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'''Westlake Village''' is an [[Municipal corporation|incorporated]] city located on the western edge of [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]], [[California]], [[United States]]. The city, located in the region known as the [[Conejo Valley]], encompasses half of the area surrounding Westlake Lake, and small neighborhoods primarily south of [[U.S. Route 101 (California)|U.S. Route 101]] and east of La Venta Drive. The population was 8,368 at the 2000 census. It is also the headquarters of the [[Dole Food Company]]. Westlake Village is known for its affluence and secluded character, and is considered one of the wealthiest communities in the Greater Los Angeles Area.<ref>http://www.dexknows.com/geo/c-westlake_village-ca/</ref>
'''Westlake Village''' is an [[Municipal corporation|incorporated]] city located on the western edge of [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]], [[California]], [[United States]]. The city, located in the region known as the [[Conejo Valley]], encompasses half of the area surrounding Westlake Lake, and small neighborhoods primarily south of [[U.S. Route 101 (California)|U.S. Route 101]] and east of La Venta Drive. The population was 8,368 at the 2000 census. It is also the headquarters of the [[Dole Food Company]]. Westlake Village is known for its affluence and secluded character, and is considered one of the wealthiest communities in the Greater Los Angeles Area.<ref>http://www.dexknows.com/geo/c-westlake_village-ca/</ref>


Westlake Village is a [[planned community]] built around an artificial lake straddling the Los Angeles-[[Ventura County, California|Ventura]] county line; it is a master-planned suburb of lakeside condos and suburban homes. Like neighboring [[Agoura Hills, California|Agoura Hills]] and [[Thousand Oaks, California|Thousand Oaks]], its mix of safe streets, good schools, picturesque hillsides, hiking, and equestrian trails attract residents seeking serenity in an economically and racially homogenous community.{{citation needed|date=May 2009}}
Westlake Village is a [[planned community]] built around an artificial lake straddling the Los Angeles-[[Ventura County, California|Ventura]] county line; it is a master-planned suburb of lakeside condos and suburban homes. Like neighboring [[Agoura Hills, California|Agoura Hills]] and [[Thousand Oaks, California|Thousand Oaks]], its mix of safe streets, good schools, picturesque hillsides, hiking, and equestrian trails attract residents seeking serenity in an economically and racially homogeneous community.{{citation needed|date=May 2009}}


The original community was divided by the Los Angeles and Ventura County boundary and known simply as "Westlake". The area located in Ventura County, or roughly two-thirds of the community, was annexed by the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions, in 1968 and 1972. In 1981, the remaining third eventually incorporated as the City of Westlake Village.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wlv.org/city_hall/city-history.asp | title=City History | publisher=City of Westlake Village | accessdate=2009-06-15}}</ref>
The original community was divided by the Los Angeles and Ventura County boundary and known simply as "Westlake". The area located in Ventura County, or roughly two-thirds of the community, was annexed by the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions, in 1968 and 1972. In 1981, the remaining third eventually incorporated as the City of Westlake Village.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wlv.org/city_hall/city-history.asp | title=City History | publisher=City of Westlake Village | accessdate=2009-06-15}}</ref>

Revision as of 06:23, 29 November 2009

Not to be confused with Westlake, Los Angeles, California.
City of Westlake Village
City
Location of Westlake Village in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, California
Location of Westlake Village in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, California
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyLos Angeles and Ventura
Incorporated (city)1981-12-11[1]
Government
 • MayorRobert Slavin[2]
Area
 • Total5.66 sq mi (14.66 km2)
 • Land5.21 sq mi (13.50 km2)
 • Water0.45 sq mi (1.17 km2)  7.97%
Elevation
880 ft (268 m)
Population
 (2000)[3]
 • Total8,368
 • Density1,605.9/sq mi (620.0/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP Code
91359, 91361-91363[4]
Area code805/818
FIPS code06-84438
Websitehttp://www.wlv.org/

Westlake Village is an incorporated city located on the western edge of Los Angeles County, California, United States. The city, located in the region known as the Conejo Valley, encompasses half of the area surrounding Westlake Lake, and small neighborhoods primarily south of U.S. Route 101 and east of La Venta Drive. The population was 8,368 at the 2000 census. It is also the headquarters of the Dole Food Company. Westlake Village is known for its affluence and secluded character, and is considered one of the wealthiest communities in the Greater Los Angeles Area.[5]

Westlake Village is a planned community built around an artificial lake straddling the Los Angeles-Ventura county line; it is a master-planned suburb of lakeside condos and suburban homes. Like neighboring Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks, its mix of safe streets, good schools, picturesque hillsides, hiking, and equestrian trails attract residents seeking serenity in an economically and racially homogeneous community.[citation needed]

The original community was divided by the Los Angeles and Ventura County boundary and known simply as "Westlake". The area located in Ventura County, or roughly two-thirds of the community, was annexed by the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions, in 1968 and 1972. In 1981, the remaining third eventually incorporated as the City of Westlake Village.[6]

History

About 3,000 years ago, Chumash Indians moved into the region and lived by hunting rabbits and other game, and gathering grains and acorns. On-going excavations, archaeological sites, and polychrome rock paintings in the area provide a glimpse into the social and economic complexity of the ancient Chumash world. In 1770, Captain Gaspar de Portola led a party of Spanish explorers and missionaries, traveling north on the route that became known as El Camino Real. The party camped near a Chumash village, believed to be the site of present-day Westlake Village. Father Juan Crespi, chaplain and diarist of the expedition, wrote: “We are on a plain of considerable extent and much beauty, forested on all parts by live oaks and oak trees, with much pasturage and water.”

When the Spanish finally did settle the area, they were given huge land grants, the largest of which was Rancho Simi, given to the Pico family. When Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, California became Mexican territory, and a few more land grants were given. When California was admitted to the union in 1850, most of the land that later became Ventura County was divided among only 19 families. The picturesque future Westlake Village site among rising knolls, arroyos, barrancas and ancient oaks was recognized as the central part of two Mexican land grants: Rancho El Conejo and Rancho Las Virgenes. In 1881, the Russell brothers purchased a large portion of the land for cattle ranching. According to Patricia Allen, historian and family descendant, Andrew Russell beat the competition in buying the land by racing across 6,000 acres (24 km²) on a fifteen-minute trip in a buckboard and sealed the deal with a $20 gold piece. The price per acre was $2.50. The area continued to be known as the Russell Ranch although it was sold in 1925 to William Randolph Hearst and again in 1943 to Fred Albertson. The Russell family leased back part of the land to continue its successful cattle ranch operation while the Albertson Company used the vast area as a movie ranch. Many movies and television shows were filmed here, including “Robin Hood,” “King Rat,” “Laredo,” and various episodes of “Tarzan,” “Buck Rogers,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Bonanza.”

Westlake Lake in Westlake Village

In 1963, the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the 12,000 acre (49 km²) ranch for $32 million and, in partnership with Prudential Insurance Company, commissioned the preparation of a master plan for a “city in the country.” Prominent architects, engineers, and land planners participated in designing the new community, a prominent example of planned 1960's-style suburbanism.

The original tract was divided by the Los Angeles/Ventura county line. In 1968 and 1972, the Ventura County side, two portions of Westlake Village consisting of 8,544 acres (35 km2), were annexed into the city of Thousand Oaks. In 1981, the Los Angeles County portion (3,456 acres or roughly 1/3) of the Westlake Village master community was incorporated as the City of Westlake Village. Today, a population of 8,893 resides within this city.

Geography

Ornate landscaping in front of a Westlake Village office building.

Much of Westlake Village is surrounded by open space, including hiking and horse trails, as well as the vast Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The town borders the Malibu hills, and is nine miles (14 km) inland from the Pacific Ocean. Coastal breezes seep through canyons to allow Westlake to stay up to 10 degrees cooler and considerably less smoggy than nearby San Fernando Valley during the summer months.

In addition to its role as a bedroom community for Los Angeles via the Ventura Freeway, it is also home to many large commercial offices and the headquarters of the Dole Food Company, Pleasant Holidays, K-Swiss, ValueClick, J.D. Power and Associates, and Jafra Cosmetics. The western region office (Region 5) of Anheuser-Busch Inc. is also located in the community. The Ventura Freeway is one of three of Westlake's lifelines to Los Angeles and Ventura; the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Ronald Reagan (118) Freeway also run nearby. It is a short drive to the nearest mall in Thousand Oaks.

Like many upscale hamlets, Westlake Village is well served by golf courses and country clubs. The Westlake Golf Course, off Route 101, is verdant if noisy. More exclusive venues include Sherwood Country Club to the west and North Ranch Country Club to the north.

In actuality, over half of what is considered to be Westlake Village lies across the county line in the city limits of Thousand Oaks. The boundary crosses halfway through Westlake Village, in the middle of the Westlake Golf Course, halfway between Lakeview Canyon and Lindero Canyon roads. Another common misconception is that Lake Sherwood is part of Westlake Village. It lies on the Thousand Oaks/Ventura County side.

Westlake Village is located at 34°8′31″N 118°49′10″W / 34.14194°N 118.81944°W / 34.14194; -118.81944Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (34.141973, -118.819514).Template:GR According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.7 km² (5.7 mi²). 13.5 km² (5.2 mi²) of it is land and 1.2 km² (0.4 mi²) of it (7.95%) is water. It is located approximately 40 miles (64 km) West of downtown Los Angeles in the Conejo Valley. Other communities in the surrounding area include Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Newbury Park, and Malibu.

Demographics

File:US06A0370400 Income.png
Median income[7][8]
File:US06A0370400 Age.png
Age distribution

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 8,368 people, 3,270 households, and 2,491 families residing in the city. The population density was 620.1/km² (1,605.9/mi²). There were 3,347 housing units at an average density of 248.0/km² (642.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.70% White, 6.08% Asian, 0.82% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.02% from other races, and 2.17% from two or more races, . Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.61% of the population.

The median income for a household in the city is $120,089,[9] and the median income for a family is $148,885.[10] The per-capita income for the city was $137,355[11] in 2007, indicating that income has been bolstered by the increase in median home price, which is currently (as of 2007) at $1,163,800.[11]

There were 3,270 households out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.8% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 31.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males. About 2.5% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

In the state legislature Westlake Village is located in the 23rd Senate District, represented by Democrat Sheila Kuehl, and in the 41st Assembly District, represented by Democrat Julia Brownley. Federally, Westlake Village is located in California's 30th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of D +20[12] and is represented by Democrat Henry Waxman.

Economy

Dole Food Company is headquartered in Westlake Village. In 1994 Dole announced that it would finalize its plans to build its world headquarters on a 30-acre (120,000 m2) site owned by the company, located north of the Ventura Freeway in Westlake Village. The decision had been delayed by groundwater contamination tests and reviewing of possible site plan revisions. Dole was expected to submit its plans for final approval by the Westlake Village City Council on February 9, 1994.[13]

J. D. Power and Associates is headquartered in nearby Thousand Oaks.[14][15]

Notable residents

Notable current and former residents of Westlake Village include, in alphabetical order:

References

  1. ^ "Incorporation Dates of California Cities". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
  2. ^ "City of Westlake Village - Mayor Robert Slavin". Retrieved 2008-12-11.
  3. ^ "Westlake Village city, California - Fact Sheet - American FactFinder". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
  4. ^ "USPS - ZIP Code Lookup - Find a ZIP+ 4 Code By City Results 91362". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
  5. ^ http://www.dexknows.com/geo/c-westlake_village-ca/
  6. ^ "City History". City of Westlake Village. Retrieved 2009-06-15.
  7. ^ http://www.mapzones.org/Westlake_Village_City_California.html
  8. ^ http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=Search&_county=&_cityTown=Westlake+Village+City&_state=04000US06
  9. ^ "City-Data Statistics". City-Data.
  10. ^ "Home Relocation Index 2007". Home-Relocation.
  11. ^ a b "City-Data Statistics". City-Data.
  12. ^ "Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?". Campaign Legal Center Blog. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
  13. ^ "[http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-15125418.html Dole gets ready to turn first shovel of headquarters dirt: plans are set to go to Westlake Village City Council. (Dole Food Co. Inc.)]" Los Angeles Business Journal. January 31, 1994. Retrieved on September 27, 2009.
  14. ^ "Contact Us." J. D. Power and Associates. Retrieved on August 22, 2009.
  15. ^ "Thousand Oaks city, California." U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on August 22, 2009.
  16. ^ http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3717497 sports.espn.go.com
  17. ^ a b http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-re-hotprop25jun25,0,2501092.story?coll=la-home-realestate latimes.com
  18. ^ http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=4&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.findarticles.com%2Fp%2Farticles%2Fmi_m1355%2Fis_15_96%2Fai_55983443&ei=kDSIRbvUM42OgASs_L3aCg&usg=__arJNdPA6pnPPEVgr8JSmaQdbnVc=&sig2=w0fvefOtaEAUtzjIbM2VVQ google.com
  19. ^ [1]
  20. ^ [2]theinsider.com
  21. ^ a b [3] nytimes.com

External links

Template:Mapit-US-cityscale

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