In our secular age, it's sometimes hard to remember that California's founding fathers were often very religious people. You can find one biblical reference on a Northridge street sign.

Zelzah Avenue is one of the most colorful street names in the San Fernando Valley. Bill Robertson, director of L.A.'s Bureau of Street Services, says it's also one of the oldest streets.

"It was part of a 19th century wagon route from San Fernando to the old Hawk Ranch, which became the town of Zelzah, which is now Northridge."

Zelzah was a depot town for the Southern Pacific railroad. The name "Zelzah" comes from the Bible, but scholars disagree about its meaning.

Some say it's the place where Samuel told Saul to go meet a couple of guys who had news about some lost asses. Other scholars say the name simply means noon. Given the street's railroad roots, either translation would be appropriate.

(Airdate: 3/8/2009)