Valencia: The Heart of Santa Clarita

• HelloHola
  [OH-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-DYOHSS]
• YesSí
  [SEE]
• NoNo
  [NOH]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-VOHR/deh NAH-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [GRAH-syahss]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpa/Perdón
  [dees-KOOL-pah/pehr-DOHN]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [KOH-moh ehs-TAHS]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [BYEHN. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [AH-blahss een-GLEHS]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [NOH ehn-TYEN-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah behr ehl MEH-noo, por fah-VOHR]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [NOH KOH-moh KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-LOOD]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah pah-GAHR, por fah-VOHR]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [VEH-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [YAH-mah ah lah poh-LEE-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [YAH-mah ah oon MEH-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-TOY ehn-FEHR-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah kohm-PRAR...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [SOH-loh ehs-TOY mee-RAHN-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [EH-soh ehs deh-mah-SYA-do KAH-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [PWEH-dehs BAH-har ehl PREE-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh OR-ah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehss lah OO-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee MEH-dee-ah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [NOH-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-YEHR]
• TodayHoy
  [OY]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
• 2Dos
  [DOHS]
• 3Tres
  [TREHS]
• 4Cuatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [SEYS]
• 7Siete
  [SYEH-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [NWAVEH]
• 10Diez
  [DYEHS]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [DOHN-deh ehs-TAH]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-SYON]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [PWEH-dehs mohs-TRAHR-meh (ehn ehl MAH-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [KWAHN-doh ehs ehl PROHK-see-moh (ow-TOH-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-LEH-toh (ah ...)]

Valencia, part of the greater Santa Clarita Valley, was originally inhabited by the Tataviam people, who thrived in the region due to its rich agricultural potential. In the late 19th century, European settlers and ranchers began to cultivate the land, establishing a farming community that laid the groundwork for future development.

The establishment of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s was a turning point for Valencia. The railroad facilitated the transport of goods and people, contributing to the growth of the community. This connection to larger markets allowed local farmers to expand their operations and increase their influence in the region.

In the 1960s, Valencia was transformed from a rural area into a master-planned community by the Newhall Land and Farming Company. This development introduced modern amenities and infrastructure, including schools, shopping centers, and parks. The vision was to create a suburban environment that blended residential living with recreational spaces.

As Valencia grew, it became known for its commitment to community and cultural events. The area hosts numerous festivals and activities, such as the Valencia Jazz & Blues Festival and the annual Fourth of July parade. The community's emphasis on art and culture is further reflected in the Valencia Town Center and the surrounding recreational facilities.

In 1987, Valencia was officially incorporated into the city of Santa Clarita, which was formed by the merger of several surrounding communities. This integration brought additional resources and support for local initiatives, further enhancing Valencia's appeal as a family-friendly neighborhood and a destination for visitors seeking a blend of suburban comfort and cultural experiences.

Valencia is conveniently located within Santa Clarita, easily accessible from other neighborhoods via several routes. If you're traveling from the Santa Clarita Valley area, take the I-5 Freeway northbound and exit at Magic Mountain Parkway. For those coming from nearby neighborhoods like Canyon Country or Newhall, local roads such as Soledad Canyon Road and McBean Parkway provide direct access. Public transportation options are also available, including the Metrolink train that stops at the nearby Santa Clarita station.

Valencia is well-connected and can be easily navigated by car, bike, or on foot. The city features dedicated bike paths, making cycling a popular option for exploring local parks and attractions. The Santa Clarita Transit bus system offers routes throughout the city, with stops at major points of interest. For those preferring public transport, the Metrolink train service connects Valencia to greater Los Angeles. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available.

Valencia is generally a safe area for tourists, with a low crime rate compared to other neighborhoods. However, it’s advisable to remain cautious, particularly in isolated areas or after dark. Areas near the Valencia Town Center and Magic Mountain are usually bustling with activity and are safe. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated regions or after hours. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospitals, such as Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, provide emergency services. Familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby hospitals and urgent care centers. For non-emergency situations, local pharmacies can assist with minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies while visiting.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, suitable for a warm climate. Avoid overly provocative outfits, especially in family-friendly venues. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Valencia is not heavily religious, being respectful in public spaces is appreciated. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't play loud music or use your phone excessively on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile. A handshake is common in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local eateries and enjoy outdoor dining. Don't take food or drinks into places where they are prohibited.

To experience Valencia like a local, explore the local parks such as Central Park and the Valencia Heritage Park, which often host community events. Visit the Farmers Market on Sundays for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with local businesses and ask for recommendations to discover hidden gems. For a taste of the local culture, check out the events at the Valencia Town Center and nearby Magic Mountain, which often feature seasonal celebrations and entertainment.