The area we call Northridge,
located in the northwest part of the San Fernando Valley, is sheltered by the majestic
Santa Susana Mountains and has a history that can be traced back to the 1700's.
A water source at the intersection of Parthenia and Roscoe served
as the watering hole and gathering place for the Gabrielino Indians and later the Spanish
who established Missions in the area. The area, fed by underground streams, was very
fertile and soon a development christened "Zelzah," a Biblical name for
oasis, became important. This was the only Valley station on the
Southern Pacific Railroad line. In 1938, this
prosperous community was named Northridge.
During the 1930's and 40's it became
a haven for some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Northridge was often referred to as
"the 100 most beautiful acres in the Valley." Numerous personalities from
the stage, screen and radio built homes and ranches in Northridge.
In the mid 60's, the emergence and growth of the Porter Ranch
Estates spurred business activity in general. The area became the home of many major
industrial firms. The early 70's gave rise to retail sales when the largest shopping
mall in the Valley opened in 1971, Northridge Fashion Center. California State
University, Northridge, originally established in the late 50's became a major university
and now is one of the Valley's largest employers. |
