Woman, 29, reported missing, last seen in Canyon Country

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities are searching for a 29-year-old woman who has been missing since Wednesday.

Kristen Whitney Ghilardi was last seen visiting a friend's home between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Canyon Country. Her family reported her disappearance to authorities on Friday.

She told her friend she was going to meet a man named Patrick in Simi Valley. Her family has not been able to contact her since then.

Relatives describe her as a devoted mother and caring person. Ghilardi was supposed to return by 6 p.m. on Wednesday to pick up her 10-year-old son from school.

Ghilardi's brother, Anthony, said when she did not pick up her son, her family knew it was a sign something was wrong.

She works for a homeless outreach program, her family said. Her friend Ashley Boger said Ghilardi befriended the man named Patrick a few weeks ago after meeting him on a beach in Ventura.

The man told her he was recently released from jail, and she had visited him previously in Simi Valley when he had to meet his probation officer.

Family members said Ghilardi's appearance has changed because she recently shaved her head. She was in her car, which is described as a charcoal gray 2006 Toyota Corolla four-door sedan. The car has rear tinted windows.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Santa Clarita Station at (661) 255-1121. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call "Crime Stoppers" at (800) 222-8477.