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Community Corner

3rd Graders Experience Chatsworth's Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park

The children meet "King Richard" –- a king snake who was rescued by State Parks staff.

Three classrooms of 3rd graders from Chatsworth Park Elementary School visited the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park for an interpretive program sponsored by the Foundation for the Preservation of the Santa Susana Mountains.

The Tuesday program was made possible through financial assistance from the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council.

Thirteen volunteers told the 66 children about the history of the area.

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The children learned about:

  • The Chumash and Native Americans
  • Early Spanish/European Settlers
  • The Stagecoach Route, known as “Devils Slide”
  • The Quarry
  • The Railroad
  • The Chatsworth Rock Formation

Some children had a chance to sit in a model stagecoach seat that was created by using original measurements from an old-time stage.

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The volunteers talked about native plants, wildlife, fires, birds, keeping the park clean, and using one's eyes, ears, nose and touch to explore this special historic place.

The children met “King Richard” –- a king snake who was rescued by State Parks staff after being found by the side of the road, injured from being run over. He was nursed back to health at the Angeles District headquarters in Malibu Creek State Park. On Tuesday, he awed the children with his graceful movements and gentle mannerisms.  Interpretive Specialist Karma Graham from California State Parks and Recreation accompanied King Richard.

Visitors can access Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park at the 10200 block of Larwin Avenue in Chatsworth. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and no fee is required to enter.

For more details see:

Elizabeth Harris, Ph.D.

Foundation for the Preservation of the Santa Susana Mountains 

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