Many say that Calabasas means pumpkin, squash, or gourd, derived from the Spanish "calabaza". Some historians theorize that it is a translation of the Chumash word calahoosa". Whatever the derivation, the peopl of Calabasas are proud of their unique name, and every October, the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce hosts a "Pumpkin Festival" to celebrate fall and of course, the pumpkin for which our colorful city was named.
The red-tailed hawk flying over the Santa Monica Mountains is the City's official logo, symbolizes a commitment to preserving the community's natural beauty and semi-rural quality of life. The logo is featured on the Calabasas City flag which is flown in front of City Hall and hangs in the City Council Chambers.
Council Members Lesley Devine Barry Groveman Dennis Washburn
History of Calabasas, an exerpt from the City of Calabasas website
Indians, explorers, squatters, and bandits are all part of Calabasas history. The Chumash Indians led a peaceful life amidst the rolling hills, making their homes in canyons.
Acorns from the massive old oak trees that thrive in the area formed an important part of their diet. Some of these oaks in Calabasas may be 500-700 years-old today.
Chumash Indians named the area Calabasas, a word that may have descended from the Indian word for "where the wild geese fly." Another theory is that Calabasas comes from the Spanish word for pumpkin or wild gourd.
The 1700's Spanish expeditions forever changed the Indians´ way of life. The Diary of Miguel Costanso, which documents the Portola expeditions in 1769-1770, refers to encounters with the Chumash in the area. Six years later, the Juan de Anza party camped just west of Calabasas.
HIKE THE MOUNTAINS Call Malibu Creek State Park info at (818) 880-0367, and Paramount Ranch at (818) 883-3770.
STROLL OLD TOWN Follow Calabasas Road from end to end and check out the Calabasas Junction which was once Cooper´s General Store with the El Camino Real bell under the Oak, visit Leonis Adobe and Calabasas Park and the many historic buildings which are still standing.
STOP BY THE VISITORS CENTER for more things to do Located at 23564 Calabasas, the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center
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