Rio Rio Brazilian Churrascaria Coming to Santa Clarita

Rio Rio Brazilian Churrascaria is now open in Valencia. Rio Rio has taken over the space where Hamburger Hamlet was on the Old Road by El Torito.

If you’ve never been to a Brazilian Churrascaria I highly recommend it. The way the ones that I’ve been to work is that the waiters come around with all this great meat on big skewers and they carve it for you right at the table. There is usually meat, chicken, pork, you name it. I can only assume that Rio Rio will be the same. I am really looking forward to checking out this new restaurant. It’s been awhile since we’ve had something different added to our area restaurants.

By the way, I had posted previously about how ugly the blue Hamburger Hamlet was after the building had been painted this icky royal blue color. I still don’t know why that had happened. Regardless, Rio Rio has really done a nice job classing the place up with a very nice neutral color to blend in with the area.

The Signal Really Screws Up!

Wednesday February 7th was National Signing Day. To most of us, that might not mean too much, but to some it means the world. It means that all the years put into a sport and time put into practices, training, games, etc. has paid off. All the money spent on traveling, dealing with coaches, earning positions, blood, sweat and tears was worth it. It means that a student athlete has achieved the ultimate goal – a college scholarship. It’s a dream in the hearts of most competitive athletes during their adolescence. And to 8 well deserving seniors at Valencia High School their day of recognition had finally arrived. They signed their national letters of intent in front of their school and their families. What an amazing day.

Now hears how the Signal screwed up.

Out of the 8 athletes that were honored on this day 5 of them were “softball players”. The signal article displayed a picture of the athletes signing their letters with their names underneath. When referring to the 5 girls, the Signal made a huge mistake and called them “soccer” players.

I think the Signal owes these girls a huge apology and a front page reprint of this story. This is a huge honor in the sport of “softball”. It’s an even bigger achievement that 5 of the 8 are “softball” players.

So for anyone reading my blog, I want to personally recognize the following student athletes that have earned a college scholarship for:
SOFTBALL
Alyssa Ishibashi aka Ish
Nicole Matson
Jordan Taylor
Torrie Anderson
Kristen Aidem

BASKETBALL
Charise Hall

FOOTBALL
Shane Vereen

I have to mention 2 things as well. Shane Vereen is the only male athelete at the table. There were no soccer athletes in this group of 8.

Valencia’s New Village | West Creek & West Hills

Sales of these new homes will begin in February. The Arneti track at West Creek and the Castillo Series at West Hills are the first two tracks to be rolled out. Esperto / Claridad / Artisan at West Creek and the Toscana Series at West Creek are next. In West Hills Mosaic and Patina are coming soon. This is a 3 year phase that will put homes all the way to Alta Vista. The Lenner rep couldn’t tell me what the largest square footage tracks would be, but she said she thought it would be the last phase.

Here’s a break down of what these tracks have to offer:

Arneti at West Creek-Triplex Townhomes ranging from 1,384 to 1,876 sq ft with up to 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, the prices will range from the mid $400,000s. These luxurious attached townhomes will be bordering the San Fransisquito Creek and provide a serene village ambiance.

West Hills Collection-Castillo Series- Single Family Homes ranging from 2,067 to 2,236 sq ft. with 4 bedrooms and up to 3 baths, the prices will range from the mid $600,000s. These homes feature Spanish and Italian style architecture. They provide an elegant atmosphere embedded in a gated community.

Esperto at West Creek-Row Townhomes ranging from 1,219 to 1,598 sq ft with up to 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. These will be charming 2-3 story row-style townhomes tucked away in this master planned community of Valencia.

To join an interest list, please click here to be taken to the Lennar online registration.

Santa Clarita and Identity Theft

Two Antelope Valley residents where arrested yesterday for possessing items which implied that they were involved in an identity theft crime. CHP pulled off the side of the road on Hwy 14 to investigate two cars, one of which had some car trouble. Apparently, the AV pair had pulled over to help someone in a Honda Accord. Ironic that they pulled over to do a good deed, then ended up being arrested for identity theft charges. CHP discovered a bag in their car containing bank statements, what appeared to be stolen mail, credit card imprints, etc.

Great, two down, how many more to go?

Santa Clarita Calls a Truce with Cemex

The city of Santa Clarita and Cemex have agreed to a truce. For one year, they have agreed to not fight over the Cemex mine’s plan on moving into Santa Clarita. Under this agreement, the city will suspend any lawsuits or public campaigns opposing Cemex and Cemex will suspend any moves forward towards acquiring permits and the paperwork trail it has yet to face. Councilwoman Laurene Weste calls this a new beginning.

I hope that in this time, they can work with mediators and come up with a plan that will work for everyone, however how can you compromise on a 69 million ton sand and gravel mine?

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

After the weather we’ve had over the past few months, it is so nice to wake up to a day like today. It is just gorgeous outside. Super Bowl Sunday has shown to be a gorgeous day in the Santa Clarita Valley. The BBQ’s will be working over time today I’m sure. The beer flowing and the crowds cheering. What will be the commercials that everyone will be talking about tomorrow? How many of them will show up on YouTube? It’s really just a great weekend. Bears or Colts? Who will win the big super bowl pools?

Ahhh, it’s just a great day all around. Enjoy!

Santa Clarita’s Getting a New Skate Park!

The city is hosting a public participation design workshop on Saturday February 10th from 9:30 to 11:30. The workshop will be at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex.

The purpose of this workshop is to open communication and input regarding the soon to be new Santa Clarita Skate Park. Our kids really need this. I know my son in particular will be ecstatic when he finds out about this. From what I can tell, they will be asking and allowing input from the community as to the design of the skate park.

I am so bummed I will be out of town. I would have loved to have gone to that. Hopefully, they will provide some seating for parents so we can watch. Oh and some shade would be good. I haven’t seen any dates yet as to when this will open.