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89-785: Point Mugu State Park is a state park located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Southern California . The rugged, nearly impassible shoreline of the western Santa Monica Mountains gives way to tidal lagoons and coastal sand dunes at Mugu Rock . The western edge of the park adjoins Mugu Lagoon which is a protected area within Naval Air Station Point Mugu . Point Mugu SP consists of distinct landside and beachside areas with different ecosystems and their own parking lots, separated by

178-498: A Black pioneer from Kentucky, made a significant mark on Los Angeles after arriving in 1859 and later as a homesteader in the Santa Monica Mountains. The story begins with John Ballard , a courageous soul who ventured from Kentucky to Los Angeles in 1859, seeking a better life amidst the tumultuous landscape of post-Civil War America. In the face of systemic racism and adversity, John found solace and opportunity in

267-655: A bill in the Congress. Point Mugu State Park was the first of three large, rural state parks in the Santa Monica Mountains was established in 1967, when the State Division of Beaches and Parks, the forerunner of California State Parks, acquired title to 6,700 acres (2,700 ha) of the Broome Ranch for $ 15.1 million. This property was the first acquisition for Point Mugu State Park, and

356-491: A large park was considered in exchange for the cancellation of $ 1.1 million in unpaid taxes. However, Los Angeles County refused the offer, thus missing the opportunity to acquire 17,000 acres of park lands. Will Rogers State Historic Park was created in 1944 marking the establishment of the first state park in the Santa Monica Mountains and the first public land created in the mountains since Griffith Park in 1896. It now adjoins Topanga State Park on its northeast side. In

445-549: A long campaign for preservation of the Santa Monica Mountains by local and regional conservationists . Susan B. Nelson helped organize "Friends of the Santa Monica Mountains, Parks and Seashore" in 1964 and was known as the mother of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. In 1988 though, she was concerned about the political push to end federal land purchases encouraged by Los Angeles County developers that preferred

534-428: A long tradition which is frequently overlooked by historians who often focus exclusively on the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s which culminated with the establishment of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in 1978. The first area in the Santa Monica Mountains set aside for public use was Griffith Park which was donated to the city of Los Angeles by Griffith J. Griffith in 1896. During

623-640: A marked change to red beds of river systems of Oligocene age in the western and central segments. Limestones and dolomites of the marine Miocene Monterey Formation are found in the Santa Ynez Mountains and in the Coast Ranges to the north. The distinctive feature of the Transverse Ranges besides their anomalous orientation is that they are bounded by east-west trending faults. Most are left slip, strike slip faults . In

712-721: A new 'Jordan Ranch' golf course and housing development. The land swap was never completed, the Jordan Ranch became the Palo Commado section of the Cheeseboro Canyon / Palo Comado Canyon Open Space parks. Most of the land for the 1,000 acres (400 ha) Corral Canyon Park was finally donated by Bob Hope. The former Ahmanson Ranch was acquired by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy from Washington Mutual in 2003, to create

801-484: A pivotal force in the conservation and appreciation of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). This journey began with the federal designation of the SMMNRA in 1978, a milestone achieved after two decades of dedicated advocacy by volunteer activists for the protection of the Santa Monica Mountains' wildlands and natural resources. SAMO Fund was created to support and amplify these conservation efforts. As

890-569: A result, there is high topographic relief throughout the range, and other than in marginal areas (e.g. the San Fernando Valley ) and a few river valleys (such as Lockwood Valley and Big Bear Valley), there are no large, flat basins within the ranges. The mountains are notable for being steep and difficult to traverse. There are few passes that are sufficiently low or wide enough to accommodate significant volumes of traffic. This has resulted in situations where major cities are linked to

979-440: A rich history of continuous human occupation dating back more than 10,000 years and contain many nationally significant prehistoric and historic sites. More than 1,000 archaeological sites are in the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, making it one of the highest densities of archaeological resources found in any mountain range in the world. There are twenty-six known Chumash pictograph sites with

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1068-423: Is a United States national recreation area containing many individual parks and open space preserves , located primarily in the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California . The SMMNRA is in the greater Los Angeles region, with two thirds of the parklands in northwest Los Angeles County , and the remaining third, including a Simi Hills extension, in southeastern Ventura County . Overall administration

1157-492: Is by the National Park Service , coordinating with state, county, municipal, and university agencies. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area preserves one of the best examples of a Mediterranean climate ecosystem in the world. It also protects one of the highest densities of archaeological resources in any mountain range in the world. In size the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

1246-605: Is located at Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park. Main Entrance cross street is Via Goleta and Potrero Road. Transverse Ranges The ranges extend from west of Point Conception eastward approximately 500 kilometers into the Mojave and Colorado Desert . The geology and topography of the ranges express three distinct segments that have contrasting elevations, rock types, and vegetation. The western segment extends to

1335-631: Is open for public recreation and events. Entertainer and land speculator Bob Hope created controversy in the early 1990s when he proposed to sell 5,900 acres (2,400 ha) of land in the Corral Canyon area in the Santa Monicas to the federal government in exchange for 59 acres (24 ha) of federal parkland in the nearby Cheeseboro Canyon section of Santa Monica Mountains NRA in the Simi Hills , in order to build an access road to

1424-712: Is the largest urban national park in the United States and the largest urban national park in the world. The Woolsey Fire in November 2018 burned 83% of all National Park Service land in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The Santa Monica Mountains NRA contains 157,700 acres (63,800 ha) in the Santa Monica Mountains of the Transverse Ranges between the Pacific Ocean and inland valleys. Its southeastern slopes are part of

1513-577: Is the only site in the National Park Service dedicated to the past, present, and future of all Indian cultures. A Native American guest-host or a park ranger is on hand to answer questions from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Native American workshops, programs, and art shows occur throughout the year. Satwiwa means "bluff" in the Chumash language and refers to the cliffs of Boney Mountain which can be seen from Satwiwa. The center

1602-631: The 2018 Southern California mudflows , may be cut off from timely road access to the rest of Southern California. Major peaks of the Transverse Ranges with at least 500 feet (150 m) of prominence, listed by height: This segment begins at Point Conception in Santa Barbara County, and include the Santa Ynez Mountains that run parallel to the coast behind Santa Barbara and the San Rafael Mountains on

1691-772: The Adamson House of Malibu Lagoon State Beach (no. 966). Just outside the national recreation area is the Stagecoach Inn (no. 659) in Newbury Park , Los Encinos State Historic Park (no. 689), and the Old Santa Monica Forestry Station (no. 840). The rich tapestry of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is woven from diverse historical strands, notably during the Spanish Mission period, setting

1780-583: The Californio landowners who had thrived during the Rancho era. A significant part of the American population moving west included individuals who were able to escape from enslavement, or post-1865, formerly enslaved individuals. These people came West for the opportunity to build a new society, and there are some incredible examples of success whose histories have not been told. For example, John Ballard ,

1869-610: The Mesozoic , mostly granites, can be found on Mount Pinos and generally in regions east of Tejon Pass . The youngest rocks are Cenozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks that can be found throughout the ranges. The western segment is distinctive for the large thickness of Cretaceous and Cenozoic sedimentary rocks, estimated to be up to 10 kilometers. The thickest deposits of these are in the Santa Barbara Channel and Ventura basin. These are mostly marine in origin with

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1958-797: The Pacific Ocean and the northern Channel Islands . Onshore the Los Angeles Basin lies at the southern boundary of the western and central segments of the ranges. Major passes not along the San Andreas Fault include Gaviota Pass , San Marcos Pass , the Conejo Grade , Newhall Pass , and Cahuenga Pass . The Transverse Ranges manifest themselves as a series of roughly parallel ridges with an average height of 3,000–8,000 feet (910–2,440 m). The ranges are dissected by young, steep streams of relatively low flow rate; as

2047-828: The Pinto , Eagle , and Orocopia Mountains are within the eastern segment. The Mojave Desert and California's low desert, including the Coachella Valley , are at the eastern end of the ranges. Ranges north of the western segment that are nearly transverse but are part of the California Coast Ranges include the San Rafael Mountains and the Sierra Madre Mountains . Likewise, the Tehachapi Mountains north of

2136-707: The Saddle Rock Ranch Pictographs in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains are considered to be a representation of the Portola Expedition of 1769–1770, and have been determined to be eligible as a National Historic Landmark . A number of California Historical Landmarks also lie within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. These include the Site of the Port of Los Angeles Long Wharf (no. 881), Point Dume (no. 965), and

2225-451: The San Fernando Valley . In the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains , the 20th Century Fox Movie Ranch , commonly called Century Ranch, was a 2,700-acre land acquisition of what would become Malibu Creek State Park . It was purchased by the State of California in 1974 for $ 4.8 million. Reagan Ranch, a 120-acre property on the west and formerly owned by Ronald Reagan , was included in

2314-913: The San Gabriel Mountains and San Gabriel fault . The central segment includes mountains that range eastward to the San Andreas fault . The eastern segment extends from the Cajon Pass at the San Andreas fault eastward to the Colorado Desert. The central and eastern segments (near the San Andreas fault) have the highest elevations. Most of the ranges lie in the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion. Lower elevations are dominated by chaparral and scrubland, while higher elevations support large conifer forests. Most of

2403-640: The WWF -designated California montane chaparral and woodlands ecoregion , but the eastern points of the range touch two desert regions, the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert section of the Sonoran Desert . The Carrizo Plain adjoins the northern edge of the Transverse Range. Chaparral is a common feature of the Transverse Ranges. Common plant associates in chaparral , especially in

2492-497: The Woolsey Fire ravaged through the Santa Monica Mountains, leaving Paramount Ranch, a beacon of cinematic history, severely damaged. The devastation impacted not just the physical structures but also the heritage and cultural memory encapsulated within the ranch. The story of Paramount Ranch begins in the early 20th century when the studio purchased the land as a scenic backdrop for countless films and television shows. Against

2581-472: The headwaters of the Los Angeles River . The California State Park system and other public agencies own 49,756 acres (20,136 ha), the National Park Service controls 25,117 acres (10,164 ha), and the rest of the SMMNRA lands are in local agencies parks, university study reserves, and private property conservation easements . The movement to preserve the Santa Monica Mountains has

2670-475: The most important oil-producing areas in the United States. The plant place of the Transverse ranges include coastal sage scrub , oak woodland and savanna , and pinyon-juniper woodland at lower elevations, and yellow pine forest , Lodgepole Pine , and subalpine forest at higher elevations. The Angeles and Los Padres National Forests cover portions of the Transverse ranges. The ranges are part of

2759-417: The 1960s and 70s, and possible as early of the 1950s, another campaign was undertaken to preserve the Santa Monica Mountains. Several proposals went before the U.S. Congress which called for the creation of Toyon National Park, referring to a dominant chaparral plant found in the area. The legislative history of Toyon National Park dates back to 1971 when Representative Alphonzo Bell Jr. first introduced

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2848-657: The 2,983 acres (1,207 ha) Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in the southeastern Simi Hills . It is adjacent to and has trailheads in Calabasas (Las Virgenes Trailhead), Woodland Hills (Victory Trailhead), and West Hills via Moore's Canyon in El Escorpión Park . The highly visible hills with undeveloped ranch land adjacent to the junction of U.S. Route 101 and Las Virgenes Road in western Calabasas have several viewsheds now protected from development. They also serve as an unofficial gateway to

2937-767: The American period in California marked a significant turning point in the region's history. Following the Mexican–American War , the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 ceded California to the United States. This shift brought profound changes to the social, economic, and legal landscapes of California. The vast tracts of land once managed as ranchos under Mexican land grants were increasingly subdivided and sold to new American settlers. The introduction of American legal and political systems transformed property rights and land ownership, leading to disputes, and often displacing

3026-450: The Fund has been instrumental in engaging the community in stewardship activities and in leading initiatives to protect the natural and cultural resources of the indigenous populations in the area. Today, SAMO Fund stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and strategic partnerships in fostering a sustainable coexistence between urban development and natural preservation, making

3115-571: The Mojave Desert, although nearly transverse, are the southern end of the Sierra Nevada . Mountain ranges with peaks exceeding 4,500 feet (1,400 m), listed west to east, include: Examples of smaller mountain and hill ranges include: The climate in most of the range is Csb ( Warm-summer Mediterranean ) under the Köppen climate classification ; the upper reaches of San Gorgonio Mountain have an alpine tundra climate ( ET ), while

3204-441: The National Park Service in its endeavors. This includes a focus on youth education, scientific research, improvement of park facilities, community stewardship, and the preservation of indigenous cultural resources. Their vision is to see the Santa Monica Mountains thrive as a biodiverse and resilient natural landscape. Santa Monica Mountains Fund (SAMO Fund) has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1988, emerging as

3293-883: The Pacific Coast Highway. During low tide, the parks are joined by a walkway under an adjoining bridge. The park may be accessed from the eastern part of the Santa Monica Mountains from a National Park Service park, Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, California that includes the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center , and from the western part of the Santa Monica Mountains by the Pacific Coast Highway . Point Mugu State Park features 5 miles (8.0 km) of oceanfront beaches, palisades, chaparral-covered mountains, two major canyons with seasonal rivers, grassy valleys highlighted with oaks, sycamores, and

3382-593: The SMMNRA a cherished destination for millions of visitors each year. The registered offices of SAMO Fund are shared with the SMMNRA NPS headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California. In 2018, 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

3471-546: The San Andreas Fault, which separates those segments from the Mojave Desert. The eastern segment bounds the southern Mojave Desert. Notable passes along the San Andreas fault include Tejon Pass , Cajon Pass , and San Gorgonio Pass . Components of Transverse Ranges to the north and east of the fault include the San Bernardino Mountains , Little San Bernardino Mountains , Pinto and Eagle Mountains . The western and southern boundaries are acknowledged to be

3560-681: The Santa Barbara Channel and Ventura Basin. Much oil has pooled in the Monterey Formation, which is produced onshore and offshore. In the eastern Santa Barbara Channel oil is held in younger sedimentary rocks. The Los Angeles Basin south of the western segment, formed during rotation of that segment away from the Peninsular Ranges. It is also a site of prolific oil production. The California Geologic Survey states: Great thicknesses of Cenozoic petroleum-rich sedimentary rocks have been folded and faulted, making California one of

3649-589: The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area from Danielson in 1980, becoming Rancho Sierra Vista open space park. Topanga State Park was opened to the public in 1974. The park's original name was Topanga Canyon State Park, but the name was shortened because the 11,525 acres (4,664 ha) park encompass large areas outside Topanga Canyon , from the Pacific Coast Highway to Mulholland Drive . The park can be accessed by car and trails from Topanga , and by trailheads in Pacific Palisades and

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3738-466: The Santa Monica Mountains are potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places . The Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome on the famous Santa Monica Pier , which is within the national recreation area, is a National Historic Landmark , as is Will Rogers ' house at Will Rogers State Historic Park (also within the national recreation area). The horsemen portrayed in

3827-563: The Transverse Ranges and the Peninsular Ranges to the south. There are a number of important freeways that cross the Transverse Ranges, such as (from west to east) US-101, I-5 at Tejon Pass , SR 14 at Soledad Pass , and I-15 at Cajon Pass . These highways link Southern California with places to the north and northeast like San Francisco and Las Vegas , respectively. With the exception of several high passes on less-traveled SR 33 , SR 2 , SR 330 . SR 18 and SR 38 , none of these passes are at high elevations, with Cajon Pass being at

3916-902: The Transverse Ranges; San Miguel , Santa Rosa , Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands are a westward extension of the Santa Monica Mountains. The Ranges include the steep San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles , the Sierra Pelona Mountains just south of the San Andreas fault, the Tehachapi Mountains southeast of Bakersfield, the Verdugo Mountains , the Liebre-Sawmill Mountains, the San Rafael Hills , Puente Hills , San Jose Hills , and Chino Hills . The San Bernardino Mountains , Little San Bernardino Mountains , and

4005-876: The Valley Corridor Special Resource Study is being conducted by the National Park Service, and generally includes the mountains encircling the San Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi, and Conejo Valleys in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The SMMNRA is part of the Rim of the Valley Trail Corridor planning process, and several alternatives include a Rim of the Valley a SMMNRA boundary adjustment (of an approximately 173,000-acre or 313,000 acre addition). The Rim of

4094-443: The Valley Trail is a plan in progress for connecting the four valleys with the parklands surrounding them. Santa Monica Mountains Fund (SAMO Fund) is dedicated to the mission of preserving, protecting, and enhancing the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). Their mission encompasses a commitment to safeguarding the unique ecosystem of the area, fostering a deep connection between people and nature, and supporting

4183-425: The area's natural beauty. After much criticism of his original plan, Bell offered a new proposal. Using a new process, he would have the rock pulverized, mixed with water, and pumped via a buried pipeline to the mouth of Santa Ynez Canyon. The pipeline would continue from there along the ocean floor to an offshore buoy where it would be load on board a waiting ship. Criticism of the plan grew and eventually garnered

4272-592: The backcountry trails, i.e., any trail that is not paved. The western terminus of the Backbone Trail , a multi-use long-distance trail extending nearly 70 miles (110 km) across the Santa Monica Mountains, is the Ray Miller trailhead at La Jolla Canyon in Point Mugu State Park. Sycamore Cove, La Jolla Beach and Mugu Beach have parking and sandy beaches. Views of dolphins, seals, pelicans, and whales are possible all along Pacific Coast Highway. No fishing as of 2011. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

4361-416: The backdrop of bustling film sets and bustling production crews, Paramount Ranch became synonymous with the magic of Hollywood, hosting iconic Westerns, dramas, and comedies that captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world. The cultural significance of the Santa Monica Mountains extends beyond prehistory to encompass the Spanish mission and rancho periods, the American homestead era, and

4450-418: The bounding faults are left slip Santa Ynez and Pine Mountain Faults. The San Gabriel Fault and San Andreas bound the central segment. The eastern segment is bounded by the Pinto Mountain Fault in the north and the Salton Creek Fault in the south. The large thickness of marine sediments in the western segment have made it a habitat for oil. Several dozen fields are found onshore and offshore, particularly in

4539-414: The by-now infamous cliffs." In 1930 Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. , a lifelong advocate of national parks and considered by many as the designer of the California State Parks system, proposed a network of parks, beaches, playgrounds, and forests to promote the social, economic, and environmental vitality of Los Angeles. Olmsted also advocated for public ownership of at least 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) of

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4628-400: The central Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and its visitor center on Las Virgenes Road at King Gillette Ranch. On the southeastern side the land was formerly owned by Bob Hope, acquired by the SMM Conservancy in 2010, and added to the Las Virgenes View Park in the Santa Monica Mountains NRA. The viewshed on the northwestern side of the junction, formerly owned by Fred Sands ,

4717-402: The central and eastern segments, including the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains. The oldest basement (deepest) rocks are of Proterozoic age, and are found in the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains. The Jurassic - Cretaceous Franciscan Assemblage is found in the western section of the ranges and is the presumed basement in this segment. Exposed plutonic rocks from

4806-411: The explorations of the Portola Expedition and was traversed by Juan Bautista de Anza , whose journey is commemorated by the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail through Cheeseboro & Palo Comado Canyons and Rancho Sierra Vista . The narrative extends from the prehistoric period, through the Rancho period, and into the eras of American settlement. The transition from the Rancho period to

4895-405: The fault moved east to open the Gulf of California . The crust within the Pacific Plate south of the ranges can not easily make the left turn westward as the entire plate moves northwestward, forcing pieces of the crust to compress and lift. Prior to this shift of the fault to create the left bend, northwest–southeast trending rock belts in all of the Transverse Ranges began to rotate clockwise in

4984-418: The faults outside that province. Between the western segment and the Peninsular Ranges to the south is the complex Malibu Coast—Santa Monica— Hollywood fault , which exists as the border between these two mostly geologically unitary provinces. These faults are part of the same thrust fault system south of the northern Channel Islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Anacapa Islands. North of the western segment

5073-435: The first decade of the twentieth century, Frederick H. Rindge made several attempts to create a forest reserve in the Santa Monica Mountains. These reserves were precursors to national forests . In 1902 California's State Mining Bureau examined the area being considered for the establishment of a forest reserve. The resulting report was sent to Washington where the proposal for a reserve was denied. In 1907 an application

5162-430: The first land acquisitions was Rancho Sierra Vista in 1980 which is reputed to be one of the last intact ranches from the first half of the twentieth century in the Santa Monica Mountains. In 1980 the Paramount Movie Ranch was acquired in Agoura Hills , and is the present day Paramount Ranch Park . The National Park Service revitalized the old movie ranch, and it is again used for movie and television productions, and

5251-403: The interaction of the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate along the dextral (right slip) San Andreas Fault system. Their orientation along an east–west axis as opposed to the general northwest–southeast trend of most California ranges results from a pronounced left step in the San Andreas Fault that occurred in the Pliocene ( c.  4 million years ago) when southern reaches of

5340-427: The ire of local resident Will Rogers who parodied the plan on the front page of the L.A. Times . The debate raged citywide with such notable public figures as William Mulholland coming to Bell's defense. In an attempt to sway public opinion, Bell urged local residents to take company-sponsored fieldtrips, on foot and on horseback, to the quarry to see the site for themselves. Among the people who took these trips

5429-545: The land stay available for home building. She was encouraged though that neighboring cities in Ventura County were supportive of park expansion. The strategy has been to grow SMMNRA by 'mosaic pieces' linking critical habitats, saving unique areas, and expanding existing parks. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy , a California state agency, was created in 1980 for the acquisition of land for preservation as open space, for wildlife and California native plants habitat preserves , and for public recreation activities. One of

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5518-418: The land, cultivated community, and left an indelible mark on the landscape, serving as pioneers in the fight for equality and justice. The renaming of Ballard Mountain in 2010 stands as a testament to the family's enduring legacy and the ongoing efforts to honor their contributions to the region's cultural heritage. Today, Ballard Mountain serves as a symbol of resilience and empowerment, a sacred site where

5607-451: The lower northern slopes of the range have a desert ( BW ) or steppe ( BS ) climate; most of the nearby lowlands to the south and west have a Hot-summer Mediterranean climate ( Csa ). Snow falls above 6,000 feet (1,800 m) most winters, and above 3,000 feet (910 m) every few years. It is rare for elevations above 8,000 feet (2,400 m) to go multiple winters without snow, even during severe droughts. Due to relatively low humidity,

5696-461: The matter up with Gifford Pinchot , forester, Washington, D.C., and endeavor to ascertain his views on the subject, and further protest against the creation of this proposed reserve". Days later the U. S. Forest Service advised Aubury that it was highly improbable that a forest reserve would be created owing to local opposition and the small amount of public land still remaining in the Santa Monica Mountains. Limestone deposits were discovered in

5785-451: The modern-day contributions of diverse communities. The Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch was opened in June 2012, and is operated by four partner agencies: National Park Service , California State Parks, Santa Monica Conservancy, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. It is located at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, California , 91302. The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center

5874-425: The most scenic beach and mountain landscapes between Topanga and Point Dume . However, the Olmsted report was essentially killed – only 200 copies were printed – due mainly to civic leaders who put politics ahead of public space. After lengthy court battles to preserve her estate, May Rindge (widow of Frederick H. Rindge ) lost control of her lands and was forced into bankruptcy in 1938. A proposal to establish

5963-452: The mountain ranges, including the Oxnard Plain of coastal Ventura County , the Santa Clarita Valley north of Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley , which is mostly included in the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Basin, which includes the portion of Los Angeles County south of the Santa Monica Mountains and most of Orange County , and the Inland Empire basin, which includes the cities of San Bernardino and Riverside , lie between

6052-416: The mountains behind Pacific Palisades in 1925 which led to a lengthy battle between wealthy home owners of the area and land developers. The quarry site was in Traylor Canyon, three miles inland from the sea, between Santa Ynez and Temescal Canyons. Alphonzo Bell Sr. was the real estate developer behind the quarry scheme while local opposition was led by Sylvia Morrison, who championed the preservation of

6141-399: The national recreation area, all sacred to traditional Native American Indians, and include some that are among the most spectacular found anywhere. These pictographs – along with other sites – have been described by the National Park Service as "unique and a significant world heritage". Nearly every major prehistoric and historic theme associated with human interaction and development of

6230-429: 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. A restoration plan was developed to plant 100,000 trees, shrubs and grasses of 25 different species. In terms of cultural heritage, the Santa Monica Mountains boast

6319-507: The occasional native walnuts trees. A major landmark, the Boney Mountain State Wilderness Area features pinnacles visible from many areas of the park. Opportunities for camping , hiking , swimming , mountain biking , picnicking , wildlife viewing , and horseback riding exist within the park. Horseback riding is available from the National Park Service entrance. Like all California State Parks, dogs are permitted when leashed in campsite areas. No dogs are allowed whether on or off-leash on

6408-451: The official philanthropic partner of the National Park Service in the region, the Fund has played a crucial role in preserving the unique ecosystem and cultural heritage of this coastal mountain range, which spans across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Over the years, SAMO Fund has grown in scope and impact, now overseeing a range of programs from youth education and scientific research to the maintenance of park facilities and trails. Notably,

6497-553: The original Century Ranch purchase. The Hope Ranch, owned by entertainer Bob Hope and which abutted Century Ranch, was purchased in 1975 for $ 4.1 million. In 1976 the State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a compromise on the classification of the Century Ranch property, and officially named it Malibu Creek State Park. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was established November 10, 1978, after

6586-816: The other side of the Santa Ynez Valley . The western Transverse Ranges also include the Topatopa Mountains and the Santa Susana Mountains of Ventura County and Los Angeles County, the Simi Hills , the Santa Monica Mountains that run along the Pacific coast behind Malibu , and whose eastern portion are known as the Hollywood Hills , and the Chalk Hills . The northern Channel Islands of California are also part of

6675-497: The outboard Pacific plate. Because the Monterey plate was then beneath southern California, the capture resulted in pulling of the overlying crust out and northward from the rest of California. Rocks of the Transverse Ranges exhibit extreme differences in geologic age and composition, varying from sedimentary rocks in the western Santa Ynez and volcanic rocks in the Santa Monica Mountains to primarily granitic and metamorphic rock in

6764-480: The ranges in the system are fault blocks , and were uplifted by tectonic movements late in the Cenozoic Era . West of Tejon Pass , the primary rock types are varied, with a mix of sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks, while regions east of the pass are dominated by plutonic granitic and metasedimentary rocks. The western and central segments of the Transverse Ranges are bounded to the north and east by

6853-420: The regional snow line lies at about 14,000–16,000 feet (4,300–4,900 m), above the highest elevation of the range; as such, snow does not persist year-round except in the form of snow patches . The tree line lies at about 11,000 feet (3,400 m); San Gorgonio Mountain is the only peak with an alpine environment. The Transverse Ranges result from a complex of tectonic forces and faulting stemming from

6942-471: The rest of the state by relatively few roads; for example, the vast majority of traffic between the Central Valley and the Los Angeles area is routed through Tejon Pass. This results in significant traffic issues throughout Southern California when a pass has to be shut down due to heavy snow or construction. Occasionally, major cities, such as Santa Barbara during the 2005 La Conchita landslide and

7031-547: The right shear of Pacific Plate – North American Plate motion. This tectonic rotation began in Early Miocene Time and continues today. The total rotation is about 90° in the Western Transverse Ranges and less (about 40°) in the eastern ranges. Catalina Island shows the most rotation: almost 120°. A mechanism proposed for the rotation event is capture of the subducting Monterey plate by

7120-399: The rugged terrain of the Santa Monica Mountains, where he established a homestead that would become a beacon of hope for generations to come. Against the backdrop of social upheaval and racial injustice, John and his family carved out a life of dignity and resilience on Ballard Mountain , formerly called "racial epithet" Head Mountain. Despite facing discrimination and hardship, they nurtured

7209-530: The stage for Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa's unique identity. This area, marked by ranch structures and a variety of grasses introduced over centuries of ranching, alongside native plants, mirrors the landscape once inhabited by the Chumash Indians. The discovery of over 150 archaeological sites evidences both transient and permanent Native American settlements, with a 2014 find of glass beads suggesting late 1700s Spanish colonial contact. The area witnessed

7298-440: The stories of the past are cherished and celebrated as part of our collective identity and heritage. Nestled within the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains lies Paramount Ranch , a site of profound historical significance that serves as a window into the golden age of Hollywood. This iconic landmark holds the storied legacy of Paramount Pictures Studios , whose productions have left an indelible mark on American cinema. In 2018,

7387-566: The transition between coastal chaparral and coastal sage scrub, include California sagebrush and Toyon , the latter shrub having its southern distribution limit defined by the Transverse Ranges. Pinyon-juniper woodland is common on the north slopes of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains. This ecosystem is easily visible in the well-travelled Soledad Pass region, between Pearblossom and Santa Clarita . A number of densely populated coastal plains and interior valleys lie between

7476-595: The western United States is represented within the park from the early hunters and gathers, to Native American Indian cultures, the Spanish mission and rancho periods, and the American homestead era. Park activist Susan Nelson was instrumental in pushing for an inventory of the flora and fauna of the park and the Native American archeological resources. At least 73 archeological sites, historic structures, cultural landscapes , and traditional cultural properties in

7565-450: The western and central segments many of the faults are thrust faults . Faults in the Coast Ranges and Peninsular Ranges trend northwest-southeast and butt into the east-west trending faults of the Transverse Ranges. Because all of these faults are considered active and seismic but they do to cut each other, the only geometry that satisfies that observation is if the east-west faults and Transverse Ranges are rotating clockwise with respect to

7654-427: Was Sylvia Morrison, who had been an early leader of environmental concerns. She was among the visitors who scrambled up the limestone cliffs on ladders and hiked and rode on horseback through the chaparral and came away thrilled with the natural beauty of the canyons. "Taking a cue from Yellowstone National Park , Morrison urged the establishment of Whitestone National Park in the Santa Monica Mountains, named after

7743-719: Was acquired in 2010 and protected in the 200 acres (81 ha) Zev Yaroslavsky Las Virgenes Highlands Park . Both preserve open space along the Ventura Freeway (101) between the San Fernando and the Conejo Valleys . The under construction Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a vegetated overpass spanning the Ventura Freeway and Agoura Road at Liberty Canyon in Agoura Hills. The Rim of

7832-401: Was part of the 19th century Mexican Rancho Guadalasca . 5,800 acres (2,300 ha) was purchased from Richard E. Danielson in 1972 for $ 2.1 million, nearly doubling the park's acreage. This property is situated northeast of the park's original 6,700 acres (2,700 ha) and consisted of mostly backcountry. A remaining 850-acre parcel (340 ha) which adjoined this property was purchased by

7921-570: Was submitted to the Secretary of the Interior requesting that at least 70,000 acres (28,000 ha) in the mountains be designated a forest reserve. This time state mineralogist Lewis E. Aubury opposed the venture. He wrote the L.A. Time newspaper stating, "I believe that the lands embraced in the Malibu and Santa Monica districts should not be included in a forest reserve…I shall at once take

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