Greetings From Beautiful Santa Clarita:

It’s already October and time for the fall leaves to change and the winds to begin in our Valley. But it’s not only the season that is changing. The winds of change are also blowing through Santa Clarita.

Later this month, the City and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, in conjunction with Assemblyman George Runner, will officially open the recently purchased Whitney Canyon open space area. This pristine property is located at the end of San Fernando Road, adjacent to State Route 14. You are cordially invited to join us on Saturday, October 26, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. for a brief ribboncutting event.

We are making progress on the Community Center improvements in downtown Newhall. In just a few weeks, we will be replacing carpet, repairing the roof, and making improvements to the HVAC system to improve air circulation. We are also working on a future new home for the Community Center and are assessing various properties in the area to determine the one that will best meet the needs of the community.

Late last month, we dedicated the new Placerita Canyon Trail. This new multiuse trail features lodge pole fencing and natural terrain. It is one mile long and provides access to Creekview Park in Newhall. The trail is designed to meet the needs of walkers, hikers, and equestrians. This new trail brings the City’s total trails to over 21 miles, extending from one end of the City to the other.

We are still working hard on the Transit Mixed Concrete (TMC) project to prevent the siting of a huge gravel mine in Soledad Canyon. In addition to the legal battles we are working on, we are also pursuing a possible “legislative solution” to the issue.

This fall we are holding a series of public meetings to find out what residents want to see in the City’s new trash franchise agreement. Early next year, the City will seek bids from trash companies for the City’s trash services. For more information, contact the City’s Environmental Services Division at 661/286-4098.

Something that will affect our community in the new year is Senate Bill 1924. California Governor Gray Davis recently signed a new bill into law that will require those under age 18 to wear bicycle helmets when riding skateboards, skates, or scooters. The new law goes into effect January 1, 2003, and effective the same date, we will require children to wear helmets at the City Skatepark located at the Sports Complex. Previous to this, we had no authority to require helmets.

As always, your thoughts and ideas are welcome. Please feel free to email me at kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com, or phone me at 661/255-4905. Thank you for your interest in the City of Santa Clarita.

Best Regards,


Ken Pulskamp
Interim City Manager