Northridge
Northridge is a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley district. The Northridge Fashion Center and California State University, Northridge are both located in the town. The city was originally named Zelzah by pioneers in 1908, but was renamed North Los Angeles in 1929, causing some misunderstanding between North Hollywood and Los Angeles. Carl S. Dentzel, a civic leader, chose to rename the settlement Northridge Village in 1938, which evolved into modern-day Northridge. California State University, Northridge, or CSUN is a public university in California that provides bachelor's and master's degrees in a variety of fields. In the area and across the country, the school is a key generator of K12 teachers. Engineering, business, and film majors are also available at CSUN.
The history of the Northridge region may be traced back to the Tongva people and then to Spanish explorers. It was sold to Eulogio de Celis, whose successors split it for sales, by Mexican governor Pio Pico. Janet Gaynor and her costume designer husband Adrian were the original owners of a large Northridge estate that was eventually sold to Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor. Actor Jack Oakie later bought the house and resided there. The Oakie house was slated for demolition until the city decided to purchase the Tudor-style stone monument and its 10-acre (40,000 m2) ranch complex in 2010.
Marwyck Ranch was founded by Marion Marx, wife of Zeppo Marx, and Barbara Stanwyck as a horse breeding facility. The original home and a small piece of the ranch are still standing, and Oakridge Estate Park is administered by the city. With regular Sunday horse exhibitions, annual stampedes, and county fairs, Northridge was regarded as the "Horse Capital of the West." Northridge is a neighborhood of Los Angeles, yet it has its own personality that distinguishes it from the rest of the city. Because of its position in the San Fernando Valley, it is convenient to other local cities and natural sites. Northridge, with a population of over 62,000 people, is best known as the home of California State University. It's also noted for having an urban flair with a small-town vibe, somewhere like Granada Hills.
Northridge is home to a variety of cafés, restaurants, cultural activities, open spaces, and retail centers, including the Northridge Fashion Center and the Devonshire-Reseda Shopping Center. A short drive will take you to the area's natural beauties, which include many state and national parks as well as Lake Balboa. The Valley Greek Festival and the Reseda Boulevard Summer Series are two of the many festivals and events that take place in Northridge throughout the year. The CSUN Botanic Garden is a 1.5-acre facility with a botanical garden, nursery, and greenhouses located on the campus of California State University, Northridge. Since 1959, tourists have flocked to the location to enjoy the lovely garden and over 1,200 species from diverse regions across the world, including cactus and succulents. They also come to unwind in the tranquil setting.
