here are several small tributaries of the Los Angeles River that originate in the Northwest San Fernando Valley. The Los Angeles River itself begins at the confluence of Calabasas Creek and Bell Canyon Creek, and the latter of these runs through West Hills. These and other small creeks supply runoff water to the Los Angeles River, and several are considered year round creeks. Although the creeks are now channeled and run within concrete walls, they do form a significant urban wildlife landscape and contribute to the population of indigenous wildlife left within the San Fernando Valley. Dayton Creek in particular has received attention due to its vicinity to the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, which is under field cleanup due to its fundamental use as a testing center for rocket and missile fuel, nuclear power research, and high technology defense systems. Contaminants include Chromium, Lead, Benzene, and many other components of rocket fuel.

The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans of the Tongva tribe that lived close to the Los Angeles River, which originates in West Hills from El Escorpion and Bell Creeks. It is believed that a meeting point for the Tongva and Chumash tribes was located at the base of Bell Canyon Park.[2] Once a part of Canoga Park, West Hills was formed in 1987 after homeowners on the western edge of Canoga Park launched a petition drive a year earlier to form a new community. In an unusual move, the area's city councilwoman Joy Picus polled Canoga Park residents, asking them if they would like to join the new community, to determine West Hills's boundaries.

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