Remember Zelzah? In 1910, Northridge was named Zelzah. It’s a biblical name for an oasis. The name referenced a water well in the area. Now we know it as Northridge.
Northridge is a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. It is within the City of Los Angeles. Northridge is home to California State University Northridge. It also has the Northridge Fashion Center.
Originally, settlers named the community Zelzah in 1908. In 1929, it was renamed North Los Angeles. This caused confusion between North Hollywood and Los Angeles. So, in 1938, civic leader Carl S. Dentzel renamed it Northridge Village. This eventually became Northridge.
The history of Northridge goes back to the Tongva people. Later, Spanish explorers arrived. Mexican Governor Pío Pico sold the land to Eulogio de Celis. His heirs then divided it for resale.
In 2000, the U.S. census counted 57561 residents in Northridge. That is about 6080 people per square mile. By 2008, the city estimated the population had increased to 61993.
Northridge is considered ethnically diverse. In 2000, whites made up 49.5% of the population. Latinos were 26.1%. Asians accounted for 14.5%. Blacks were 5.4%, and others made up 4.6%.
In the late 1840s, Governor Pio Pico sold land to Eulogio de Celis. This sale had no area limitations. By 1850, de Celis owned real estate worth $20000.
Later, de Celis’ heirs split the land. They sold the northern half to Senator George K. Porter and Senator Charles Maclay. Porter wanted ranching. Maclay wanted subdivision and colonization.
In 1908, the Southern Pacific Railroad built tracks through Hawk Ranch. The Hawk Ranch was then sold for subdivision. It was renamed Zelzah in 1910. By April 1913, only 300 of the original 1100 acres were left for sale. They cost $325 an acre.
The first church in Northridge was the Faith Bible Church. It was built in 1917. By the 1920s, the town shipped agricultural products. It remained a rural community for many years.
In 1929, residents voted to change the name to North Los Angeles. In 1930, Reseda Boulevard was paved.
After World War II, Northridge developed rapidly. Agricultural lots became suburban housing. The San Fernando Valley State College opened in 1956. The train depot was torn down in 1961.
Thirty-four percent of Northridge residents had a four-year degree by 2000. This was high for the county.
In 1962, Nobel Junior High School became the first air-conditioned school in Los Angeles.
California State University Northridge or CSUN offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It began in 1956. It was then the San Fernando Valley Campus of Los Angeles State College. By the early 1970s, it became California State University Northridge.
In the late 1960s, Devonshire Downs hosted two major rock music festivals. The 1969 Newport Pop Festival featured Jimi Hendrix. It was briefly the largest music festival ever held.
The 1994 Northridge earthquake was named for Northridge. However, the epicenter was actually in Reseda. The Northridge Hospital Medical Center treated over 1000 patients after the quake.
Today, Northridge is a vibrant community. It blends its rich history with modern living. From its Tongva roots to its role in popular culture, Northridge offers something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring its historical sites or enjoying its cultural attractions. Northridge is sure to captivate you.