A Celebration of Oak Park History at Barnes & Noble

Local authors Harvey Kern, David E. Ross, Derek Ross and Harry Medved will discuss and sign their new book Oak Park, California on Thursday, May 31 at 6:30 PM at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in the Westlake Promenade. The event will feature a tribute to special guest Pat Manning, the "godmother" of the Oak Park Unified School District, on the 35th anniversary of the historic vote that led to the district's founding.

Oak Park, California tells the story of the dusty ranch in the middle of nowhere that has become one of the most desirable places to live in California. Once owned by William Randolph Hearst, parts of the modern-day Oak Park tract passed through the hands of Bob Hope and radio stars Fibber McGee and Molly before developer Louis Boyar bought the property and replaced cattle and horses with modern new homes. Newspaper ads of the 1960s urged homebuyers to "Escape! To The Scenic Grandeur of Early California... Just West of the San Fernando Valley!" and over the years many thousands did so, drawn to Oak Park for its excellent schools, recreational facilities, and the area's great natural beauty.  The four authors, Oak Park residents all, have assembled historic photographs, documents, and anecdotes about their home town, making Oak Park, California a must-read for anyone interested in local history.

The authors of Oak Park, California have joined with the Friends of Oak Park Schools Education Foundation to turn their book signing into a celebration of Oak Park's schools. It has been exactly 35 years since Oak Park residents voted overwhelmingly to form their own school district. Longtime resident and activist Pat Manning, who spearheaded the drive for local control of the area's schools, will be honored at the event, which will also kick off a fundraising Bookfair at the store to benefit the Friends of Oak Park Schools.