Didn’t you hear that Sun Valley got its current name in 1950? Before that, this area had quite a history. Let’s dive into the story of Sun Valley.
The area now known as Sun Valley was once a Tongva/Fernandeño village. It was called Wixánga. Wixár meant “thorn” or “prickle”. So Wixánga meant “place of thorns”. This referred to the prickly pear cacti in the area. Later, the Spanish called it Cañada de las Tunas. That also meant “canyon of the thorns”. Over time, this became La Tuna Canyon and finally Sun Valley.
In 1874, California State Senator Charles Maclay acquired a large amount of land. It stretched across the San Fernando Valley. Maclay Street in San Fernando is named after him.
By 1876, the Southern Pacific Railroad came through the eastern San Fernando Valley. This connected Southern and Northern California. A general store called Roberts Store served as a post office and water-tank station. The area was then renamed Roscoe. This was reportedly after a railroad crew member.
In the 1920s, the Fernangeles tract began development. Movie producer Cecil B. DeMille was among the developers. Finally, in 1950, residents chose the name Sun Valley.
Sun Valley is next to several other neighborhoods. Shadow Hills is to the northeast. Burbank is to the southeast. North Hollywood and Valley Glen are to the south. Panorama City is to the west. Pacoima, Hansen Dam and Lake View Terrace are to the northwest.
Located at the base of the Verdugo Mountains, Sun Valley faces the risk of flash floods. In 2005, a flood on Tujunga Avenue caused a sinkhole. Sadly, a Los Angeles City civil engineer died.
In 2000, Sun Valley had a population of 75,848. By 2008, it was estimated to be 81,788. The neighborhood is known for its younger residents.
Sun Valley is considered moderately diverse. A large percentage of residents are Latino. Many residents were born in Mexico and El Salvador.
The Old Trapper’s Lodge was once in Sun Valley. It was created by John Ehn. It showcased his pioneer upbringing. Ehn used his family as models. He incorporated memorabilia. The artwork has been moved to Pierce College in Woodland Hills.
The Theodore Payne Foundation is in Sun Valley. It helps people learn about California native plants.
Sun Valley has several recreation centers. These include the Sun Valley Recreation Center. Also, there is the Fernangeles Recreation Center. The Stonehurst Recreation Center is a historic site.
Sun Valley offers various educational opportunities. There are thirteen public schools. There are also four private schools. The Los Angeles Public Library operates a branch in Sun Valley.
Sun Valley has been home to notable people. These include actor Michael Horse and pastor John F. MacArthur.
From its early days as Wixánga to its current form, Sun Valley has a rich past. It continues to evolve. It remains an important part of Los Angeles.