“During the last week of the previous filing deadline, Santa Clarita was in a state of emergency due to wildfires burning throughout the community. The City is extending the application deadline for the Financial Accountability and Audit Panel to give interested applicants an additional chance to apply,” commented City Manager Ken Pulskamp.

The City Council will be selecting residents from diverse backgrounds, education, and interest areas to help insure a broad spectrum of thoughts and ideas are represented. Each City Council member will nominate one candidate.

The five-member Open Space Preservation District Financial Accountability and Audit Panel will review and approve the annual work program to ensure land acquisition priorities are being adhered to; and review and ensure Preservation District funds are spent properly.

Applications must be submitted, along with three letters of recommendation, to the City Clerk’s Office by 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2007. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and maintain their principle residence in the City of Santa Clarita during their term of office. Additionally, no panel member shall have a conflict of interest as provided by the Political Reform Act and the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

To obtain an application, please visit the City Clerk’s Office on the third floor of City Hall, located at 23920 Valencia Blvd. Applications may also be downloaded online at www.santaclaritaopenspace.com.

For additional information, please visit www.santa-clarita.com or call the City Clerk’s Office at (661) 255-4391.