The following report demonstrates continued change is to be expected in the housing market. Its clear struggling homeowners now have numerous options available to help them avoid foreclosure, however with a financial crisis of this magnitude it take a lot of training to reeducated your work force to handle the new file flow. The process will continue to be slow however changes are being made.
Jennifer and I, Santa Clarita Pre Foreclosure Specialists, are very familiar with the Making Home Affordable HAMP & HAFA Program. We also have an in-depth knowledge of the traditional loan modification and traditional short sale process should you not qualify for assistance from either the Treasury or GSE's.
Enjoy the following artical and make wise decissions when hiring a real estate professional to assist you in avoiding foreclosure.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury released the January edition of the Obama Administration's Housing Scorecard. The latest housing figures show increased new and existing home sales as home affordability remains high, but officials caution that the market remains fragile, as prices are unsettled. Foreclosure starts and completions remained low at the year's end, as lenders continue to review internal servicing procedures.
New and existing home sales increased in December, but remained below levels seen in the first half of 2010. Record low mortgage rates continue to keep home affordability at record high levels. However, home prices remain unsettled at this fragile stage of the recovery. As lenders review internal procedures related to foreclosure processing, many foreclosure actions have been delayed leading to a lower level of foreclosure activity in December than in prior months. The decline is likely to be temporary as lenders eventually revise and resubmit foreclosure paperwork in the coming months.
More than 4.1 million modification arrangements were started between April 2009 and the end of December 2010 - more than double the number of foreclosure completions during that time. These actions included more than 1.4 million HAMP trial modification starts, more than 650,000 FHA loss mitigation and early delinquency interventions, and nearly 2 million proprietary modifications under HOPE Now. While some homeowners may have received help from more than one program, the number of agreements offered was more than double the number of foreclosure completions for the same period (1.7 million).
Homeowners in HAMP permanent modifications continue to perform well over time, with re-default rates lower than industry norms. December data for the Making Home Affordable Program (MHA) shows that after 12 months, nearly 85 percent of homeowners remain in a permanent modification. Homeowners in HAMP permanent modifications have already reduced their mortgage obligation by more than $4.5 billion to date.
In a continued commitment to enhanced reporting and transparency, today the Administration also released the Making Home Affordable Data File which includes characteristics of program participants to date, including financial information, mortgage loan information before and after entering HAMP, performance in a HAMP modification, and race/ethnicity data. The MHA Data File offers mortgage loan-level data and is intended to allow for better understanding of the impact of the program.
Key findings that emerged from a preliminary analysis of the MHA Data File include:
In preparing the MHA Data File, Treasury applied the recommendations of an independent non-profit, non-partisan policy institute to ensure the privacy of participating homeowners. The release of today's data file fulfills a requirement within the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act to make available loan-level data about the program. Treasury will update the file monthly and will expand reporting to include newer initiatives that are part of Making Home Affordable.
Here's what Tim Massad, acting Treasury Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability, had to say, "The data released today demonstrates that the Administration's programs are reaching middle income homeowners and providing them with real payment relief, while we cannot prevent every foreclosure, it is important to remember that these programs have helped to create more options for affordable and sustainable assistance than have ever been available before."
Visit www.santaclaritapreforeclosurespecialists.com for more information on avoidng foreclosure with a loan modification or short sale.
Santa Clarita Short Sale Specialist HAFA Program update
Homeowners updates to the HAFA Short Sale Program loosened some of the eligibility requirements.
The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program provides opportunities for borrowers to transition to more affordable housing through a short sale or deed-in-lieu (DIL) of foreclosure when they can no longer afford to stay in their home but want to avoid foreclosure. HAFA provides financial incentives to servicers, investors, and borrowers that utilize a short sale or a DIL to avoid a foreclosure on a HAMP-eligible loan.
The HAFA short sale process employs standard form documents and defined performance timeframes to facilitate clear communication between the parties to the listing and sale transaction. Servicers must adhere to the following guidelines in connection with the issuance of an SSA. (Short Sale Agreement)
Either proactively, or at the request of an eligible borrower, the servicer will prepare and send an SSA to the borrower after determining that the proposed sale is in the best interest of the investor. A borrower may not participate in a TPP (Loan Mod Trail Payment Plan) and agree to an SSA simultaneously. The servicer will also provide the borrower a RASS, (Request Approval Short Sale) pre-populated with contact information for the servicer, the property address and the loan number.
The borrower must sign and return the SSA within 14 calendar days from the SSA Effective Date along with a copy of the real estate broker listing agreement and information regarding any subordinate liens. In returning and signing the SSA the borrower agrees to:
As your Santa Clarita Short Sale Agent we have the training and skillset to get you through the HAFA program or traditional short sale process, which ever route your eligible for. Our extensive knowledge of this foreclosure market sets us apart from our competition. As you can see continuing education is critical to keep up with the changes occurring in this real estate market.
Jennifer and I are both Advanced CDPE Agents with a Pre Foreclosure Specialist Certifications. By working with us homeowners ensure themselves they are working with an agent who is receiving continuing education and is up to date on all the options available to utilize. Jennifer and I keep current with continuing education from our Advanced CDPE membership and or personal relationship with PartnerFirst/Servicelink. As your Santa Clarita HAFA Short Sale Agent, Jennifer and I will explain this complex process in layman's terms.
The below HAFA policy chart outlines changes made to existing guidelines on December 28, 2010. These changes go into effect February 1, 2011, but servicers may adhere to guidelines immediately.
For more information visit, Santa Clarita's Foreclosure / Short Sale Resource Center
Feeling Financially Squeezed?
Beginning a new year with the prospect of losing your home is a situation no one wants to be in. The reality is that millions of Americans across the country are struggling with unaffordable mortgage payments, and more than ever lenders are motivated to work with homeowners to come to a resolution. I can help inform you of your options and show you how to create a strategy that will loosen the hold that foreclosure has on your future.
Short sales are a terrific option for homeowners struggling with unaffordable mortgage payments. In fact, lenders' losses due to foreclosure are projected to increase at record rates in 2011, giving them more reason to pursue short sales. Lenders are projected to incur losses as severe as 85 percent in foreclosure! Meaning, after deducting the expense of the foreclosure process on a $100,000 loan, they may only get back $15,000!
It's common sense that lenders will be looking toward the short sale solution. Even though they are accepting less than is owed on the property, they lose far less than in a foreclosure sale.
In fact, in the Santa Clarita area, short sale transactions make up 58% of active, back up and Pending listings.
It may be a surprise to many that lenders actually want to work out a solution that benefits all parties. Oftentimes, the lender is seen as the villain in the situation. I've found that the lenders want to avoid foreclosure just as much as homeowners. The free, downloadable report on this website talks more about working with your lender, and details all the foreclosure alternatives available to you.
Download the report and call me today; I can help you develop a plan to work with your lender and avoid foreclosure.
Jennifer & Gary Ricco are prepared & equipped to handle any of your specific real estate needs. If you are buying or selling homes in Santa Clarita you need a Santa Clarita Short Sales Expert specializing in short sale negotiations, who has proven results.
Here is what one of our recent clients has to say about our service.
11-15-10
If you're reading this, then you're in the same position my wife and I were in. We were scared about our worsening financial situation, embarrassed, and unsure of our future. So by the time we made the call to the Ricco's, we were desperate. We needed help, answers to a lot of questions, and were hoping our meeting with them wasn't going to be some contrived shakedown by a couple sleazy Realtors. That didn't happen. They were direct, patient with us, and put us at ease while they answered what we believed, were very difficult questions. No, no shake down, because that's not Gary and Jennifer, not by a long shot.
Let me say, you did well to find them. With so many homes and families in distress, there are naturally a lot of realtors you could have picked. It isn't easy, and some how, some way, you chose well. You'll find both Gary and Jennifer to have a unique passion about their work. That passion and energy never waned during our time with them. Our situation was very complicated, and it took a year before we finally saw closure, and during that time, they were always there. They often had the answers to our questions before we asked, and when the bank(s) were being difficult, they were able to diagnose for us in layman's terms, what it was the bank's were doing. They fought hard for us. At times, we lost hope. But it was their passion, coupled with their knowledge and experience in the incredibly complex foreclosure market, which impressed us the most. During the toughest times, it was these traits that put both my wife and I at ease.
What we'd really like to pass along to you is this...you picked the best. What you're facing is no joke. It's ugly, and isn't going to go away anytime soon. You should be anxious, and scared about what's ahead....we were. But now, looking back at it, we are very glad we chose the Ricco's. Because of their work and efforts, they allowed us to keep some dignity and piece of mind during our crisis. It is with that we proudly recommend them to you. If you decide to take them on, enjoy the ride.
Jeff and Laurie S.
If you are an investor or are interested in buying real estate in Santa Ca click on the photo below of our main website; there you can search the SoCal MLS directly. The IDX on our website allows you to specifically search for REO's or Short Sales in any area of Santa Clarita or Southern California.
As an experienced Santa Clarita Real Estate Agent Specializing in Short Sale Negotiations we provide our clients with a comprehensive plan whether they are buying or selling a home. Our thorough, detailed Comparative Market Analysis of a home's value will determine the purchase price your willing to pay or sell your home for. We will also provide you with the professional guidance necessary to take you comfortably and smoothly through this complex process to close of escrow.
One of the biggest concerns expressed by distressed sellers is, "How am I going to pay commissions and traditional closing costs?" The answers is, the traditional closing costs; which includes real estate commissions are paid by your lender/investor in a short sale.
Jennifer and I are advanced CDPE short sales experts and certified pre foreclosure specialists. This website is your pre foreclosure/short sale resource center. By clicking on the below photo of our Advanced CDPE Home Page you can fact check important information, regarding loan modification, MHA, HAFA Short Sales and more.
If your struggling with your home, please call us we have solutions to your problems
PartnerFirst's Agent Management Services is looking for Realtors that are savvy with technology, REO's and short sales. Realtors in Chicago, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Nevada and Arizona looking to position themselves for lender driven leads should consider PartnerFirst's Pre Foreclosure Specialist Certification and AMS.
Jennifer and I have gained valuable insight into the default services industry through PartnerFirst. Sign up now and receive $100 off the PSC certification which is regularly $499. Enter "PFS" as the Promo Code to receive your $100 discount!
August 17, 2010 Top Mortgage Default Industry Executive Bill Breeden was announced as Chief Development Officer of PartnerFirst. Prior to joining PartnerFirst, Bill was SVP at ServiceLink and AssetLink, LP (both Fidelity National Financial Companies), as well as COO and CFO at Moss Codilis, Stawiarski, Morris, Schneider & Prior, LLP.
major-servicer-announcement-from-scott-thompson-director-of-short-sales-for-servicelink-
Click on this link: PartnerFirst & Agent Management Services to become a part of the solution now!
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Certified Pre-Foreclosure Specialist with a Certified Distressed Property Expert designation serving North Los Angeles County, Santa Clarita Valley and Ventura County.
Now is not the time to gamble with your financial future... It's more important then ever to utilize a Certified Pre Foreclosure Specialists who has the intergity, training and experience to get you back on track. As a member of PartnerFirst's training cadre, I teach Realtors that are specializing in pre-foreclosure options. As a Certified Pre Foreclosure Specialist (PSC) with a Certified Distressed Property Expert designation (CDPE), I'll utilize all the government assistance programs and/or the traditional pre foreclosure otpions available. Your understanding of this process is a critical part of managing your loss and getting your credit history to recover quicker. I recommend you speak with the clients I've saved from foreclosure. My promise is not tell you what you want to hear, it's to tell you what you need to know.
There are solutions. Our track record proves we have the skills to deal with the banks loss mitigation/home retention departments. Our goal is to try to get you to look at your situation without attaching your emotions. Viewing the situation from a strictly business viewpoint, you can more successfully analyze which option will best suit your situation and move you towards resolving your financial difficulties.
One very important thing to remember:
Time is of the essence. With proper consulting and serious thought of your situation you allow yourself enough time to complete the chosen process. Before the process chooses you.
How can a Certified Pre Foreclosure Specialist, PSC with a Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, CDPE help you? With many homeowners facing financial hardships we have found it critical to be able to sit down with a homeowner and educate them on the current market conditions. With this evaluation we are able show you what these transactions entail having a system in place to get you on the path to recovery. Dealing with these transactions requires an agent that has taken the time to understand them from start to finish. 2010 has been named the "Year of the Short Sale". Homeowners have more opportunities to quailify for assistance with the roll out of HAFA. With working with an agent that is confident in these transaction will increase its success, you need an Expert in your corner and by your side. If your facing a foreclosure you need an Expert team, not an average real estate agent. Gary & Jennifer Ricco PSC, CDPE www.SantaClaritaPreForeclosureSpecialists.com While our men and women are serving our local communities or our country we are here to help those families with what could be the largest and most daunting purchase of their lives with honesty and integrity. One of our focuses is to help Law Enforcement, First Responders and military families with thier real estate needs. I met and married Jennifer during my service in the United States Marine Corp (Semper Fi) this gives us unique understanding of military families. As Retired Police Officers, Jennifer and I know all to well, how important your time off is spent and how important integrity and confidentiality is.
Testimonials
11-15-10
If you're reading this, then you're in the same position my wife and I were in. We were scared about our worsening financial situation, embarrassed, and unsure of our future. So by the time we made the call to the Ricco's, we were desperate. We needed help, answers to a lot of questions, and were hoping our meeting with them wasn't going to be some contrived shakedown by a couple sleazy realtors. That didn't happen. They were direct, patient with us, and put us at ease while they answered what we believed, were very difficult questions. No, no shake down, because that's not Gary and Jennifer, not by a long shot.
Let me say, you did well to find them. With so many homes and families in distress, there are naturally a lot of realtors you could have picked. It isn't easy, and some how, some way, you chose well. You'll find both Gary and Jennifer to have a unique passion about their work. That passion and energy never waned during our time with them. Our situation was very complicated, and it took a year before we finally saw closure, and during that time, they were always there. They often had the answers to our questions before we asked, and when the bank(s) were being difficult, they were able to diagnose for us in layman's terms, what it was the bank's were doing. They fought hard for us. At times, we lost hope. But it was their passion, coupled with their knowledge and experience in the incredibly complex foreclosure market, which impressed us the most. During the toughest times, it was these traits that put both my wife and I at ease.
What we'd really like to pass along to you is this...you picked the best. What you're facing is no joke. It's ugly, and isn't going to go away anytime soon. You should be anxious, and scared about what's ahead....we were. But now, looking back at it, we are very glad we chose the Ricco's. Because of their work and efforts, they allowed us to keep some dignity and piece of mind during our crisis. It is with that we proudly recommend them to you. If you decide to take them on, enjoy the ride.
Jeff and Laurie S.
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June 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that my husband and I write this letter of recommendation for real estate agents, Gary Ricco and Jennifer Ricco of Keller-Williams Real Estate. We met Gary and Jennifer for the purchase of a house and were so impressed by their professionalism, we entrusted them to act as buyer/seller agents and to list for sale our home also. From the beginning we experienced top-notch realty expertise, from the numerous two sets of real estate documents, the virtual tour photos, and the weekly updates online that showed statistics as to how many times our house had been visited online. We were very pleased with the manner in which our home was listed, presented and shown to prospective buyers. Gary and Jennifer sold our home and assisted us in purchasing our new home. Both escrows went smoothly and we therefore highly recommend Gary and Jennifer Ricco for any real estate need.
We met them on a business level and we have developed a friendship that will continue for many years.
Sincerely,
Fred and Audria
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March 1, 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for Gary and Jennifer Ricco. My wife and I were represented by Gary and Jennifer in the short sale of our home, and we can honestly say that they truly are the most amazing real estate agents we have ever worked with.
From the very first moment we met with Gary and Jennifer, we could tell that they were honest, compassionate, and genuine. Gary and Jennifer truly showed an interest in their work and a desire to help people in need. When we explained our situation and need for help, they listened. After gaining a solid understanding of our situation, Gary and Jennifer provided us with options to solve our problem and a commitment to executing the plan no matter how long it took or how difficult it could become.
A short sale is not an easy one, and Gary and Jennifer demonstrated a strong understanding of the entire process and an amazing ability to make it work. From start to finish, Gary and Jennifer knew exactly what needed to be done. They were always one step ahead of the game and had a solid reaction plan based on every possible outcome for any given situation. We were nervous about trying to tackle a short sale with our home, but Gary and Jennifer were always there to explain everything and make us feel comfortable. They truly are experts in distressed property transactions.
Gary and Jennifer have an answer for everything; I truly believe they can accomplish the impossible. I would highly recommend Gary and Jennifer to anyone who needs to buy or sell a home no matter how dire or complicated the situation may be. If anyone can help, Gary and Jennifer can. Not only will they get the job done, but they will be there for you every step of the way.
Gary and Jennifer truly are amazing people. In a world where it seems nobody can be trusted, you can count on Gary and Jennifer. They will help you through any real estate transaction, and be your friend too. When you work with Gary and Jennifer, not only do you benefit from their expertise and professionalism, but you also benefit from the entire professional community that they bring with them. Gary and Jennifer Ricco provide a total package solution to a complex problem.
Sincerely,
Jason H.
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"Caring, diligent, aggressive, thoughtful are just some of the character traits that describe the dynamic duo of Jennifer & Gary Ricco. The short sale process was a long process that had its share of frustration and angst; however, Jennifer & Gary never gave an inch to the lender, worked constantly with the lender and other parties to ensure we received the best possible terms for the sale of our property. In addition, they walked us through the process, kept us up to date with the latest information, and remained positive throughout the entire process. Jennifer & Gary worked out a great deal for us that allowed us to sell our property as well move on with our life at a new residence that Jennifer & Gary were instrumental in helping us to secure. We could not have closed the sale of our home with such agreeable terms and moved on successfully to our new residence without the tremendous efforts & skills of both Jennifer & Gary. We sincerely thank you and will recommend you both to our friends, family & peers."
Daren F. Stevenson Ranch, Ca Fri Apr 17, 2009
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"Over the last 20 years, I have experienced the purchase and sell of several homes, and have dealt with a variety of Realtors. By far, my experience with Gary and Jennifer Ricco has been the most satisfying of all. From the moment we met Gary and Jennifer, I was extremely impressed with their professionalism. The sale of this house was a very difficult decision for my family and me, due to the tragic circumstances surrounding this resolution. When I called Jennifer to arrange the first meeting, she was empathetic, showed great compassion for my situation, and was strongly equipped with all sorts of relevant information. Through the entire process they explained every procedure, had great strategy in place, and went above and beyond to promote the sale of the house. Additionally, for hours and days at a time, Gary relentlessly negotiated with the mortgage company in order to get the lengthy and tedious process sorted out. Fortunately and thanks to all their great efforts the house was sold! My family and I will forever be grateful for their hard work and determination. Because of this wonderful support; we can now look forward to owning another home in the not so distant future."
Jeanette M. Canyon Country, Ca Mon Jun 1, 2009
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People continue to flock to the Santa Clarita Valley in record numbers, and for good reason. As one of the fastest-growing communities in both California and the nation, the Santa Clarita Valley is a destination of choice for people seeking both a family-oriented atmosphere and a business-friendly environment. Many say this valley is the brightest discovery in the Golden State. In fact, USA Today named Santa Clarita one of the nation's 100 best communities in 2007. Spend some time in this thriving community and you'll discover why so many families and businesses call it home.
City of Santa Clarita
Population: 177,418
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.
The majority of the population is concentrated in the City of Santa Clarita, which contains most of the communities of Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus and Valencia. The City of Santa Clarita encompasses 46.7 square miles of the approximately 200-square-mile Santa Clarita Valley, which was named for the Spanish Saint Clare by the early padres and explorers.
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, 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.
Information courtesy of the Santa Clarita Resource Guide 2007-2008
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