DAY TWO - CALABASAS CREEK

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2013

       The fact that Calabasas Creek runs year round, made it from ancient times the natural settling place for Native Americans and the pioneers who came after them. Juan de Anza ordered his explorers to rest by the waterway to refresh his men and horses, the year of America's Declaration of Independence.

       During my visit, Calabasas Creek was alive with robins, blue jays, humming birds and one handsome California gold finch. Across the road mallard ducks only quacked when I approached them.

         In the distance one can see the first of many fences that prevent public access to Calabasas Creek as it streams gently towards an uninviting  concrete channel.

      As it reaches Calabasas Road, this constant water source for the San Fernando Valley, experiences the first of its concrete barriers. Here, part of the creek is diverted to form a decorative stream through Calabasas Creek Park across the road.

       Finally the main portion of Calabasas Creek is imprisoned in one of Southern California's many concrete washes.

       In one last breath of freedom, part of Calabasas Creek sounders through the Creek Park located just just before the entrance to the 101 freeway into Los Angeles.  I was the only visitor in the park at 12:30 pm.

        One my second day of walking Ventura Boulevard, I thought it appropriate to begin at Calabasas Creek Park, where the Spanish explorers of the De Anza expedition once camped, and in 1795 the first mention was made in the records of Franciscan monks.

Great oaks and sycamores still grace the banks of the creek that forms one of the two streams that form the Los Angeles River in Canoga Park.

THE LEONIS ADOBE ON A SUMMER'S AFTERNOON

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

What better way to spend a summer's day than sitting in the shade of a massive California live oak tree on the grounds of the wonderful old Leonis Adobe in Calabasas. I love this priceless part of our Southern California heritage. The adobe's grounds are only a few yards across the street from Calabasas Creek, the cooling headwaters of the Los Angeles River. Kids, and most honest adults, are simply amazed at the enormous long horn cattle at the adobe farm yard- it's worth a drive from Sylmar just to see them. If you are the kind who whines about our July San Fertnando Valley's heat, then include a visit next door for one of the Sage Brush Cantina's Margaritas.

I began my walk of Ventura Boulevard a few years ago by exploring the Leonis Adobe. This site alone justifies a fascination with San Fernando Valley history. It is said that the man for whom the adobe is named was the first vehicle casualty in the Cahuenga Pass coming from Hollywood into the Valley. He fell off of a wagon in the canyon.  Some say his ghost haunts the place - probably around Halloween.