Ventura County's largest unincorporated community was born in the mid-1960s on pastoral ranchland previously owned by the radio comedy team of Fibber McGee and Molly in the 1950s and by William Randolph Hearst from the mid-1920s through the 1930s. Originally a Native American site, Oak Park was designed by its builder as a "community in the country" capturing "the scenic grandeur of early California, west of the San Fernando Valley." Today, it is still widely known for its award-winning schools, beautiful parks, creekside bike paths and nature trails, and a diverse, well-educated population. Many of its nearly 15,000 residents commute to and from Los Angeles. These historic images demonstrate why Oak Park has become one of the most desirable places to live in Southern California.
Harvey Kern and David E. Ross are Oak Park pioneers, having lived in the community for over 40 and 38 years respectively, raising their children in neighborhood schools and participating in many civic events and organizations. Derek Ross, chair of the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council and editor of OakParkNow.com, is raising his family in this community. Harry Medved, the coauthor of Arcadia's Location Filming in Los Angeles, has led public relations for the Screen Actors Guild, Warner Bros. Online, and Fandango. He moved his family to Oak Park for its natural beauty.