Piru is a census-designated place in located in Eastern Ventura County, California, near the Santa Clara River and Highway 126. The population was 1,196 at the 2000 census. Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest is the main recreational attraction. The name is derived from the Chumash Indian term 'reeds' for the reeds growing along Piru Creek that were used in making baskets. Piru was struck by two major disasters in the twentieth century. On the night of March 12, 1928, the St. Francis Dam broke, causing the deaths of 400 people, many in Piru. The Northridge earthquake of January 17, 1994 destroyed several buildings in the historic downtown area. Piru apartments for rent comparison page shows most up to date rent information on Piru apartments and houses. Rent information is obtained from multiple rental sources but we cannot guarantee their accuracy.