Valencia, Santa Clarita, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valencia
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Former welcome sign
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| Nickname(s):
Awesometown
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 Valencia
Location in Santa Clarita
Valencia
Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Valencia
Location in California
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County |  Los Angeles |
| City |  Santa Clarita |
| Elevation | 1,125 ft (343 m) |
| Population
(2019)
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| • Total | 63,070 |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP Code |
91354, 91355, 91385
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| Area code(s) | 661 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1661608 |
| Website | https://santaclarita.gov/ |
Valencia is a neighborhood in Santa Clarita, a city in Los Angeles County, California. It is one of four communities that joined together to create the city of Santa Clarita in 1987. Valencia is known as a "master-planned community." This means it was carefully designed before it was built. It has homes, shops, offices, and parks all connected by special paths.
Contents
History of Valencia
Early Explorers and Settlements
In 1769, a Spanish group called the Portola expedition explored California. They were the first Europeans to see the inland areas. On August 8–9, they camped near a river and saw a large native village. A missionary with the group, Fray Juan Crespi, named the river "Santa Clara." He thought it would be a good spot for a mission.
How Valencia Was Planned
The modern Valencia area was planned in the 1960s. A company called the Newhall Land and Farming Company designed it. The first neighborhood built was Old Orchard I, which opened in 1967. After that, more neighborhoods like Old Orchard II and Valencia Hills were added.
Valencia is special because it has beautiful, tree-lined streets called boulevards. These boulevards connect different types of buildings. You can find apartments, houses, shopping centers, and offices all linked together.
A Sad Event in Valencia
On November 30, 2013, actor Paul Walker died in a car crash on Hercules Street in Valencia. He was famous for playing Brian O'Conner in the Fast & Furious movies.
Life in Valencia
Valencia's Location and Villages
Valencia is located along Interstate 5. Most of the main parts of Valencia are east of this freeway.
Valencia's homes are grouped into "villages." Each village has its own style. Most villages are close to schools, shops, and other useful places. Many villages also have groups that help keep the neighborhoods looking nice. They also have neighborhood watch programs to keep everyone safe.
Main Roads and Landmarks
McBean Parkway is a major road that runs north and south through Valencia. It passes by parks, a lake, hotels, and the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall. It also goes by the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and the California Institute of the Arts. Other important roads that run east and west include Copper Hill Drive, Newhall Ranch Road, and Valencia Boulevard.
City Buildings and Pathways
Many of Santa Clarita's government buildings are in Valencia. The Santa Clarita city hall is located here. Valencia also has many hotels, car dealerships, and medical centers.
One cool thing about Valencia is its system of paved paths called paseos. These paths go over or under streets, so you can walk or bike almost anywhere in Valencia without crossing busy roads. The paseo network also connects to the Santa Clara River Trail.
Education in Valencia
Valencia has schools for all ages.
- Elementary Schools: Different parts of Valencia are served by the Saugus Union School District, the Newhall School District, and the Castaic Union School District.
- Junior High and High Schools: Students usually go to schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District. Valencia has Rio Norte and Arroyo Seco Junior High Schools, and Valencia High School. Other high schools like Hart, Saugus, West Ranch, and Castaic also serve parts of Valencia.
- Colleges: Valencia is home to College of the Canyons, which is a community college. It also has California Institute of the Arts, a university for arts students.
Fun Things to Do in Valencia
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain is a huge amusement park located in Valencia. It has many roller coasters, more than almost any other park in the world!
Valencia Town Center Mall
The Valencia Town Center is a big shopping mall. It has over 100 stores and many restaurants. It's a popular place for shopping and eating.
The Cube — Ice and Entertainment Center
Valencia has an ice rink called The Cube. People use it for ice skating and hockey. In 2020, the city bought the building to keep it open. Now, The Cube is being updated to have two large ice rinks and a smaller one. These rinks can also be used for events like concerts and parties. The Cube reopened in April 2021.
Economy in Valencia
Many companies have their main offices in Valencia. Some well-known companies include Princess Cruises, Honda Performance Development, and Newhall Land and Farming Company. Other companies like Sunkist and Mechanix Wear are also based nearby.
Notable People from Valencia
Many famous people have lived in Valencia, including:
- Marielle Jaffe, actress and model
- Anthony Ervin, Olympic gold medalist swimmer
- Taylor Lautner, actor
- Naya Rivera (1987–2020), actress
- Michael Trevino, actor
- Paul Walker (1973–2013), actor
Images for kids
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Former welcome sign
See also
In Spanish: Valencia (California) para niños
