Los Osos was originally home to the Chumash Indians until European explorers, led by Don Gaspar de Portola, arrived in 1769. The Valley changed ownership many times in its early history; and on September 24, 1845,
Governor Pio Poco granted the land to John Wilson and James Scott. By the year 1882, the area was known as Los Osos after the now extinct California Grizzly. At this time, the valley was dotted with small farms and dairies.

Los Osos/Baywood Park had its beginnings as a residential community back in 1919 when Walter Redfield bought 3000 lots of "useless sagebrush land" and advertised to vacationers from Southern California. However, the growth of the Los Osos/Baywood Park area didn't take off until the 1970's and 1080's. This small community now has three elementary schools, markets, a community center and library.

For more information on Los Osos' history, visit:

http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/
members/33/tourist.htm