Welcome to L.A. Street Names, the origin stories of street names across Los Angeles County, from the shortest cul-de-sacs to the longest boulevards. Mysteries solved, myths debunked, scandals exposed, history revealed. This is an ongoing project with more than 1,900 streets – and growing. See FAQ for more information.
Featured Major Street
Lassen Street
Christened in 1917, Lassen Street borrows its name from Lassen County, which itself honors Danish immigrant Peter Lassen (1800-1859), a blacksmith, rancher, and explorer who came to Northern California in 1840. “Don Pedro” Lassen was deeded the 22,206 acre Rancho Bosquejo, near present-day Susanville (in Lassen County, naturally), in 1844, while California was still Mexican territory. Following some disastrous investments, Lassen sold the ranch and moved 40 miles southeast to Honey Lake Valley. He was shot to death while prospecting for silver near Nevada’s Black Rock Desert – his killer was never found. Lassen County was formed in 1864 from parts of Plumas and Shasta counties.