A Note From the Publishers – December 2025

Dear Friends of the Santa Clarita Valley,

As the holiday season surrounds us with lights, laughter, and the excitement of family gatherings, we are filled with gratitude and celebration. This month’s cover is particularly meaningful as we mark 36 years of Santa Clarita Magazine and 23 years of our sister publication, élite Magazine. These milestones reflect more than numbers, they honor the trust, support, and enthusiasm of our readers, advertisers, and the entire Santa Clarita community. We could not have reached this point without you, and we are sincerely thankful for your continued support.
On our cover this month, we celebrate the talented cast of the Canyon Theatre Guild as they bring the holiday classic A Christmas Story to life. Featured are four standout performers, capturing the warmth, humor, and nostalgia that make this production a beloved tradition. Their energy on stage—and in this issue—sets the tone for a season filled with family, laughter, and timeless holiday memories. Also on our cover, we feature JCI Santa Clarita who are in full holiday mode as their annual Santa’s Helpers event ramps up. Co-chairs Dillon and Sammi Lutza, along with Brian Wisdom, invite the community to support this cherished tradition, helping underprivileged children enjoy a joyful holiday. A complete list of drop-off locations can be found on page 14.
We congratulate the SCV 40 Under Forty Class of 2025, whose remarkable contributions were celebrated at a spectacular event at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center. Their innovation, leadership, and dedication are inspiring, and we are proud to honor the honorees in this special section.
We are pleased to feature several seasonal highlights to keep you engaged throughout the valley. For those embracing the holiday season through performance and artistry, the Santa Clarita Ballet Company continues its treasured tradition with the 2025 production of The Nutcracker. Performed at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, this production celebrates over two decades of enchantment, artistry, and community, promising the magic and timeless storytelling that have made it a cornerstone of the holidays in our valley.
We also share the joyous sounds of the season with the GO Jazz Big Band, who swing into the holidays at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall.
Our pages also spotlight Carol Rock’s History column, which honors the many volunteers who make a lasting difference in our community.
We are proud to highlight the renaming of the College of the Canyons Culinary Education facility, now the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Building, following a generous donation from the Cusumano family. This milestone celebrates the community’s commitment to education, innovation, and excellence.
Finally, be sure to explore our Holiday Dining section, starting on page 42 and our December calendar of events on the last page, which provides ideas to celebrate, shop, and enjoy the season with ease.
Thank you again for helping us reach these extraordinary milestones. Your support allows us to celebrate local life, honor community leaders, and share stories that make Santa Clarita a remarkable place to live. From our family to yours, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a bright, inspired 2026.
Warmest wishes,
Linda, Moe & Alexander Hafizi