[15] Alphonzo Bell Sr. was the real estate developer behind the quarry scheme while local opposition was led by Sylvia Morrison, who championed the preservation of the area's natural beauty.

In an attempt to sway public opinion, Bell urged local residents to take company-sponsored fieldtrips, on foot and on horseback, to the quarry to see the site for themselves.

A remaining 850-acre parcel (340 ha) which adjoined this property was purchased by the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area from Danielson in 1980, becoming Rancho Sierra Vista open space park.

[36] Entertainer and land speculator Bob Hope created controversy in the early 1990s when he proposed to sell 5,900 acres (2,400 ha) of land in the Corral Canyon area in the Santa Monicas to the federal government in exchange for 59 acres (24 ha) of federal parkland in the nearby Cheeseboro Canyon section of Santa Monica Mountains NRA in the Simi Hills, in order to build an access road to a new 'Jordan Ranch' golf course and housing development.

[38] The former Ahmanson Ranch was acquired by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy from Washington Mutual in 2003, to create the 2,983 acres (1,207 ha) Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in the southeastern Simi Hills.

[39] The highly visible hills with undeveloped ranch land adjacent to the junction of U.S. Route 101 and Las Virgenes Road in western Calabasas have several viewsheds now protected from development.

They also serve as an unofficial gateway to the central Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and its visitor center on Las Virgenes Road at King Gillette Ranch.

[40] On the southeastern side the land was formerly owned by Bob Hope, acquired by the SMM Conservancy in 2010, and added to the Las Virgenes View Park in the Santa Monica Mountains NRA.

[41] The viewshed on the northwestern side of the junction, formerly owned by Fred Sands, was acquired in 2010 and protected in the 200 acres (81 ha) Zev Yaroslavsky Las Virgenes Highlands Park.

Their mission encompasses a commitment to safeguarding the unique ecosystem of the area, fostering a deep connection between people and nature, and supporting the National Park Service in its endeavors.

This includes a focus on youth education, scientific research, improvement of park facilities, community stewardship, and the preservation of indigenous cultural resources.

This journey began with the federal designation of the SMMNRA in 1978, a milestone achieved after two decades of dedicated advocacy by volunteer activists for the protection of the Santa Monica Mountains' wildlands and natural resources.

As the official philanthropic partner of the National Park Service in the region, the Fund has played a crucial role in preserving the unique ecosystem and cultural heritage of this coastal mountain range, which spans across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Over the years, SAMO Fund has grown in scope and impact, now overseeing a range of programs from youth education and scientific research to the maintenance of park facilities and trails.

Notably, the Fund has been instrumental in engaging the community in stewardship activities and in leading initiatives to protect the natural and cultural resources of the indigenous populations in the area.

Today, SAMO Fund stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and strategic partnerships in fostering a sustainable coexistence between urban development and natural preservation, making the SMMNRA a cherished destination for millions of visitors each year.

[54] The fire created a challenge to native plants as black mustard, an invasive weed with bright yellow flowers, quickly established itself in the parkland during the following wet winter.

[56][57] In terms of cultural heritage, the Santa Monica Mountains boast a rich history of continuous human occupation dating back more than 10,000 years[4] and contain many nationally significant prehistoric and historic sites.

The horsemen portrayed in the Saddle Rock Ranch Pictographs in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains are considered to be a representation of the Portola Expedition of 1769–1770, and have been determined to be eligible as a National Historic Landmark.

The rich tapestry of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is woven from diverse historical strands, notably during the Spanish Mission period, setting the stage for Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa's unique identity.

The discovery of over 150 archaeological sites evidences both transient and permanent Native American settlements, with a 2014 find of glass beads suggesting late 1700s Spanish colonial contact.

The introduction of American legal and political systems transformed property rights and land ownership, leading to disputes, and often displacing the Californio landowners who had thrived during the Rancho era.

For example, John Ballard, a Black pioneer from Kentucky, made a significant mark on Los Angeles after arriving in 1859 and later as a homesteader in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The story begins with John Ballard, a courageous soul who ventured from Kentucky to Los Angeles in 1859, seeking a better life amidst the tumultuous landscape of post-Civil War America.

In the face of systemic racism and adversity, John found solace and opportunity in the rugged terrain of the Santa Monica Mountains, where he established a homestead that would become a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Despite facing discrimination and hardship, they nurtured the land, cultivated community, and left an indelible mark on the landscape, serving as pioneers in the fight for equality and justice.

Today, Ballard Mountain serves as a symbol of resilience and empowerment, a sacred site where the stories of the past are cherished and celebrated as part of our collective identity and heritage.

Nestled within the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains lies Paramount Ranch, a site of profound historical significance that serves as a window into the golden age of Hollywood.

The cultural significance of the Santa Monica Mountains extends beyond prehistory to encompass the Spanish mission and rancho periods, the American homestead era, and the modern-day contributions of diverse communities.

The following list of park partners and public parklands represents a collaboration of city, county, and state agencies as well as other organizations who work together to support the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.