A beautiful property sitting right on Sinaloa Lake in Simi Valley. Most residents of Simi Valley have no idea there is a lake tucked in the rolling hills. We thought we would let you in on our little secret and give you a breif history of the lake.
THE HISTORY OFSINALOALAKE
The name Sinaloa results from the love the original owners had forLos Mochis,Sinaloa,Mexico; where they had lived for six years. Tom and Dorothy (Utt) Robertson arrived at the 500 acre parcel north of Royal inSimi ValleyfromSinaloa,Mexico, in 1925 and created the Robertson or Sinaloa Ranch “Hacienda Sinaloa” the most diversified ranch inSimi Valley. The Hacienda flourished producing tomatoes and tomato seed (75% of the world’s needs for a few years),Valenciaoranges, walnuts, concord grapes and persimmons.
SinaloaLakewas originally called Robertson orSinaloaLakeor Sinaloa Reservoir. The Robertson Family erected an earthen dam to hold back water that collected in a large, natural depression. Water was run-off to irrigate the orchards and crops at cheaper rates than those offered by the Metropolitan Water Company.
With the arrival of North American Aviation Company (later Rocketdyne and now Boeing) in 1955, Alan Robertson correctly anticipated major population growth. Robertson designed one of the firstSimi Valleysubdivisions with the creation of 27 lots around Sinaloa Reservoir, called Sinaloa Lake Estates, and about one hundred half-acre lots just north of the lake called Hacienda Estates.
In 1983, after heavy rains, the Sinaloa earthen dam threatened to crumble. Although disaster was averted by siphoning, state officials jumped on the opportunity to alleviate previous concerns of flooding due to a breach and drained the lake. The Sinaloa Lake Owners Association was in court over this action for almost two decades.
Around 2000, the Sinaloa Lake Owners Association won enough money to rebuild the dam and clear the many years of growth so the natural run-off from southern hills could once again fill the lake. The Department of Fish and Game, Department of Dams and the Army Corp of Engineers have overseen the development of the lake and continue to monitor progress. The goal of 95% native landscape is almost reached. The lake is stocked with mature Crappie, Large Mouth Bass and other fish. The area has become a refuge for dozen of birds during migration and throughout the year. The lake water was used by helicopter every 5-10 minutes for two days during the September 2005 wildfires.
Filming has taken place at the lake over the years including some recent commercials.Simi Valley’s proximity to the studios has led many to the rare, natural beauty offered bySinaloaLake, one of the very few inVenturaCounty. The quiet, native environment is like no other for viewing the world from a more contemplative stance. The rich agricultural history from which this lake originates is almost tangible when you see the remaining trees from theValenciaorchards.
