“Biona” is just a phonetic spelling of Ballona, a 19th century rancho located here. (See Ballona Lane for more about the name and the people who owned the rancho.) This neighborhood, previously known as Boyer’s Grove after farmer Isaac Boyer, was rechristened Biona Hills in 1923. Bordered by McLaughlin, Charnock, Sawtelle, and Venice, this 60 acre subdivision was marketed as a rival to Beverly Hills. Obviously that didn’t quite pan out. Footnote for completists: Biona Hills was owned by George C. Rockwell, Edwin D. Huntley, and Arthur W. Knowles, unimaginatively calling themselves the Business District Development Company.
Find it on the map:
