A movement to establish greater local control over the valley’s destiny began in 1969, when an editorial written in The Signal newspaper urged readers to unite. It took years to convince residents that becoming its own municipality would bring more political clout within Los Angeles County, meaning more tax dollars could be spent on providing much-needed infrastructure improvements in the booming valley. The independence movement took several forms, including a failed attempt at creating a new county. Critics of independence argued they would have to pay more taxes if the community became incorporated, but a citizens’ committee successfully demonstrated that the proposed city's area was actually generating more money than Los Angeles County was spending in it and that if the city formed, taxes could be better spent right here at home.
Voters approved the formation of the new city on November 3, 1987. The City of Santa Clarita was officially created on Dec. 15, 1987, becoming the 85th city in Los Angeles County and the largest area incorporated in California's history.
The City of Santa Clarita is the fourth-largest city in Los Angeles County based on the 2000 Census, and it is the 25th largest city in the state. Based on 2001 statistics, Santa Clarita was the fourth fastest-growing city in Los Angeles County and the 14th fastest-growing city in California.
More business leaders are taking a close look at how the city has accomplished so much in so little time. The city has earned numerous accolades. Among them, California Business magazine named Santa Clarita the second best mid-sized city in the state in which to do business, and City & State magazine named Santa Clarita one of the top five “up and coming” cities in the nation. The city has consistently placed in the Top-10 safest U.S. cities with populations over 150,000 and within Los Angeles County, according to FBI statistics. The Ladies Home Journal rated the city as having the best government benefiting women. The special report ranked the largest 200 cities across the country in several categories, including: low crime, health care, child-care, lifestyles, jobs, education, government and overall best cities.
The Santa Clarita Valley is, in fact, Southern California’s best-kept secret with its low crime, sunny climate and family-friendly environment. It’s a great place to live, work, play and stay. Its unique blend of rural, old west heritage and urban sophistication has contributed to this fast-growing community’s enviable balance of high-quality living and growth. That balance is carefully maintained through long-term planning and fiscal responsibility, community involvement, respect for the environment, and strong public and private support for business development. Santa Clarita's successes are evident in its residential neighborhoods and recreational attractions, in its business parks and its cultural, commercial, educational and health-care centers.
Canyon Country
Canyon Country has carved a unique identity apart from its neighbors to the west. It is the largest of the four primary bedroom communities that make up the City of Santa Clarita: Saugus, Newhall, Valencia and Canyon Country. The area started as a collection of rural homes nestled into canyons and smaller communities – Mint Canyon, Tick Canyon, Iron Canyon, Sand Canyon, Whites Canyon, Vasquez Canyon, Soledad Canyon, Honby, Pinetree, Forrest Park, Sulphur Springs and Solemint Junction. The area south and north of the Santa Clara River was renamed Canyon Country in 1968 by a residents’ ballot.
Geographically, Friendly Valley and Serena Park are part of Canyon Country, as is prestigious Sand Canyon with its large estate homes, equestrian ranches and the new Robinson Ranch golf course community. Soledad Canyon Road, which runs through Canyon Country, is a primary retail boulevard surrounded by a diversity of residential neighborhoods, a Metrolink train depot and shopping centers. Some of the newer attractions along Soledad include an Regal-Edwards 10-screen multiplex and entertainment center, as well as the new Jo Anne Darcy Canyon Country Library, named after the councilwoman who retired from public office in 2002 after having served the city since its creation in 1987. College of the Canyons maintains an educational center in the library complex, bringing much-needed classrooms and a computer center into the valley’s most populous community.
Pioneer Col. Thomas F. Mitchell started the first school in the valley in Sulphur Springs in 1872, while John Lang used the springs for his health resort and hotel. He has the distinction of shooting the largest grizzly bear on record, weighing in at a decidedly hefty 2,340 pounds.
Newhall
After several years of planning, Old Town Newhall is emerging as a thriving venue of unique shops, live theaters and unique restaurants. The most visible early redevelopment of the area occurred in the late 1990s when Railroad Avenue was renovated with period light fixtures and landscaping, followed closely by nearly a block of retail renovation to the structure that now holds the Repertory East Playhouse and El Trocadero Steakhouse. That same block south of Market is also the new home of the Canyon Theatre Guild, whose playhouse hosts some of the finest community theater found anywhere. Across Railroad Avenue is the third Metrolink station to open in Santa Clarita, the Jan Heidt Metrolink Station, named after one of the city’s first council members.
The oldest and most historic community in Santa Clarita also features the Walk of Western Stars, a Hollywood Boulevard-style sidewalk that honors western stars and other noteworthy individuals; the Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival at the nearby historic Melody Ranch, a working movie ranch once owned by western legend and California Angels owner Gene Autry; William S. Hart Park, a county-run facility that also includes the home-turned-museum of silent western star William S. Hart, a petting zoo and expansive grounds; Placerita Nature Center; historic Heritage Junction and the historic Pioneer Oil Refinery.
Newhall was founded in 1876. Railroad tycoon Henry Mayo Newhall had a major influence on this valley’s destiny, recognizing the impact railroads would have on the area. He bought the old del Valle rancho and sold the railroad right-of-way to the Southern Pacific railroad for $1 and a town site for another dollar. Southern Pacific named the little town after him.
Newhall was the setting for filming of the earliest western movies, and this heritage was maintained by silent western star William S. Hart, who bequeathed his famous home and property to the county. His home is maintained as he left it, and it is open to the public for tours. Originally an oil, mining and farming community, Newhall now holds a generous portion of the still-visible history of this valley.
Saugus
Until the late 1940s, when people moved west after World War II, Saugus was a sleepy little town surrounded by several large ranches. Today, the community caters to family living, with much of its development built along Bouquet Canyon Road, which extends through the picturesque hills all the way to the Antelope Valley, Seco Canyon Road and Copper Hill Drive. A recent residents’ survey revealed that 70 percent of the homeowners want to maintain Saugus as a bedroom community and not a business-oriented area. The community is the home of the Saugus Speedway and Swap Meet, one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Southern California; Castaic Lake Water Agency’s new filtration plant and education center, and a large Metrolink Station adjacent to the speedway.
One of the newest additions to the community is the 40-acre Central Park, which includes many amenities such as lighted sports fields and some 500 trees. Phase 2 of the park opened in January 2003, boasting four additional sports fields, a new restroom facility, walkways and shade trees.
Parks have been a priority since the city was created. The city opened another park in 2001, in the Circle J Ranch area of Saugus. The 5-acre Circle J Ranch Park at 22651 Via Princessa includes a picnic area, walkways, trails and children’s play area. Another neighborhood park, the 5-acre Pamplico Park, opened next to James Foster Elementary School.
Saugus also is home to the Mountasia Family Fun Center, a year-round entertainment complex that celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2005. The center is home to the only laser-tag arena in the valley. It also features video and redemption games, a rock-climbing wall, bumper boats, roller-skating and blading, go-kart racing and miniature golf. The complex also features a Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant, which offers a full menu as well as a variety of ice cream desserts. Mountasia also is a popular spot for birthday parties and corporate events.
The Santa Clarita Sports Complex, renamed the George A. Caravalho Sports Complex after the longtime city manager who recently left, features basketball, volleyball and raquetball courts, as well as a specially designed outdoor skate park. The complex recently underwent an expansion that introduced a teen center, arcade, arts and crafts room, dance room, computer room and various community and multipurpose rooms. The newest addition to the complex is an aquatics center, boasting three pools, including a 50-meter competition pool with a professional timing system, a 25-meter dive pool, and an activity pool complete with water play equipment and a 160-foot water slide. The recently completed $9 million facility also provides concession facilities and locker/changing rooms on its landscaped, lighted grounds. With plenty of parking and ample deck space for lounging, the Aquatic Center is sure to be a popular summer destination.
Saugus also has a connection to the man after which Newhall was named. In 1887 the Southern Pacific railroad established a second train stop at Saugus, which was named for Henry Mayo Newhall’s Massachusetts birthplace. The term Saugus is Narragansut Indian, meaning “sandy spit of land.”
The Newhall-Saugus area became Hollywood’s back lot for filming westerns. Actors William S. Hart, Tom Mix and Gene Autry took advantage of the rugged and varied topography to create the visual traditions that would define the classic western. In fact, Saugus was the scene for one of the West’s last train robberies – and it was not a fictional movie tale. In 1929 “Buffalo” Tom Vernon derailed Engine No. 59 and separated passengers from their valuables. The famous Saugus Cafe opened in 1887 inside the Saugus Train Station, and in 1905 it moved across the railroad tracks to where it stands today. Among the celebrities who have dined in the cafe were President Theodore Roosevelt, President Benjamin Harrison, the King of Spain, Clark Gable, John Wayne and California Governor Gage.
Valencia
Abiding by its slogan “Built as Promised,” Valencia has been carefully planned, designed and built over the last 40 years and has become one of the most popular areas in Southern California for people to raise their families. Valencia is regarded as one of the nation’s leading master-planned communities and was named one of the 50 best places in the U.S. to live in the publication “Fifty Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family.”
Newhall Land has developed Valencia in accordance with a master plan created by legendary planner Victor Gruen in 1965. Rather than focusing solely on residential development, the community’s master plan includes every aspect of modern life — diverse residential neighborhoods that are balanced by thriving work centers, top-quality schools, abundant recreation, dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment, and public services such as medical care, government centers, a library and more.
Partly located in the heart of the City of Santa Clarita, the community occupies a portion of the original 48,000-acre Newhall Ranch. It encompasses more than 15,000 homes, tens of thousands of jobs, and distinguished institutions such as College of the Canyons and the Disney-endowed California Institute of the Arts. These two institutions will soon be joined by the future campus of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Film and Television Preservation Center on 60 acres at McBean Parkway and Rockwell Canyon Road, between CalArts and College of the Canyons.
Also unique to the community is its extensive paseo system, a series of scenic walkways and bike paths that connect homes to shops, parks and schools. There are currently about 30 miles of these innovative paseos, which are featured within each residential neighborhood Newhall Land plans. The company has partnered with the City of Santa Clarita to build miles of trails along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries.
Valencia is renowned for its open space and abundant recreation. There are currently 11 parks, all built by Newhall Land, within the community, dozens of private neighborhood recreation centers and acres of natural areas and oak woodlands that the company has set aside as permanent open space.
Valencia is home to government, health care, dining and entertainment, as well. The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, Santa Clarita City Hall, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, the county’s civic center, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor, Westfield Valencia Town Center, Valencia Marketplace, Valencia Country Club and TPC at Valencia, California’s first and only Tournament Players Club course, are all located here
Westfield Valencia Town Center, an enclosed regional shopping center, and Town Center Drive, a half-mile pedestrian-oriented retail destination, create the hub of shopping, dining and entertainment for the valley. In addition to three major department stores, Town Center is home to a mix of quaint boutiques, leading national retailers, great restaurants, the Hyatt Valencia and Santa Clarita Conference Center, a Spectrum Health Club, and major employers including Princess Cruises and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. The mall recently unveiled plans to undergo a major expansion, which would include a larger Macy’s department store.
Newhall Land has also developed Valencia Gateway, a series of planned business and technology centers that currently provide more than 55,000 jobs. As the major employment center for the Santa Clarita Valley, Valencia Gateway is home to numerous light industrial and manufacturing businesses, and is an established center for entertainment, production, and biotechnology-related industries.
Also in Valencia are numerous state and nationally distinguished elementary, junior and senior high schools, private child-care centers and Legacy Academy, a private elementary school.
Stevenson Ranch
Stevenson Ranch, set in the foothills of the Santa Susanna Mountains in the Santa Clarita Valley, offers wide-open spaces, breathtaking views, and a variety of home choices to suit a wide variety of family needs. An ideal community bringing families together to grow and experience the small-town spirit shared among neighbors, Stevenson Ranch fosters close-knit neighborhoods and family-oriented community-wide activities such as festivals and holiday celebrations. The 4,000-acre community of more than 8,000 homes features an estimated 1,000 acres of designated open spaces and parklands, and is close to various work centers and recreation.
Stevenson Ranch Elementary School, spread across two separate campuses, has been honored as one of the select few “California Distinguished Schools.” One of community’s newest schools is Pico Canyon Elementary School, which opened in 2003 at 25255 Pico Canyon Road. Education is a major concern of the community, and Stevenson Ranch provides unequaled education opportunities to its residents. Projected at the build-out of the community, a full spectrum of new educational facilities will be operational, including a middle school and a high school. Additionally, the new Dr. Richard H. Rioux Memorial County Park includes soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball, two children’s play areas and an outdoor amphitheater.
The Welcome Home Center serves as an information dissemination point for new neighborhoods and homeowners’ information, as well as a cultural venue and community gathering place. The Stevenson Ranch Plaza is a popular community center for Stevenson Ranch residents to shop, dine and socialize. Other nearby recreational opportunities include Santa Clarita Valley’s championship golf courses and the nearby historic town of Mentryville.
Centex Homes, Greystone Homes, Lewis Communities, Richmond American Homes and Shea Homes have chosen the Lennar-planned Stevenson Ranch to introduce their new communities.
To visit the new home neighborhoods at Stevenson Ranch, exit Interstate 5 at McBean Parkway and drive west. The center and models are open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, call 800/310-7262.
Castaic
Castaic is fast becoming a popular residential community. In fact, it is predicted the town’s population of 16,000 will triple within several years. The most northerly community of the Santa Clarita Valley, Castaic is located along Interstate 5, the main north-south artery between San Francisco and Los Angeles. In 1866 General Edward Beale bought the town known as Rancho Castaic and abbreviated its name to Castaic. In 1887 the Southern Pacific railroad established a train stop at Castaic Junction, and two years later the first school was founded.
By 1914 when the Old Ridge Route was opened, Castaic became a highway stopover with small restaurants and automobile services. Today it is best known as the home of Castaic Lake, part of the 600-mile California State Water Project. The lake is a massive recreational asset to north Los Angeles County and millions of tourists, bringing filming opportunities, lake and land sports, and camping. The Castaic Sports Complex is a popular gathering place for athletic and recreational activities.
In recent years, the 1.2 million-square-foot Valencia Commerce Center has emerged at Interstate 5 and State Route 126. It features a 1,800-employee postal center, the corporate headquarters of drum manufacturer Remo Inc., ITT and Ultraviolet Devices Inc., as well as other corporate giants.
Val Verde
Originally called Eureka Villa, Val Verde was developed in a rural mode on land owned by Sydney P. Dones, following the short-lived gold rush of the mid-1800s. Once a resort and farming area, today its scenic hills feature a unique blend of older custom homes. Its roughly 800 residents prefer the quiet of its remoteness, single market shopping facility, large park with Olympic-size pool and the health services of the Samuel Dixon Medical Center. It is located just north of State Route 126 and west of Interstate 5.
Acton
Noted for its old western flavor, Acton is located north off the Antelope Valley Freeway and has a population of approximately 10,000 people in roughly 80 square miles. The rugged Sierra Pelona Mountains to the north and the San Gabriel Mountains to the south ring the Acton Valley. On the valley floor horse corrals sandwiched between custom and semi-custom homes create a remarkable equestrian panorama.
The village started as a mining town in the late 1800s, with gold, copper and titanium ore being found there. In those early days a large copper deposit was mined at the Mount Emma Mine near Park Mountain, and two famous gold mines were the Red Rover and Governor mines.
Retaining the old western element, downtown Acton has a western-style saloon called the 49er, which was built originally in 1889. Today, life in this community is more genteel yet still has a rural flavor.
Acton is well known for its agriculture: peaches, pears, honey and the most beautiful lilacs anywhere. It is also home to many species of plants and wildlife: unarmored threespine stickleback fish, great basin sage, quail, hawks, ravens, squirrels, kangaroo rats, owls and roadrunners. Eagles, mountain lions, black bears or white-tailed deer may also be spotted.
Acton is home to Shambala Preserve, a haven for endangered exotic big cats that come from circuses, zoos and private owners. The 80-acre preserve has been operated for many years by actress Tippi Hedren. It is located at 6867 Soledad Canyon Road and is open to the public one weekend a month by advance reservation only. In addition, Acton has many private campgrounds throughout Soledad Canyon.
Agua Dulce
Agua Dulce, which means “sweet water” in Spanish, was first inhabited by the Tataviam Indians, and the monolithic Vasquez Rock formations were a favorite shelter for the tribe. The Vasquez Rocks also served as the hideout for Mexican bandit Tibercio Vasquez from 1870 to 1874. Known as the kissing bandit because he usually kissed the ladies after robbing them, he was caught in 1875.
In the 1880s the farmers created the Soledad Township, which was Agua Dulce’s original name. Large lots attract horse ranches, equestrian amenities, and views of fabulous geological formations. Today street names such as Wagon Wheel Road, Yucca Hills and Durango Lane remind everyone of the rich Old West heritage of the area. The Vasquez Rock County Park near Agua Dulce has been featured as the rugged backdrop for many movies – from westerns to science fiction – as well as numerous TV shows and commercials. Residents flock to its annual fair, parade and sunrise services along with programs at Vasquez Rocks Park. The 190-acre Agua Dulce AirPark for private planes is popular with pilots.
Newhall Ranch
Newhall Ranch is a planned community of homes, shopping, commercial and public services, cultural facilities and recreation proposed by The Newhall Land & Farming Co. A spectacular 19-square-mile area will be conserved as open space, representing 51 percent of its total area, as Newhall Ranch takes shape as a self-contained community. The project will comprise a 21,600-home community west of Interstate 5 and along State Route 126. It will eventually be home to some 60,000 people.
When creating a new community, it is vital to have a complete understanding of what people want. Newhall Land has listened to the needs, wishes and dreams of those looking for a new place to call home — and it shows in the plan for Newhall Ranch. After completion, Newhall Ranch will provide an estimated 19,300 permanent jobs, 59 percent of homes within walking distance of village or commercial centers, two fire stations, a new water-reclamation plant, an electric substation, a library, an 18-hole golf course, and 50 miles of pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle trails. The developer has also agreed to finance the building of five elementary schools, a junior high school and a high school over the next 25 years. Although construction is expected by 2008, the development still faces some governmental and legal hurdles.
Post Offices
The Santa Clarita Valley has plenty of U.S. Post Service facilities throughout its communities. The national telephone number for all post offices is 800/275-8777.
- Golden Valley Post Office
26541 Ruether Ave., Suite B - Canyon Country Post Office
18336 Soledad Canyon Road - Santa Clarita Post Office
24355 Creekside Road - Lyons Post Office
23642 Lyons Ave. - Valencia Post Office
25842 1/2 Tournament Road - Newhall Post Office
24201 The Old Road - Castaic Post Office
31519 Castaic Road - Canyon Country
18336 Soledad Canyon Road
Worshipping in Santa Clarita Valley
The Santa Clarita Valley offers more numerous places of worship that welcome all faiths. Church services in the mornings, mid-day, afternoons or evenings make them inviting for all to worship at convenience times. Many churches also have group study, special classes and special events throughout the year.
City of Santa Clarita
Population: 178,000-plus
Elevation 1,200 to 1,400 feet
Santa Clarita is a city that reflects all the best of the Golden State – past, present and future. Located in a picturesque valley south of the Sierra Pelona Mountains and north of the Santa Susanna and San Gabriel mountains, Santa Clarita is big, bold and confident in its growing role as a first-choice community for raising families and building businesses. Within 35 miles of downtown Los Angeles, it is a bustling urban area with a variety of industries, affordable housing, abundant jobs and easy access to the Los Angeles basin.