The streets are lined with lights and decorations galore.  Music that captures the spirit of the holiday season is played throughout the stores as children wait anxiously for the arrival of good old St. Nick.   Preparations for gatherings with family and friends have begun.  The holidays are finally here, and it is indeed one of the most wonderful times of the year.
As the New Year approaches, there’s no better time than now to reflect on the past and look forward to our future.  We at élite Magazine are pleased to continue to support many of the local non-profit organizations that help make our valley a great place to live and work.We are pleased to feature 10-year CNN veteran, Bella Shaw on the cover of this issue.  Bella makes her home here in the Santa Clarita Valley and is best known for her work as a journalist on CNN.  Read about how Bella made her way from the farm show in Oklahoma all the way to the international stage at CNN.
Share the magic of the holiday season with the merchants of Westfield and Valencia Town Center as we have provided you with shopping guides to help you find a variety of unique offers and deals from retailers, restaurants and more.
With the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, we are pleased to also feature a Holiday Gift Guide to help you find the unique gift for that special someone.  With the New Year comes a new you.  We have featured a Q & A with the professionals to help you drop those extra pounds and get in the best shape for 2013.
At 18 months, Acton resident Taylor Howell was diagnosed with ocular cancer.  Despite the challenges he has faced with the loss of both of his eyes, he is a true example of determination, courage and perseverance.  Read his story as Taylor talks about living life to the fullest.

Meet Mark Mears, President and Chief Concept Officer of Mimi’s Bakery, Café & Bistro.  Mark talks with us about the “French Revolution” taking place at our very own Mimi’s restaurant in Valencia.
We live in a valley where the generosity of the residents is constantly shown. Just last month, our Dancing With Our Stars fundraising event was a huge success, raising nearly $260,000 for our non-profit organizations, bringing us to a total of $680,000 over the past four years!  You can see photos of the event as well as other community events in our Crème de la Crème features throughout this issue.
If you’re in the mood for a little drive, head southeast on Highway 15, to a little town called Julian.  Explore the gold mining town, enjoy a delicious apple pie or take a ride in a horse drawn carriage.  Read more about Julian in our Great Escape feature.
Tis’ the season to give.  With the holiday season here, take a moment to enjoy a “Holiday Surprise and Delight” with Henry Mayo’s Holiday Home Tour.  We offer you a sneak peek of the three homes that will be featured at this year’s Home Tour.
Our Looking Back Feature takes us back to the beginnings of College of the Canyons and their athletic department.  We congratulate and honor the 2013 College of the Canyons Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees.
We would like to wish you a wonderful holiday season.  We look forward to bringing you the very best of local profiles, features and entertainment that our great Valley has to offer, and don’t forget to support our local businesses who make this publication possible.

Happy Holidays,
Linda and Moe Hafizi