MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
KEN PULSKAMP
November 2004

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we near the end of 2004, and head into the holiday season, I hope that each of you reading this will take a moment to pause and give thanks. In our beautiful community, there is much to be thankful for.

As many of you know, I have been with the City of Santa Clarita for 16 years, starting out as the Assistant City Manager and becoming the City Manager a few years ago. I have had the privilege of raising my family here and know first-hand the many benefits of living in the Santa Clarita Valley. In my job, I have the opportunity to talk to a wide variety of people all day long and most of what I hear about Santa Clarita is very positive. People enjoy living and working in a community that is proactive, engaged and involved.

This year has been another great year for our City. The City broke ground this year for a new community center in downtown Newhall, and for the widening of the Bouquet Canyon road and bridge. Both of these are multi-million dollar projects that will reap benefits for our community in the years to come. We also celebrated the opening of a new trail link in Saugus, a new Farmers’ market in Newhall and the completion of a new bridge and sidewalk for school children in the Lost Canyon area of Canyon Country. And, we are currently opening a new portion of the Cross Valley Connector, linking SR 14 with Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon. This month, we will break ground for another first: the Veterans’ Historic Plaza in Newhall. This special plaza, located at Market and Walnut, will be a tribute to those who served in the military, past and present.

Our dedicated staff underwent a special training program this year called Service Excellence. The program emphasizes great customer service at all levels of the organization. I am proud of our city staff who each and every day, look for new and creative ways to improve this community, making it a better, safer, and a more livable place for our residents and business community.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you, our residents and business community. Your involvement and participation in this community helps to make it better and stronger. I appreciate the time you give, whether you are coaching a sports team, attending meetings in the community, or just staying abreast of what is happening – your involvement is a necessity!

As always, you can reach me at kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com.

Sincerely,
Ken Pulskamp