A Message from the Associate Publisher Alexander Hafizi – March/April 2025

Spring is a season of renewal, and with it comes a fresh new issue filled with stories that celebrate the incredible people, businesses, and events that make our community thrive. This issue is particularly special as it features one of my favorite sections—the élite Wedding Magazine—alongside a lineup of inspiring stories, expert insights, and local spotlights that truly capture the essence of Santa Clarita.
Our cover story features a leader who has dedicated years to serving our city—Mayor Bill Miranda. His journey, leadership, and vision for Santa Clarita continue to shape our community in meaningful ways, and we are honored to highlight his contributions.
In our Close Up section, we introduce you to two incredible individuals. First, meet Shawn Khan, the new General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Valencia, who is bringing a fresh perspective and leadership to this luxury dealership. Then, we take a moment to celebrate the life and wisdom of Betty Burke-Oldfield, a remarkable woman who, at 97 years young, has witnessed the world change in incredible ways and continues to inspire those around her.
Our Nonprofit Spotlight shines on LARC Ranch, an organization that has made a significant impact by providing essential services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their mission is one that deserves recognition, and we are proud to share their story.
Throughout this issue, we also spotlight several other standout features, including Dance Studio 84, the Oak Tree Gun Club, Trinity School, and the Performing Arts Center. Each of these institutions plays a vital role in shaping the culture and experiences of our city, from the arts to education to outdoor recreation. The Performing Arts Center feature highlights two incredibly talented artists who bring creativity and passion to the stage.
For those interested in the future growth and development of our city, we take a closer look at the Planning Commissioners of the City of Santa Clarita. These dedicated individuals play a crucial role in shaping our community, ensuring responsible development, and maintaining the charm and functionality that make Santa Clarita such a wonderful place to live.
We also take a moment to reflect on the past with a special tribute to Dale Grestel, whose contributions and presence will be deeply missed by so many.
Our Meet the Professional feature introduces Sonia Chan Lee, a partner at Thompson | Von Tungeln, A P.C., who brings invaluable expertise in estate planning and legal services. Plus, if you’re looking for a quick getaway, we take you on a Great Escape to Temecula, where wine country meets relaxation.
One of the most exciting highlights of this issue is the announcement of our Ultimate Award winners! We are proud to recognize outstanding individuals and businesses in four categories: Ultimate Beauty, Ultimate Bridal, Ultimate Business, and Ultimate Fitness. These winners represent the best of the best, and their dedication to excellence is truly commendable. Our next ultimate award is Ultimate Medical to go to our website at www.scvelitemagazine.com/ultimate-awards to vote today.
The City of Santa Clarita is always buzzing with events, and in this issue, we bring you two must-read columns—one covering the excitement of the Cowboy Festival and the other diving into the literary celebration of One Story One City. Whether you’re a fan of western traditions or an avid reader, these events are ones you won’t want to miss.
For food lovers, be sure to check out a delightful Strawberry Tart recipe from Larry McClements, perfect for spring gatherings. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy Eve Wine 101 by Eve Bushman, where she takes us on a journey through upcoming wine events and festivals from Los Angeles to Napa. And for business professionals, our VIA column covers two major upcoming events that will bring networking and innovation to the forefront.
Now, let’s talk weddings! Our élite Wedding Magazine is always one of my favorite issues, and this edition is extra special. I am beyond excited to feature the wedding of my dear childhood friend, Ginger Oliver, as she embarks on a beautiful new chapter with her husband, Louie. A huge congratulations to both of you! We also share the stunning wedding of Matthew & Kristin DiGioia, capturing the magic of their special day.
Beyond the wedding stories, we have a collection of Fabulous Wedding Finds curated by some of our favorite experts to help engaged couples discover the best vendors, decor, and inspiration for their big day. To top it off, our catering feature will help you find the perfect caterer to bring your wedding menu to life, and travel expert PlanetKelli provides essential tips on planning the honeymoon of your dreams.
There is so much to explore in this issue, and I hope you enjoy every page as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Thank you to our dedicated team, our contributors, and, most importantly, our readers for continuing to support élite Magazine. We are honored to share these stories with you and look forward to celebrating more incredible people and moments in the months ahead.

Warmest regards,
Alexander Hafizi & Arnold Bryant

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