Sunland

Why was Sunland once called Monte Vista? We’re standing in Sunland, a Los Angeles neighborhood nestled in the Crescenta Valley near the Verdugo Mountains. Sunland’s history begins in 1885, back when it was known as Monte Vista. A sprawling 2,200-acre tract of land was divided into lots, marking the birth of this community. Imagine, one of the first developments was a massive 40-acre olive orchard, the largest in Los Angeles County at the time. Sunland even had its own post office, serving the Monte Vista Hotel as early as 1887. The name “Sunland” started appearing in the Los Angeles Times around 1906, gradually replacing “Monte Vista.” In its early days, Sunland was a remote outpost, accessible only by rough mountain roads. A journey from Los Angeles took a full day! Yet, visitors were captivated by its beauty. Towering live oaks graced the landscape, creating a serene atmosphere. In the heart of Sunland, a dense grove of oaks formed a natural park, a cool refuge from the summer heat. By 1923, Sunland had blossomed into a thriving community of 2,000 residents. The Monte Vista Valley’s gentle slopes were covered with vineyards, and a cannery packed olives from the local orchards. Monte Vista Park continued to be a popular spot for picnics. The park was also near a county home for children, a charitable endeavor descended from the Monte Vista Lodge. This lodge, founded by social worker Belle N. Hall, provided a home for undernourished children in a converted hotel. In 1925, when nearby Tujunga became a city, some in Sunland considered joining the new municipality. However, the proposal was overwhelmingly rejected in a vote. Instead, the community focused on improving local education by securing a bond for a new school building. Today, Sunland, along with its neighboring community Tujunga, forms the vibrant Sunland-Tujunga neighborhood. They share essential services like a police station, a branch library, and even a high school. Sunland-Tujunga’s story is a captivating blend of rural charm and suburban growth. It’s a story of resilience, community spirit, and a unique connection to the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.