Sepulveda

Sepulveda refers to a surname and a placename, most notably associated with the Sepulveda Pass in Los Angeles, California. The Sepulveda family was a prominent Californio family who owned vast ranches in Southern California during the Spanish and Mexican periods. Don Francisco Sepulveda was a recipient of a large land grant in the San Fernando Valley in the early 19th century. His descendants played significant roles in the region's development.

The Sepulveda Pass, a mountain pass through the Santa Monica Mountains, is named after the family. This pass is a crucial transportation corridor in Los Angeles, carrying Interstate 405, a major freeway. The pass has a rich history, serving as a route for Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and later American settlers. Archeological findings in the area suggest human presence dating back thousands of years.

The name "Sepulveda" itself has Spanish origins, meaning "tomb" or "sepulchre." While the family name is widespread in Spanish-speaking countries, its association with the Los Angeles area remains particularly strong due to the historical significance of the Sepulveda family and the geographical prominence of the Sepulveda Pass. The area continues to be a vital part of the Los Angeles metropolitan landscape.