Hobart Johnstone Whitley (October 7, 1847 – June 3, 1931) was a Canadian-American businessman and real estate developer.

"[9] Whitley became a major shareholder, with Harrison Gray Otis and George W. Hoover, of the Los Angeles Pacific Boulevard and Development Company.

[11][12] He orchestrated the opening of the Ocean View Tract and construction of a bank on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland.

Around 1924, as Los Angeles Times columnist Lee Shippey put it: Whitley became a Paso Robles enthusiast, after the waters had given him new strength.

He can't understand how fine fertile land with water on it, on a state highway and within reach of ocean winds can still be bought for around $50 an acre.

[20] It was said that Whitley had amassed "a private fortune running into the millions" but "most of this wealth dwindled in [this] one unfortunate investment at Paso Robles.

[21] Henry E. Huntington extended his Pacific Electric Railway (Red Cars) through the Valley to Owensmouth (now Canoga Park).

The Suburban Home Company laid out plans for roads and the towns of Van Nuys, Reseda (Marian) and Canoga Park (Owensmouth).

The donations were used to finance public schools, libraries, parks, landscaping, streets, transportation, lighting and churches.