The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Latino Business Alliance held its annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Wednesday at the Centre, and honored local business owners for their contributions to the local business community.
Gerardo Robledo, owner of Guanatos Tacos and Las Originales Mexican Grill and Bar, and Sophisticated Stone Inc. were the two businesess honored during the ceremony, which included Hispanic-focused cultural foods, music and performances. Santa Clarita Councilman Bill Miranda was also honored with a lifetime achievement award for his longstanding leadership, service and contributions.
The event, which brought local leaders and business owners together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, highlights “the significance of Hispanic businesses in the community,” said Chamber President and CEO Ivan Volschenk.
Sophisticated Stone Inc., owned by Alvaro Jacinto, was awarded first and both he and his wife, Val Ruiz, were honored to be accepted by all the people in the local community since they launched their business, Ruiz said.
“It has been such a journey to be an entrepreneur. It’s more romantic than anybody things. In all honesty, our journey here in Santa Clarita has been extremely exciting and very warm. We try to acclimate in every aspect, to meet the people here and understand them and understand their needs,” she added.
Robledo, whose business now has over 30 employees, will expand to become a franchise — something he is proud of, he said, especially after the pandemic that hit the restaurant business drastically with many not surviving.
For him, the goal isn’t just about making money, but also giving back to his community with scholarships, jobs and making a difference, he said. That same evening, two students from Bowman High School were awarded scholarships to help with their schooling, funded by Robledo.
“You can give little by little, help people and make the difference. You’re not going to be remembered by how many businesses you have or how big your account is. You’re going to be remembered for how many people you helped,” he said. “This is the beginning. This is the new chapter.”
Santa Clarita Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Ayala introduced Miranda and boasted about his achievements and the changes he’s led since first coming to the Santa Clarita Valley, which included serving as city mayor during unprecedented times in the pandemic and founding the Santa Clarita Latino Business Alliance in 2009.
Mayor Laurene Weste also took a moment to share about Miranda’s lifetime work and success as a local leader for the city.
“I’m very humbled by this incredible honor that honestly could have been given to so many different people in this room right now,” Miranda said, and mentioned the names of longtime local leaders present during the ceremony and giving them a moment of recognition.
