The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce and Latino Business Alliance hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration honoring Latino residents and recognizing local leaders.
The annual event, which has been held in partnership with the city of Santa Clarita for nearly 20 years, drew community members, dignitaries, and entrepreneurs to celebrate a culture that represents nearly 40% of the city’s population.
Honoring Culture and Community
Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries, as well as Día de la Raza on October 12.
For City Councilwoman and Latino Business Alliance Chair Patsy Ayala, the recognition is both personal and communal.
City Councilwoman and Latino Business Alliance Chair Patsy Ayala speaking (Sophia Lesseos KHTS)
“As a Mexican American, this is my home and my community,” Ayala said. “Tonight, we honor Hispanics in our community whose hard work, talent and dedication contribute to our economic growth and serve as examples of unity and leadership in Santa Clarita.”
Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda, who co-founded the Latino Chamber of Commerce in 2009 before it merged into the Chamber of Commerce in 2012, reflected on the importance of celebrating heritage locally.
“It’s very important to celebrate everybody’s heritage,” Miranda said. “Most of us come from other lands. We want to be fully American, but at the same time, we don’t want to forget where we came from. That’s what makes America great, not the melting pot, but the mosaic.”
Recognition of Local Leaders and Businesses
This year, the Chamber recognized Dr. Christopher Raygoza for individual leadership and C&M Mechanical Heating and Cooling, founded by Carlos and Megan Aguilar, as the Outstanding Hispanic Business of the Year.
Both Miranda and Ayala emphasized the importance of building connections and creating opportunities for economic growth. Ayala noted that the Hispanic market makes up the fastest-growing sector of Santa Clarita, particularly in Newhall and Canyon Country.
Hispanic Heritage month celebration (Sophia Lesseos KHTS)
“We want the whole pie of the market in Santa Clarita,” she said. “It’s about union, guiding businesses on how to succeed and at the same time creating connections and friendships that strengthen our city”
Miranda added that events like these help reinforce Santa Clarita’s identity as, in his words, “the biggest small town in the country,” where diversity is embraced while the community spirit remains strong.
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