Like most California communities, Castaic is growing and growing fast. However, Castaic is one of those rare cities that believes in "managed growth" while maintaining it's natural beauty for residents.

Most California communities can trace their roots to Indian villages and sprawling Spanish Ranchos, and Castaic is no exception. Jerry Reynolds, a late Santa Clarita historian, once wrote that the name "Castaic" had been spelled various ways through the years but the area was originally called "Kashtuk", an Indian word meaning "eyes". Native Americans, specifically the Tataviam, along with Spanish explorers lived, worked and enjoyed the lush green rolling hills and streams in and around Castaic, hundreds of years before the area became the community that it is today. Most local historians, however, consider the official birth of Castaic to be around July of 1915 when the California Highway Commission completed a trail over the tops of the mountains from Castaic to Gorman, called the the old Ridge Route.

At the time, and costing a mere $500,000, the Ridge Route was considered an "engineering masterpiece", according to Reynolds. It reduced the old road between Los Angeles and Bakersfield by 60 miles. The Ridge Route was described as two lanes of asphalt with 642 curves that, when added together, made 97 complete circles between Castaic and Gorman. The curve intensive route was later replaced by Highway 99 in October of 1933.

A railroad spur line was built from Saugus to Ventura in September of 1887. Along with a cattle loading chute to transport locally raised steers, the Southern Pacific Railroad also established a depot at Castaic Junction for local rail travelers. Historic photos have proven it was literally the size of a telephone booth.

Castaic opened it's first Post Office on September 15, 1894 at the Junction, but went out of business within 11 months due to lack of interest. Sam Parsons, who purchased an acre of land in 1914 to open up the well remembered Sam's Place, re-established the Post Office in April, 1917.

As the community grew, there came a demand from families with children to establish a local school district in 1889. Castaic School was opened on March 25th of that year. The original school building continued to be used until its demolition in 1996. Four schools currently operate in the district and other school sites are planned to keep pace with resident's needs.

Parker Ranch brought suburban growth to Castaic in 1923 when land was subdivided into five and ten acre parcels. The humble Castaic industrial age began with Castaic Brick in 1927, and George Dunn's Wayside Dairy in 1929. The dairy was leased to the County of Los Angeles in 1937 to be used as a work farm. From these small beginnings a huge commerce center is now in final stages of development. The complex is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs at build out.

As we enter the new millennium one thing is certain. Castaic is attracting many new families and businesses to it's boundaries with it's convenient southern California location, mild weather, and diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. Visit us soon and see us with your own "kashtuk".

Castaic is divided into five geographic regions, each represented by two seats on the Town Council.

Region 1: Live Oak, North Bluffs, Hillcrest Park, Hasley Hills and the Valencia Commerce Center

Region 2: Val Verde Area

Region 3: Hasley, Sloan and Romero Canyons

Region 4: Meadowood, Bravo, Encore, Castaic east of I-5 & south of Lake Hughes Road

Region 5: Double C Ranch, Hidden Lake, Stonegate, NorthLake, Castaic east of I-5 and north of Lake Hughes Road

Castaic Lake Recreation Area

The Castaic Lake facility consists of two separate lakes. The main Reservoir has approximately 34 miles of shoreline and is a "V" shaped body of water. The east arm of the lake is open to sailing, fishing, and slow boating. The west arm is reserved for water-skiing and fast boating with a designated area next to the dam for all personal watercraft. An 18-lane ramp is located on the east side of the dam and the west side of the dam offers a six-lane ramp. There are picnic facilities located at both ramps.

On the southside of the dam is the Afterbay, or Lagoon. The west side is surrounded by parkland, sandy beaches, and swimming in designated areas. Shoreline fishing and a campground is available seven days a week on the east side.

As one of Southern California's premier amusement and outdoor sporting attractions, Castaic Lake Recreation Area offers many activities to visitors of all ages. All forms of boating, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, lake tours, hiking, biking, camping, motocross, and swimming are available throughout the summer months. All within a short drive from downtown Los Angeles.

Castaic Lake is regularly stocked with trout and offers the opportunity to catch large and small mouth bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie. The main reservoir is home to the second and third-largest largemouth bass caught on record, weighing in at 22.01 pounds, and 21.12 pounds each.

Castaic Lake is host to many special events. Fishing tournaments, Hobie regattas, mountain bike races, triathlons, jet ski races, motocross races, 4th of July fireworks display, and the annual Winter Magic Festival with a colorful boat parade of lights.

Castaic Lake is open for day use from sunrise to sunset every day except December 25th. The park is constantly patrolled by Park Police for your safety and assistance. Highly trained lifeguards enforce boating safety and administer first aid if necessary.

The 8,000 acre park is operated and maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Volunteer opportunities are currently coordinated by "The Friends of Castaic Lake". For more information call the Castaic Lake Office at (661) 257-4050.

Castaic Regional Sports Complex

Twenty acres of this 51 acre site was completed in the summer of 1993. In the 1995 Phase II development, lights were installed on the three softball diamonds, an additional multipurpose field was developed, and the second comfort station was added with picnic tables and braziers.

Phase III is in final stages of development on additional landscaping, parking, roads, paved walkways, and site drainage systems. The complex includes a gymnasium with indoor basketball court, 2 community rooms, and even a kitchen. Outside, there are 3 more basketball courts, a baseball field, a softball field, comfort stations, ramadas, and family picnic units. There is a children's play area and a preschool activity schedule is also planned.

Call now to be a volunteer at the Castaic Sports Complex. With the increasing activities at the Complex, volunteers are needed more than ever. All ages are welcome and encouraged to sign up. Call Jeff Dorst at: (661) 775-8865.

Val Verde Park

Located in the community of Val Verde, Val Verde Park offers local sports and recreation, including ball diamonds, basketball hoops, swimming, and tennis. Facilities for picnicking and play equipment are also provided. Located at 30300 Arlington Street (from San Martinez Rd, take Parker to Arlington). For more information, call (661) 257-4014.

Local Parks

We also have two local parks, Live Oak Park and Del Valle park.

Annual Events

Annual events include a 5K run and the Annual Love Ride