City of Santa Clarita - City Manager Message

May 2008

It’s true! April showers (and a few more this winter) really do bring May flowers and lots of them!

It is my pleasure to provide you with monthly updates on some of the major issues, programs and projects happening here in the community this spring.

From May 4 through 10, 2008, the City’s annual Pride Week event will commence. This special week of community spring cleaning will include the opportunity for clubs, organizations, youth groups, and individuals to volunteer to help clean up and beautify the community. Trash bags and t-shirts will be provided for all participants. For more information, contact Cynthia Llerenas in our Community Services division at 661-255-4918.

One of the City’s local nonprofit agencies is hosting a unique charity event for women on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Valencia Methodist Church. The Domestic Violence Center’s Glamourama is slated as a day of beauty for women on the day before Mother’s Day. Beauticians, make up artists, stylists, masseuses, photographers and entertainers will provide a relaxing day of enjoyment for women. The cost is $65 at the door and $60 in advance and lunch is included. For ticket information, log on to www.dvcsantaclarita.com or call the Center at 661-259-8175.

Businesses in the City are very excited about the Enterprise Zone which is already providing them with tax incentives and economic development tools for enhancing their bottom line. For our City, this will mean more jobs here at home and a stronger local economy. If you would like more information on the Enterprise Zone and what it means to your business, contact the City’s Economic Development office at 661-255-4347.

Finally, the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association is offering area residents the chance to help their school win a $1,000 donation as part of the "Be Cool to My School" Test Drive Rally. Points will be awarded for each person (18 and over) who test drives or purchases a car at any participating Valencia Auto Center dealership during the month of May, 2008. The elementary, junior high and senior high schools with the most points will each be awarded $1,000. The test drive rally encourages residents to "shop local". Shopping local not only helps benefit local schools, it also helps Santa Clarita build new roads, parks and other amenities in addition to supporting safety and City services.

Thank you for your interest in our City! Should you have any suggestions or wish to email me, you can do so at kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com.

Best regards,

Ken Pulskamp

April, 2008

April 2008

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Ken Pulskamp

Thank goodness for spring! After all of the rain, the green hills and flowers in bloom are a welcome sight.

The 2008 Emergency Prepared Expo, “Disaster doesn’t wait; Prepare in 2008,” is right around the corner and I encourage you and your family to attend. This year’s Expo will include: a Kid Passport Scavenger Hunt; opportunities to win safety helmets; backyard swim safety; ; free finger printing for kids; preparedness bingo; first aid demos; motorcycle safety training; search and rescue demos by the L.A. County Sheriff; a visit with Smokey the Bear; a “Jaws of Life” demonstrations by L.A. County Fire; L.A. County Fire will bring out an Earthquake Simulator “Shakey Quakey;” learn about pet preparedness for your family pets; emergency supplies and services; campout cooking with the Girl Scouts-delicious samples to taste; hiking safety and awareness with the Mountain Lion Foundation; a visit with therapy dogs; and more. The City’s Emergency Preparedness Expo is happening Saturday, April 19 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at College of the Canyons. You can call the City at 661-255-4965 for more information or log on to: www.santa-clarita.com.

I would be remiss in mentioning all of these great spring events without reminding you that one of the best tourism spots in the region promises to continue as a Santa Clarita icon. Several months ago, Six Flags Magic Mountain received a fair amount of publicity regarding its possible purchase. I am happy to say that Six Flags Magic Mountain is staying right where it belongs, in the Santa Clarita Valley, and will continue to delight families for decades to come. Home to the incredible Magic Mountain theme park and awesome water park, Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags is a great, family-friendly place to enjoy quality time. Many of our local teens find their first jobs at Six Flags and you might even be surprised how many local business and community leaders remember their first summer job at Magic Mountain. For more information, or to purchase a season “play pass,” log on to: http://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/.

Also in April, the City will host the 15^th annual Cowboy Festival at Melody Ranch and Motion Picture Studio. The festival runs from April 24-27, with the weekend festivities held on-site at a private, local, movie ranch, located right here in our community. The City brings in the best cowboy poets, singers and performers for a weekend of fun for the entire family. For ticket information, log on to www.cowboyfestival.org or contact the ticket office at: 661-286- 4021.

It is my intent, through these monthly emails, to give you an overview of what is happening here in the City. As always, if you would like more information, we are available via phone (661-259-CITY) or on our popular city website: www.santa-clarita.com. If you would like to receive regular email updates on a variety of topics, including jobs available, events, construction updates and more, sign up for our “e-Notify” program on our website.

Thank you for taking the time to know what is happening in our City.

Best regards,

Ken Pulskamp

March, 2008

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
KEN PULSKAMP
March 2008

The hills surrounding the Santa Clarita Valley are green and beautiful, thanks to all of the rain we've seen this winter. As we approach the spring season, there is sure to be an abundance of wildflowers and foliage, making for a beautiful backdrop. What a great time to get out and enjoy a few spring events here in the City of Santa Clarita!

I want to encourage you to attend the AT&T Golf Classic being held at the Valencia Country Club March 10-16, 2008. This nationally-renowned golf event, part of the PGA Champions tour, will feature champion golfers right here in our community! Tickets are $15 per person and are available at www.attchampionsclassic.com.

If you haven't purchased tickets for the 15th annual Cowboy Festival (April 25-27), you still have time! The Cowboy Festival weekend at Melody Ranch is an exciting opportunity to walk to the streets of a working movie ranch while enjoying live entertainment. Don't forget the world's best peach cobbler and handmade western crafts available at the Gear Show! For more information, check out www.cowboyfestival.org.

I would be remiss in mentioning all of these great spring events without reminding you that one of the best tourism spots in the region promises to continue as a Santa Clarita icon. Several months ago, Six Flags Magic Mountain received a fair amount of publicity regarding its possible purchase. I am happy to say that Six Flags Magic Mountain is staying right where it belongs, in the Santa Clarita Valley, and will continue to delight families for decades to come. Home to the incredible Magic Mountain theme park and awesome water park, Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags is a great, family-friendly place to enjoy quality time. Many of our local teens find their first jobs at Six Flags and you might even be surprised how many local business and community leaders remember their first summer job at Magic Mountain. For more information, or to purchase a season “play pass,” log on to: http://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/.

Coming up on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 is our City Council election. Make sure you exercise your right to vote by casting your ballot, either at your local polling place or “vote by mail.” This year, two of the five city council seats are up for election. The City will be carrying live election coverage on Channel 20, beginning at 7:30 p.m. More information is available at www.santa-clarita.com

Thank you for your interest in the City of Santa Clarita. As always, if you would like to contact me, you can call my office at 661/255-4900, or email me directly at kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com

Best regards,

Ken Pulskamp

January, 2008

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER KEN PULSKAMP
January 2008

Happy New Year!

2007 was an amazing year for Santa Clarita and 2008 promises to be just as spectacular. The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation once again named Santa Clarita as one of its top five most business friendly cities. Businesses already find Santa Clarita to be business friendly with the start of our new Enterprise Zone, a special designation through the state that provides businesses located with in the City's boundaries with unique tax incentives and advantages.

On February 23-24, 2008, the Amgen Tour of California will make its sixth stage finish and seventh stage start right here in Santa Clarita. The nine day race marks the second time in two years to our City. In 2007, the Tour of California drew more than 1.8 million spectators, setting records in attendance for any single sporting event in the state as well as for any cycling event in the United States.

In the area of transportation, we will be working this year to complete the last phase of the Cross Valley Connector, linking Golden Valley Road with Bouquet Canyon Road over the river;

We are also planning a groundbreaking for the new Materials Recovery Facility in Santa Clarita, in partnership with Burrtec, our commercial trash hauler, which will help to enhance our recycling and trash diversion numbers.

In the area of parks and recreation, we will be starting expansion of Central Park, phase four, with the design of a recreation center, gym, pool, basketball courts, and a cross country trail. Also, we are working on the expansion of the Sports Complex, utilizing the adjoining 38 acres to provide a new gymnasium, new fields, and an expanded skate park.

More progress in Old Town Newhall will occur this year, with new work on the street scape project. This includes: adding more landscaping, constructing antique looking streetlights with underground wiring and other infrastructure, including new stone paved crosswalks, seating areas and more.

Thank you for your interest in our City! Should you have any suggestions or wish to email me, you can do so at kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com.

Best regards,

Ken Pulskamp

November, 2007

Once again, the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation named Santa Clarita as one of the five most business friendly cities in all of Los Angeles County. Santa Clarita was selected because of our business-friendly practices, including no business license fee or tax, no utility users' fee, effective communication with the business community and a low unemployment rate. Santa Clarita was selected from among 88 Los Angeles cities. This year's additions of our new City/Sheriff Business Alliance program and our Enterprise Zone program were part of the reason why Santa Clarita once again received this prestigious designation. We will continue to work to strengthen business relationships and help support and promote our local businesses.

As part of the City's on-going emergency preparation exercises, on November 17 the City and College of the Canyons will sponsor a free Drive-thru flu shot clinic. The clinic is available to the public from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm in the College of the Canyon Parking lots 7 & 8. This drive-thru flu shot clinic is being done in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Students from the College's School of nursing will be administering the flu shots along with the Public Health nurses. The City's emergency volunteers and amateur radio volunteer will also be supporting this clinic which will also help train emergency responders for this type of emergency.

I am very proud to share with you our new Sheriff's website. This new site was designed by our City's Technology staff and Sheriff's deputies and provides up-to-date information regarding crime prevention, statistical information, vacation check requests, crime trends, events and so much more. I encourage you to bookmark this site and use it to learn about how the City and local law enforcement are helping to keep our community safe. The address is www.scvsheriff.com.

As we enter the busy holiday season, I want to encourage you to take extra care driving around town. It is important that we all keep our speed within the posted limits, and obey all traffic signs. As always, feel free to email me at: kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com

Best regards,
Ken Pulskamp

October, 2007

There is a lot happening at City Hall this year and plenty more on the horizon!

I'm very pleased to announce that United States Senator Dianne Feinstein will visit Santa Clarita to give a “Washington Report” on Tuesday, October 9, 2007. The Senator will speak at 12:00 noon during a luncheon at the Hyatt Valencia. We are honored and delighted that Senator Feinstein is taking time out of her busy schedule to address her constituents here in Santa Clarita. The luncheon cost is $40 per person and is open to the public. Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Valencia which is located at 24500 Town Center Drive. Seating is limited. To RSVP, call the City of Santa Clarita at (661) 255-4900.

As you may know, the City's annual budget was adopted by the City Council and went into effect July 1. This year, the City Council is doing much to expand recreational facilities within the City by allocating over $2.4 million for grading to begin the Sports Complex expansion. The completion of the 18,000 square foot gymnasium, site design and construction of the new expanded skate park, outdoor basketball courts and multi-use athletic fields is estimated at $16.1 million.

In addition to the Sports Complex expansion, this year the City Council also designated $2.2 million for design of the Central Park Recreation Center, which is anticipated to be completed with the year. This expanded Central Park project will include a recreation center, gym, recreation pool, completion of the outdoor basketball area, perimeter trail/cross country course, parking, landscaping and other amenities. Construction costs for this entire project are estimated at $23 million.

This year we will also add to our parks inventory with the completion of Todd Longshore Park off of Whites Canyon within the Canyon Country community. This park will be open for the public's enjoyment within the next few months.

Location filming continues to be a strong economic driver here in Santa Clarita. The City estimates that over $21 million was spent at local businesses last fiscal year from location filming and over $400 million is paid to Santa Clarita Valley residents every year who work for the seven major film studios that make up the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America). More than half of the Santa Clarita Valley residents who work in the film industry commute outside of Santa Clarita to work. The City is working to attract the film industry to Santa Clarita for the high-paying high-quality jobs and to help our residents work locally, without having to commute, thereby reducing traffic congestion.

This October, the City will be hosting “OAKtober,” a special month-long series of events designed to help educate the community about the care of their oak trees. Two free oak tree seminars will be held at 6:30 p.m. on October 15 at Masters College, and on October 17 at Robinson Ranch Golf Course. Free informational packets and a presentation by certified arborists will be offered. Then, on Saturday, October 27, a special volunteer oak tree planting will commence across the street from Valencia Heritage Park at 10 a.m. For more information about OAKtober, call the City at 661-294-2567.

Thank you for your interest in Santa Clarita. I appreciate your taking time to learn more about what is happening in our great City!

Best Regards,
Ken Pulskamp

September, 2007

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Ken Pulskamp
September 2007

Hello!

While we still have a few more weeks of summer weather, our children are returning to school and we can begin to anticipate the cooler days of fall. After the heat of summer, I know I am definitely ready for a little cooler weather!

Here at City Hall, we are busy with a myriad of programs and projects aimed at helping to retain our high quality of life and improve our great City. Here are a few highlights you may enjoy learning about.

On September 15, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., the City will host its award-winning River Rally Cleanup & Environmental Expo! The event is expected to draw large numbers of volunteers interested in helping remove trash and debris from a portion of the Santa Clara River. This year, volunteers will be cleaning up the portion of the river located in Canyon Country off of Calla Way. The City provides volunteers with gloves, lunch, and a gift in appreciation of their service to the community. River Rally is always a popular event for local scout troops, clubs, and other community service organizations. More information is available through the City of Santa Clarita’s Environmental Services Division at (661) 286-4098 or online at santa-clarita.com.

In an effort to help families, the City of Santa Clarita is proud to present its Teen Scene Unplugged on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Grand Ballroom. Sponsored by the Blue Ribbon Task Force, Teen Scene Unplugged is an exciting, interactive seminar where parents and teens can learn to engage one another in meaningful conversation about youth and family issues, specifically in the electronic age. This year’s theme is: “The Seven Cries of Today’s Teens: Hear Their Hearts—Make the Connection!” For more information about Teen Scene Unplugged, or about the Blue Ribbon Task Force, please contact Tess Simgen, Community Services Analyst for the City, at (661) 255-4965.

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to present the 2007 Santa Clarita Street Art Festival in Old Town Newhall, on September 29 and 30! The free outdoor festival will feature live music, arts and crafts, great food, and amazing street art exhibits! Free of charge, the festival is a component of the City’s effort to revitalize the Downtown Newhall area. The City hopes to turn the streets of Old Town Newhall into a vibrant pedestrian-based City center, with eclectic shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Santa Clarita Street Art Festival is one of the programs the City hopes to set up in Downtown Newhall throughout the year. Guests will enjoy amazing sidewalk chalk art created by professional artists, as well as live music, entertainment and host activities for adults and children. For more information, please contact the City Arts and Events Office at (661) 286-4018 or visit the website at www.streetartfest.com.

I hope that you and your family take the opportunity to attend these unique community events. Thank you for your interest in the City of Santa Clarita. It’s because of the tremendous involvement and support of our community that Santa Clarita continues to be one of the best places to live, work and play!

Sincerely,

Ken Pulskamp

August, 2007

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Ken Pulskamp
August 2007

Greetings!

I hope you are enjoying your summer and are keeping cool.

If you haven't visited Central Park on Saturday night at 7 p.m. for our free Summer Concert in the park series, I encourage you to go! Every Saturday night this summer, you and your family can enjoy quality music in a comfortable, fun setting. This summer, we've got a great concert line up including Boogie Nights, Hotel California, Captain Cardiac and Coronaries, and the Spazmatics, to name a few.

Last month, we celebrated the completion of the Newhall Restripe project, part of the Old Town Newhall Revitalization. San Fernando Road was renamed "Main Street" through the downtown area and "back in" parking was added to make the area more pedestrian friendly. We also restriped Railroad Avenue to four lanes for through traffic. This is the beginning of a complete transformation of Old Town Newhall; the best is yet to come! (More information about the Old Town Newhall revitalization is available at www.oldtownnewhall.com)

Next month begins our fall series of amazing events including: Teen Scene Unplugged, the Newhall Street Art Festival, River Rally and our State of the City Luncheon. I know you won't want to miss event one of these great opportunities to learn, be involved and be part of our community. For more information, log on to: www.santa-clarita.com, or give us a call at 661-259-CITY.

I want to personally thank you for your interest and participation in our great City. Please feel free to email me with any questions, thoughts or suggestions at: kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com

Best regards,

Ken Pulskamp

July, 2007

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Ken Pulskamp
July 2007

Summertime in Santa Clarita means it's time for the City's free Concerts in the Park series. Every Saturday night from July 7 through August 25, the City hosts a free summer concert at Central Park, beginning at 7 p.m. and this year, featuring tribute bands. Food and beverages are available for sale. We encourage you to bring along a blanket or chairs and enjoy the sounds of summer at Central park! More information about the Concerts in the Park series is available on our website at or http://www.santa-clarita.com/arts/concerts call 661-298-ARTS.

Summer is also a great time to visit a City pool. The Santa Clarita Aquatics Center features an Olympic-sized pool, a 25-meter diving pool and a family recreation pool with a beach entry and a two-story high red slide. Swimming lessons are offered to children of all ages and are available throughout the City. For more information, contact the City's Aquatic Center office at 661-250-3700.

On July 11, 2007, the City celebrates the official opening of the newly re-striped Old Town Newhall. As part of the City's redevelopment of Old Town, a new traffic pattern is being laid out to help create a more pedestrian-friendly venue for visitors, featuring "back in angled parking." Expanding Railroad Avenue and re-striping what is now "Main Street" (formerly San Fernando Road) is the first major step toward this goal. More information on this is available at: www.oldtownnewhall.com.

Thank you for your interest in the City of Santa Clarita. It is always a pleasure to hear from you at kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com.

Best regards,
Ken Pulskamp

June, 2007

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Ken Pulskamp
June 2007

Greetings!

Here it is, halfway through the year already. Things have been very busy at City Hall and I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of our recent activities and give you a preview of what's coming up.

Earlier this spring, we celebrated the grand opening of the next phase of the Cross Valley Connector Road, fondly called, "The Gap Closure." This 1.6 mile stretch of roadway provides direct access to I-5/126 via Copperhill and Rye Canyon Road, opening up an important link for those who live and work in and around that area. The last phase of the Cross Valley Connector is currently in the environmental phase and is expected to be under construction soon.

Also this spring, we celebrated the grand opening of temporary Fire Station 132 at Sand Canyon and Stetson Ranch. This new fire station will provide fire services for the new Stetson Ranch project and immediate vicinity. Built by the City of Santa Clarita, the project is a partnership with L.A. County Fire Department and Los Angeles County.

Right now, we're getting ready for the 4th of July festivities as well as our popular, free Summer Concert series. You may find out about all of the 4th of July activities via the City's website at www.santa-clarita.com/4thofJuly. You won't want to miss the free 4th of July fireworks show at the Valencia Towne Center, sponsored by the City. The free summer concert series begins in July and is held every Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at Central Park. For a complete schedule, log onto our website.

Thank you for your interest in the City of Santa Clarita. It is always a pleasure to hear from you at kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com.

Best regards,
Ken Pulskamp