Agoura Hills marks 25 years
Year-long celebration planned

Agoura Hills will host a yearlong celebration themed "25 Years of the Good Life" to honor the city's silver anniversary.

Earlier this year the city unveiled a 25th anniversary logo representing its location at the gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains. The logo will be used on commemorative banners and peel-off logo decals for city and resident vehicles. In addition, the city has stocked commemorative pens and frames to give out during the anniversary year.

Representatives of the Agoura Hills Recreation Department said the "sparks will be flying" at the city's events, including the Concerts in the Park series and Reyes Adobe Days, a regional three-day celebration in the fall.

Plans for the year include monthly events for all Agoura Hill's residents, including socials, expos, dances and entertainment. "Agoura Hills represents the good life for all ages, and we'll be highlighting that in the special activities we have lined up for the year," said recreation manager Donna Conlin.

A gala is being planned for the city's official birthday Dec. 8. Complete details will be announced later in the year.

Although the city officially incorporated in 1982 with 68 percent approval, the name Agoura Hills dates back to 1928 when the community petitioned for a post office. The U.S. Postal Department requested that local residents submit 10 names for a designated station. Among them was "Agoure" after resident Lester Agoure who helped settle the area during that time. The Postal Service selected the name from the list and chose to change the last letter "e" to an "a" for ease of pronunciation.

Growth occurred in the Agoura Hills area starting in the late 1960s when piped water flowed to the region, establishing the first housing tracts of Hillrise, Liberty Canyon and Lake Lindero. What was once a predominantly equestrian community became popular as a family community offering one of the best school districts in the state.

While growth continues, Agoura Hills, with a population of 20,537, is known as a community that keeps open space its priority. Over the years, Agoura Hills has maintained a rural, small-town atmosphere and equestrian roots.

"We have much to be proud of during these past 25 years. Agoura Hills has a new community center, city hall and library; five parks and an equestrian center; a senior center; and many popular recreational programs," said the city's first mayor, former state Assemblymember Fran Pavley. "I would like to thank the thousands of people from the community who have made it a special place to live. We have a lot to celebrate!"

For a schedule of events during the city's anniversary year, call Agoura Hills Department of Recreation at (818) 597-7361.