Sinaloa Lake History
The name Sinaloa results from the love the original owners had for Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, where they had lived for six years. Tom and Dorothy (Utt) Robertson arrived at the 500 acre parcel north of Royal in Simi Valley from Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1925 and created the Robertson or Sinaloa Ranch, or “Hacienda Sinaloa” the most diversified ranch in Simi Valley. The Hacienda flourished producing tomatoes, tomato seeds (75% of the world’s needs for a few years), Valencias, walnuts, concord grapes and persimmons.
Sinaloa Lake was originally called Robertson or Sinaloa Lake or Sinaloa Reservoir. The Robertson Family erected an earthen dam to hold back water that collected in a large, natural depression. Water was run off to irrigate the orchards and crops at cheaper rates than those offered by the Metropolitan Water Company.
With the arrival of North American Aviation Company (later Rocketdyne and now Boeing) in 1955, Alan Robertson correctly anticipated major population growth and made one of the first Simi Valley subdivisions with the creation of 27 lots around the edge overlooking Sinaloa Reservoir called the Sinaloa Lake Estates, and about one hundred half-acre lots just north of the lake called the Hacienda Estates.
In 1983, after heavy rains, the Sinaloa earthen dam threatened to crumble. Although disaster was averted by siphoning, state officials jumped on the opportunity to alleviate previous concerns of flooding due to a breach and drained the lake. The Sinaloa Lake Owners Association was in court over this action for almost two decades.
Around 2000, the Sinaloa Lake Owners Association won enough money to rebuild the dam and clear the many years of growth so the natural run-off from the southern hills could once again fill the lake. The Department of Fish and Game, Department of Dams and the Army Corps of Engineers have overseen the development of the lake and continue to monitor progress. The goal of 95% native landscape is almost reached, the lake is stocked with mature Crappy, Big Mouth Bass and other fish, and the area has become a refuge for dozens of birds during migration and all year. The lake was dipped into by helicopters every 5-10 minutes for two days during the September 2005 wildfires.
Filming has been done here over the years including some recent commercials. Simi Valley’s proximity to the studios has led many to the rare, natural beauty offered by the Sinaloa Lake, one of the very few in Ventura County. The quiet, native environment is like no other for viewing the world from a more contemplative stance, and the rich agricultural history from which this lake comes, is almost tangible when you see remaining trees from the Valencia orchards. If you or someone you know would be interested in hosting an event or a movie shoot please can contact us :
Community Property Management 805-987-8945
