With the temperatures reaching into the 90s for the past several weeks, it’s hard to believe this is the November issue of the Magazine.  Usually at this time of year, we’re pulling out sweaters and jackets and turning on our furnaces, but don’t be fooled by the thermometer, the holidays are fast upon us.  Just turn to page 41 for our cover story on Westfield Valencia Town Center and find out all about the fun that’s promised in and around Town Center during November and December.  Events kick off in grand style on November 8 with the 1st Annual Breakfast with Santa inside the Atrium Cafes in the mall.  A complete schedule of events and activities is presented on page 49.

On page 11 you’ll find a very important message from us concerning the economic state of our valley.  Please pay special attention to this message as it pertains to supporting our local businesses and stepping up in tight times with time, donations and contributions to our local non-profit organizations and small businesses.  It’s individuals, organizations and businesses like we have here that help to keep Santa Clarita the kind of community it is – generous, thoughtful and there for each other in the time of need.  Don’t necessarily buy into all the doomsday reporting on the economy – it is cyclical and when the economy rebounds, if we all work together, Santa Clarita Valley will flourish.  

A very special event will be taking place on Saturday, November 8.  Family and friends of Mike and Susanna Gunning (who lost their battles with cancer this year) have come together to show their support and have planned a Texas Hold’em Tournament in loving memory of the couple.  Proceeds from the event will help provide financial assistance to their sons, Sean and Evan.
Is your neighborhood putting on a light show this holiday season or are you staging a boutique full of goodies, clothes, crafts and holiday gifts?  If so, we want to hear from you so we can share this information with our readers in the December issue of the Magazine.  Contact Stephanie Elgin in our editorial department if you have something to tell the community by emailing selgin@santaclaritamagazine.com. 

A beautiful fundraising event coming up this month is the “Sunset in the Vineyard”.  On Sunday, November 16, the Assistance League of Santa Clarita will provide guests a rare opportunity to meet and greet local vintners and taste the fruits of their labors. This event benefits SCV with proceeds going to programs in our local community.  Turn to page 26 for more information about this memorable afternoon.

There’s a heartwarming story about an elementary school principal on page 14.  Mr. Evans came riding into the schoolyard at Castaic Elementary on October 13 completing his bike ride from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to raise funds to make the school campus more “green”.   He kept a blog and communicated with the students via the Internet, engaging them with facts, statistics and questions along the way.  It’s role models like Mr. Evans who keep our school system strong.  Thank you Mr. Evans for going above and beyond.

This is the last chance we have to remind you to go to the polls on Tuesday, November 4 and exercise your right to vote.  Not only is this a presidential election year; there are plenty of specific measures, propositions, State Assembly representation and a seat in the Senate on the ballots.  Find out more about our local elections by turning to page 18.    

And finally, as we prepare for Thanksgiving, planning the menu, thinking about having friends and family over for the annual turkey dinner, we find ourselves most thankful for our way of life and the freedoms we enjoy.  We can thank our men and women in uniform in faraway lands who will not be enjoying the holiday with their families.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers for without them, we would most certainly be counting fewer blessings.

With our best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Alex, Linda and Moe Hafizi