In honor of our 15th anniversary, we took to social media to invite our readers to share their 2020 celebrations - and we were overwhelmed by the response. In a year marked by struggle, so many of you found reasons to smile. Thank you for letting us share in your joy! Here's to celebrating the best of 2020!

GOOD NEWS

Hart grad Brittany Klocko earned the title of Miss Texas United States and will compete for the national title in Las Vegas in October.

Football phenom Chayden Peery of Castaic received 25 Division I scholarship offers, including Harvard and Yale. Chayden committed to GA Tech and will major in journalism.

While Taiya Lemke prepared for her third successful heart surgery in July, she graduated from Grand Canyon University Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA.

Beau, a ten-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback/Lab, was heartbroken when he was dumped at the Castaic shelter with his fur sibling. A video was posted on social media of a depressed Beau crying in his kennel. Shortly after, on June 27, a wonderful family adopted Beau. He is now adored by his parents and his two fur siblings and is happily living his best life. Find your own happy ending by meeting eligible furbabies online at animalcare.lacounty.gov. If you are interested in adopting, email castaic@animalcare.lacounty.gov.

The Hong FAMILY - John, Nathasha, Nathan and Annabelle - spent 2020 slowing down and enjoying time with family as the world paused.

Renee Marshall heard about a toy store that was distributing activity bags - called Peace Bags - to kids and teens to give them fun, engaging activity supplies to help support their mental and physical health during the pandemic. She brought Peace Bags to the SCV, distributing 900 bags in August
with help from local residents, organizations and businesses.


Owner of Rebecca Rollins Interiors, Rebecca Rollins-Garcia, celebrated the swearing in of her husband, Congressman Mike Garcia with their children in Washington, DC.

ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING honored by National Publication
The American Painting Contractors Magazine named ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING the "National Jobsite of the Week" - and that's not all! The Paint it Forward founders are celebrating a family engagement with son Jake to fiance Katelyn, and son Noah's graduation from NAU. allbrightpainting.com

Brielle Cruz performed in her first virtual dance recital, "Alice in Wonderland," this summer. Mom and Dad celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary and her big sister bridged from a Daisy Girl Scout to a Brownie.

City of Santa Clarita Communications Division Earns Major Award
The City of Santa Clarita Communications Team was selected as the 2020 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO). Congratulations to Carrie Lujan, communications manager; Kevin Strauss, communications specialist; Garrett Wedel, communications specialist; Tori Wilson Rittenhouse, communications specialist; Georgia Rios, program specialist; Joe Redmond, graphic designer; Kathleen Herrera, communications secretary; and Vanessa Lopez, intern.

Golden Valley and COC grad, Georgia Storm, was accepted into one of the top nursing programs in the state, Cuesta Community College. Dedicated to women's health care and empowerment, she wants to be a nurse midwife. Her passion led her to Haiti, where she "caught" her first baby.

The Sweat Shack Expands to Second Location
The Sweat Shack sauna boutique, located in beautiful Old Town Newhall, has expanded to their second location - their franchise model - at Skyline Ranch Plaza in Saugus. This much-anticipated Shack addition is proving to be a wildly-popular destination for SCV and Founders Mark and Jenifer Felan couldn't be more thrilled. Next on their list - expanding nationwide and bringing the #feelhealth movement to the rest of the country.
thesweatshack.com

After 43 years as a grocery-store cashier, Coleen Richmond retired, sold her home and happily moved in with her daughter Mullaney Phelps and family.

In 2020, former stay-at-home mama Tiffany Hernandez earned herself a new job, her teen son just bought his own first car after saving up for two years and she's in the market for a house!

Paul Davis Restoration of Santa Clarita Earns National Award
Known for providing friends and neighbors exceptional customer service, Paul Davis Restoration of Santa Clarita
co-owners Joel and Susan Moss, are excited to share their national award for number-one extraordinary customer service with their dedicated team.
Paul Davis Restoration of Santa Clarita 310-0884

Mission Valley Bank Urges SCV Residents to Give Where You Live
From desperation to hope, from struggle to strength and from fear to faith, countless stories have emerged in our community about individuals and families grappling with their circumstances. At Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, the goal is to meet the needs of the "whole" person - spiritually, emotionally and physically. Its mission is to attract people and resources to assist in the effort of meeting the needs of every hungry and homeless man, woman and child in the greater Los Angeles area. Now celebrating its 10th year, the nonprofit annually provides over 560,000 meals and 184,000 nights of shelter.
Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission is the only rescue mission headquartered in the San Fernando Valley, but there is a Santa Clarita connection. The organization operates a thrift store in the Canyon Center Shopping Center near Big Lots. The Hope of the Valley Thrift Store (19379 Soledad Canyon Rd.) is a welcome addition to the area and an excellent way to support this valuable organization. For more information or to support their mission with a financial donation, visit
HopeOfTheValley.org.

Mission Valley Bank: More than a Community Bank
Mission Valley Bank's local roots run deep, motivated by the desire to be an integral part of the area they serve. A strong community thrives on personal relationships and Mission Valley Bank supports - and is honored to be supported by - the Santa Clarita Valley. Mission Valley Bank is more than just another local bank. They are a full-service, independent, commercial bank that is locally-owned, community-minded and relationship-driven. They're proud to have earned their reputation as trusted advisors. Mission Valley Bank is as dedicated to their customers' success as they are. They appreciate their business and welcome the opportunity to earn yours.
Mission Valley Bank Centre Pointe Business Banking Office
753-5693



BABY BLESSINGS
Born in January, Luella "Lulu" Kathy-Rose Safont shares the names of both her grandmas - and the hearts of parents Clare and Alex Safont.

The Beaman Family - Craig, Megan, Makayla, 6, and Katelyn, 2 - welcomed Lucas William Beaman on May 21.

Dominic and Melissa Marcucilli's little fighter, Vincent Stallone Marcucilli, was born in May.

Noah Heter's mom, Lucy, passed away right before he and wife Brendie were married. After having three incredible boys, 12 years later they found out they were pregnant with a surprise girl - who will be named Lucy.

Stephanie and Justin Wallace's June was joyous, thanks to the arrival of Cayden James Wallace.


Hudson Wesley Peppard, born at 36 weeks, said "peace out" to the NICU and went home with his family on March 27.

Jaxon Friedman is proud to announce the birth of his little brother, Hunter Ryan Friedman on June 15. Parents Leandra and Joshua are over the moon with their boys.

Nathaniel James Sloey was born at home on March 10.

Victor and Brenda Romero honored a legacy of love this year. Brenda's amazing mom, Guadalupe Gonzalez, passed away in the month of May when she was only 7 years old. Grandma was there in spirit when the couple welcomed their son, Valentino Armando Romero, earthside on May 18. Now Brenda's heart again feels complete - and she will always look forward to the month of May from now on.

Varnica Singh and husband Piyush Anandani, together with big sister Ayana, welcomed Aayra Anandani in June. She was worth the wait!

Aubrey Holland became a big sister on January 30 to little sister Maia.

Oliver Joseph Epstein was born on June 16, 2020 to parents Brett and Natalie Epstein. Doting big sister, Hazel, is his biggest fan.


MILESTONE BIRTHDAYS
Identical twins Gage and Brody Beck take the cake! The thriving premies sweetly celebrated their 1 Year Birthday with parents Michael and Jessie Beck on May 3.

Sisters Ceirra (21) and Faith (10) Arditto both celebrated milestone birthdays with driveby celebration fun and lots of hugs.

Ann Smith - a great grandmother, longtime resident of Santa Clarita and Sinatra lover - will celebrate her 90th birthday on August 27.

Vivian Vazquez proved that it is, in fact, a "one"-derful world by posing for themed photo shoots in place of a party.

Maxwell Ryder Mcgaughey had a ball at his first birthday on June 7, thanks to parents Meghan and Curtis Mcgaughey.


BUSINESS ANNIVERSARIES
Thomas Pools Celebrates 20 Years in the SCV
In two decades, Thomas Pools has built over 700 local pools; opened a retail store; appeared on HGTV; achieved CPB certification by PHTA; and so much more!
thomaspools.us

With an expanded menu, welcoming outdoor dining space, weekly dining and lunch specials, weekend brunch, rotating craft beers, a thriving relationship with local nonprofits and more, there's no wonder The Local Pub & Grill team is thrilled to celebrate the restaurant's third anniversary. 495-9192

Protect your Celebration
When it comes to planning an important special event, you don't want to wonder about what will happen if something goes wrong. With a special-event policy, you can be protected from the unexpected occurrence such as a liability claim or event cancellation. If you or your guests cause damage to the venue, you will be held responsible. A special-event policy may cover the damage. In addition, with a cancellation clause, expenses may be covered if your event needs to be postponed or canceled due to certain circumstances beyond your control, such as adverse weather.
Nick Rose Insurance 253-1131


"I DO," "ME, TOO."
KJ and Marina Comrie swapped their big April LA wedding for an intimate exchange of vows on July 3 at the family home - and it was absolutely magical.

Baylee and Blake Boomer eloped on July 13 after their Spring wedding was postponed - and started their family by adopting Nelly, a pitbull mix, the same day.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Michelle and Richard Cesena celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March.

Fatin Sako and Saber Patrus will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on September 15. The couple met and married in Athens, Greece and have been blessed with three handsome boys.


THEY SAID "YES!"

Alexis Jardine and Daniel Infantozzi planned to wed on May 8, 2020. Their wedding was postponed to October 23, 2020 in hopes that they can still host an outdoor ceremony with family and close friends. Either way, they will be tying the knot and starting their
new life together.

Grady Lakamp and Julianna Patridge will say "I do" on September 12, 2020.

Friends since junior high, Courtney Martini and Benjamin Graham were engaged on May 22.

Courtney Tole and Kevin Schmitz were engaged at Hollywood Beach in Ventura this year.

Our best efforts were made to include all entries with the highest degree of accuracy. Omissions and errors were not intentional.