Blair Hills

The Blair Hills neighborhood is more than a name: it represents a vital piece of the history of Culver City; it is a symbol of togetherness as neighbors have banded together to ward off actions detrimental to our quality of life; and finally, it is a community of people who respect each others’ lives and lifestyles, embrace each others’ families, and live together in a peaceful neighborhood. Located in the Hill west of Baldwin Vista, it is west of La Cienega Boulevard and south of Rodeo Road and Jefferson Blvd, this area was part of the Rancho de Los Bueyes Land Grant. The hillside was the home of old ranches said to have been populated by the Will Rogers family, the Carl Pitti family, Charles Wright, and the Hetzler family.

Before WWII, some lots were carved out of the upper hill for home sites. When the war began, these lots were left as they were. In the early 1950s, a developer, Stone & Stone, purchased the lower area of the hill from La Cienega West and proceeded to develop plans for a community of single-family homes. Home sizes in Blair Hills range from 800 to just over 5000 square feet.

They originally applied to Los Angeles for annexation. However, as luck would have it, Los Angeles had a moratorium on sewer connections at that time, so the builder applied to Culver City. The development was accepted and that’s how Blair Hills became part of Culver City, even though there were then no contiguous boundaries with the City itself. The project was started on what is now Vicstone Court, proceeded up the western side of Lenawee Avenue around to Wrightcrest as the main access street into the area from La Cienega Boulevard Two additional streets, then called Girthview (now Blairstone) and Stoneview Drive were constructed.

The development was a country, rural environment amid a big city and urban surroundings. We enjoyed the ambiance of hiking in the hills, jackrabbits, snakes, birds, and other small critters. Most of the new homeowners were young families with babies and young children, much like a small town. As the development progressed, two apartment structures were built (on variances of R1A zoning). The City fathers at the time were not too particular about planning and these variances and the resulting problems of parking on narrow streets with no sidewalks created the need for dialogue between the City and the budding community. This became especially urgent when the builders asked to extend their apartments further up the hill along Stoneview Drive (at that time a 30-foot street).

At a neighborhood meeting, the residents voted to form a non-profit neighborhood association. Our attorney neighbors compiled a charter application to the State of California with the signatures of 81 charter members. The charter was issued on Dec. 5, 1958. A name for the neighborhood, Blair Hills, was voted in, and Officers and a Board of Directors were elected. By-laws were prepared and the Blair Hills Association was ready to promote the general welfare of our community; to promote, advance, and protect the interests of the property owners of Blair Hills and adjacent areas; to encourage and promote cooperation, fellowship, better relations and goodwill among the persons residing in Blair Hills and adjacent areas; to aid in the development of good government; to gather information and evaluate same, and to disseminate accurate information regarding proposed legislation, candidates, and administrative actions deemed conducive to the well-being of our neighborhood.

Over time, many Blair Hills residents became active participants in Culver City as volunteers, appointees to various committee and commission posts, and elected officials on the City Council and the Culver City School Board. We have enjoyed an active electorate, maintaining a high average of voter participation (usually the highest of any Culver City precinct). We were very pleased to be a part of the Culver City Unified School District which was distinctly superior to other nearby districts.

Negotiations were begun with the School District for establishing a local elementary school because there were over 200 young children in Blair Hills, and the temporary solution of bussing youngsters was not acceptable for the long term. The negotiations terminated in the acquisition by the School District of the parcel of land upon which is the Linda Vista School. It was opened for business in September 1959. The interim PTA chapter which was affiliated with Lynwood Howe (Then Culver) School, was spun off into the Linda Vista PTA. It became an active and productive part of the PTA system at both the Council and State levels.

Concurrently, the need for a neighborhood park was negotiated with the Culver City Council. This led to the City acquiring several lots on Stoneview Drive which had been used as a dump, oil sump, and for other trash purposes over a long period. Through very consistent and diligent efforts, it was cleaned, and graded, and a park was designed. This enabled the children and adults in the neighborhood to be part of the excellent Culver City Parks and Recreation programs. Play equipment was chosen and installed, a ball field was marked, and a basketball court was built. The excellent coaching staff at the park enabled our youngsters to successfully participate in all aspects of city-wide sports activities. Lots of trophies lined the shelves in our homes.

With the Blair Hills Association and the PTA, and many community activities, we had a very close-knit community in our little corner of the city. We advanced our cultural and civic activities with community forums, meet the candidate nights, and annual July 4th Picnics and Games. The close friendships and extended family ties developed through the years have continued for years, spreading to the next generation. A great reunion picnic brought over 500 people together in our Park. Many families who are original owners or second owners of the homes are still residing here and enjoying the diversity of good neighbors living in friendship and neighborliness. Young families have moved into the neighborhood and the cycle continues.

Blair Hills has many faces: all ethnicities, cultures, and religions. We celebrate our diversity, as we continue to learn from each others’ differences.