May 15, 2016

The San Fernando Valley was the location of the biggest transfer of territory to the United States after the Louisiana Purchase. In 1846, the Mexican Californios found themselves deserted by the central government in Mexico City. They were ordered to fight off the invading U.S. army, but did not have a trained militia. They armed their own cowboys, servants,...

May 14, 2016

In SFV Granny’s opinion, this hidden site is one of the most important places in CA history. Campo de Cahuenga’s importance to US history can’t be ignored either! Tucked under the shadow of the NBC skyscraper at the edge of the Universal Studios property is this relic from 1847. This is the birthplace of American CA! It was here that the...

May 14, 2016

When you visit Campo de Cahuenga at the base of Universal hill and the 101 (which has changed drastically from the historic drawing), you meet all the characters who were involved in the U.S. takeover of California from Mexico.  The names Pico and Fremont are familiar to us, if for nothing else than towns and streets are named after them. But forgotten to most...

Feb 14, 2016

Twice a year the Orcutt Ranch allows the public to pick fruit from the orchards. In January, SFV Granny and Mom gleaned several bags of grapefruit. Early in July, a summer variety of oranges will be ripe for picking. This historic ranch (Rancho Sombra del Roble – Ranch in the Shade of the Oaks) was developed by an early oil tycoon and discoverer of La...

Dec 10, 2015

You have to know what you’re hunting for when you go looking for Beale’s Cut. This is the historic, super important Fremont/San Fernando Pass. But you’d never know it because it’s not marked. You’ll find it in a triangle of land between Highway 14 and Sierra Highway north of SFV in Newhall. This was the way in and out of Los...