MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KEN PULSKAMP

I continue to be amazed at the level of involvement and support by our community. The City put out the word recently that it would assist all community organizations in publicizing any and all commemorative events being done in remembrance of September 11. What follows is a listing to date of everything this community is planning. This is what makes Santa Clarita a great place to live. This community truly exemplifies what is great about our City.

Our Santa Clarita City Council has declared September 11 to be “Patriot Day.” This designation by the Council serves as the umbrella for all events being held on September 11. Please be sure to join your community in remembering and saluting our Country.

On September 11, we are inviting everyone to:

• Wear red, white, and blue.
• Step outside at 8:45 a.m. for a moment of silence.
• Recite the pledge of allegiance at 8:47 a.m.
• Fly the American flag at home and/or your business.
• Participate in a Patriotic Candlelighting ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall to be preceded by the dedication of a “Liberty Garden” in front of City Hall. (Bring your own candle.)
• Visit a place of worship at 12 noon.
• Attend “Celebrating the American Spirit” on September 8, 2002, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lowe's. Sponsored by the Santa Clarita Valley PTA Council and Lowe's. This is a family event with letter writing to the military, a blood drive, children's crafts to send to victims' families, and a 'kick-off' to American Character Week and Patriot Day. Contact Marquita Olivier at 268-2023.
• Attend “September 11, 2001 A Day of Remembrance” at Eternal Valley Memorial Park at 10:00 a.m. This plaque dedication ceremony honors law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency personnel. Contact Yolanda Youngblood at 259-0800.
• Enjoy an “East Coast” lunch at The Vines Restaurant at the Hyatt Hotel, New York, New York - We Remember throughout the month of September. Law enforcement and firefighters receive a discount. Contact Robert Bagley at 799-1234.
• Look for “Remember 9-1-1” coloring books and crayons for all students in grades K-3 in Castaic, Sulphur Springs, and Saugus School Districts and grades 1-4 in the Newhall School District - Courtesy of the ASSISTANCE LEAGUE®. Contact Sue Trock at 255-2955.
• Dine at “Protect and Serve” at Carrow's on Calgrove on September 9, 2002, from 5 - 9 p.m. to be served by law enforcement. Donations will go to 9-11 Victims' families. Contact Craig Decourville at 259-7371.
• Attend “A Night of Remembering” at Hart High School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m., for entertainment by a children's choir. Contact Elaine Thuitt at 795-6149.
• “Patriot Day Recognition Dinner” for firefighters and police officers, as well as any military personnel and their families at Route 66 Classic Grill between 7 - 9 p.m.
• Join the local School Districts in celebrating “American Character Week.” Contact Pat Willett at 259-0033 for William S. Hart Union High School District; Joan Lucid at 294-7500 for Saugus Union School District; Beverly Knutsen at 286-2215 for Newhall School District; or Kathy Wright at 252-5134 for Sulphur Springs School District.
• Attend “An Interfaith Evening of Memory, Action, and Hope” at 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. This event is planned by the Santa Clarita Interfaith Council. Contact Pastor Stan Fix at 297-3783.
• Attend Temple Beth Ami on September 11 at 6:30 a.m. as the congregation reads the names of all 3,000 who perished.
• Observe “Patriot Day” at Santa Clarita Elks Lodge #2379, starting at 6:00 p.m. The contact number is (661) 251-1500.

For up-to-date information, visit the City's Website at www.santaclarita. com. The City is seeking past and present military personnel to attend the “Patriotic Candlelighting” at City Hall to be recognized for their efforts.

Any local organizations that are planning events or commemorations are encouraged to attend a planning meeting at City Hall or notify the City so the event or commemoration may be included in citywide marketing and publicity efforts for Patriot Day, including a limited number of promotional posters. For more information, contact Pam Matsuoka at (661) 255-4956.

Thanks to all of you for your contribution and support for Santa Clarita Patriot Day. Our City is truly a better place to live because of YOU.

Sincerely,


Ken Pulskamp
Interim City Manager