Westlake Village History The City of Westlake Village is inland about 9 miles from the Pacific Ocean and only 38 miles west of Los Angeles.  It is a very small community, just 5.4 square miles. In the 1700´s, Captain Gaspar de Portola and Spanish explorers and missionaries camped near a Chumash village which  many believe it to be the area now known as Westlake Village. Father Juan Crespi 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."   City streets in the community of Westlake Village bear the names of Portola and Crespi. The Spanish settled in the area and were given large land grants. One of the largest was Rancho Simi, given to the Pico family. In 1821 Mexico won independence from Spain and California became a territory of Mexico and a few more land grants were given. After California was admitted to the union in 1850, most of the land was divided among 19 families and the area became known as Ventura County. The site among ancient oaks, arroyos and rolling hills was recognized as Rancho El Conejo and Rancho Las Virgenes. In 1881, the Russell brothers purchased a large portion of the land for cattle ranching. The price per acre was $2.50! The area became known as Russell Ranch but was sold in 1925 to William Randolph Hearst and later to Fred Albertson in 1943. The Russell family leased a portion of the land and continued their cattle ranch operation and the Albertson Company used the acreage as a movie ranch. Many movies and television shows were filmed here, including Robin Hood, Laredo some episodes of Tarzan, Buck Rogers, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza. The Community Today The American-Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the 12,000 acre ranch for $32 million in l963 and along with Prudential Insurance Company, began the preparation for a master planed community, a "city in the country."  Well known architects, engineers and land planners designed a unique community that has become a nationally acclaimed model for the planned community concept. "The city in the country" was named Westlake Village and became recognized as one of the most successful suburbs and finest areas to live, work and raise a family in America. The current population of 8905 resides within this beautiful, natural environment of award-winning neighborhoods, thriving businesses and desirable lifestyles. The original master-planned community of Westlake Village is diagonally divided by the Los Angeles and Ventura County lines. The Los Angeles County side was incorporated as the City of Westlake Village in 1981. The Ventura County side was annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions in 1968 and 1972. This beautiful city has continued to grow and remain vital while protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the area.  It draws many families that are looking for a "city in the country" and  offers a naturally beautiful and safe haven for those families.