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Laguna Hills is built on one of the major land
grants developed during the days of the Rancho Era. Following
Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, those who had served in
the government or who had friends in authority, were given vast
lands for cattle grazing. Rancho Lomas de Santiago, Rancho San
Joaquin, and Rancho Niguel covered most of the western portion of
the Saddleback Valley. Don Juan Avila was granted the 13,000
Rancho Niguel on which Laguna Hills is located.
In 1874, Lewis Moulton purchased Rancho Niguel
from Don Juan Avila and increased the original grant from the
thirteen thousand acres to 22,000. Moulton and his partner, Jean
Piedra Daguerre, used the ranch to raise sheep and cattle. The
Moulton Ranch was eventually subdivided in the early 1960's. Part
of the ranch is recognized as Laguna Hills.
Incorporation efforts began in 1987 and on
March 5, 1991, the goal of incorporation was finally achieved with
86% of the residents voting in favor of forming the City of Laguna
Hills. On December 20, 1991, Laguna Hills officially became a
City.
On November 14, 1995, the City Council approved
annexation of the North Laguna Hills area, which became part of
the incorporated City on July 1, 1996. And on September 18, 2000,
with the overwhelming support from the 1,800 residents, the
"Westside".
Annexation area officially became part of the
incorporated City. The annexation added 149 acres of residential
land, which includes the Aliso Viejo Community Association’s Sheep
Hills Park. |
