I would like to adjourn tonight in memory of Lila Littlejohn, a longtime Santa Clarita Valley resident and former editor of The Signal newspaper.
Lila was woven into the fabric of our community, beginning with her undergraduate years at College of the Canyons.
She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at California State University, Northridge and entered a long and storied journalism career.
Over the years, she was a news reporter and editor for The Associated Press and the City News Service of Los Angeles.
She was also the city editor of the Pasadena Star-News and was a reporter for The Signal before serving as its top editor from 2007-2011.
During her time with our local newspaper, she made a lasting impact on her colleagues and community members.
The outpouring of love on social media is a testament to the valued mentor, skilled journalist and beloved friend that she was.
In addition to being a professional journalist in Southern California, Lila was also an educator – teaching journalism at College of the Canyons, Mount San Antonio College and USC.
Though Lila was known for her dedication to her craft and the lasting impact she made on young reporters as a mentor, she also held a passion for geology, particularly the desert.
In 2017, Lila and her cat packed up and drove across the country – settling in Florida, where she was involved in her church, as well as in a local horticulture club.
We were all shocked to hear the news, and we are saddened by her passing.
Our thoughts remain with Lila’s two sons, Tomas and Brian, and her three grandchildren – as well as her colleagues at the Signal newspaper.