Meet Santa Clarita’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission

The City of Santa Clarita’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission plays a vital role in shaping the recreational and cultural landscape of our community. Appointed by the City Council, the Commission advises on matters related to park development, recreational programming, community events, arts and cultural initiatives and strategies that enhance the quality of life for all residents. These five individuals bring deep experience, personal passion and diverse perspectives to help ensure that Santa Clarita continues to be a place where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can thrive.

Skye Ostrom, Chair

Born from the pioneering spirit that helped build Santa Clarita, Skye Ostrom embodies a lifelong dedication to the community she proudly calls home. Her family moved to Sand Canyon in 1979 and transformed a dirt road property into a vibrant hobby ranch. A product of local schools and a proud graduate of UCLA, Skye returned to Santa Clarita to build her career in education. Now in her 24th year as a science teacher and school counselor at Sierra Vista Junior High, she remains deeply connected to the youth and families of the Santa Clarita Valley. Skye’s passion for parks, trails and mental health programs shines through her work on the Commission, where she champions open space preservation, inclusive recreation and opportunities that promote a healthy, connected lifestyle.

Di Thompson, Vice Chair

For 24 years, Di Thompson has called Santa Clarita home—a place where she and her husband have raised their daughters and put down roots. A driven entrepreneur and the founder of Thompson Realty Advisors, Di is passionate about helping families build generational wealth through homeownership. Her leadership extends across multiple civic organizations, including serving as the Chair of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, inaugural Chair of the Black Business Council and Co-Chair of InfluenceHER. Di’s volunteer work, especially through the Dream It Be It program for high school girls, reflects her commitment to mentorship, education and equity. Her vision for Santa Clarita is one of empowerment—where every resident feels supported and uplifted.

Peggy Stabile, Commissioner

When Peggy Stabile and her family moved to Valencia in 1979, they knew they had found something special. A lifelong educator and counselor, Peggy has worked in the Hart District, at College of the Canyons and as an independent advisor helping families navigate the college admissions process. A pioneer of inclusion and student advocacy, she launched programs such as TEENAGE GRIEF (TAG), UNITY and Operation US. In the 1980s, she and her husband co-founded PFLAG SCV, championing safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ youth and their families. Today, Peggy remains focused on expanding positive programming for at-risk youth and fostering intergenerational and multicultural connections through recreation and community-building.

Hugo Cherre, Commissioner

A former gymnastics national champion and Olympic judge, Hugo Cherre brought his dream and determination to Santa Clarita in 1987. In 2008, he opened Hugo’s GymFitness, a local institution that for over 17 years has inspired young athletes to reach their full potential—not just in sports, but in life. With a degree in engineering and decades of experience organizing international competitions and large-scale events, Hugo brings both passion and precision to his service on the Commission. Above all, he is a family man whose legacy includeas nurturing future leaders, including his children and grandchildren. Hugo is proud to represent a community that embraced his American Dream—and in return, he works to ensure that Santa Clarita continues to be a place where others can realize theirs.

Dennis Sugasawara, Commissioner

Driven by curiosity and compassion, Dennis Sugasawara brings a rich blend of experience in entertainment, nonprofit leadership and civic engagement. A Santa Clarita resident since 1990, Dennis began his professional career producing independent films before dedicating his time to caregiving and, later, community service. As a veteran and board member of several local organizations—including the SCV Boys and Girls Club, Santa Clarita International Film Festival and Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative—Dennis is committed to lifting others up. He enjoys the City’s trails and paseos and sees his role on the Commission as a chance to give back and to help shape recreational opportunities that bring joy, health and connection to residents across all generations.

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