Meet Valencia resident, Kieran Wong, star of one of the Awesometown Ads! 

In addition to his involvement with the Junior Chamber International, Santa Clarita Chapter, as a past president, Kieran has also been the president and founding director of the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund. Both organizations support young adults on a local level. Junior Chamber International is an organization that develops young adults as leaders of their community through the participation and execution of charity events. The Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund was founded by the Santa Clarita Chapter when one of their members, Brenda Mehling, was battling cancer. Brenda’s wish was to help young adults with financial assistance during their battle in an effort to ease the burden.  The BMCF continues her mission and legacy with the support of the Santa Clarita community. Junior Chamber International has since established the BMCF as a national project. Local chapters throughout the nation now organize and run the signature fundraiser event, the Fight It! 5K. The Santa Clarita chapter is putting on the 9^th annual BMCF Fight It! 5K on May 15^th at Central Park.

Kieran is currently a member of the National Hart Foundation board of directors. This organization provides CPR awareness and training to high schools throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. As the foundation grows, it will have a nation-wide reach and impact. He has also served on the board of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In his professional life, Kieran is a Global Account Manager for Haworth, an international office furniture manufacturer. He is responsible for handling corporate accounts with global locations. Haworth, a Michigan based corporation, owns and operates manufacturing sites throughout the world.

Kieran is also active as a triathlete. As a member of the Paseo Club Tri-be, he travels with the triathlon club to races throughout the state.

He and his wife, Stacey, live in Valencia and enjoy all of the amenities of the area. They have a 1-1/2 year old daughter and are looking forward to another addition later in the year.

From chart-topping pop, R&B and rock classics, to traditional Broadway, opera and mariachi to dance and acrobatics to family matinees and evening cabaret —plus a special Opening Night performance by Grammy Award-winning vocalist Michael Bolton — the 2010-11 season at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of the Canyons will include something for everyone.
 
With more than 53 million albums sold, and numerous Grammy Awards for Best Male Vocalist, Bolton has touched the hearts of legions of fans. Now his 2010 “One World One Love” tour will take the PAC stage by storm Opening Night, Sunday, August 22, as part of the Chancellor’s Choice series.

“To land an artist as talented and world renowned as Michael Bolton for our Opening Night performance is a tremendous coup for the PAC, College of the Canyons and all of Santa Clarita,” said Adam Philipson, PAC managing director, “This is a testament to the growth and maturation of the PAC, as well as the tremendous support our patrons have shown for the performing arts.”
 
Other acts and artists featured in the 2010-11 PAC season include: War, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Vicki Lawrence, San Francisco Opera Grand Opera Cinema, Pilobolus, One Night of Queen, Gloriana, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, “All Shook Up,” “Seussical” and the Peking Acrobats.
 
The 2010-11 PAC schedule will offer shows spread across six series selections: Chancellor’s Choice, Great Performances, In Motion, Cabaret on Stage, Almost Free Family Series and the all new Broadway at COC series.
 
The PAC will also host a number of College of the Canyons theatre department and community theatre productions.
 
Series subscription sales will begin 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 10, while individual tickets for Michael Bolton and all other performances will go on sale 9 a.m., Saturday, July 17.
 
Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person at the PAC box office.
 
However, it’s recommended that you plan to purchase your tickets early for Michael Bolton, as this once-in-a lifetime performance will sell out fast.
 
For more information about the PAC 2010-11 season or to purchase tickets please visit www.canyonsPAC.com or call the PAC box office at (661) 362-5304.

Buying a home in California just got easier, but time is running out!

In addition to the California tax credit, buyers can also take advantage of the extended federal tax credit for a limited time.  However, these homes must be purchased by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30, 2010 in order to take advantage of both the state and federal tax credits extension.*

With several homes available to meet both tax credits, the three-bedroom townhomes at Artisan in West Creek are priced from the upper $300,000’s, range from 1,513 to 1,997 square feet and are ideal for the growing family. All Artisan homes come equipped with upgraded appliances, medium stained maple cabinetry, granite countertops with full splash, and walk-in closets with double-sided mirrored doors in master bedroom, in addition to many other designer-selected amenities. Visit the Lennar New Home Showplace at ­­­­­­­­­28723 Calle De La Paz in Valencia open daily with new extended hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. thru Friday 4/30. For further information, call (888) 214-9406 or visit Lennar.com.

* Visit http://lennar.com/New-Homes/California/Los-Angeles-Valencia/Promotions/Tax-Credit-promo–LA–expires-050110-20100220

The College of the Canyons Fine and Performing Arts Division is inviting the community to spend a weekend browsing the aesthetic achievements of its students and learning more about the college’s broad range of artistic offerings during the 2010 ARTstART Festival May 7-8, on the college’s Valencia campus.

Including students, faculty and staff, the two-day-long festival will offer the community a glimpse inside the daily activities of the Fine and Performing Arts Division, while highlighting students’ work and providing a behind-the-scenes look at the division’s facilities.
Attendees will have the opportunity to roam freely from building to building across campus, to view and experience samplings from the college’s music, dance, theatre, animation, media and entertainment arts (MEA), graphic design and studio arts departments.

Part of the college’s ongoing 40th Anniversary celebration, the ARTstART festival will coincide with the college’s annual POPS! concert, featuring members of the college’s Jazz Ensemble and Lab Jazz Combo bands, and performances by the COC choir and dance departments, as well as the New Works Festival in the Black Box Theater.

The schedule of activities will also include live music, student theatre performances, modern dance presentations, gallery exhibits, interactive lectures, in-class demonstrations, movie screenings from the International Film Festival series and a unique open house and tour of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons (PAC).

As a unique addition to the festival, a selection of Saugus Union School District (SUSD) students from Charles Helmers, North Park and Plum Canyon Elementary Schools will have their work featured in the SUSD Student Art Show running both days of the festival.

The ARTstART Festival will begin at 11 a.m. Friday May 7, and run throughout the day until approximately 9:30 p.m., before continuing from 9 a.m. to approximately 10 p.m., Saturday, May 8.
 
Highlights of Friday’s events will include:

·    Visiting artist lecture from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
·    Solo Theatre Show from 1 to 4 p.m.
·    PAC Tour from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
·    Faculty Artist Concert from 3 to 5 p.m.
·    Art Contemporary Los Angeles Presentation from 3 to 4 p.m.
 
Highlights from Saturday’s lineup of events will include:

·    A photo workshop from 9 to 11 a.m.
·    COC student orchestra performance from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
·    COC painting workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
·    Graphic and Media Design department Open House from 2 to 4 p.m.
·    Brad Howe sculpture demo from 3 to 4 p.m.
·    Animation department Open House from 3 to 5 p.m.
·    Media and Entertainment Arts department Open House from 3 to 5 p.m.
·    ‘Elektronica’ music concert from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Valencia, California has been making headlines with its new nickname, Awesometown.  Now, we’re giving you the spotlight and asking you to share what you think makes Valencia, California such a great community.  Play us a song, share your photos and videos, sketch a little something on a napkin: you name it!  With your submission, you’ll be entered to win one of five awesome prizes—it’s that easy! Be sure to tell your friends, family and neighbors to enter, too!

You can win one of these awesome prizes:

1. Golf Foursome at TPC Valencia
2. 2 Magic Mountain Annual Passes
3. 16GB Apple iPad
4. Trek Valencia Bike
5. $250 Westfield Center Shopping Spree

The deadline for all entries is May 14, 2010.  Enter to win today at www.Valencia.com!

http://www.valencia.com/rules.html

Right now in Valencia—or “Awesometown” as it’s also known—it’s hip to double-dip! That’s because this weekend homebuyers can take advantage of a truly unique opportunity to make their new home purchase with double the tax credit savings!  Want to know more? Then don’t miss the Awesometown New Homes Sales Event, this Saturday and Sunday at the Lennar New Home Showplace in Valencia. Learn all about the exceptional factors that are combining to make right now the best time to buy a brand new move-in ready home within the RiverVillage, West Hills and West Creek residential villages in Valencia!

http://www.lennar.com/New-Homes/California/Los-Angeles-Valencia

Right now in Valencia — or “Awesometown” as it’s also known — it’s hip to double-dip! That’s because this weekend homebuyers can take advantage of a truly unique opportunity to make their new home purchase with double the tax credit savings and even double cheeseburgers from Carl’s Jr.! Want to know more? Then don’t miss the Awesometown New Homes Sales Event, this Saturday and Sunday at the Lennar New Home Showplace in Valencia. Enjoy complimentary food and refreshments as you learn all about the exceptional factors that are combining to make right now the best time to buy a brand new move-in ready home within the RiverVillage, West Hills and West Creek residential villages in Valencia!

Prices from the upper $200,000s to the low $600,000s, these move-in ready residences are sure to sell fast—especially with the limited-time opportunity for qualified homebuyers to combine huge federal and state tax credits for unprecedented savings. There’s no time to lose, so hurry in today for more details on how your homebuying dreams are right within reach in Valencia!

West Hills and West Creek villages provide a wide array of home styles, including flexible condominiums, townhomes and gated, single-family residences, which range from 1,219 to 2,299 square feet with as many as four bedrooms. Over half of the expansive, 966-acre village is preserved as permanent open space, with much of the land dedicated to community parks and trails to take full advantage of the natural surroundings and miles of paseos. Furthermore, West Hills and West Creek’s town-like amenities include three private recreation centers, schools, a neighborhood retail center and even a fire station.

Taking its inspiration from the unmistakable warmth and natural charm of America’s classic small towns, RiverVillage has established itself as one of Valencia’s most inviting new home villages. Residences measure from 2,756 to 3,512 square feet with up to four bedrooms and two and one-half baths. The neighborhood is perfectly complemented by approximately 300 acres of permanent open space, including a gorgeous 30-acre woodland park area, as well as its proximity to the Santa Clara River, which weaves its way through the land. River trails, picnic areas and the recreation center coming soon to further enhance RiverVillage’s distinctive lifestyle.

Located within the Greater Los Angeles area, Valencia is widely recognized for its unique connectivity and vibrant community atmosphere. With schools that rank within the top 10% in California, miles of connected pathways and trails, terrific shopping and dining opportunities, plentiful jobs and beautiful new homes, it’s no wonder the residents never want to leave—they never have to.

Valencia was planned and built as promised by Newhall Land to be a testament to future generations. It demonstrates a shared vision of a dynamic, sustainable community and a place that balances traditional values with forward thinking. Since 1965, it has grown into one of the most sought-after homebuying destinations

Don’t wait another minute–visit the Lennar New Home Showplace this weekend for unprecedented tax savings and great incentives, and experience the excitement! The New Home Showplace is located at West Creek, south of Copper Hill – 28723 North Calle De La Paz Drive, Valencia, CA, and is open between the hours 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily.   For more information you can call 877-205-4086, or visit Valencia.com!

Aria, located within the Village of West Creek in the renowned Valencia master plan just north of Los Angeles, features a professionally decorated West Elm® home. This two-story Residence One floor plan features 1,628 square feet, three bedrooms, two and one-half baths, two-bay garages and is priced from the upper $300,000’s. Upgraded flooring packages are also available for a limited time.

Ranging from approximately 1,628 to 2,299 square feet of living space, the three and four-bedroom homes at Aria in West Creek have been designed to appeal to homebuyers seeking charming, versatile homes. The three new and diverse two-story floorplans offer gourmet kitchens and large master suites with walk-in closets. Charming exterior features include balconies, porches, and Spanish, English Cottage and Traditional-inspired architectural styles, per plan.

To reach the Lennar New Home Showplace, take the 5 North freeway and exit at Newhall Ranch Road and turn right. Turn left on Copper Hill, turn right on Rio Norte Drive and follow the signs to the Showplace. The Lennar New Home Showplace is located at ­­­­­­­­­28723 Calle De La Paz in Valencia and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For further information, call (888) 214-9404 or visit http://valencia.com and click on the New Homes page.

Pottery Barn and West Elm are a registered trademark of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Pottery Barn and West Elm are not sponsors of this promotion, and are not affiliated with Lennar or Newhall Land. Price is subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions and square footage are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Lennar Homes of California, Inc. – Lic #728102. Lennar Sales Corp. – DRE Lic #01252753. Equal housing opportunity. 3/10

* Visit www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com or http://lennar.com for further details.

Meet Valencia resident and businessman, Jerry Citarella, star of  one of the Awesometown Ads! 

With nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry as a representative, trainer and presenter, Jerry Citarella, RFC, also calls Valencia home.  Jerry continuously strives to further his quest to help his clients achieve financial success and protect what is important to them.  He provides retirement, estate and individual needs planning, as well as business owner services and executive benefits.

Jerry was named to a top money management firm’s investor advisory committee for the third year in a row — a designation reserved for select financial professionals who then participate in a series of interactive forums to review, analyze and offer suggestions about strategic initiatives and opportunities for growth. Jerry ranks in the top ten percent in the field with his Broker Dealer and locally, he was voted as the Best Investment Advisor in the Santa Clarita Valley for the second year in a row — an honor that Jerry cherishes the most.

In addition to having a strong focus on business; Jerry has also helped local community non-profit organizations in many ways. He currently serves on two boards and is on the advisory board of one of the community’s largest and oldest organizations. His work on these boards and the support of the organizations’ events has been instrumental in their success.

A strong proponent of financial education, Jerry is currently writing a series of books — The Truth Helps — to help consumers navigate their way through the financial planning process. He has also conducted educational seminars since 1992 and has been asked to speak at various national conferences.

In addition to his Valencia-based business, Jerry and his wife reside in Valencia with their daughters!

CONGRESS EXTENDED AND EXPANDED THE FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT.*

Amendment Includes Credit for Current Homeowners*

APRIL 30TH EXPIRATION IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

Beautiful new townhomes available at Valencia’s West Creek Community offer first time homebuyer’s a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of the Homebuyer Tax Credit.

WestCreek is one of Valencia’s newest villages and is home to Rio Norte Junior High School, in addition to the newest in state-of-the-art elementary school education being offered at West Creek Academy which will open this Fall.  Located in the Santa Clarita Valley, just north of Los Angeles – West Creek represents just one more reason that those who already live here call it Awesometown!

Lennar, one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, is offering well-appointed condominiums ranging in size from 1,513 to 1,997 square feet, starting in the upper $300,000’s, ideal for the growing family.  All Artisan homes come equipped with stainless steel appliances, maple cabinetry, granite countertops with full splash, and walk-in closets with double-sided mirrored doors, in addition to many other designer-selected amenities.

Click on the New Homes tab on Valencia.com for additional information on this community and other new homes selling in Valencia, or call 877.205.4086.

*For additional information on the New Homebuyer Tax Credit go to: www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.