Granada Hills, Los Angeles

Granada Hills is a suburban neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of the City of Los Angeles. The community has a sports program and a range of city recreation centers. The neighborhood has fourteen public and ten private schools.

Granada Hills
Neighborhood of Los Angeles
A welcome sign at Chatsworth Street and Zelzah Avenue
A welcome sign at Chatsworth Street and Zelzah Avenue
Motto: 
"The Valley's Most Neighborly Town"[1]
Boundaries of Granada Hills as drawn by the Los Angeles Times
Boundaries of Granada Hills as drawn by the Los Angeles Times
Granada Hills is located in San Fernando Valley
Granada Hills
Granada Hills
Location within Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley
Granada Hills is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Granada Hills
Granada Hills
Granada Hills (the Los Angeles metropolitan area)
Coordinates: 34°17′N 118°30′W
Named forSpanish word for "pomegranate"
Area
 • Total15.11 sq mi (39.1 km2)
Elevation
959 ft (292 m)
Population
 (2008)
 • Total53,998
 • Density3,574/sq mi (1,380/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Area code818

History

The Granada Hills area is situated on the traditional homelands of the Tongva and Chumash.[2] The Tongva village of Ceegenga may have been the closest village located to the Granada Hills area.[3]

The community began as dairy farm and orchard known as the Sunshine Ranch which grew apricots, oranges, walnuts and beans. Vestiges of former citrus groves can still be seen in orange, lemon or grapefruit trees in many residential yards. In 1916, the San Fernando Valley's first oil well was drilled in what is now Granada Hills. The oil well was located at the northern tip of Zelzah Avenue. Granada Hills was founded in 1926 as "Granada;" the "Hills" portion of the name was added 15 years later.[4]

Geography and climate

Granada Hills is located at the foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains, north of North Hills, Northridge, west of Mission Hills and Sylmar, and east of the Porter Ranch neighborhoods of Los Angeles. The Ronald Reagan Freeway (State Route 118) runs through its southern area. Van Norman Reservoir, the southern terminus of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, is located in Granada Hills.

Climate data for Granada Hills, Los Angeles
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 66
(19)		 68
(20)		 70
(21)		 75
(24)		 78
(26)		 85
(29)		 92
(33)		 93
(34)		 88
(31)		 81
(27)		 72
(22)		 66
(19)		 78
(26)
Average low °F (°C) 43
(6)		 44
(7)		 45
(7)		 47
(8)		 51
(11)		 55
(13)		 58
(14)		 60
(16)		 57
(14)		 52
(11)		 46
(8)		 43
(6)		 50
(10)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.14
(105)		 4.39
(112)		 3.81
(97)		 0.90
(23)		 0.22
(5.6)		 0.06
(1.5)		 0.02
(0.51)		 0.15
(3.8)		 0.35
(8.9)		 0.51
(13)		 1.52
(39)		 2.24
(57)		 18.31
(465)
Source: [5]

Demographics

The 2000 U.S. census counted 50,535 residents in the 15.11-square-mile neighborhood—or 3,344 people per square mile. In 2008, the city estimated that the population had increased to 53,998, a density of 3,574 people per square mile. In 2000 the median age for residents was 37.[6]

The neighborhood is ethnically diverse and includes whites, 55.5%; Latinos, 20.6%; Asians, 16.3%; blacks, 3.4%; and others, 4.2%. Korea (16.0%) and Mexico (13.8%) were the most common places of birth for 29.2% of the residents who were born abroad.[6]

The median yearly household income in 2008 was $83,911. Renters occupied 26.4% of the housing stock. The average household size of 2.9 people was considered average for Los Angeles. The percentages of married men (60.4%) and women (58.5%) were among the county's highest. There were 4,032 veterans, or 10.5% of the population, a high proportion compared to the rest of the city.[6]

Arts and culture

Architecture
One of the Eichler Homes

Granada Hills is composed mostly of Mid-century modern architecture. Of note is the "Balboa Highlands" tract built by iconic developer Joseph Eichler as well as the Knollwood Country Club area and Knollwood Grove tract.[2] Many of these homes, which are North of Rinaldi/West of Balboa, have been featured in movies, commercials, magazine pictorials and appear in books about Eichler or mid-century architecture.

Historical landmarks
Deodar trees on White Oak Ave.

White Oak Avenue, between San Fernando Mission and San Jose Street was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument on August 3, 1966, for the 101 Deodar Cedar trees that line the street. The trees are native to the Himalayas and appreciated for their size, beauty and timber. White Oak Avenue trees were used as the back-drop in the flying bicycle scenes in the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.[7]

Sports

Granada Hills Charter High School's stadium, the John Elway Stadium (named after the quarterback, an alumnus), is home to the Los Angeles Rampage women's soccer team and formerly home to the San Fernando Valley Quakes.[8]

In 1963, the Granada Hills Little League won the Little League World Championship in baseball.[9]

Parks and recreation

O'Melveny Park, the second largest park in Los Angeles, consists of a large undeveloped area and a much smaller developed section with several dozen citrus trees, a small intermittent stream, and grass and picnic areas. This 672-acre (2.72 km2) park includes hiking trails and fire roads, including a grassy promontory from which a view of the northeastern portion of the San Fernando Valley may be seen.[10][11] Mission Point and its environs are popular mountain biking and hiking areas. The view from the top of Mission Point (called "Mission Peak" by many residents), the highest point in Granada Hills, is striking, taking in most of the San Fernando Valley. In clear weather, one can see the Pacific Ocean and Downtown Los Angeles. The area around the peak is home to deer, golden eagle, bobcats, mountain lions, raccoons, and coyotes.[12][13]

The Granada Hills Recreation Center (also known as Petit Park) features an auditorium, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, children's play areas, a gym, picnic tables, tennis courts, classrooms, a dance room and a library. Programs are offered in sports, and arts and crafts.[14]

Zelzah Park, an unstaffed park, has a bridle path, a children's play area, and picnic tables.[15]

Government

Local
City Council

Los Angeles City Council District 12 encompasses Granada Hills, with councilmember John Lee serving.

Neighborhood Councils

Granada Hills is served by two Neighborhood Councils:

  • Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council — Representing the area bounded by Los Angeles County line to the north, Aliso Canyon to the west (west of Zelzah), Interstate 5 and Interstate 405 to the east and California 118 to the south. Formed in fall, 2002.[16]
  • Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council — Representing the area bounded by California 118 to the north, Lindsey and Aliso Canyon to the west, Interstate 405 to the east, and Devonshire Street to the south.[17]

County, state and federal

Granada Hills is in California's 30th congressional district as of 2013 and represented by Democrat Brad Sherman.[18] It was in the 38th State Assembly district, and the 20th State Senate district until the 2014 redistricting.[19]

Education

Thirty-two percent of Granada Hills residents aged 25 and older have earned a four-year degree by 2000, an average percentage for the city.[6]

Schools
Granada Hills Charter High School
John F. Kennedy High School

Schools within the Granada Hills boundaries are:[20]

Public
  • John F. Kennedy High School, 11254 Gothic Avenue
  • Granada Hills Charter High School (formerly Granada Hills High School), 10535 Zelzah Avenue
  • Jane Addams High School (continuation high school), 16341 Donmetz Street
  • North Valley Charter Academy, 16651-A Rinaldi Street
  • Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences, 10445 Balboa Boulevard
  • George K. Porter Middle School, 15960 Kingsbury Street
  • Robert Frost Middle School, 12314 Bradford Place
  • Patrick Henry Middle School, 17340 San Jose Street
  • El Oro Way Elementary Charter School, 12230 El Oro Way
  • Knollwood Elementary School, 11822 Gerald Avenue
  • Danube Avenue Elementary School, 11220 Danube Avenue
  • Tulsa Street Elementary School, 10900 Hayvenhurst Avenue
  • Haskell Elementary School, 15850 Tulsa Street
  • Van Gogh Street Elementary School, 17160 Van Gogh Street
  • Granada Elementary Community Charter School, 17170 Tribune Street
  • Rinaldi Adult Center (Adult School), 17540 Rinaldi Street #6 [21]

Private
  • St. Euphrasia School, Elementary, 17637 Mayerling Street
  • Jewish Educational Trade School, 16601 Rinaldi Street
  • Concordia Schools, preschool–8th grade, 16603 San Fernando Mission Boulevard
  • Granada Hills Baptist Elementary School, 10949 Zelzah Avenue
  • De La Salle Elementary School, 16535 Chatsworth Street
  • Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School (elementary), 17701 Devonshire Street
  • Pinecrest/Northridge School (elementary), 17081 Devonshire Street
  • Heritage Christian School (formerly Hillcrest) Christian School, 17531 Rinaldi Street (K–8), 10949 Zelzah Street (Preschool)
  • Heritage Christian School (formerly Los Angeles Baptist High School), 9825 Woodley Ave.
  • Iqra Elementary School, 11439 Encino Ave, Granada Hills, CA 91344 (preschool–7th)

Infrastructure

Public services

Los Angeles Fire Department Stations 18 (Knollwood/Granada Hills) and 87 (Granada Hills) are in the area.

Granada Hills is served by the Los Angeles Police Department Devonshire Community Police Station.[22]

Health care

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Pacoima Health Center in Pacoima, serving Granada Hills.[23]

Postal service

The United States Postal Service Granada Hills Post Office is located at 18039 Chatsworth Street.[24]

Libraries

The Los Angeles Public Library operates the Granada Hills Branch and is located at 10640 Petit Avenue.

Notable people
Ryan Braun
John Elway

See also

References
  1. "Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce". Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  2. "Balboa Highlands – An Eichler Neighborhood – Historic Preservation Overlay Zone in Granada Hills, CA". balboahighlands.com.
  3. "Villages | TONGVA PEOPLE". Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  4. Hier, Jim (July 18, 2007). Granada Hills. Images of America. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738547718.
  5. "Zipcode 91344". plantmaps.com. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  6. "Granada Hills", Mapping L.A., Los Angeles Times
  7. "No. 41 - 114 Deodar Trees". Big Orange Landmarks. July 4, 2007. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
  8. "√ Granada Hills Ciwidey Promo Free SHM Kavling Villa Wisata" (in Indonesian). November 27, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  9. "Little League Baseball: Past Champions". Littleleague.org. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
  10. "The Quiet Majesty of O'Melveny Park". The Trust for Public Land. Archived from the original on October 19, 2007.
  11. "O'Melveny Park". Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Archived from the original on April 5, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  12. "Mission Point: Mission Point Trail". Trails.com. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  13. "Neon Way – Granada Hills – Los Angeles County". socalmtb.com. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  14. "Granada Hills Recreation Center a.k.a. Petit Park". City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  15. "Zelzah Park". City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  16. Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council
  17. Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council
  18. "California's 30th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map - GovTrack.us". Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  19. "Project Vote Smart information for 91344". Votesmart.org. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
  20. "Granada Hills: Schools", Mapping L.A., Los Angeles Times
  21. "School Profile". www.nvoc.org.
  22. "Citywide Division Map". Los Angeles Police Department. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
  23. "Pacoima Health Center." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 17, 2010.
  24. "Post Office Location – GRANADA HILLS." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on December 6, 2008.
  25. "Official Orders Dump to Make Changes but Won't Close It". Los Angeles Times. September 2, 1988.
  26. Mulhern, Tom, "Brewers: Braun's start a smashing success", Wisconsin State Journal, July 21, 2007
  27. Elling, Steve, "FOOTBALL : 49ers' Bregel Gives Money to Hospital, USC and Old Neighborhood, "Los Angeles Times", July 24, 1987
  28. "Chao-Li Chi obituary". Los Angeles Times. October 24, 2010.
  29. Reilly, Rick (May 10, 1983). "Elway's 'just one of the boys'". Eugene Register-Guard. (Denver Post). p. 1C.
  30. Cuba Gooding Jr at IMDb
  31. Eisenhammer, Fred, "NBA Finds It Hard to Get Gray Out", "Los Angeles Times", January 7, 1990.
  32. "Maurice Greene". Archived from the original on January 21, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
  33. Ashley Judd at IMDb
  34. "Michaele Pride, Architect, and Educator". African American Registry (AAREG).
  35. Farmer, Sam (June 16, 2011). "Jim Rodnunsky dies at 54; developer of Cablecam system used in sporting events, Hollywood films". Variety. Retrieved July 5, 2011.
  36. "Cablecam developer Jim Rodnunsky dies". Variety. June 16, 2011.
  37. "C.J. Sanders". UND.com. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
  38. "Biography of Frank Wilcox". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  39. Flamer, Keith. "Calling All Athletes: Granada Hills Lists An $11.6 Million Mansion Made For a Pro". Forbes.
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