To our neighbors and the broader Santa Clarita community, my family has lived in Placerita Canyon for about 50 years. We’ve watched this canyon grow from open land, where property lines were little more than rough markers and neighbors truly knew one another, into the unique equestrian community it is today.
I’m writing not out of anger, but out of concern.
Over the past several years, the growth of The Master’s University has significantly changed the day-to-day reality of those of us who call this canyon home. We understand that growth happens, and education is important, but the way this growth has impacted our small, single-access community is becoming unsafe and unsustainable.
Our canyon has only one main entrance and exit. That has always required patience, but it used to be manageable. Now, with increased student attendance and the expansion into surrounding homes, traffic congestion has become overwhelming. What was once a simple drive out of the canyon can now turn into long, frustrating delays, especially during peak hours.
More concerning, however, is safety.
Many of the homes purchased by the university are now housing far more people than they were ever designed for. Where there were once families of two to four, there are now often a dozen or more students. This has led to a noticeable increase in traffic, and unfortunately, reckless driving. Cars speeding through narrow, winding roads. Drivers taking corners too fast. A lack of awareness for pedestrians, horses, cyclists, riders and the children who call this canyon their home.
As someone who grew up here, I remember feeling completely safe walking the streets or playing outside. Today, I don’t feel comfortable letting my own children do the same. We have personally had several close calls, moments where a student’s car came too fast around a corner and nearly hit us or backed up far too fast coming out of a driveway. That’s not something any parent should have to worry about in their own neighborhood.
There are also growing concerns about fire safety. This canyon is lined with dry brush and oak trees, conditions where even a small fire can spread quickly. Already this year, the Fire Department has been called multiple times to a nearby student-occupied house due to out-of-control bonfires. Neighbors have reported the smell of gasoline being used to start these fires, and at one point, flames came dangerously close to catching nearby tree branches.
With only one way in and out of the canyon, the risk of a fast-moving fire combined with increased population density is not something we can ignore. It’s a serious danger to lives, homes and the land itself.
To be clear, this is not about blaming students. Many of them are respectful, kind and simply adjusting to life away from home. The issue is with the scale and management of this expansion. Enrollment has grown significantly, with the student body now around 1,200 and dozens of nearby homes being used for student housing, some holding far more occupants than originally intended.
This level of growth brings real impacts on traffic, safety, infrastructure and the character of our community.
What has been especially difficult is the recent shift in tone. Instead of working collaboratively with residents to find solutions, there are now threats of legal action against the very community that has coexisted with the university for decades. For an institution rooted in Christian values, this approach feels out of step with the principle of loving and respecting one’s neighbors.
We are not asking for the university to leave. We are asking for balance, accountability and cooperation.
We want:
• Safe roads for our children and families.
• Responsible use of residential housing.
• Fire safety to be taken seriously.
• Open, respectful dialogue instead of legal pressure.
This canyon has always been more than just a place to live. It’s a community built over generations. We want to preserve that while still allowing room for growth that is thoughtful and responsible.
I hope this letter helps others understand why so many of us are speaking up. This isn’t about resisting change. It’s about protecting the safety, character and future of our home.
Raven Monaco
Newhall
