A wagon overturned spilling pumpkins. That’s how the legend goes. Welcome to Calabasas a city named for its pumpkin past.
Centuries ago the Chumash people lived peacefully in these hills. Spanish explorers followed later. Gaspar de Portola’s expedition passed through in 1770. Juan Bautista de Anza camped here in 1776. The oldest written reference to Calabasas dates back to 1795.
One story says Calabasas means where wild geese fly. Another more playful tale centers on that overturned wagon. The pumpkin story won out when the city incorporated in 1991. They even hold an annual Pumpkin Festival. The Leonis Adobe a historic landmark stands as a reminder of Calabasas’s past. Built around 1844 it once formed part of Rancho El Escorpion. It was saved from demolition in the 1960s. Now it’s a cultural monument a testament to Calabasas’s rich history.
Calabasas remained rural for much of the 20th century. It was a small community. Stories circulated of a hangman’s tree. No hangings ever occurred though. The tree was eventually removed. A portion remains at the Sagebrush Cantina. Later Calabasas became part of the route to transport a large rocket engine. The engine couldn’t fit past the hangman’s tree so the tree was removed. The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce used the hangman’s tree as an icon. They even called their newsletter Noose Notes. That name caused a change though.
Calabasas is now a thriving city. It boasts many parks. It is a popular filming location. The Santa Monica Mountains provide breathtaking scenery. About 43% of Calabasas’s land is protected open space. That’s a significant amount. Development is strictly controlled. Calabasas balances its growth with the preservation of its natural beauty. It is also strategically located near the 101. This makes it ideal for commuters. Its mild climate is a draw. The city offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities. It’s a place where the past and present meet. A place where pumpkins once rolled and wild geese still fly.