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February 5
1921 - After leasing since 1918, William S. Hart purchases the Horseshoe Ranch in Newhall from Babcock Smith [story]
Hart ranch


GeorgePedersonGeorgePedersonGeorgePedersonFormer Santa Clarita Mayor George Pederson, who guided Santa Clarita through the recovery from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, died Saturday. He was 90.

Pederson was commander of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Peter J. Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic from 1980-1984 and served one term on the Santa Clarita City council (1992-1996).

“People talk about it all the time, how well this city was run during a catastrophic event,” said Mayor Pro Tem Bob Kellar, who was also a longtime friend of Pederson’s. George played a very important role in that. … He did a remarkable job as a council member and a mayor, but his participation in the community went way beyond that.”

Pederson was named Santa Clarita Valley Man of the Year in 1997 for his various contributions to the Santa Clarita Valley’s development.

Kellar also credited Pederson with participation in numerous community organizations, such as the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center and the Chamber of Commerce.

Pederson was born Dec. 4, 1924.

He was also a World War II veteran who served in the Navy.

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9 Comments

  1. Rest in peace Mr. Pederson

  2. Denny says:

    George was the only councilperson (mayor at the time)to ever spend time meeting with representatives of Princess Cruises when we were in discussions with the City to bring the cruise line’s world headquarters from Century City to Santa Clarita. He had a very keen interest in Princess moving to Santa Clarita and participated in a meaningful way during meetings with City staff. RIP George you will be missed.

  3. Rick Winsman says:

    Both Dee and I had many opportunities to work with George over the 20 years we lived in SClarita. His friendship, knowledge and advice were priceless. We both will miss him and his sense of humor…

  4. Gary Condie, CPA says:

    A Man among Men. He was always a perfect gentleman.

  5. I had the privilege of working with George as a co-host of a local access TV show featuring the SCV Senior Center. We had SO much fun. They joked that we were the “Regis & Kathy Lee” of SCV. RIP my friend.

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SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026
Update: LASD Make Arrest in Connection to a Double Homicide Last Halloween in Newhall
In continuing their investigation into the shooting deaths of 30-year-old Elijah Harts and 27-year-old Anthony Mora, Homicide Investigators identified 19-year-old Alejandro Trujillo of Newhall, as a suspect in the murders.
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Regional Human Trafficking Task Force Announces Arrests, Rescues
Sheriff Robert G. Luna announced details and results from the twelfth annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild enforcement operation.
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Feb. 7: Fall in Love Fur-Ever At Paws For Love Adoption Event at SCV Public Library
The city of Santa Clarita, in partnership with the Castaic Animal Care Center, will host the PAWS for Love Adoption Event on Saturday, Feb. 7.
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<strong>1921</strong> - After leasing since 1918, William S. Hart purchases the Horseshoe Ranch in Newhall from Babcock Smith [<a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/lw2024.htm" target="_blank">story</a>]<br> <a href="https://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/lw2024.htm" target="_blank"> <img src="https://scvhistory.com/gif/lw2024t.jpg" alt="Hart ranch" style="margin-top:6px;width:110px;border:0;"> </a>
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