CELEBRATE—State Sen. Fran Pavley gathers with Hidden Hills Mayor Pro Tem Stuart Siegel and Councilmembers Larry Weber, Steve Freedland and Marv Landon at a recent City Council meeting. SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers Hidden Hills officials and residents are ready to celebrate a milestone.

The gated city nestled between the western foothills of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County and the Ventura County line will commemorate 50 years of independence on Oct. 19.

Hidden Hills is home to about 2,000 residents who still enjoy a country way of life that nearly vanished from surrounding communities. It’s the oldest of the five cities within the Las Virgenes- Malibu Council of Governments, which includes Agoura, Calabasas and Westlake Village.

Sen. Fran Pavley, (D-Agoura) who has represented the area for over 10 years in the state legislature, said city founders had the wisdom and foresight to protect the area from overdevelopment.

In the early 1960s, Hidden Hills civic leaders were faced with the prospect of being annexed to the city of Los Angeles and having Burbank Boulevard extended through their community.

Petitions for independence led the city to become the 73rd municipality in Los Angeles County with about 1,000 residents living within a 1.3 square miles territory at the end of The Valley north of the 101 Freeway.

Without incorporation, Hidden Hills would be just another suburb of Los Angeles, Pavley told city officials at a meeting this week.

“It’s a time for all your residents to reflect on the benefits of incorporating this treasure in our area,” said the senator who brought a framed resolution honoring the city’s landmark anniversary.

Starting this weekend, Hidden Hills officials and residents will partake in the 2011 Fiesta and parade to celebrate their community’s individuality.

The annual activities, which began in 1962, include a parade, a horse show with a roping exhibition, barbeque and teen dance, and entertainment featuring local talent.

“It’s a fun way for everyone to get out and see all their friends. That’s what makes Hidden Hills special, the sense of community,” said event co-chair Bret Katz.

Katz, who has lived in Hidden Hills for nine years, said his favorite part of living in the gated rural town is that everyone knows one another and groups organize many community building activities throughout the year to cultivate friendships.

“That’s a nice thing today. Most people don’t know their neighbors but my neighbors are my closest friends. It’s priceless,” Katz said.

The 2011 Fiesta activities will begin with gymkhana equestrian competitions Sept. 17 and continue Sept. 23 through 25 with music, art shows, carnival games and a baking contest. Events are for Hidden Hills residents only.