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72-612: The district includes, in Los Angeles County: Agoura Hills , almost all of Calabasas , Hidden Hills , most of Westlake Village , and small portions of the West Hills section of Los Angeles , and small portions of the Topanga unincorporated census-designated place . In Ventura County, it includes the vast majority of the unincorporated census-designated place of Bell Canyon . Its largest school

144-634: A unified school district did not establish its own high school by September 1965, the district would be annexed to an adjacent district with a high school. In January 1963, LVUSD residents had already voted down construction financing by very narrow margins, and many residents were still advocating a merger into a bigger district. If financing had been voted down again, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors would have had to choose an adjacent district to annex LVUSD territory into: L.A. Unified, Oxnard, Santa Monica, or Simi. However, in

216-734: 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

288-577: 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

360-741: A ceremony on February 20, 2010. Ladyface Mountain 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

432-485: A childless English immigrant (why this information about being "childless" is important, no one knows) with only a preschool education, who nonetheless took an interest in local education, was elected to the Liberty school board, and was instrumental in forming the union school district. All the one-room school districts' territories had been annexed into Los Angeles City High School District on August 18, 1921, and until

504-537: A two-story building at 4111 North Las Virgenes Road, next to the A.E. Wright Middle School. LVUSD annexed the community of Bell Canyon in Ventura County, California in 1987. On June 26, 2006, the Board of Education approved the formation of the district's alternative Independent Study School. The school offers two curricular options: K–12 independent Study where students report to the school site at least once

576-405: A week to meet with an independent study teacher and K–12 Home Independent Study (Home schooling) which provides a home schooling independent study curriculum. Community members formed a school foundation , The Foundation for Las Virgenes Schools, in 2010 in response to the dramatic loss of State funding for public education. The mission of the foundation is to provide general financial support for

648-643: Is Agoura High School , with approximately 2,682 students. LVUSD includes the following schools: By the 1940s, the territory that is now the Las Virgenes district was divided among four one-room schools, each with its own school district: In 1947, these four districts merged to form the Las Virgenes Union School District . A new Las Virgenes union grade school was built to replace the old schools; this has since become A.E. Wright Middle School , named after Arthur E. Wright,

720-400: 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

792-626: 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

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864-477: 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

936-678: 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

1008-767: 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

1080-468: 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

1152-638: 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

1224-484: 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

1296-496: 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

1368-476: 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

1440-608: 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

1512-515: 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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1584-1248: 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

1656-660: 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

1728-693: 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

1800-470: 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 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

1872-481: 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

1944-527: 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

2016-516: 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

2088-401: 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, 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

2160-483: The 1960s, the teenagers of these grade school districts attended Canoga Park High School . However, the creation of Los Angeles Unified School District in 1961 took away the vast majority of the high school district, leaving only the territory of the Las Virgenes and Topanga grade school districts. The high school district renamed itself West County Union High School District, but had no high school left in its territory. Topanga School District voted to join L.A. Unified

2232-485: 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 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 ,

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2304-698: The April 16, 1963 election, the voters approved the bond issue and state aid authorization — the latter by only four votes — which allowed LVUSD to build Agoura High School and three grade schools. When the district was created, its offices were located on the grounds of the Round Meadow Elementary School in Calabasas . They were then moved in 1974 to 30961 West Agoura Road in Westlake Village , and again in 1990 to

2376-492: 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,

2448-535: 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 ,

2520-738: 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

2592-410: 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

2664-543: 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 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

2736-574: 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

2808-569: 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

2880-667: 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

2952-430: 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 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

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3024-475: 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

3096-556: 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

3168-434: 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 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

3240-822: 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

3312-413: 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

3384-422: 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

3456-512: 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

3528-473: 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

3600-756: 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

3672-461: 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

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3744-499: 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

3816-594: 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

3888-479: 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

3960-433: The next school year, leaving West County with the same border as Las Virgenes Union School District as of July 1, 1962, and California law made coterminous grade school and high school districts automatically become a unified school district , thus creating Las Virgenes Unified School District . Though L.A. Unified was required to provide high school education to Las Virgenes for three years, California law mandated that, if

4032-415: 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

4104-422: 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

4176-408: 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

4248-613: 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

4320-494: 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

4392-597: The public schools in the Las Virgenes Unified School District. Agoura Hills 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

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4464-472: 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 -

4536-412: 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

4608-664: 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

4680-519: 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

4752-624: 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

4824-405: 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

4896-582: 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

4968-438: 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 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

5040-455: 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 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

5112-461: 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

5184-782: 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

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