On this day in 1972, the name “Santa Clarita Valley” became the official title of the formerly named Newhall-Saugus area.  The origin of the name dates back a couple of centuries to July 1769, with an expedition of the Spaniards. Led by Gaspar de Portolá, their main goal was to colonize land across the California coast and expand their military ...

On this day in history, Aug. 8, 1769, the Portolá Expedition — the first overland Spanish exploration of Alta California — crossed through what is now known as the Newhall Pass, entering the Santa Clarita Valley.  The trek, led by Governor Gaspar de Portolá and accompanied by engineer Miguel Costansó and Father Junipero Serra, marked a pivotal moment in California ...