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Nestled in
the oak-filled foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, the upscale community
with small town charm has a progressive economy, safe neighborhoods, blue
ribbon schools and healthy lifestyle. In addition to its desirable location
surrounded by scenic open space, Calabasas is conveniently located near
employment opportunities and all of Southern California’s finest attractions. With its rolling hills and
waterfalls, Calabasas attracted Hollywood artists in the late 1920’s and
established the bohemian colony of Park Moderne. Calabasas continues to value
beauty through its art in public places program. Custom architecture,
attractive business offices, and stylish shopping centers, as well as outdoor
art blend the city’s past, present and future into an exciting environment. The
Calabasas Historical Society preserved a Zigzag Moderne fountain created by the
1920’s artists on a Native American footpath that can still be enjoyed in what
are now called “the bird streets”. Many believe that
the city’s unusual name stems from a Basque farmer’s pumpkin cart that
overturned en route to Los Angeles, spilling seeds that became the region’s
first official patch. A desirable location throughout history, Calabasas was
part of the El Camino Real, the original Mission Highway that served the
California Missions. The first recorded occupation in the area was by Chumash
Native Americans who settled along the banks in Calabasas Creek Park. Espiritu,
daughter of Chumash Chief Odin, married Miguel Leonis the legendary “King of
Calabasas” who ruled the territory in the mid-1800s. The Leonis Adobe, Los
Angeles City Historic Cultural Monument No.1, is a living history museum in the
heart of Old Town Calabasas where thousands of visitors and schoolchildren can
relive the excitement of the old west. Calabasas’ original “Last of the Old
West” Old Town offers a picturesque setting for dining and shopping and is the
location of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce. Calabasas is admired around the
nation, if not the world. It is a model city of prosperity for current
residents as well as those who will call it home in the future. A
self-sufficient young municipality, Calabasas practices prudent planning
allocating for the growth necessary to maintain a desirable residential and
business community. Future plans include a state-of-the-art civic center
complex with fountains, plazas and a public library. Already in place are
popular city operated public transportation programs and bicycle commuter
routes. There is also ongoing acquisition of open space. Tomorrow is already
here for those who have made Calabasas their home. |
