On a follow up note to a past commentary, DR Horton has withdrawn its Lyons Canyon Ranch project (a.k.a. Warner Ranch) from the City of Santa Clarita. This decision was made after a representative of the builder gave a presentation at the May West Ranch Town Council meeting. DR Horton heard first hand comments and thoughts from Council members as well as the community.
In a letter to City Manager Ken Pulskamp, and the Santa Clarita City Council DR Horton said in part it “feels that the fundamental issue of the City of Santa Clarita’s expansion, including Lyons Canyon and areas west of the interstate 5 freeway, is an issue to be resolved by the City of Santa Clarita, the County of Los Angeles, the area community groups and LAFCO.” The letter went on to say, “ Accordingly, we are choosing to seek County approval of a project that conforms with the General Plan of the County of Los Angeles.”
DR Horton realized that they were going to have an uphill battle on Lyons Canyon Ranch development trying to circumvent the west side communities. The choice to withdraw the project from the City and to work with County and the community is a positive decision.
My hope is that DR Horton will now revise their project plans by reducing the density; work with the school district to ensure an adequate school, and to patch up relations with the west side community groups. DR Horton has made a good move, but the ball is still in their court!

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Here is something that you will not read anywhere else in the Signal. The Stevenson Ranch Civic Association (SRCA) will be presenting the 7th Annual Stevenson Ranch Fireworks Spectacular on Monday July 4th in association with LA County Parks and Recreation. This year’s show will see over 1200 aerial bursts accompanied by music in the Dr. Richard Rioux Memorial Park located on Faulkner in Stevenson Ranch. The festivities will begin at 7:30 at the park. The park will be closed for the day in preparation for the fireworks.
Many residents consider this to be the best fireworks show in the Santa Clarita Valley. I certainly agree with that assessment!
Once again, the fireworks show is a free community event, no admission fee, and is designed to be a small town America show. The SRCA is grateful to, The Stevenson Ranch Community Association, Lennar/ Newhall Land, Blue Barrel/Valencia Disposal, The Stevenson Ranch Community Church, Aberdeen Property Management, Timothy Kline Insurance Agency, Tim Reed of Realty Executives, and all of our community volunteers.
This year will prove to be an exceptional year for fireworks in the Santa Clarita Valley. The Stevenson Ranch show will begin around 9:05 PM, followed by the City of Santa Clarita show at the Town Center commencing at 9:15 PM, and then at 9:35 PM an extended fireworks show at Magic Mountain. That will result in nearly 40 minutes of fireworks lighting up the night sky around our valley.
If you plan right you’ll be able to find a sweet spot for viewing all three shows. Many people think that you need to be right under the fireworks to have the best view. I disagree. Some of the best viewing for the Stevenson Ranch show is outside the park where we shot the fireworks. In fact many residents have block parties in the cul-de-sacs around the community and have great views of the fireworks. I think some of the best viewing for the show will be at the Jake Kuredjian Park on Pico Canyon. One thing to remember is that there will be no parking in the Rioux Park on July 4th and we are encouraging people to walk, as parking on the streets is limited.
Wherever you are on the 4th of July I hope that you and your loved ones have a very safe, happy and festive Independence Day celebration.