Tarzana

Could a jungle hero find peace in the San Fernando Valley? Tarzana’s story begins with a surprising answer. Tarzana, a quiet neighborhood nestled in the Valley, is named after the iconic jungle hero, Tarzan. The man behind both, Edgar Rice Burroughs, sought a change of scenery from Oak Park, Illinois. He found it in 1919, purchasing a large tract of land in the Valley. This land, once part of a ranch owned by Los Angeles Times founder Harrison Gray Otis, became Tarzana Ranch. Burroughs wasn’t content with just owning this slice of California paradise. He subdivided and sold portions of the land, fostering the growth of a community that would eventually bear his fictional hero’s name. Tarzana’s history stretches back further than Burroughs, though. The area was originally settled by Spanish settlers and missionaries in 1797. It became part of Mexico, and later the United States after the Mexican-American War. By the 1870s, large-scale wheat farms dotted the landscape. Today, Tarzana boasts a mix of architectural styles, reflecting its layered past. The area is bounded by Topanga State Park, offering a natural escape from city life. It’s bordered by Encino, Reseda, and Woodland Hills. Tarzana residents enjoy a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. A unique fact about Tarzana is its connection to a diverse array of notable figures. From actors like Ed Asner and Kaley Cuoco to musicians like Chris Brown and Doja Cat, Tarzana has been home to a surprising number of celebrities. The neighborhood offers a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to the bustling heart of Los Angeles. It’s a place where jungle fantasy and California reality intertwine, a testament to Burroughs’ vision and the community that grew around it. So next time you’re in Tarzana, remember the journey from jungle hero to suburban haven. It’s a story as unique as the neighborhood itself.