Blog: Agoura History. The Year was 1963.

In 1963 Agoura Hills was just a little dot on the map for L.A. County. In fact, it was known as "Agoura" (the "Hills" was added when the City incorporated in 1982). The Las Virgenes Unified School District officially was born. The Renaissance Pleasure Faire began at Paramount Ranch (and is now held at Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale). Also in 1963, Agoura began piping water from the Colorado River. Reliable water sources made Agoura more attractive for businesses and families and the area quickly grew.

And Boy Scout Troop 127 started its tradition of Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast. Scoutmaster, Geoff Gunn, remembers that his father, Carl Gunn, and fellow parent, Ken Johnson, were part of the Troop Committee and came up with the idea to host this event as a way to raise money for the many activities the Troop had been providing boys since 1946.  "Tickets cost 50 cents," recalls Mr. Gunn. "I earned $5.35 from selling tickets which I used to help pay for summer camp. I was the top seller that first year."

Mr. Gunn grew up at Malibou Lake. He babysat and dog-sat for actress, Deborah Walley ("Gidget Goes Hawaiin"). Other neighbors included Nick Nolte, Robert Foxworthy, Sly from The Family Stone, and all the members of The Birds. He attended Las Virgenes Elementary School on the campus of what is now AE Wright Middle School in Calabasas. He had an older brother who attended elementary school in a one-room building - Cornell Elementary School.

 "The Troop used to meet at Las Virgenes Elementary School's cafeteria which is now AE Wright's cafeteria," Gunn said. "We had 30-35 boys in the Troop." With recent Bridging from local Cub Scout Packs, Troop 127 is at 100 members - the largest it's ever been!

Mr. Gunn has remained in the area all these years. He rejoined the Troop in 1996 as Assistant Scoutmaster because sons, Scott and Darrin, continued the family scouting tradition (and both are Eagle Scouts). Even though both have long since graduated, Mr. Gunn continues to serve as Scoutmaster because he loves mentoring boys on becoming Eagles (the Troop has one of the highest rates of Eagle Scouts in the County), enjoys working with the many parents who assist him with rank advancement, earning of merit badges, and chaperoning many camping trips.  His favorite trip is canoeing down the Colorado River every Spring Break, starting at Lake Havasu. Troop members who plan on join him have to attend rigorous canoe practice sessions on Malibou Lake. 

Please join the families of Troop 127 as they celebrate the longevity of their Troop and this special Mother’s Day tradition on Sunday, May 12^th anytime between 8:30am and 12:30pm at Malibou Lake Lodge on Lake Vista Drive in Malibou Lake. The all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, ham and fruit costs only $5 per person due to the generous donations of many local merchants. Mothers are treated like royalty. And every ticket is eligible to win one of over 100 donated door prizes. Plus, you can purchase opportunity drawing tickets to win one of the many themed baskets the boys and parents have put together. 

Scouts will be selling tickets this Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 4pm in front of the Do-It Center in Agoura Hills (on Roadside Drive) and at the Do-It Center on Thousand Oaks Blvd. (across from the Auto Mall). Checks and cash are accepted and donations are tax-deductible.  Or contact Julie King, Troop parent, at 818-889-1188 (juliejking@aol.com).

Don't miss this local tradition!  You will be pleasantly surprised by the efficiency with which this event is run. And the food is delicious and plentiful!