Remote Surveillance Trailer in Santa Clarita, CA

March 17, 2025 12:51 PM PT

Several Southern California cities have the most credit card debt per household in the U.S., a new WalletHub study found.

Santa Clarita ranked first out of 181 U.S. cities, with a household average of about $22,753 in credit card debt, and a total of about $1.7 billion in debt for its 228,000 residents, according to data taken from the U.S. Census Bureau and TransUnion, WalletHub said.

Chula Vista was second, with an average of $20,567 in credit card debt per household, and a total of $1.8 billion among its 275,000 residents.

But being high on the list doesn’t mean that debt is overwhelming the population, Chip Lupo, a WalletHub writer and The Times on Monday.

In areas like Santa Clarita, the fast-growing suburban community in northern Los Angeles County, where the median household income is $118,489 according to census data — higher than in other parts of the U.S. — it’s actually a sign of good credit management, he said.

“It reflects a greater financial flexibility rather than any type of financial distress,” Lupo said. “As long as interest rates are lower, borrowing costs are managed and as long as you’re paying back the debt.”

Other cities rounding out the top 10 in Southern California are No. 4 Fontana, No. 5 Riverside, No. 7 Rancho Cucamonga and No. 10 Glendale.

Some households may factor credit card debt and interest into their monthly budget, he said.

“The key, as we’ve mentioned, is just to not get to a point to where it becomes so overwhelming that it starts affecting your other debt” like car loans or mortgages, Lupo said. “Usually when you get yourself in over your head, credit card debt is usually the first thing that gets tossed by the wayside.”

These places in Southern California generally ranked lower on WalletHub’s other rankings for financial distress and debt delinquency, the new study noted.

Residents in these areas likely have multiple credit cards, Lupo said, signaling that they might be taking advantage of low introductory rates on new cards more often. Santa Clarita also ranked second as the city with the most credit cards per household, with Chula Vista ranking 39th.

Credit card debt usually starts with poor financial literacy and a misunderstanding of how interest works, Lubo said. Coupled with inflation, credit cards are sometimes used to keep households afloat despite debt piling up, he said.

“When you are piling on gas and groceries and trips to the laundromat, all your everyday expenses are going to these credit cards, you’re running up this debt at an average interest rate of about 22, 23%,” especially in places where the median household incomes are low.

Other cities high on the list, like New York City, have a much higher population and more people in financial distress because of a lower median income, the study notes.

Americans have accrued more than $1.35 trillion in credit card debt as of the end of 2024, and credit card defaults have hit the highest level in 14 years, jumping to a record $46 billion from January to September 2024.

In support of “Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life,” the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency is developing a Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan to establish a comprehensive water conservation strategy.

It is a key planning and strategic component for the agency that informs, influences and impacts multiple facets of the agency’s operations, services and strategic initiatives. The public is encouraged to attend a hybrid workshop to participate in the development of the WUESP on Wednesday, March 26, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan aims to optimize Santa Clarita Valley water conservation efforts, improve water use efficiency programs, prioritize improved customer outcomes and to comply with state water conservation mandates. The mandates, collectively known as the Conservation Long-Term Framework legislation, AB 1668 and SB 606 are designed to establish lasting conservation practices, making water conservation a permanent part of California’s way of life. The Framework is intended to strengthen the state’s water resiliency in the face of future droughts.

“The Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan will help SCV Water meet the state conservation requirements while developing a comprehensive approach to meeting the community’s water conservation needs,” said SCV Water Sustainability Manager Matt Dickens. “In addition to the Strategic Plan, the project will develop a water demand forecast tool, as well as a performance tracking and reporting tool to ensure we effectively monitor water usage, track progress, and implement strategies for long-term conservation and sustainability.”

Public Workshop March 26

The hybrid public workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and SCV Water customers can attend in one of two ways:

Virtual. Visit our website to sign up for the virtual workshop: yourSCVwater.com/wuesp

In-Person. To register to attend the in-person workshop, visit: .

Space is limited. The in-person workshop will be held at the SCV Water Pine Street Training Room, located at 23780 Pine St., Newhall, CA 91321.

The Public Workshop will educate participants about SCV Water’s draft Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan, solicit input on water conservation strategies and measures, and highlight successes, challenges and goals identified at the SCV Water Board of Directors’ Workshop held on March 18.

SCV Water Board Workshop March 18

Prior to the Public Workshop, the Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan team will conduct a workshop with the SCV Water Board of Directors at its regular Board meeting on Tuesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. at the E.G. “Jerry” Gladbach Water Treatment Plant, located at 27234 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350. The public may attend the meeting and participate through the public comment portion of the workshop.

The board workshop will provide an overview of water use efficiency planning in the Santa Clarita Valley, as well as review and solicit Board input to develop the mission, vision and values for the Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan.

The board meeting agenda packet can be found at: www.yourscvwater.com/meetings/regular-board-meeting-031825.

Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan Impacts

This effort will provide SCV Water with a Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan that meets state conservation requirements while improving demand forecasting. Enhanced forecasting will support future Urban Water Management Plans, supply planning and investments, as well as aid in revenue planning and rate design. The Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan will also serve as a foundation for the agency’s communication, education and engagement efforts, promoting both organizational and community sustainability.

To learn more about the Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan, visit: yourSCVwater.com/wuesp.

The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water) is a full-service regional water agency located in the Santa Clarita Valley. SCV Water provides water service to approximately 75,000 business and residential customers. It was formed on Jan. 1, 2018, when local water suppliers combined into one integrated, regional water provider.

More information can be found at yourSCVwater.com.

Running every Friday until April 11, this year’s event is set to bring delicious meals to attendees while serving a greater purpose: proceeds are expected to assist victims of the recent California wildfires.

For nearly five decades, the Santa Clarita Fundraiser has united the community with mouthwatering meals and meaningful connections during Lent.

Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Catholics in preparation for Easter.

It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, commemorating the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert.

Many Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays, give up certain luxuries, and focus on prayer, charity, and repentance to grow spiritually, making fish an excellent meal choice for the season.

St. Clare’s event is open to everyone, offering a welcoming space for both fellowship and giving back.

Special Cultural Nights: Celebrating Diversity

St. Clare encourages attendees to wear traditional attire on March 21 and March 28, celebrating the diversity of the community.

Menu & Pricing

Attendees can enjoy a variety of meal options, all featuring the signature beer-battered cod:

Payment options: Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted.

How to Participate & Support The Fundraiser

Community members are encouraged to contribute and make a difference.

Donations of water bottles, lemons, limes, and Guerrero corn tortillas are needed to support the Santa Clarita Fundraiser.

Final Friday: Drive-Thru Only

The final Fish Fry Fundraiser on April 11 is set to be drive-thru only, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to participate in this cherished tradition.

Join St. Clare of Assisi Parish at 19606 Calla Way, Canyon Country, CA 91351, and enjoy a meal that nourishes both the body and the spirit.

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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.

On Tuesday at 2:13 p.m. a winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid from Wednesday 7 p.m. until Friday, Mar. 7 at 7 a.m. for 5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita.

The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA states to expect, “Total snow accumulations 3 to 6 inches above 6000 feet, except locally up to 10 inches near Wrightwood. Between 4000 and 6000 feet a dusting to up to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.”

“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches,” the NWS said. “Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.”

Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter weather driving tips:

Share your travel plans:

When venturing out of town in hazardous winter weather, be sure to inform family or friends of your destination, your intended route, and your estimated arrival time.

Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

Stay calm when stranded:

If you become stranded, remain composed. Inform someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by attaching a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers

Be aware of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and provide them with ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

These winter driving tips from the NWS are your key to a safer journey on snow-covered roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during challenging winter weather.

Originally Published: March 4, 2025 at 2:25 PM PST

Sourcing & Methodology

This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans. Our data comes from publicly available information. You can report errors to online@scng.com