Local News

Recent Business Openings and Closures in SCV

With the end of 2023 and the beginning of the new year, SCV has witnessed the loss of some beloved businesses, but also the arrival of a handful of exciting new businesses. 

Openings

• Makenna Koffee

Located in Newhall, the Hawaiian Coffee shop opened on January 6th. Their shop hosts a variety of coffee-based drinks, tea, and bakery items. With something to suit everyone, their menu also features coffee-free drinks and vegan pastries. 

• Urbane Cafe

The newly popular sandwich joint has recently opened its second location in SCV. The new location is only a short two-minute drive away from Valencia High School. Their menu includes sandwiches with their signature fresh baked focaccia bread, salads, soups, and bowls. 

Closures

• Dairy Queen & Orange Julius

The Dairy Queen location was recently shut down at the Valencia Westfield Mall. A favorite for many shoppers to get their mid-shopping trip snack, the ice-creamery closed near the end of 2023.

• Blue’s Fish and Soul

Blue’s Fish and Soul, a restaurant established by the up-and-coming rapper Blueface, has permanently closed after nearly 2.5 years of operation. 

Overcrowding at the Castaic Animal Shelter 

The Castaic Animal Care and Control Center is the local Santa Clarita animal shelter that takes in stray, abused, neglected, and surrendered animals into their care. While this shelter has volunteers and animal control employees who strive to protect and create better lives for the animals who have already faced plenty of hardships throughout their lives, the constant overcrowding of dogs in this shelter leads to the euthanasia of perfectly healthy, happy, and friendly dogs. Here are some of the loving dogs in need of a home:

Aquamarine is a two-year-old female Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix with a calm and loving personality. She has an extremely friendly demeanor as well as basic obedience skills and would do well in a home as the only dog or with other calm dogs. Although Aquamarine does exhibit calm behavior, the Belgian Malinois breed is best for people who can offer an active and attentive lifestyle as this breed is known to be eager to learn and experience new things. 

Delaney is a one-year-old female Siberian Husky with a happy and energetic personality. Huskies are a playful and intelligent dog breed so Delaney would thrive in a home with an owner who is dedicated to keeping up with her obedience training to help her reach her full potential as a companion. She would do best in a home that would offer her an active lifestyle as she is a curious dog and enjoys socializing with other dogs. 

Ringo is a four-year-old male Chihuahua-Dachshund mix with a shy and gentle personality. Shelters can be even more overwhelming and scary for smaller dogs like Ringo hence the timid behavior he exhibits, however, he is still a loving and sweet dog that needs to be given a chance to warm up and adjust to a new environment. Ringo would do well in any home as long as there are no young children or children who do not know how to handle animals.

Alvie is a two-year-old male Siberian Husky with a loving and energetic personality. He loves to be around people and is extremely affectionate. Alvie would do best in a home where he can get a lot of attention and gets along well with other large dogs. 

Bon Joni is a two-year-old male German Shepherd mix with a happy and curious personality. He knows basic obedience, walks well on a leash, and would do perfect in a home that can provide him with outdoor activities such as hiking and going on runs. Bon Joni has medium energy levels and does well with other large dogs. 

Missy is a two year-old female German Shepherd mix with a sweet and attentive personality. She knows basic commands and loves belly rubs or any affection she can get from humans! Missy would fit in well with any family she is adopted into as long as she is provided with the proper exercise and care that the German Shepherd breed needs.