NEWS
SAUGUS HAZMAT INCIDENT SENDS 7 TO HOSPITAL
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SINCE 1919
TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023
Today’s Forecast
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CANYON COUNTRY | NEWHALL | SAUGUS | VALENCIA | STEVENSON RANCH | CASTAIC | VAL VERDE | AGUA DULCE
Fourth of July Special
Signal File Photo
Welcome to the Fourth of July Parade
By Leon Worden
SCV Parade Committee Chair Special to The Signal
W
elcome to the parade! It’s a local tradition dating back to 1932, long before a section of Newhall became Valencia and portions of Saugus were renamed “Canyon Country.” If you’re doing the math, this would be the 92nd annual parade if not for four blackout war years and a couple of Covid hiccups. People came from miles around to participate in the 1932 parade, mostly on horseback. Our population has grown a hundred-fold since then, and we’re likely to see 100 times more cars than horses in this year’s parade. And yet, in all those years and perhaps against all odds, the Santa Clarita Valley has remained a great place to live, work and play – with award-winning public schools, fun football rivalries, accessible parks, a vibrant business sector, our own local governance, and numerous nonprofit agencies that provide vital services, all surrounded by mountain scenery forever protected as “open space.”
That is what this year’s parade is all about: celebrating our freedoms as Americans and having a good time as we recognize some of the people and organizations that weave the fabric of our community. We’re honored to be joined once again by the Vietnam Veterans Lost Patrol chapter in a lead position. It’s a special year for them: 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the armistice that ended America’s involvement and brought our POWs home. Ultimately, neither Vietnam honored the truce, and the war ended two years later when North Vietnamese tanks rolled into Saigon. We also honor and cherish the memory of Duane Harte, one of the hardest working volunteers our community has ever known. He was instrumental in organizing the parade each year, and frankly, I don’t know how our volunteer parade committee continues to pull it off. Finally, a word about a pair of unsung heroes: our grand marshals, Pamela and Dennis Verner. You might not know these humble community benefactors because they don’t draw a lot of attention to themselves. So, we’re doing it for them. Dennis and Pamela freely give their See PARADE, P13
How Santa Clarita residents can celebrate the Fourth By Rylee Holwager and Perry Smith Signal Staff Writers
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he Santa Clarita Valley is ready to kick off the Fourth of July holiday with events and activities for every age. The events begin early Tuesday morning and celebrations will last into the night. The following are brief summaries of the day’s festivities to make this Fourth of July one of the best:
Santa Clarita Runners’ 39th Annual Independence Day Classic 5K, 10K and Kids K Run
This celebration of America’s independence will take place on Tuesday at Newhall Park preceding the city’s Fourth of July Parade. The Independence Day Classic welcomes people of all ages and abilities. The event features a 5K run/walk, a 10K run for adults and a Kids K run for children. See EVENTS, P12
Signal file photo
Members of the Rotary Club of Santa Clarita serve up the traditional pancake breakfast Thursday morning prior to the 88th Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade in Newhall.
INDEX Parade Lineup ���������������������������������������������������������P2 Parade Route Map �����������������������������������������������P11 Committee Members �������������������������������������������P19
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Profound importance of the Fourth of July By Jason Gibbs
Santa Clarita Mayor
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he Fourth of July holds a special place in our hearts. Not just as the birthday of our country, but as a reminder of the profound importance of independence, unity and the American spirit. As the City prepares to celebrate this historic day, Santa Clarita embraces the significance of the Fourth of July and its role in fostering community, honoring history and inspiring gratitude. More than just a date on the calendar, our Independence Day is a time to reflect on the hard-fought battles and unwavering determination of the nation’s founding fathers. The dream of a country that sought justice, opportunity and freedom for all had been created — and since then — celebrated! The Fourth of July also serves as an opportunity for Santa Clarita to express gratitude. Sacrifices were made by countless individuals throughout history who fought to secure and preserve the freedoms enjoyed today. See GIBBS, P12
Remember to celebrate safely
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