At the end of June we were in Southern California for our youngest daughter’s wedding, a lovely affair held in Ojai.
Portion of Santa Paula Citrus Capital mural Courtesty of the Mural Project
Rather than buck the craziness called LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) we chose to fly into Burbank, a small airport whose too large name, first just plain Burbank, grew to Burbank/Glendale, grew again to Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena, and finally, in 2003, contracted back to seven letters: Bob Hope. I’m not sure Bob would be pleased to be relegated to this burg but it’s a great airport if, like we do, you’re more comfortable with the bus station feel of older, much smaller terminals. Places where you still “de-plane” by walking down wheeled-up stairs onto the tarmac, and pick up your baggage at one of only three carousels before walking down a corridor to the rental car places.
Close-Up: Main St. 1910 © SR Euston
We returned that Saturday east up the Ojai Valley on SR 150, skirted the Los Padres National Forest, crossed low mountains and dropped into Santa Paula.
What a find! A thriving agricultural center, Santa Paula is home to Limoneira, established in 1893, which is the largest lemon producer in North America and the largest avocado producer in the US (Calvado brand). The evidence is all around on the town’s hillsides and outskirts which are dotted with beautiful, neat, geometric groves. It was also the pre-Hollywood seat of the movie industry and the home of Union Oil Company which incorporated there in 1890 after oil was discovered three miles outside town. It still has its original 1887 Southern Pacific train station.
Close-Up: Main St 1910 © SR Euston
But on this sleepy, hot Saturday afternoon as we wandered its clean wide streets, we were blown away by the amazing array of murals (nine in all) depicting the town’s life and history. The mural project was begun in 1997 by a group of forward-thinking citizens, looking for ways to revitalize their downtown. Today it resembles a lovely south-of-the-border town center complete with tree-shaded plaza, early 1900s historic buildings, carnicerias, bodegas, and dress shops featuring elaborate gowns for weddings, proms and Quinceañera celebrations. All in all, a quick trip to another time in Southern California history.
Blanchard Library, 1910 © SR Euston
Want to see all the murals? Visit: www.santapaulamurals.org
Some close-ups of Santa Paula historical architecture:
Architectural Detail Santa Paula © SR Euston
Historic Building, Santa Paula © SR Euston
HIstoric Building, Santa Paula © SR Euston
Home on the Range 