Hollywood knolls homes for sale

The location, now known as the Cahuenga Pass, was originally inhabited by Gabriela natives of Shoshone a descent. Specific details about these early residents is scanty, but apparently they'd two primary settlements inside the general area: Karenga (which supposedly means little hills) in the approximate site of current day Hollywood (north in the former towns of Colegrove, South Hollywood and Cahuenga Valley); and Toluca (said to mean fertile valley), including some areas close to the present-day communities of Toluca Lake and North Hollywood (formerly called Lanker shim), nearby the Los Angeles River, that was formerly called Rio de Porciuncula from the Spanish.At that time, the Pass was apparently nothing more than a dusty, rough narrow break or nature trail inside the hills suitable just for hiking, riding a horse or just a mule. When Portola, the famous explorer, traveled with the Pass within 1769, that steep narrow footpath was what he and the men found between lovely valleys on each side in the hills. With settlement and colonization from the Spanish, along with the progression of a Pueblo downtown close to the site in the former native village of Yangon, travel slowly increased within the Distribute for the new Mission San Fernando Rey de Espa and finally in the El Camino Real de Rey to another Alta California missions. The first Spanish name for the Pass and the area near it was El Portozuela. The Pass was called La Nopalera for that abundant nopal cactus growing there. It was the “modern” start of the natural part in the Pass since the principal route connecting urban Los Angeles and the more agrarian and suburban San Fernando Valley. In 1828, a traveler with the area, Mr. Alfred Robinson, knew as Glen of Cow-Wangi an indescribable mountain road when talking in the Cahuenga Pass and it is ruggedness. By 1830 the name Cahuenga became related to the area close to the northern side of the mountains. Nevertheless, it subsequently became placed on the valley south in the hills also, and then became mounted on an area/town known as Cahuenga Valley (southeast of Hollywood and Cole Grove).

As settlements grew, farms and ranches developed and commerce increased. Sheep and cattle grew to be driven over the Pass. From the 1850’s ox-carts and mule teams crossed the hills with the Pass with individuals and goods. Slowly the roadway was improved and has become ideal for wagons. The Butterfield Overland Mail Company stage first crossed the Pass in 1858 having a contract to move the U.S. mail from St. Louis to San Francisco by means of Los Angeles. Prior to 1848, individual mail carriers, included in this Kit Carson, traveled from U.S. territories right down to Monterey. Butterfield began with two coaches each week traveling to and fro in every direction.

A history in the Pass inside the mid-1800’s is filled with tales of battles fought, hidden gold and treasure, bandits and highwaymen. These stories include men like Pico, Fremont, Vasquez, and Marietta amongst others. Historians remember the Cahuenga Pass since the site in the famous Battle of Cahuenga in 1845. Famous, because its only casualties were one horse and one mule. For the following eight decades, the Pass served primarily like a winding tributary permitting the turbulent growth of the Los Angeles basin spill-over into the San Fernando Valley.

It wasn't before the mid-1920’s that developers realized the potential for the rolling slopes bordering the Pass (See our HKCC Photo Archives). The then barren hills north of Cahuenga Avenue and east of what's now Barham Boulevard was designated Hollywood Knolls. The initial subdivider envisioned this since the site of exclusive estate-size homes with attract film land celebrities. Several spacious Spanish-style homes were completed before the depression delayed future development. But also in 1935, the ring of hammers on nails echoed across Dark Canyon and across the ridges once again. Then, as now, residents were attracted by the undulating topography, the magnificent vistas, and the unique natural aspect conveniently located near the center of the sprawling metropolis.

The Mulholland Dam, completed in 1924, created a private lake to enhance the surroundings. Oaks and eucalyptus trees were planted to shade the lots and curving streets. And the Pacific Electric Railway stopped at frequent intervals on its trips to the Valley and back. The Pacific Electric Railway has been replaced by the Hollywood Freeway, one of the most traveled arteries. The grassy ridges have given way to attractive homes and giant shade trees.

Celebrated residents have left their mark and property values have increased greatly over the years, but the 1,000-foot elevation is still wafted by gentle breezes and provides panoramic views of mountains by day and an endless carpet of lights by night. The deer and opossum still nibble the vegetation. But, most important, after all these years, the Hollywood Knolls remains the place where you say ‘Good Morning’ too good neighbors. (from hollywoodknolls.org)