A Brief History of Canoga Park High School

A Historical Campus Canoga Park High was first opened on October 4, 1914. It’s original name was OWENSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL and it was the first high school built in the west San Fernando Valley. The original campus was located in the two-story building of the present- day Canoga Park Elementary.

A New Location A fire destroyed the upper floor of the campus in 1929 and new buildings were built in the early 1930’s. In 1916, a new building was built on the present-day softball field area. It had a beautiful Greek Theater that was used for community and school events such as graduation and plays.

The town of Owensmouth changed its name to Canoga Park and the school was renamed CANOGA PARK HIGH. The renaming of the school was an important change because it would identify the school more closely with the community. The picture below is the front of our school in 1938. C P H S

Redwood Grove planted in 1936 CPHS Landmarks Redwood Grove planted in 1936 Pieces of pillars from the 100 building left from the demolition after the 1971 earthquake Mural by artist Helen Lundeberg “Quests of Mankind”

The Memorial Quad A beautiful monument to honor all the CPHS alumni who died during a war or while in military service. This is a very special plaque located in the quad outside the auditorium. It has the names of all the courageous men and women who sacrificed their lives to serve our country,.

Hunter Pride Canoga’s school colors are green and white and its mascot is the hunter. Other schools at the time had animals as their mascot except CPHS.

SCHOOL MOTTO

ATHLETICS 1968 & 1981 Football Champs 1983 Baseball Champions

Soccer Champs Thanks to the amazing coaching of Coach Gwin, the CPHS boy’s soccer team has won a total of six city championships in 2004, 2007, and 2013 thru 2016.

A Tribute To A Great Coach Coach Rudy Lugo graduated from CPHS in 1965 and began his career as a teacher and coach in 1972. He devoted his life to the students and staff of his beloved school and was a great role model and influence to our entire community. On November 7th,2008 CPHS paid tribute to this wonderful man by naming the school’s stadium under his name. He was a great role model to generations of young people and his legacy will always be a part of CPHS.  

HUNTER TRIVIA 1946 – Comedian Bob Hope visits our campus 1961 – Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King gave speech in school auditorium The official name of the school yearbook is “The Utopian,” which is synonymous to “idealistic” or “visionary” Some famous alumni actors who attended CPHS are Kevin Spacey, Bryan Cranston, Jackie Earl Haley, and Kurtwood Smith Famous CPHS athletes include: Rafael Garcia (LA Galaxy), Biff Pocoroba & Vern Fuller (MLB players) and Byron Smith (NFL player) The school museum (located inside of the library) has many historic artifacts and pictures celebrating the 100 years of Hunter Pride

Then & Now . ….

“. . . It’s Always A Great Day At Canoga Park High School”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS A special thanks to: Mr. Richard Tibbets, CPHS Teacher & Museum Coordinator Canoga Park High Alumni Association Mr. Dennis Clancy, Magnet Coordinator Advisory Curriculum Team [PP presented by Ms. Maria S. Baeza, Instructional Coach & CPHS Class of 1986]