City of Santa Clarita - Press Releases

CITY’S EXECUTIVE TEAM KNOCKS OUT GRAFFITI!

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, May 7, members of the Santa Clarita Executive Team came together to clean-up graffiti from under the Whites Canyon Bridge in Canyon Country in celebration the City’s “Pride Week.” Those who participated include City Manager Ken Pulskamp, Director of Community Development Paul Brotzman, Director of Parks and Recreation Rick Gould, Director of Administrative Services Darren Hernandez and Sheriff’s Captain Anthony LaBerge along with members of the City’s Community Services Division and the Graffiti Task Force.

“The City of Santa Clarita believes very much in creating a sense of safety and community pride,” said City Manager Ken Pulskamp. “Cleaning up graffiti is one way to make this happen.”

The City has named the month of May Keep Santa Clarita Clean month. “Pride Week” is held in coordination with the month long campaign to help beautify and maintain areas throughout the City.

Graffiti eradication is an important issue to the City. To report graffiti, please call 25-CLEAN (252-5326) or use the new E-Service online request form at http://user.govoutreach.com/santaclarita/.

For more information about Keep Santa Clarita Clean month, or “Pride Week” please visit the City website at santa-clarita.com.

THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA’S TOURISM OFFICE RECIEVES HONOR AS BEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN THE STATE

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita won the prestigious Grand Prize for Best Economic Development Program in the State of California for the second year in a row on May 1, 2008. The award is given by the California Association of Local Economic Developers (CALED). CALED is the premier statewide professional economic development organization in California.

This award recognizes outstanding and innovative programs which have made a significant contribution to the field of economic development. Examples from previous award winners include export trade programs, business finance programs, and innovative economic strategies. Last year, the City of Santa Clarita Film program won this award.

“Santa Clarita is a premiere community and we’re proud to receive this recognition of the work we have done to attract visitors to enjoy our City,” commented Mayor Bob Kellar.

Santa Clarita won the award this year for the Tourism program. The Tourism program has seen great successes in positioning Santa Clarita as a ‘lifestyle’ destination to attract regional visitors via event tourism, both through sporting events such as the Amgen Tour of California and the AT&T Champions Classic as well as cultural events such as the Loose Goose Wine Festival and the Cowboy Festival. Economic impact from these events generates more than $10 million annually to the Santa Clarita community. Visitors to Santa Clarita contribute to increased sales tax and transient occupancy tax generation. Santa Clarita also receives indirect benefits from tourism, including millions of dollars in media exposure nationally and internationally through coverage of events, as well as the positive association that comes from hosting world-class, quality events.

The City of Santa Clarita partners with the Santa Clarita Valley Tourism Bureau, in a public-private partnership to market Santa Clarita as a visitor destination. The Tourism Bureau is a membership-based cooperative marketing organization.

The City has had a number of economic development successes recently. The City of Santa Clarita was named one of the Top Most Business Friendly Cities in Los Angeles County for the second year in a row by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. In addition, Santa Clarita was named Best City for Industrial Development by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

For additional information, please contact the City of Santa Clarita’s Economic Development Office at (661) 255-4347.

APRIL 2008 IS BEST APRIL ON RECORD FOR CITY OF SANTA CLARITA FILM OFFICE

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita Film Office is pleased to announce April 2008 was the best April to date for the City, with the Film Office issuing 63 percent more permits in the month than in April 2007. The Film Office issued 31 permits in April 2008, compared to 19 film permits in April 2007. Previous April numbers include 24 permits in April 2006, 18 permits in April 2005, 23 permits in April 2004, and 17 permits in April 2003, the first full year the City handled film permitting.

Santa Clarita, like many other film-friendly communities, was affected by the recent writer’s strike and has been working to encourage pre-strike filming levels to regain the momentum the Santa Clarita enjoyed in recent years. The entertainment industry remains one of Santa Clarita’s top business sectors, employing thousands of residents and supporting hundreds of industry-specific companies and businesses that rely on the film industry.

“The City of Santa Clarita was eager to see film production return to pre-strike levels because so many of our residents and businesses rely on the industry for work,” said City of Santa Clarita Mayor Bob Kellar.

In recent weeks Santa Clarita has seen increases in television production, which was severely affected by the strike, as a result of concerted efforts by locally based studio executives. Santa Clarita Studios (SCS) owner Mike DeLorenzo worked with networks to bring several new shows to the community.

At present SCS is home to a new HBO pilot “1%,” the new television series “Knight Rider,” the 20^th Century Fox pilot “This Might Hurt.” This is in addition to the programs already based at SCS, which include “The Unit,” and “The Riches.” SCS and Melody Ranch will also be home to the feature “Manure” starring Billy Bob Thornton. Santa Clarita remains home to other network programs including “NCIS” and “Big Love.” Many of these shows went dark as a result of the strike, but are ramping up production to prepare for fall premieres.

Film production contributes more than $20 million in economic benefit annually to Santa Clarita and its businesses as a result of location filming alone.

To help market Santa Clarita to the entertainment industry, the City’s Film Office has increased its visibility, promoting Santa Clarita as an ideal place to work via newsletters, an annual film guide and online at FilmSantaClarita.com, in addition to regular outreach to the entertainment industry through film specific tradeshows, trade and regional media, and special events.

The City of Santa Clarita’s Film Office was created in 2002 to help attract and retain the filming industry including both location filming and film-related businesses. The office currently issues permits for all location filming within the city, ensuring there is a minimal impact on residents and businesses. The Film Office also promotes the City as an ideal place for the film industry to do businesses with coveted incentives offered through the Santa Clarita Enterprise Zone program.

The film industry continues to be a major economic engine of the Santa Clarita economy, providing increased revenue for City programs through sales tax revenue, and jobs for residents. For more information please contact Jason Crawford, Marketing and Economic Development Manager at (661) 255-4347.

SANTA CLARITA OFFERS A ONE DAY, LOW COST DOG VACCINATION CLINIC

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita in cooperation with Los Angeles County is sponsoring the Annual Pet Vaccination Clinic that will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Santa Clarita Park. The offered services for dog owners who attend the Clinic include low-cost vaccinations, license renewal and micro-chipping for their pet.

The vaccinations offered include Rabies for $6, the six-in-one vaccination, which includes Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenze and Parvovius, for $14 and the Bordetella vaccination for $11. Rabies vaccinations are required by state law for all dogs over four months old. The pet micro-chipping will also be offered and will be free of charge.

To renew or receive a license for your dog proof of spay or neuter is required, so bring your pet’s Certificate of Sterility. The prices to purchase your license at the pet clinic are as follows: “spayed or neutered dog” - $20 and an “unaltered dog” - $60.00 (to qualify for the “unaltered” license fee you must fill out and have Exemption Application.) Additionally, there is a discount offered to seniors, allowing them to obtain a license for their dogs for $7.50. Most dog licenses expire by June 30^th and if not renewed by this date, a penalty fee may incur.

Dogs must be on appropriate leashes with adequate collars to receive a vaccination or a license. Both cash and check will be accepted at the pet clinic. If you are licensing and vaccinating your dog and paying by check, please bring a separate check for each service.

Santa Clarita Park is located at 27285 Seco Canyon Avenue in Santa Clarita. For more information, contact Jon Bischetsreider at the City of Santa Clarita, at 661-286-4184.

CITY TO HOST BUILDING SAFETY WEEK OPEN HOUSE

Thu, 01 May 2008 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita is kicking off National Building Safety Week with a free Open House on Tuesday, May 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. At the open house, building inspectors, engineers, and plans examiners will be on hand to explain the importance of building permits, inspections, and building codes in ensuring the buildings we live and work in are safe.

Attendees will be able to look up the permit history of their home, view a demonstration of the new online e-Permits system, browse the City's GIS system for viewing local properties, view sample construction plans for houses and commercial buildings, learn about the new ICC building codes and City amendments that became effective January 2008, and more. Participants will also be able to enjoy coffee, snacks, prize drawings, and plenty of helpful information.

“Building Safety Week serves as a reminder for residents and construction professionals about the importance of working together with the City to help keep the community safe through compliance with building and fire codes,” commented Ruben Barrera, City Building Official. “We would like to encourage members of the community to stop by and meet Building & Safety staff while learning more about the permit process, building codes, and construction requirements.”

Building Safety Week, which was first observed in 1980, is sponsored by the International Code Council, an organization dedicated to lessening the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies worldwide by promoting ideas, methods, and technologies which encourage the construction of durable buildings and homes.

The City of Santa Clarita Building & Safety Division is an active member of the International Code Council which also develops building codes used throughout the country as well as many foreign countries.

Santa Clarita City Hall is located at 23920 Valencia Blvd. For more information, please visit the City’s website at www.santa-clarita.com.

VALENCIA AUTO CENTER REVS UP FOR TEST-DRIVE RALLY OFFERING LOCAL SCHOOLS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT

The Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association presents the “Be Cool to My School” Test-Drive Rally in the month of May. This Rally offers residents the chance to earn points for their school for every person (18 and over) who test-drives or purchases a car at any participating Valencia Auto Center dealership. A $1000 cash prize will be awarded to the top elementary, junior high, and senior high schools with the most points at the end of the month, totaling $3000.

Each test-drive will earn a designated school 100 points, and each vehicle purchase will be worth 1,000 points. Test-drivers will fill out information cards, available at participating dealerships, to track school points. Prizes will also be awarded to individual students and classes who bring in the most test-drivers.

Test drivers will also be given a $10 restaurant gift certificate, a one year subscription to the Signal and will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a trip to Costa Rica.

The Valencia Auto Center Test-Drive Rally represents yet another way that Santa Clarita residents can make sure the dollars they spend in Santa Clarita stay in Santa Clarita.

“The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to support the ‘Be Cool to My School’ campaign because we know it benefits the community as a whole,” said Mayor Bob Kellar.

For each automobile sold in Santa Clarita, 1 percent of the taxable sale goes to the City, providing an important source of revenue. Currently 41 percent of the City’s general fund comes from sales tax, with new motor vehicle sales accounting for more than $6 million in revenue for the City in 2006, according to City reports.

“By shopping locally, buyers of automobiles help Santa Clarita build new parks, roads, and other amenities in addition to supporting local safety and City services,” said Kellar.

Participating dealerships include Valencia Acura, Valencia BMW, Valencia Chevrolet, Valencia Chrysler/Jeep, Valencia Dodge, Valencia Honda, Lexus of Valencia, Power Ford, Valencia Nissan, Galpin Saturn, Frontier Toyota, Galpin Lincoln Mercury, and Mercedes-Benz of Valencia.

For more information about the “Be Cool to My School” Test-Drive Rally please visit www.shopvalenciaautocenter.com.

CITY TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita has partnered with Los Angeles County and several local agencies to host the second annual Community Health Fair on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Community Center. The Fair will bring over 40 local health service agencies together at one location to provide information and essential health services to Santa Clarita residents.

Informational workshops will be conducted throughout the day on health and nutrition, infant care, safety, and other important topics. All services are offered free of charge. Additionally, free health screenings will be offered, including: vision, hearing, dental, diabetes, cholesterol, immunizations for children, and annual women’s exams.

Families will be able to sign up for the "Healthy Families" insurance program, which provides affordable health care services for low to moderate-income families. For more information on the program visit: www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov.

The Fair offers nutritious food samples, raffle prizes, and entertainment which is all provided by local vendors. The City Transit Hometown Trolley is offering rides from the Castaic Sports Complex and Val Verde Park to the Santa Clarita Community Center.

The local sponsors of this event include: Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, Blanco Construction, SCV Soroptimist Club, and the Robert Gore Rifkind Foundation.

The Santa Clarita Community center is located at 22421 Market Street in Newhall. To volunteer or for more information on the Community Health Fair please contact Community Center Resource Coordinator, Susie Cordova, at scordova@santa-clarita.com or (661) 286-4006.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THREE COWBOY FESTIVAL EVENTS

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Get ‘em while there hot! Tickets are still available for three events taking place this week as part of the 15th Annual Cowboy Festival including, Walk of Western Stars, Silver Screen Cowboys and Art at Hart. Each of these events pays tribute to the Santa Clarita Valley’s rich Western heritage while offering opportunities to get up close and personal with prominent Western artists and film stars.

One of the week’s biggest events is the Walk of Western Stars honoring legends of the Silver Screen David Carradine, John Saxon, and Jack Lilley. The Walk of Western Stars festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25th with a plaque unveiling ceremony in Old Town Newhall, followed by a gala dinner at Hyatt Valencia at 7:00 p.m. Hosting this year’s Gala dinner is long-time master of ceremonies Larry Maurice, with entertainment provided by Cowbop. Tickets for the Walk of Western Stars gala dinner are $100 each and can be purchased on the website.

On Wednesday, April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Repertory East Playhouse the Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival commemorates Walk of Western Stars honoree Jack Lilley at the first-ever “Silver Screen Cowboys and More” screening. The evening includes a wine reception with Loose Goose Wines, video highlights from Lilley’s illustrious career, and the opportunity to speak with Lilley himself. Lilley’s first industry job was at age 14 as a horseback extra on “The Durango Kid.”

Since then, his 280 plus credited roles span 37 years, including “Blazing Saddles,” “The Mountain Men,” and “One Eyed Jacks” – often as both an actor and stuntman. Tickets for the event are $10/per person and are available on the website as well.

Lastly, a limited number of tickets are still available to the Art at Hart event honoring Cowboy Festival poster artist, actor, and 2003 Walk of Western Stars honoree Buck Taylor. On Saturday, April 26 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Taylor joins 10 artists at William S. Hart Park for an exclusive tour of the priceless art collection and Western artifacts in silent film star Bill Hart's Spanish Colonial mansion, followed by an artist's quick draw and auction. For the first ever quick draw event, painters are given one hour to complete original art while patrons watch. Once complete, each framed work is auctioned to the highest bidder. The evening will also include a petit buffet, wine by Loose Goose Wines, and a master silversmith will be onsite engraving a piece of silver, which will also be auctioned that night. Tickets for the evening are $20/each and can be purchased on the cowboy website.

To purchase the tickets for these other Cowboy Festival events or for more information please contact the City of Santa Clarita’s Arts & Events office at (661) 286-4018 or visit www.cowboyfestival.org/tickets.asp.

THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO KEEP SANTA CLARITA CLEAN!

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita is always on the forefront of creating a sense of community responsibility and pride. As a testament of this the City has developed and is implementing the 2008 Public Safety Month Campaign. The campaign focuses every month on an aspect of safety in the City to be improved upon. All members of the community are encouraged to join the City of Santa Clarita as it celebrates Keep Santa Clarita Clean in the month of May.

Throughout the month, Santa Clarita residents are encouraged to volunteer their time and efforts to help clean-up and beautify the City. The main highlight of Keep Santa Clarita Clean month is the City’s Pride Week, which is a week-long series of community improvement events that will be held Sunday, May 4, through Saturday, May 10.

City residents can volunteer throughout Pride Week to clean-up and beautify not only individual neighborhoods, but the local streets, parks and schools around town as well. The different projects that volunteers can take a part in throughout Pride Week include trash removal, flower planting, graffiti removal and weed pulling. Free T-Shirts and trash bags are provided to those who volunteer for the trash removal duties.

Residents of all ages can come out to help clean-up and maintain areas in the City that need a little attention. Those interested in volunteering their time during pride week need to simply register and select a project through the City’s volunteer coordinator. The City then provides the site for improvement as well as all of the necessary supplies.

Also held in conjunction with Pride Week is Graffiti Wipe Out Day, an event held to eradicate graffiti city-wide. Graffiti Wipe Out Day is held on the last day of Pride Week, Saturday, May 10th and runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon. At this event, volunteers are grouped into teams to paint over graffiti. The City provides all of the removal materials for the volunteers and also coordinates and supervises the graffiti removal.

If you are interested in registering to volunteer for Pride Week, or if you would like to obtain further information on the 2008 Public Safety Month campaign, please call the City’s Community Services Division at (661) 255-4965.

THE 2008 COWBOY FESTIVAL RIDES BACK INTO SANTA CLARITA FOR THE 15TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita’s 15^th annual Cowboy Festival is set to return on Saturday April 26^th and Sunday April 27^th at the Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio. The Cowboy Festival offers the best in cowboy culture and excitement with an authentic Western movie set as the backdrop and the fully costumed festival goers adorned in corsets and chaps creates an ambiance that truly makes this festival one of a kind.

Since 1994, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival has been recognized as one of the best in the world, taking visitors back in time and bringing to life the music, magic, and spirit of the old west.

At Melody Ranch, the lines blur between modern day and a bygone era as patrons walk around the unique surroundings, enjoy western music and cowboy poetry, which is provided on five different stages throughout the ranch, and enjoy chuckwagon cooking in the Gold Rush Food Court. Those attending the Cowboy Festival can also stroll down Melody Ranch Main Street where there are vendors who specialize in cowboy gear, clothing and Western art.

The featured musical performers and crowd favorites who will be performing at the 2008 Cowboy Festival include Hot Club of Cowtown, The Sons of the San Joaquin, Don Edwards, Waddie Mitchell, The Quebe sisters Band, Belinda Gail and Curly Musgrave, Cowbop, Gary McMahan, John Moore Band, Eli Barsi, Pat Richardson, Larry Maurice, and the Sons and Brothers Band.

Additionally, there will be Celebrity autographs at the festival from Hugh O’Brien “Wyatt Earp,” Harry Carey Jr. “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon,” Peter Brown “The Lawman,” William Smith “Rich Man, Poor Man,” Bruce Boxleitner “How the West was Won,” Michael Dante “Winter Hawk,” Stella Stevens “Ballad of Cable Hogue,” Bobby Hoy “High Chaparral,” Edd Byrnes “77 Sunset Strip,” Frank Stallone “Tombstone,” Robert Horton “Wagon Train,” Gregg Palmer “Big Jake,” Ed Faulkner “McClintock,” Martin Kove “Wyatt Earp.” Autographs will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday on Melody Ranch’s Main Street.

Those who have attended the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival in the past are no stranger to the mouth-watering varieties of Cowboy and western cuisine offered. One of the most coveted food items offered at the Festival is the famous Peach Cobbler. The Cobbler is made in Dutch ovens that have been set over coals that have been burning all day.

Melody Ranch a real working movie ranch formerly owned by Gene Autry, has been the location of many famous Western films and was home to the highly acclaimed HBO series, “Deadwood.”

For more information on the 2008 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, including tickets, event times, prices, venues and more, visit www.cowboyfestival.org or call the Cowboy Festival Ticket hotline at (661) 286-4021.