Castiac Lake is the largest state water project reservoir in the Southern California area, with over 11,000 acres of land under its umbrella. The lake is famous for sport fishing, with a sizable number of world record fish coming from its depths, including a 47-pound channel catfish. If you’re not an angler, the lake offers many other activities—in the summer months, the lower lagoon is open for swimming and non-powered boating, with 197 acres of shallow water to dive, inner tube, or just explore. Adjacent campgrounds can accommodate up to 60 sites, with RV access available. Lifeguards are always on duty as well. The upper lake is where motorized boats are allowed, and where the majority of the fishing happens. There is an $11 vehicle entry fee, and a $20 per day fee per campsite, which is quite reasonable.

Castaic Lake
32132 Castaic Lake Dr
Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 257-4050
www.castaiclake.com

Wishing you a year of happiness and success in 2013.

The cuisine of the Sonora region of Mexico is notorious for great steaks, and El Trocadero displays that to great effect. Owners Raul and Dora Bojorquez opened the restaurant in 1998 to share the cuisine of their native Nogales. The original El Trocadero is south of the border in Sonora, but the new sibling in California is just as authentic. Acting as an anchor to the revitalization of Valencia’s downtown business district, the restaurant boasts a large bar, a huge dining room, an outdoor patio out front and a tree-shaded dining space in the back. Food is excellent, with meat the star—the carne asada is deliciously spiced and perfectly cooked. The fresh fish is also excellent, and regulars order food “Sonoran style,” with cotija cheese. One complaint that has been leveled against El Trocadero is that the service can be inconsistent, so be warned before you go.

El Trocadero
24274 Main St
Newhall, CA 91321
(661) 284-6615
www.eltrocaderosteakhouse.com