With all the misinformation being distributed by the media these days, Jennifer and I wanted to share with the Santa Clarita community, the expertise we gained by obtaining our Certified Distressed Property Expert designation. As REALTORS® (CDPE's) specializing in foreclosure avoidance, we understand how critical it is for homeowners to find the right professional equipped to handle their situation. Millions of homeowners across America are currently struggling with their mortgages and are in need highly trained professionals to provide assistance with Loan Modification requests and Short Sale options. As real estate professionals, Jennifer and I feel obligated to provide the most up to date information to homeowners, so they can make informed decisions which will help them minimize their loss and limit the damage to their credit history.
President Obama's Making Home Affordable program has created incentive for more Loan Modifications to get approved, refinancing of existing loans to lower monthly payments and recently standardized the Short Sale process for homeowners that don't qualify for refinancing or loan modifications.
With Jennifer and I both coming from careers in Law Enforcement, is wasn't hard to see that this market created an opportunity for struggling homeowners to be taken advantage of. We want the Santa Clarita community to understand that paying fee's for someone to submit a Loan Modification is completely unnecessary. As a service to our community we provide free consultations to struggling homeowners and will show you how to submit a Loan Modification request. We want Santa Clarita homeowners to know they have a trusted resource to turn to. As Advanced CDPE members, Jennifer and I stay on top of this changing process with our affiliation to over 7,000 Realtor's across the country, who are committed to doing the right thing for homeowners.
Alex Charfen is the founder of the Distressed Property Institute. Alex and the board of directors are a wealth of knowledge for our association, they provide monthly training webinar's to our membership to keep us current with this constantly changing process. Please take a minute to watch this important message from Alex. www.youtube.com/user/cdpenow
The following flyer's are very informative, they provide important information for struggling homeowners on the Loan Modification and Short Sale process as options and solutions to avoid foreclosure. As you can see Alex has provided our membership with the knowledge and tools to reach out to homeowners in need of professionals equipped to handle their situations.
As your Santa Clarita REALTOR®, Jennifer and I are committed to our community's needs. We have already successfully helped homeowners in the Santa Clarita Valley avoid foreclosure. We have developled working relationships with negotiators and loss mitigator supervisors. If your a Santa Clarita resident struggling with your mortgage payment, please contact Jennifer and I for a Free Consultation, its critical that you hire a professional who's trained to implement the options explained below to avoid foreclosure.
This announcement comes directly from the National Association of REALTORS® Government Affairs Division 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20001. As Realtor's Specializing in Pre Foreclosure options and short sales, Jennifer and I like to keep the public up to date on changes impacting the Foreclosure Process.
Responding to the call of the National Association of REALTORS®, on May 14, 2009, the Obama Administration announced incentives and uniform procedures for short sales under its new Foreclosure Alternatives Program (FAP). For borrowers who are unable to retain their home under the Making Home Affordable Loan Modification Program, the servicer may consider a short sale or, if that is not successful, a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Participating servicers must comply with program requirements so long as they do not conflict with contractual agreements with investors. Late July is the Treasury Departments current target for issuing guidelines and forms necessary to start the program.
The problem with this is the servicers participating in this program still have control over the short sale process, they will still be able to delay and control the process without any accountability.
Borrowers (Homeowners).
Borrowers/homeowners qualify under the FAP if they meet minimum eligibility requirements for the Home Affordable Modification program (Streamlined Modification Program) but do not qualify for a modification or do not successfully complete the three month trial period. Before proceeding with a foreclosure, the servicers must determine if a short sale is appropriate.
Incentives.
Incentives include: (1) $1,000 for servicers for successful completion of a short sale or deed in-lieu of foreclosure; (2) $1,500 for borrowers/homeowners to help with relocation expenses; and (3) up to $1,000 toward the cost of paying junior lien holders to release their liens (one dollar from the government for every $2 paid by the investors to the second lien holders).
This is a great incentive for the servicers, it will also help struggling homeowners with moving expenses. This will also help negotiations with junior lien holders because most junior lien holders are requesting 10% of the amount owed.
Standardized Documents.
The program will include streamlined and standardized documents, including a Short Sale Agreement and an Offer Acceptance Letter. The goal is to minimize complexity and increase use of the short sale option.These documents are already standardized, here in California a short sale transaction is no different then any other transaction, it only has one additional contingency. (lender approval of short payoff) CAR has also provided a short sale addendum/short sale agreement.
Property Valuation by Appraisal or BPO.
Servicers will independently establish both property value and minimum acceptable net return, in accordance with investor requirements. The price may be determined based on an appraisal or one or more broker price opinions (BPOs), issued no more than 120 days before the date of the short sale agreement.This has been a big problem, since the HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) went into effect the servicers and lenders set the property value, which is often above what Fair Market Value is. This can cause appraisal issues as lenders/investors try to drive home values higher in a declining market.
Time-line.
In the Short Sale Agreement, servicers must give borrowers/homeowners at least 90 days to market and sell the property, or up to one year, depending on market conditions. Property must be listed with a licensed real estate professional with experience in the neighborhood. No foreclosure may take place during the marketing period (at least 90 days) specified in the Short Sale Agreement.This is another step in the right direction for struggling homeowners who have received a NOD & NOTS, it affords Realtor's familiar with the area extra time to find a buyer. The problem I still see with the short sale process, with regards to time-lines is the amount of time the servicers take to approve the transaction. The amount of time a short sale proposal takes is still a deterring factor for buyers.
Commissions.
The Short Sale Agreement must specify the reasonable and customary real estate commissions and costs that may be deducted from the sales price. The servicer must agree not to negotiate a lower commission after an offer has been received.No Borrower Fees.
Servicers may not charge fees to borrowers/homeowners for participating in the FAP. Program Expiration. The program is in effect through 2012.
Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure Option.
Servicers have the option to require the borrower/homeowner to agree to deed the property to the servicer in exchange for a release from the debt if the property does not sell within the time allowed in the Short Sale Agreement (plus any extensions)Deeding the property to the servicers may be a good option for primary residence homeowners. The borrower must make sure they are released from all the debt, clarify how this will be reported on their credit report and the shortages fall under tax relief from the Mortgage Debt Relief Act, which investment properties do not.
If your a Santa Clarita Homeowner struggling with your mortgage payment or facing foreclosure, Jennifer and I are here to show you what options you have. Don't pay additional fee's, our consultations are FREE, as a community service we will show how to request a loan modification from your lender, should you meet the guidelines.
As Santa Clarita Realtor's Specializing in short Sales we have the experience and training to provide you with solutions that will minimize your financial loss and limit the damage to your credit history. Contact Jennifer and Gary Ricco, at Keller Williams VIP Properties to schedule a consultation today. 661.290.3837
For short sale facts follor this link http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com once there click on Short Sale FAQ's
As Realtor's specliaizing in short sales in the Santa Clarita Real Estate market, Jennifer and I strive to set ourselves apart from the average agent. Jennifer and I believe in "Quality Consulting Through Continuous Improvement" As the real estate market and economy changes we change with it. We also believe that continuing education and technology are critical elements a Realtor must invest in, to be able to consult buyers and sellers in today's market.
In an effort to provide our clients with the most current and innovative ways to search for the property of their dreams, Jennifer and I recently upgraded the way our clients have access to the properties listed on the MLS. Our new system utilizes Google maps and provides the individual searching for a property ariel photos of the home and the surrounding neighborhood, the ability to search in a specific tract with Santa Clarita, search for Santa Clarita short sale properties, bank owned properties, and gated communities. The system provides a walking score, which scores the properties walking distance to stores, parks, and paseo's.
Please go to our website www.riccosellshomes.com click on the "buyers link" or the,"Search Santa Clarita Tract link" and try our new system. Jennifer and I would appreciate your feedback, especially if you difficult to search for and find Santa Clarita properties. We value any and all consumer comments.
First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
The $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit can also be utilized on 1-4 family properties. The greatest thing is that not all buyers need to be first time home buyers. This means that an individual who qualifies for the credit can get their parents to co-sign on the loan and/or contribute to the down payment, and this would not disqualify the individual from taking the credit. A group of friends, relatives or investors could get together and buy a duplex, triplex, or four-unit property, and the credit can be claimed by any one or more of the investors as long as the individual(s) claiming the credit live in one of the units as their primary home for at least three years. They could claim the credit even though they are generating income by renting out one or more of the other units.
The maximum FHA loan-limit on four-unit properties ranges from $521,250 in low cost housing markets up to $1,403,400 in the highest cost markets of the country. An investor who is trying to sell their 1-4 family unit property can also utilize this strategy to stimulate potential buyers. This strategy just became a whole lot easier now that the FHA is allowing the credit to be utilized as part of the buyer's down payment. As of May 29, buyers are now allowed to borrow against the credit or sell it to their lender or another 3rd party as way of helping with their down payment.
Reverse Mortgage for Purchase Transactions
Until the end of 2009, an investor who is age 62 or older can purchase a 1-4 unit property worth up to $625,500 with a 30% - 35% down payment, live in one of the units, generate income by renting out the other units, and never have to make a mortgage payment for the rest of their entire life. This opens up a lot of options for seniors and investors who are wondering how to supplement their retirement income now that their house values and retirement accounts have taken such a huge hit.
The reverse mortgage for home purchase transactions became available on January 1, 2009, and the higher loan limit of $625,500 became available a few months ago as part of the 2009 economic stimulus plan. Investors who are trying to sell their duplexes, triplexes, or four-unit properties can utilize this strategy in their marketing as a way of stimulating potential buyers. This strategy has been lost in all the noise of the last few months and very few people are aware that it can be done. The $625,500 higher loan limit really opens up a lot of options, but it expires at the end of the year so you need to take action now.
Rent-to-Own or Sale-Leaseback Opportunities
There are a large number of distressed home owners who will not qualify for the mortgage modification plans announced by the government. These home owners still need a place to live, and many will not be able to qualify for conventional or government mortgage financing for at least another 3-5 years.
A rent-to-own strategy is where an investor or Realtor takes a potential home buyer house shopping even though the buyer can't qualify for traditional financing. The investor buys the house, rents it to the tenant who picked out the house and wants to live there, and gives the tenant the right to buy the home at a pre-determined price at some point in the future. A sale-leaseback strategy is where a home owner sells their current property to an investor and then pays the investor rent, with the option to buy back the home at a pre-determined price at some point in the future.
While most real estate investors are scrambling to find tenants for their vacant properties, savvy investors could utilize either a rent-to-own or a sale-leaseback strategy to find tenants before they commit their investment dollars to a specific property. This is a fantastic opportunity for investors to work with the large population of people who won't qualify for the government foreclosure prevention plans.
Even so, there are a few potential landmines to avoid. If the tenant defaults on their rent or walks away from the deal, the investor could be left holding the bag. Also, if the investor defaults on the mortgage and goes into foreclosure, the tenant may be evicted by the new owner. The new federal housing law provides two minimum guidelines that protect tenants in these and other situations:
It is more important than ever before for investors, home owners and buyers to work with a Certified Distressed Property Expert, especially with all the rapid changes that are constantly taking place in the mortgage and housing markets.
Contact Jennifer & Gary Ricco of Keller Williams VIP Properties at 661.290.3837. To search for properties & learn more about us please visit our website at www.riccosellshomes.com
Homeowners dealing with foreclosure are faced with difficult decisions. Foreclosure is quite possibly the most devastating financial and emotional process a homeowner or family can go through. The reality is, it's not going to be painless, however many foreclosures should never happen. Homeowners have options and now they have somewhere to turn for solutions.
As Santa Clarita Realtor's specializing in short sales, Jennifer and I are here to educate homeowners why it's important to avoid foreclosure. Our objective is to minimize an individuals financial loss, while limiting the damage to their credit history. This is why it's critical to select and utilize a Realtor who has successfully helped homeowners avoid foreclosure in this market. Through extensive education and ongoing experience, Jennifer & I have dedicated our time and effort to understanding the issues distressed homeowners are dealing with. We understand and utilize a full range of solutions, which are dictated by the clients financial situation.
On April 16, 2009 Jennifer and I successfully negotiated and closed a short sale, preventing a foreclosure, on 25338 Joyce Place, Stevenson Ranch. Here's a photo of the property 
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.
On May 22, 2009 Jennifer and I successfully negotiated and closed a short sale, preventing a foreclosure, on 26764 Pamela Drive, Canyon Country. Here's a photo of the property.
Over the last 20 years, I have experienced the purchase and sale 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
If your struggling to make your mortgage payments due to a Job loss, medical condition, divorce or an adjustable rate mortgage or have been unable to make your mortgage payment, time is running out. Take this time to talk with Jennifer & Gary Ricco, Santa Clarita Realtor's Certified as Distressed Property Experts, our consultations are free, educational and confidential. We will analyze your financial situation and provide you with solutions that minimize your financial loss and limit the damage to your credit history. Don't loose your home to foreclosure without a fight. To set up an appointment call 661.290.3837
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I am a Certified Pre-Foreclosure Specialist with a Certified Distressed Property Expert designation serving North Los Angeles County, Santa Clarita Valley and Ventura County.
I'm originally from New Jersey, I have lived in Southern California for over 20 years, making the Santa Clarita Valley home for the past 14 plus years. I am an active member of this community, I am a original committee member for our local Boy Scout Troop #499 out of Stevenson Ranch. I have also coached AYSO Soccer and have taught Karate within our community. I have devoted my life to serving others through leadership in my profession and in my community.
I served in the United States Marine Corps, which afforded me the opportunity to travel all over Southeast Asia and I'm a veteran of the first Gulf War. Upon seperating from the military, I enjoyed a 14 year career in law enforcement. The experience of living and working within multi cultural communities has expanded my understanding of life.
I specialize in residential real estate, single family homes, condominiums and investment properties. I am pleased to provide my professional guidance to assist you in evaluating you real estate needs. I listen to my clients and formulate a plan that is tailored to their specific needs whether your buying or selling. As this market changes I change with it by continuing education, I am staying on top of latest real estate trends whether the market is up or down. I will provide my clients an opportunity to fill out a survey, upon completion of any transaction, that will rate my service at the end of every transaction, it is my goal to earn 100% satisfaction. I believe in, "quality consulting through continuous improvement."
With both my wife and I having worn the badge and my service in the United States Marine Corp (Semper Fi), one of my focuses is to help law enforcement and military families. While our men and women are serving our local communities or our country, I am here to help those families with the largest and most important investment of their lives. I do this with honesty and integrity.
Dealing with a hardship thats leading to a foreclosure? I'm a Certified Distressed Property Expert with a Pre-Foreclosure Specialist Certification. Are you unfamiliar with the Pre-Foreclosure process. Is a forebearance, loan modification, deed-in-lieu or a short sale an option? Do you have extra money to pay expansive hourly attorney's fees to handle this transaction, when a trained Realtor who gets paid by the lender can do it? Most individuals enter this process without any visible intervention. Homeowners who are in the pre-foreclosure process need to speak with a Certified Pre-Foreclosure Specialist as quickly as possible. For many homeowners foreclosure is not the only option however most don't have trusted professionals to explore solutions with. By dealing with a Realtor who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert Designation (CDPE) and Pre-Foreclosure Specialist Certification (PSC), homeowners ensure that they are working with a real estate professional that is equipped to handle their specific needs.
The Distressed Property Institute & PartnerFirst trains agents to understand the foreclosure process that all together too many agents do not understand. CDPE & PSC agents have an arsenal of foreclosure solutions available to make certain they are doing everything they can to help a distressed homeowner out of their situation. I will analyze which options best suit the client and move towards resolving this financial difficulty. One very important thing to remember: no matter where your at in the foreclosure process Time is of the essence. A trained Realtor can provide you with options so you can take quick action in order to allow enough time to complete the chosen process.
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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