After another successful trip up to Sacramento, Santa Clarita leaders are bringing back more than just notes – they’re returning with new relationships, fresh perspectives and a stronger voice for their community.

Local leaders, educators, nonprofit organizers and business owners spent two days at the State Capitol as part of the 2026 KHTS Sacramento Road Trip, where they connected directly with lawmakers and advocated for issues impacting the Santa Clarita Valley.

The annual trip continues to serve as a bridge between the community and state leaders, giving participants a chance to both hear from policymakers and share how statewide decisions are affecting everyday life back home.

Sophia Lesseos | KHTS

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo said that connection is critical.

“This is an opportunity to hear directly from policymakers… but also for us to hear from people in our community about how those big issues are impacting them,” Schiavo said.

She noted that affordability remains one of the most pressing concerns facing residents.

“We know cost of living and affordability is top of mind and really, really hurting people… people you wouldn’t expect are really struggling,” she said.

Participants said the trip’s impact comes from the wide range of voices – from education and water agencies to nonprofits and local businesses.

Sophia Lesseos | KHTS

Fred Arnold, College of the Canyons board trustee and local business owner, said that diversity helps shape better policy decisions.

“We’re a community of independents, Democrats, Republicans… of all diversity. And I think it’s that diversity that we have to share… so they can make the best decision when they’re here,” Arnold said.

Arnold added that the trip is about more than listening, it’s about continuing the conversation after returning home.

“It’s sending them a follow up and saying, ‘Here’s some of the issues that we have… will you keep us in mind?’” he said.

For many attendees, the discussions reflected challenges they are already seeing in the community, particularly when it comes to rising costs.

Bradley Grose, executive director of the Santa Clarita Grocery food pantry, said demand for services has surged amid inflation and economic uncertainty.

“Our world is changing so fast… we have the same amount of people coming (now) that was close to when COVID was in full swing,” Grose said.

Sophia Lesseos | KHTS

He said hearing those issues acknowledged by state leaders was meaningful.

“To hear our representative even have it on their radar… is remarkable to me,” he said.

At the same time, Grose said the trip offered a realistic look at the challenges facing California.

“A common thread was… what a rough spot we’re in right now as a state… nothing is going to be a quick fix,” he said.

Education leaders also used the opportunity to advocate for changes at the state level.

Arnold pointed to the need for adjustments to the funding formula for community colleges, especially in growing areas like Santa Clarita.

“Our biggest encouragement was to… incentivize growth… so we can serve the growing needs of our community,” he said.

Schiavo also highlighted ongoing local concerns, including the Chiquita Canyon Landfill, emphasizing the importance of bringing those stories directly to lawmakers.

Jade Aubuchon | KHTS

“It just breaks my heart… people… cannot open their window and get fresh air,” she said, noting efforts to secure resources and relief for impacted residents.

She added that hearing from community members helps guide decisions at the Capitol.

“Those are the stories that we bring… to every committee hearing… to make sure we’re representing our community effectively,” Schiavo said.

Beyond policy discussions, many participants said the relationships built during the trip were just as valuable as the information shared.

Grose described the experience as a reminder of the power of collaboration.

“It wasn’t such a hopeful vision or a visit, but it was definitely telling… You can fix something fast if it costs more money but it’s not well thought through, or you can be proactive and address it, but push it through and get working on it. Which has a much more thoughtfulness… this trip made me feel like I’m stronger because I got together with some key people in our community.”

Arnold said the trip also strengthens connections within the Santa Clarita community itself.

Suzette Martinez Valladares (Sophia Lesseos | KHTS)

“It allows us… to get together and see the diversity of professions, skills, needs and ways we can help and serve each other,” he said.

State Sen. Suzette Valladares, who helped host the trip, called the event a unique opportunity for engagement.

“It was great to see… community members from Santa Clarita up here in Sacramento… like having a little bit of home with me,” Valladares said.

She encouraged residents to continue speaking up about the issues impacting them.

“It’s the squeaky wheel gets the grease… continue to bring up your story… and keep your voice heard,” she said.

As participants return home, many say the trip reinforced the importance of staying engaged year-round, not just during the annual visit.

From affordability and education to public health and infrastructure, local leaders say their focus remains on making sure Santa Clarita’s voice is heard where decisions are made.

“If you want to make real impact… this is the place to go,” Grose said.

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.