Santa Clarita’s voice in Sacramento is set to grow stronger as a dynamic group of local leaders and representatives embark on the 17th Annual Sacramento Road Trip in 2026. 

Organized by KHTS FM 98.1 & AM-1220, in collaboration with California State Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares and her office, the annual initiative continues a proud tradition of bringing Santa Clarita’s concerns directly to the State Capitol with the annual Sacramento Road Trip.

“I am thrilled to partner with KHTS to bring back the KHTS Sacramento Road Trip,” Senator Suzette Martinez Valladarez said. “It’s been a powerful annual event since 2005. We are honored to follow Senator Wilk’s contributions and plan to make the 2026 trip a memorable experience.”

A Premier Delegation

Next year’s delegation is expected to be March 9-10, 2026. 

This includes a handpicked group of Santa Clarita Valley leaders, each dedicated to advocating for the valley’s priorities. 

“Over the three decades we’ve traveled with over 1,000 Santa Clarita community leaders who have taken time out of their busy lives to gain a glimpse behind the curtain of our state government,” KHTS Co-Owner Carl Goldman said. “During those years we witnessed Sacramento becoming a little worse each year. It’s evolved into the disaster it is today. However, in the short time Senator Valladares has taken office, she’s communicated a glimmer of hope that conditions are slowly beginning to change. We are very fortunate to have her follow in Senator Wilk’s footsteps.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with influential lawmakers during the trip featuring appearances by Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares.

Focusing on What Matters Most

The 17th Annual Sacramento Road Trip focuses on four to five key issues that directly impact the Santa Clarita Valley and fall under the jurisdiction of the State of California. 

Topics commonly addressed include Education, Water, Business, Infrastructure, and Public Services. 

With help from Senator Valladares and her office, the KHTS team arranges targeted meetings between attendees and local legislators to ensure these concerns are heard at the highest levels of state government.

“Our trip is very bipartisan,” Goldman said. “We travel with Liberals and Conservatives. We take a broad section of our valley, businesspeople, politicians, representatives from our schools and non-profits, even a few students so future leaders can benefit from the experience.”

The trip brings together a diverse mix of business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators, and local officials—creating a collaborative environment where each voice contributes to shaping policy discussions that affect the future of Santa Clarita.

“We advocate for issues impacting Santa Clarita that Sacramento controls,” Goldman said. “It’s ironic that no matter which side of the political aisle our participants sit on, we all seem to agree on the major issues we focus on for the benefit of our valley.”

Seventeen Years of Advocacy

Founded in 2005 by the late Assemblyman Keith Richman and KHTS co-owner Carl Goldman, the Sacramento Road Trip was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between local concerns and Sacramento’s decision-makers. 

KHTS FM 98.1 & AM-1220 will broadcast live throughout the trip, providing real-time updates and interviews with participants. 

Those interviews will also be available on KHTS’s website, giving the community a firsthand look at the experience.

Join the Movement

Beyond its policy goals, the 17th Annual Sacramento Road Trip continues to strengthen the bonds between Santa Clarita’s civic, business, and nonprofit communities. 

Past trips have led to tangible results, such as enhanced partnerships between state representatives and local institutions like College of the Canyons.

If you’re interested in participating in a future Sacramento Road Trip and want to help advocate for Santa Clarita’s future, contact KHTS to learn more.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.