Category Archives: Santa Clarita

2017 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA ROUTE ANNOUNCED: Santa Clarita to Provide Setting for Exciting Stage 4 Finish

Santa Clarita, Calif. – Beginning on May 14, 2017, the 2017 Amgen Tour of California,presented by AEG, brings the drama and excitement of professional cycling to California for the twelfth consecutive year. The Amgen Tour of California is regarded as the most internationally respected and esteemed stage race in the U.S. and one of the largest sporting events in the country. The 2017 race will mark the first year the men’s race has been elevated to UCI WorldTour status, making it the only stage race in North America to receive this prestigious classification.  The seven-day men’s race will visit 12 host cities from Sacramento to Pasadena.

On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the City of Santa Clarita will host the Stage 4 Finish for the 2017 Amgen Tour of California (Men’s Race). Stage 4 will begin in host city Santa Barbara and travel 100.3 miles to the finish in Santa Clarita.  Santa Clarita is returning for the ninth year, bringing the total number of stages hosted in Santa Clarita to 13.

In addition to the men’s event, top professional female cyclists from around the world will converge in Northern California three days prior to compete in the Amgen Breakaway from Heart DiseaseTM Women’s Race empowered with SRAM (May 11-14). Presented by Visit California, the route announcement includes a visual overview of the 2017 men’s and women’s courses at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/stages.

With warm breezes coming off the beach across from the start line, it will be just as difficult to leave Santa Barbara as it was in 2015 when the riders took the same route into Santa Clarita. Winding through Montecito and Carpinteria, the riders will be getting their legs ready for two short but steep King of the Mountain (KOM) hill climbs as they approach Lake Casitas. A fast descent down Hwy 150 will take them alongside the lake and into Ojai. Following another KOM up Dennison Grade, the race will return to the picturesque town of Santa Paula, where the base of Balcom Canyon looms just a few miles away.

For many local riders, Balcom Canyon is just too steep and imposing a climb to even attempt. Walking up the top section is the only option for many. This is a unique climb where the riders can easily see the KOM from the start. A popular place to watch the race come by, slowly, crowd estimates have been as high as 5,000 fans in past editions.

Following a “white-knuckle” descent of Grimes Canyon, riders will head through the orange groves near the small town of Piru, and the race will begin its 13-mile eastward push on Hwy 126 toward Santa Clarita. A prevailing tailwind will help keep the race together, and the crowd waiting in Santa Clarita should see another massive field sprint. This stage comes in at more than 100 miles with two sprints, four KOMs and 7,700 feet of climbing.

Santa Clarita is home to some of the state’s most avid cycling communities. Race organizers are predicting an exciting group sprint finish, so residents are encouraged to attend and join in on the excitement.

If you are interested in learning more about the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, visit SantaClaritaTourOfCA.com. This website will be updated with information about volunteer opportunities, ancillary events surrounding the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, and community sponsorship opportunities. For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, including sponsorship and VIP experience opportunities, please visit amgentourofcalifornia.com.

 

About the Amgen Tour of California

The Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race created and presented by AEG that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that traverses hundreds of miles of California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines each spring. The teams chosen to participate have included Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and world champions. Amgen Tour of California is listed on the international professional cycling calendar (2 HC, meaning “beyond category”), awarding important, world-ranking points to the top finishers. More information is available at amgentourofcalifornia.com.

The first-ever U.S. UCI WorldTour course will cover more than 575 miles through 12 host cities May 14-20, including Sacramento, Modesto, San Jose, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Ontario, Mt. Baldy, Big Bear Lake, Mountain High and Pasadena. The Amgen Breakaway from Heart DiseaseTM Women’s Race empowered with SRAM May 11-14 will visit South Lake Tahoe and Elk Grove before concluding in Sacramento as the men’s race gets underway.

About Amgen

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

For more information, visit amgen.com and follow us on twitter.com/amgen.

About AEG

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports venue and live entertainment company. With offices on five continents, AEG operates in the following business segments: AEG Facilities, which is affiliated with or owns, manages or consults with more than 120 preeminent arenas, stadiums, theaters, clubs and convention centers around the world including The O2 Arena, the Sprint Center and the Mercedes-Benz arenas; AEG Live, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events and world-renowned festivals; AEG Real Estate, which develops world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE; AEG Sports, which is the world’s largest operator of sports franchises and high-profile sporting events; and AEG Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating and other strategic partnerships. Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 100 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at aegworldwide.com.

SANTA CLARITA STUDIOS HIGHLIGHTED IN the City of Santa Clarita’s Economic Development video, Santa Clarita Business Minute.

Santa Clarita, Calif. –  Santa Clarita Studios, an independent full-service studio, is the most recent business to be featured in the City of Santa Clarita’s Economic Development video, Santa Clarita Business Minute.

Santa Clarita’s varied topography, over 20 sound stages, over 10 movie ranches and thousands of film-friendly locations, combined with the City’s location within the “30-Mile Zone,” make it one of the most filmed areas in California. The City of Santa Clarita is committed to creating an environment that allows the film industry to thrive and be successful. The City’s Film Office is dedicated to making filming in Santa Clarita as affordable, convenient and enjoyable as possible for production, while balancing the needs of the community’s residents and businesses.

In the latest edition of the Santa Clarita Business Minute, learn more about Santa Clarita Studios, a local studio offering a comprehensive package of products and services to meet all production needs. Countless productions have based and filmed at Santa Clarita Studios over the years, including Netflix’s soon-to-be-released “Santa Clarita Diet,” airing on February 3 and “Atypical.” In addition, TBS’ “The Guest Book,” Freeform’s “Stitchers” and “Switched at Birth,” ABC’s “Mistresses,” FX’s “Justified,” and “The Riches,” CBS’ “CSI” and “The Unit,” HBO’s “Deadwood,” TNT’s “Franklin & Bash,” and Fox’s “Melrose Place” have all filmed at the studio. Movies like A Wrinkle in Time, Magic Camp, Fast & Furious, Bobby, True Lies and Planet of the Apes have also utilized the studio for filming.

In the video, Santa Clarita Studios executives discuss the City of Santa Clarita’s film-friendly and business-friendly approach to filming in Santa Clarita.

“There are so many things we wouldn’t be able to get done, if it wasn’t for the responsive team in the City, if it wasn’t for how film-friendly Santa Clarita is as a City,” said Richard Deutsch, Vice President of Santa Clarita Studios. “Everyone from the Mayor’s Office, to L.A. County Fire, to the Film Office, to the Economic Development group, they’re all there for us. I think we’re not the only industry that would say that. You really have their support as a business here in Santa Clarita.”

The Santa Clarita Business Minute is a video campaign designed to spotlight successful local companies. Santa Clarita Studios is one of more than 6,000 diverse global, national and regional companies that call Santa Clarita home. The most recent video, as well as others, can be viewed at ThinkSantaClarita.com.

For more information about the Santa Clarita Business Minute and to learn why companies like Santa Clarita Studios choose to do business and expand in Santa Clarita, visit ThinkSantaClarita.com.

 

City of Santa Clarita encourages artists to Audition for 10 BY 10: Share your talent at Thursdays@Newhall’s Variety Show

Santa Clarita, Calif. –  Do you enjoy performing for an audience? Thursdays@Newhall’s 10 by 10 event provides emerging artists, as well as seasoned veterans of the stage, the opportunity to do what they love –perform. On the first Thursday of the month, an audience of Santa Clarita residents gathers at the Repertory East Playhouse in Newhall to enjoy ten minute pieces from ten artists.

10 by 10 welcomes all types of performances, so long as they match Thursdys@Newhall’s commitment to building community. Performance types include short films, storytelling, comedy acts, magic shows and more. All interested entertainers must submit an application and a link to a video clip. Participants are selected by the City of Santa Clarita. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. and the ten minute time limit is enforced. Further information and applications can be found at ThursdaysAtNewhall.com.

FRIENDS OF SANTA CLARITA LIBRARY HOSTING GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST

Santa Clarita, Calif. –   The Friends of the Santa Clarita Public Library is inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and build gingerbread houses for submission into the fourth annual Gingerbread House Contest.  Submissions must be dropped off on Friday, December 2 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Valencia Library, located at23743 Valencia Boulevard.  The contest is free and open to all ages and skill levels. From tall ones to small ones, the library wants to see your best gingerbread architecture!

Submissions will be on display the following Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

On Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., residents may purchase five voting tickets for $1.00 to help decide which gingerbread house will receive the People’s Choice Special Award. Winners will be announced at the Valencia Library at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 4. Winners do not need to be present to win. Gingerbread houses will be judgedon imagination, construction, uniformity in baking and overall design.

Contest rules and additional details can be found at SantaClaritaFOL.com. For questions, please email friends@santaclartialibrary.com.

THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NAMED AS LOS ANGELES COUNTY’S “MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CITY”

Santa Clarita, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita has been named The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) 2016 Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County in the population of 68,000 and over category.

Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County’s third largest City, was recognized for the community minded and business driven approach to economic development, the priority of providing high quality jobs for local residents and the creation of an environment where businesses can focus on what they do best. In Santa Clarita, this is accomplished by a team of economic development professionals, business focused City departments, and strong partnerships with business associations and community organizations.

“To once again be named the Most Business Friendly City in Los Angeles County by the LAEDC is a true testament of our dedication to the business community,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “An array of small mom and pop restaurants to national corporate headquarters make up the business landscape in Santa Clarita and we continue to provide valuable resources that help our businesses of all sizes prosper.”

Santa Clarita was selected as a winner through independent review based on the demonstration of commitment to economic development; excellence in programs and services designed to facilitate business entry, expansion and retention; competitive business tax rates and fee structures; availability of economic incentives; and effective communication with and about business clients.

The City of Santa Clarita was a finalist for this award in 2015, 2014, 2007 and 2006. In 2008, the City was named the Most Business Friendly City in Los Angeles County in the population of 50,000 and over category. For more information about the City of Santa Clarita’s Economic Development division, programs and incentives, visitThinkSantaClarita.com.

STARTUP WEEKEND SCV 2016 BRINGS ENTREPRENEURS TOGETHER

 Santa Clarita, Calif. –  From November 4 to November 6, Startup Weekend SCV, sponsored by the City of Santa Clarita, challenged over 40 developers, designers and entrepreneurs to work together and build a startup company in just 54 hours. As part of a global movement, this event, which is completely led and organized by volunteers, offers attendees the opportunity to test new concepts in a challenging, engaging and risk-free environment.

The weekend began on Friday evening with attendees pitching their business ideas. From there, the group voted for the top pitches, teams were formed and the work began. On Saturday, the event continued with prototype building, resource and customer development, one-on-one coaching and feedback from local mentors. The event concluded on Sunday with presentations to a panel of judges that included product developers, investors and other entrepreneurs.

Arin Williams, winner of a pair of free tickets to the event from the Facebook competition held by the City of Santa Clarita said, “The Startup Weekend SCV event was incredible. In fact, my own startup has now become a concrete reality because I got to hook up with a developer who had the skills to bring it to life.” Arin’s startup team tied for second place in the competition.

The first place winner was SafeClub, a Facebook messenger software that will help educate consumers on car insurance choices in simple language, and let them quote and bind insurance packages without an agent. Tied for second was Let’s, an app to help groups plan where to eat based on everyone’s tastes and preferences, and Rangle, an app that empowers citizen journalists to capture footage of local events for media outlets that pay for the coverage.

The audience choice award went to Jam, an app to help musicians plan spontaneous local jam sessions, music lessons and professional collaborations.

The first place team won an investor sit-down, $1,500 credit to Steamwork Center, a new premier shared work and event space in Santa Clarita and $500 in cash. All participants received a free day pass and great offers at Steamwork Center, including a $50 credit toward membership.

Startup Weekend SCV was the final event in the City’s month long celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship during Innovate Santa Clarita. Innovate Santa Clarita events included Santa Clarita Business Incubator entrepreneur highlight videos, networking events, a speaker event and pitch day to prepare for Startup Weekend SCV. As part of the City of Santa Clarita’s dedication to entrepreneurship and innovation, the City was a proud partner for Startup Weekend SCV. The event encourages and values entrepreneurship in the City, and is directly in line with the City’s small business programs and the Santa Clarita Business Incubator.

For highlights of Innovate Santa Clarita, search the hashtag #inSC on social media. To find out more about the Santa Clarita Business Incubator, visit ThinkSantaClarita.com. If you’d like to find additional information about Startup Weekend SCV, visit StartupWeekendSCV.com.

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RETURNS AS HOST CITY FOR THE 2017 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

Santa Clarita, Calif. –  The City of Santa Clarita will host the Stage 4 Finish for the 2017 Amgen Tour of Californiapresented by AEG, on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Of the 2017 lineup of California Host Cities, the City of Santa Clarita has the distinction of having hosted the most stages in race history and 2017 will mark its 13th hosted stage. The Amgen Tour of California is regarded as the most internationally respected and esteemed stage race in the U.S. and one of the largest sporting events in the country.

“The Amgen Tour of California allows the City to bring world-class competition to the City for our residents to enjoy and provides a considerable boost to our tourism efforts,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “The Amgen Tour of California has proved to be a sensational partner with the City of Santa Clarita. Last year, the City was able to showcase our beautiful Old Town Newhall area to thousands of visitors who attended the race.”

The 2017 Amgen Tour of California will kick off this spring in Sacramento and conclude in Pasadena. The 2017 race will mark the first year the men’s race has been elevated to UCI WorldTour status, making it the only stage race in North America to receive this prestigious classification.  Peter Sagan, the 2015 overall Amgen Tour of California winner and one of the most popular cyclists to ever compete in the Amgen Tour of California will be racing for his recently launched BORA-hansgrohe team hoping to add on to his current record of 15 stage wins, including two in 2016.

2017 Amgen Tour of California (Men’s Race) stages include:

Stage 1 – Sacramento, May 14, 2017

Stage 2 – Modesto to San Jose, May 15, 2017

Stage 3 – Pismo Beach to Morro Bay, May 16, 2017

Stage 4 – Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita, May 17, 2017

Stage 5 – Ontario to Mt. Baldy, May 18, 2017

Stage 6 – Big Bear Lake Individual Time Trial, May 19, 2017

Stage 7 – Mountain High to Pasadena, May 20, 2017

In addition to the men’s event, top professional women cyclists from around the world will converge three days prior to the Men’s Race to compete in the Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease Women’s Race empowered with SRAM in South Lake Tahoe. Returning in 2017 is 2016 Amgen Breakaway From Heart Disease Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM defending Champion and current UCI Women’s World Tour Champion Megan Guarnier racing for the Boels-Dolmans team. The women’s competition will conclude its four-stage race in Sacramento on May 14 as the men begin their seven-stage, 600 mile event.

If you are interested in learning more about the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, visit SantaClaritaTourOfCA.com. This website will be updated with information about volunteer opportunities, ancillary events surrounding the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, and community sponsorship opportunities. For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, including sponsorship and VIP experience opportunities, please visit amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Open Spaces, Public Safety, Healthy Lifestyles, Business Incubator, 2020, Among topics at The City of Santa Clarita’s ‘Best in the West’ State of the City Luncheon

By Margie Anne Clark

Valencia, Calif. – Santa Clarita’s City Manager Ken Striplin welcomed a bustling crowd of community leaders and residents who gathered Wednesday to enjoy the company of friends and colleagues.  Guests  learned more about what makes Santa Clarita “The Best in the West,” this year’s theme for the annual State of the City Luncheon.

The City of Santa Clarita hosted its annual State of the City Luncheon with this year's theme, "Best of the West."
The City of Santa Clarita hosted its annual State of the City Luncheon on Wed. Oct. 27, 2016 with this year’s theme, “Best of the West.” Photos by Margie Anne Clark/Los Angeles Life and Style

Mayor Bob Kellar,  speaking along with the City’s five council members to a packed grand ballroom at the Hyatt Valencia, presented an overview of the City’s five-year strategic ‘2020’ plan and current and future projects that make Santa Clarita a destination for homeowners, businesses, tourism and filming .

“It is through partnerships and collaboration that  we are able to sustain critical quality of life for the residents of the City of Santa Clarita. ” – Mayor Bob Kellar

Highlights of the event included a presentation by the Los Angeles County Fire Department Honor Guard of the Posting of the Colors and video taped presentations by each of the City Council members of current and upcoming projects  and accomplishments.

Mayor Bob Kellar, headed up presentations by the five member City of Santa Clarita City Council, presenting an overview of current and future projects that make Santa Clarita, “The Best in the West,” the theme for this year’s annual State of the City Luncheon.

Kellar and City Council members expressed their gratitude to the City of Santa Clarita for their part in planning and staying on budget.  The Mayor also lauded the work of the City’s community partners,  county, state and federal leadership for their work and progress in keeping a balanced and safe community.

“Make no mistake about it, we have done such great things in the community…. but I can’t  think of anything that is more key to our community than our city Manager Ken Striplin,”  Kellar said. “It is through partnerships and collaboration that  we are able to sustain critical quality of life for the residents of the City of Santa Clarita. ”

For a recap of the City of Santa Clarita’s 2016 State of the City Luncheon visit: http://santaclaritacitybriefs.com/2016/10/27/2016-santa-clarita-state-of-the-city-luncheon-recap/

For more information about the City of Santa Clarita’s amenities, events and progress, please visit http://www.santa-clarita.com and http://econdev.santa-clarita.com/santa-clarita-lifestyle/

 

 

 

Six Flags Magic Mountain to celebrate 3rd annual Holiday in the Park! November 19 – January 1

Six Flags Magic Mountain celebrates its 3rd annual Holiday in the Park!

Santa Clarita, Calif. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year as Six Flags Magic Mountain celebrates Holiday in the Park featuring thrilling rides, tasty treats and exciting family entertainment for

Holiday fun is coming to Six Flags Magic Mountain!
Holiday fun is coming to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Nov. 19 – Jan. 1!

the holiday season, from November 19 – January 1 . Six Flags Magic Mountain Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, carolers performing classic yuletide favorites and personalized meet-and-greets with Santa and his helpers. Enjoy all the wonderful aromas of the season while satisfying your appetite and quenching your thirst with hot chocolate, cider, custom fudge, holiday-inspired funnel cake flavors and many other traditional favorites.   Buy your Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets online and save.  Print your tickets at home and skip the ticket booths – go straight to the gate!

 

https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/special-events/holiday-park

The City of Santa Clarita will host the Stage 2 Finish for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California on May 16, 2016. Stage 2 will begin in new host city South Pasadena and travel 92 miles to the finish in Santa Clarita.

Santa Clarita, Calif. – Beginning on May 15, 2016, the world’s most accomplished cyclists will compete in the 2016 Amgen Tour of California, a Tour de France-style cycling road race created and presented by AEG. Cyclists will make their way from the heart of San Diego to Sacramento over the course of eight days across nearly 800 miles of California’s most beautiful terrain. The City of Santa Clarita will host the Stage 2 Finish for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California on May 16, 2016. Stage 2 will begin in new host city South Pasadena and travel 92 miles to the finish in Santa Clarita. Despite being a sprinter’s finish, the profile on the way to Santa Clarita is filled with long gradual climbs that could take a toll on the sprinters’ legs. Riders will face several Lexus King of the Mountain points in the Angeles National Forest including Highway 2, Big Tujunga and Little Tujunga Canyon. Throughout the route, riders will see numerous California bridges and tunnels. The City of Santa Clarita, host to the most stages in race history (12), will welcome riders for a wide, flat finish in front of the Old Town Newhall Library on Lyons Avenue on May 16. Race organizers are predicting an exciting group sprint finish, so residents are encouraged to attend and join in on the excitement. “We are looking forward to hosting this world-class event in Santa Clarita for a twelfth time. It is exciting for the City and exciting for the community,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “The Stage 2 Finish will bring international eyes to the City’s arts and entertainment district of Old Town Newhall.” If you are interested in learning more about the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, visitsantaclaritatourofCA.com. This website will be updated with information about volunteer opportunities, ancillary events surrounding the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, and community sponsorship opportunities. For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, including sponsorship and VIP experience opportunities, please visitamgentourofcalifornia.com.   About the Amgen Tour of California The Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race created and presented by AEG that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that traverses hundreds of miles of California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines each spring. The teams chosen to participate have included Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and World Champions. Amgen Tour of California is listed on the international professional cycling calendar (2 HC, meaning “beyond category”), awarding important, world-ranking points to the top finishers. More information is available at amgentourofcalifornia.com. About Amgen Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology. Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential. About AEG Founder and operators of the Amgen Tour of California, AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Anschutz Company, owns or controls a collection of companies including facilities such as STAPLES Center, StubHub Center, Sprint Center, The O2, Mercedes-Benz Arena, Microsoft Theater, L.A. LIVE and PlayStation Theater; sports franchises including the LA Kings (NHL), two Major League Soccer franchises, two hockey franchises operated in Europe, management of privately held shares of the Los Angeles Lakers; AEG Live, the organization’s live-entertainment division, is a collection of companies dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance, touring and a variety of programming and multi-media production. For more information, visit AEG today atwww.aegworldwide.com.