VENTURA COUNTY
REYES PEAK
Los Padres National Forest
May 2, 1922: "Mr. Jordan has under consideration the establishment of a lookout station at Reyes Peak, between Ojai and the Cuyama district. This is one of the important points in this part of the forest and the necessity of having a more adequate means for observation there has been apparent for some time." (Morning Press)
July 21, 1922: "Plans are under consideration for the establishment of a standard lookout station on the summit of Reyes Peak in the Cuyama forestry district, it was announced by Supervisor C.E. Jordan yesterday.
W.D. Mendenhall, deputy supervisor, returned from the Cuyama district yesterday, where he has made a thorough survey of visibility conditions to determine the most advantageous location for a lookout station, and he reported that Reyes Peak, which is the highest point in that district, seems to meet all the requirements.
R.L. Deering, assistant district forester and E.I. Kotok, who has supervision of all the lookout stations in the state, will in Santa Barbara, July 26, to go over plans for the proposed new lookout with the local officers.
It is purposed to begin work on the new station August 1, if all the plans can be completed by that time." (Morning Press)
September 12, 1932: "Government telephone lines between Reyes Peak and Matau, between the Sespe and Cuyama regions, were destroyed last night." (The Bakersfield Californian)
September 13, 1932: "Flames which already have covered 100,000 acres of land in Santa Barbara National forest late yesterday burned the Reyes peak lookout station and today were invading the upper Cuyama valley, still out of control. County Fire Warden Frank Pechumer reported here today.
William Green, lookout at Reyes peak, escaped with most of his instruments as the fire enveloped his lonely post." (Santa Maria Daily Times)
September 14, 1932: "After snuffing out the Reyes Peak forest lookout station and forcing the lookout, William Green, to flee with his valuable instruments, the flames were reported raging out of control a half mile beyond in Bear Trap canyon, tributary of the Cuyama." (The Bakersfield Californian)