joe Flanigan , Mike Garson , Camille Meyer , Daryl Hannah and Neil Young , Pat Hitchcock , Kevin Parker , Gabe Kapler , Catherine Oxenberg , Lil Pump , Robin Thicke , Andrew von Oeyen , Eric Wynalda , and Daniel Tosh . Multiple filming locations and historical sites were directly impacted by
6048-470: The fire. At least two were destroyed or significantly damaged. Three Jewish summer camps JCA Shalom , Gindling Hilltop , and Camp Hess Kramer were almost completely devastated in the fire. There were two cases of looting in Ventura County, one of which resulted in a car chase . Reporters and officials rescued animals from houses, and brought them to shelters and vets. Other animals at locations such as Malibu Wines were either evacuated or cared for at
6144-482: The fire." Bob Dodge, President of Physicians for Social Responsibility -Los Angeles, said "When it burns and becomes airborne in smoke and ash, there is real possibility of heightened exposure for area residents." In 2019, Risk Assessment Corporation (RAC) conducted soil sampling surrounding the SSFL, and performed source term estimation, atmospheric transport, and deposition modeling. The study reports published in 2023, concluded, “Air measurement data collected during
6240-410: The first City Council were Mayor Fran Pavley , Mayor Pro Tem Carol Sahm, Councilmembers Ernest Dynda, John Hood, and Vicky Leary. Incorporating a year after neighboring Westlake Village , the drive for cityhood in the region was largely based on public discontent with the county's failure to limit residential development of the area, motives that influenced Calabasas to follow suit in 1991. The 1980s
6336-417: The first measurable snow in fifty years. Snow was reported on Boney Peak in the winter of 2005; and in March 2006, snow also fell on the summit of the mountain. Snow also fell on the peak of Boney Peak in late December 2008. The latest recorded snowfall in the area was in February 2019, when an unusual amount of snowfall accumulated in low passes in the mountains. That storm system also brought rare snowfall to
6432-513: The highway. Sepulveda Pass is the main north–south pass to the west, connecting the Westside to Sherman Oaks via the San Diego Freeway ( I-405 ) and Sepulveda Boulevard . Other passes between the Sepulveda and Cahuenga passes include: Laurel Canyon Boulevard , Coldwater Canyon Avenue , and Beverly Glen Boulevard . West of the Sepulveda Pass are Topanga Canyon Boulevard ( SR 27 ), Malibu Canyon Road , Kanan Road/Kanan Dume Road , and Decker Canyon Road . Mulholland Drive runs much of
6528-461: The inland ranges. The range is host to a variety of wildlife. Common mammals in the range include mule deer , coyotes , bobcats , striped skunks , raccoons , several native bat species, brush rabbits , and many rodents including California voles , western gray squirrels , dusky-footed and desert woodrats , western harvest and California pocket mice , Botta's pocket gophers , and pacific kangaroo rats. The mountain lions population
6624-483: The late 18th century. In about 1800, Miguel Ortega was granted a Spanish grazing concession called Rancho Las Virgenes or El Rancho de Nuestra Señora La Reina de Las Virgenes. The grant was abandoned after Ortega's death in 1810, and José Maria Dominguez was given Rancho Las Virgenes as a Mexican land grant in 1834. Maria Antonia Machado de Reyes purchased the rancho from Dominguez in 1845. (The "Reyes Adobe" ranch headquarters sits today in central Agoura Hills, where it
6720-448: The length of the Santa Monica Mountains, from Cahuenga Pass to Woodland Hills , although it is not open to motor vehicles west of Encino . The Mulholland Highway runs from Woodland Hills to Sequit Point at the Pacific Ocean . The eastern end of the range, located in the City of Los Angeles, is more intensively developed than the western end. The city of Malibu runs between the coast and the leading mountain ridge, from Topanga Canyon in
6816-440: The locations sampled because of the Woolsey Fire or from past operations of the SSFL.” In 2020, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) stated in their final report that the fire did not cause contaminants to be released from the site into Simi Valley and other neighboring communities and that the risk from smoke exposure during the fire was not higher than what is normally associated with wildfire. In 2021
6912-464: The locations. Local fire officials opened Zuma Beach as an evacuation point for large animals, with pictures by the Los Angeles Times , showing llamas , alpacas , and horses tied to lifeguard stations and poles. Clean up of materials like asbestos, pesticides, plastics, and electronic devices began almost immediately after the flames were out. The ruins of burned homes and vehicles can have
7008-569: The more dominant, older males. P-22 was a wild mountain lion residing in Griffith Park in the eastern end of the range, until his death in 2022. A three to four year old black bear was captured, examined, and collared in 2023. Designated BB-12, he was probably the only bear in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and it was estimated that he has been living there for two years. In July 2023, BB-12
7104-513: The morning of November 10. The fire had engulfed more than 70,000 acres (28,000 hectares) of land, forcing the evacuation of an estimated 295,000 people from 105,000 residences. This included an unprecedented total evacuation of Bell Canyon, Malibu, Agoura Hills , Malibou Lake , and Oak Park. Before sunrise on November 14, the fire flared up in rugged wilderness at the western end of the Santa Monica Mountains with winds blowing strongly. The fire burned well away from populated neighborhoods, but
7200-475: The mountains surrounding the Conejo , San Fernando , Simi , and Crescenta Valleys . With trailheads in the mountains and valleys, it would link them through existing and new: walking, hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking trails; parklands; and conservation easements . The Rim of the Valley project also has the goal to protect flora and fauna habitats and wildlife corridors between the Santa Monica Mountains and
7296-415: The occupied units 5,715 (78.0%) were owner-occupied and 1,612 (22.0%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.8%. 16,111 people (79.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 4,131 people (20.3%) lived in rental housing units. The median household income was $ 107,885, according to the 2010 United States Census, with 7.1% of the population living below
7392-540: The point of origin two minutes before the start of the fire. The redacted version of the Ventura County Fire Department Woolsey report, released in October 2020, concluded that the fire was started by electrical equipment associated with the Big Rock 16kV circuit that is owned and operated by Southern California Edison. A 2019 Los Angeles County report on missteps in the government's handling of
7488-422: The poorly named andesitic "Sandstone Peak", which is the highest point in the range at 3,111 feet (948 m). Malibu Creek , which eroded its own channel while the mountains were slowly uplifted, bisects the mountain range. The Santa Monica Mountains have dry summers with frequent coastal fog on the ocean (south) side of the range and rainy, cooler winters. In the summer, the climate is quite dry (except for
7584-407: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 6,874 households, 47.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.7% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.7% were non-families. 13.8% of households were one person and 3.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.98 and the average family size
7680-613: The population) lived in households, 15 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 73 (0.4%) were institutionalized. There were 7,327 households, 2,799 (38.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 4,565 (62.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 726 (9.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 302 (4.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 263 (3.6%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships , and 36 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships . 1,346 households (18.4%) were one person and 438 (6.0%) had someone living alone who
7776-494: The processes that support them. These non-native plants include annual Mediterranean grasses , Spanish broom ( Genista juncea ), and yellow starthistle ( Centaurea solstitialis ). In creekside riparian habitats are found plants such as giant cane ( Arundo donax ), German ivy ( Delairea odorata ), blue periwinkle ( Vinca major ), and ivy ( Hedera spp. ). More frequent fires have created conditions favorable to invasive plants. The 2018 Woolsey Fire burned through 88% of
7872-472: The rain falls between November and March. The higher rainfall in the central and western parts of the range results in more widespread woodlands (with oak, sycamore, walnut, bay laurel, alder and other trees) than the eastern part of the range, where trees are usually restricted to the stream courses. On January 17, 2007, an unusually cold storm brought snow in the Santa Monica Mountains. The hills above Malibu picked up three inches (eight centimeters) of snow -
7968-412: The researchers. In 2020, wildlife biologists found the first evidence of physical abnormalities in the isolated population. Newcomers would bring new genetic material into the mountains where the lack of genetic diversity is a serious threat to their long-term survival. It would allow young mountain lions, born in the Santa Monicas, a chance to find a new territory before possibly being killed by one of
8064-486: The residents were required to choose a one-word name, and in 1927 chose the shortest name proposed: a misspelling of the last name of Pierre Agoure, a local Basque man and French immigrant who had settled in the area in 1871 to live the lifestyle of the Mexican rancher. Styling himself Don Pierre Agoure, he was a successful sheep herder. Agoura began to grow in the late 1960s after the Ventura Freeway section of U.S. Route 101
8160-641: The river runs to the north of the mountains. After passing between the range and the Verdugo Mountains it flows south around Elysian Park , defining the easternmost extent of the mountains. The Santa Monica Mountains have more than 1,000 archeology sites of significance, primarily from the Californian Native American cultures of the Tongva and Chumash people. The mountains were part of their regional homelands for over eight thousand years before
8256-515: The snails' expansion may have been expedited after the mollusks traveled from stream to stream on the gear of contractors and volunteers. Cahuenga Pass , present-day site of U.S. Route 101 , is the easiest pass through the range connecting the Los Angeles Basin to the San Fernando Valley . In the 1800s, two battles were fought there, and the Treaty of Cahuenga was signed nearby. In Hollywood's heyday, movie studios were found clustered on both sides of
8352-411: The state. One fire scientist explained that forest management (good or bad) had a minor influence on the severity of the fires, and that Woolsey was not a forest fire. The California Public Utilities Commission is investigating an equipment problem near the point of origin reported by Southern California Edison . At 2:22 p.m. PST on November 8, Southern California Edison reported an outage on
8448-508: The time. Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters, described Trump's assertion about the state's forest management practices as "dangerously wrong," noting that 60 percent of California forests are directly managed by the federal government, which has reduced spending on forestry in recent years. In public meetings, people affected by the fire were critical of the slow and inadequate response of
8544-603: The west by the Cahuenga Pass , over which the 101 Freeway (also called the Hollywood Freeway) passes from the San Fernando Valley into Hollywood . Elysian Park is in the easternmost part of the mountains and is bordered by the Los Angeles River to the east and Downtown Los Angeles nearby to the south. The Rim of the Valley Trail is a plan in progress for accessing and connecting the parkland and recreational areas of
8640-404: Was 3.30. The age distribution was 30.5% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.0 males. According to the city's 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are: Agoura Hills
8736-582: Was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.76. There were 5,593 families (76.3% of households); the average family size was 3.15. The age distribution was 4,904 people (24.1%) under the age of 18, 1,582 people (7.8%) aged 18 to 24, 4,465 people (22.0%) aged 25 to 44, 7,089 people (34.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 2,290 people (11.3%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 42.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males. There were 7,585 housing units at an average density of 969.7 per square mile, of
8832-462: Was a period of growth, with large land areas being subdivided into housing tracts . In the 1990s, businesses set up shop downtown including shops and restaurants. In 1995, the murder of Jimmy Farris awakened the city to a rising drug problem and petty theft by its young. As a result, the city began sponsoring live music competitions and concerts in local parks. In November 2018, the Woolsey Fire occurred during Santa Ana winds burning through
8928-479: Was built through the area, dividing the community into northern and southern sections. The first housing tracts in Agoura were Hillrise , Liberty Canyon and Lake Lindero . Rapid growth continued during the 1970s when schools were built and much of downtown erected. In 1982, the residents of the proposed city voted in favor of cityhood by a 68% majority. Agoura Hills became the 83rd City in Los Angeles County . Elected to
9024-512: Was impacted by the Woolsey Fire that swept through the area in November 2018. The Santa Monica Mountains are in the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion , and includes the California oak woodland and southern coastal sage scrub plant community , and are covered by hundreds of local plant species, some of which are very rare or endemic , and others which are widespread and have become popular horticultural ornamentals. Dudleya verityi
9120-777: Was killed while crossing the 101 Freeway. This is not uncommon for animals living in and around the Santa Monica Mountains; a common cause of bobcat and mountain lion fatalities is being struck by vehicles. Over 380 native bird species call the Santa Monica Mountains home. Abundant native song birds species include the Bushtit , California Scrub Jay , House Finch , Lesser Goldfinch , Cliff Swallow , Red-winged Blackbird , Oak Titmouse , Song Sparrow , California Towhee , Spotted Towhee , House Wren , and Black Phoebe . Red-Tailed Hawks , Sharp-shinned Hawks , Red-shouldered Hawks , Northern Harriers , American Kestrels , Great Horned Owls , and Western Screech-Owls are among common raptors in
9216-500: Was threatening scattered home sites. The flare-up sent a huge column of smoke over Point Mugu and out to sea. By November 21 at 6:11 p.m. PST, the fire was 100% contained. Many of the public and private parks and trails within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area were closed indefinitely as damage due to the fire was being evaluated and necessary remediation measures were put in place. Closures included Malibu Creek State Park and Zuma Beach . Property owned by
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