Brentwood

The future Brentwood began to change more than a century ago when 300 wild acres of brushy canyons and rabbit and coyote habitat along with sheep-grazed mesas were contributed to the cause of needy veteran soldiers. Landowners Sen. John P. Jones of Nevada and Arcadia Bandini de Baker turned the land over to the board of managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The Pacific branch of this national hospice organization opened its doors to patients in 1888. Soon families and staff began to purchase lots and build homes near the gates. Businesses began to open to service the new residents. Through the late 20th century, this western area of the city of Los Angeles became known for beautiful neighborhoods, movie star residents, and a relaxed lifestyle--it became Brentwood.

Author Jan Loomis has spent 25 years mining the Santa Monica Land and Water Company files to develop articles about West Los Angeles and help local writers create books and articles. Photographs for this trip down Brentwood's memory lane also are drawn from the Brentwood Historical Society, Brentwood Park Property Owner's Association, the University of Southern California's Doheny Memorial Library, Los Angeles Public Library, and the private collections of Brentwood residents.