City of Santa Clarita - Press Releases

COMMUNITY CENTER KARATE STUDENTS WIN BIG AT INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Thirteen members of the Newhall Community Center’s Karate Team competed at the 2009 IMAC World Martial Arts Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 28, 2009. The team brought back a total of six 1^st, three 2^nd, two 3^rd, and two 4^th place trophies.

The Newhall Community Center Karate Team and more than 2,000 participants from as far as England, Canada, Guatemala, and Mexico exhibited their martial arts skills in the prestigious IMAC World Martial Arts Championship. Battling through intense competition, every participant from the Community Center team placed in the tournament, including Briana Acosta, 9, Yohana Neri, 10, Jeremy Bautista, 11, Ricky Phelps, 11, Jonathan Perez, 12, Yareli Cervantes, 11, Kelly Cervantes, 14, Jennifer Perez, 16, Karina Ruiz, 16, Carlos Cazares, 18, John Bautista, 33, Enrique Niconar, 38, and Ruben Caldera, 45.

“Not only does the Newhall Community Center’s Karate program provide quality martial arts training for community members of all ages, students in the program learn discipline, integrity, respect, and the importance of a can-do attitude,” said Mayor Frank Ferry.

Volunteer instructor Dave Moreno trained the award winning team for more than four years at the Community Center, located at 22421 Market Street in Newhall.

For more information on the Newhall Community Center’s award-winning Karate Team, contact Efren Galindo, Sports Coordinator for the Newhall Community Center, at (661) 286-4006 or visit santa-clarita.com.

NO-COST STORYTIME ADVENTURES HELPS KIDS DEVELOP AN IN INTEREST IN READING

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita will host Storytime Adventures, a no-cost interactive event where local youth are read stories aloud at the Sports Complex Activities Center. Storytime Adventures will be held on Mondays from 11:15 a.m. – 12 noon beginning Monday, July 13 through Monday, August 10.

Storytime Adventures will feature a new guest reader each week and will cover a range of classic stories like The Three Little Pigs and Dr. Seuss’ The Sneetches, as well as contemporary favorites like Stellaluna and The Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar. In addition to stories read aloud, Storytime Adventures will also include related activities, like coloring and drawing, to coincide with the day’s featured story.

“Studies have shown that reading aloud to kids can help promote vocabulary, language and speech development, and better prepare them for school,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “The City’s no-cost Storytime Adventures encourage cognitive development, while promoting an interest in reading.”

Beginning July 6, residents may visit the Sports Complex Activities Center to sign up and reserve a spot at Storytime Adventures. Space is limited and registration is required to ensure a place in the class.

The Sports Complex Activities Center is located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway. For more information on Storytime Adventures, please contact the Activities Center at (661) 250-3703 or visit santa-clarita.com.

CITY OFFERS NO-COST ARTS AND CRAFTS CLASS FOR LOCAL YOUTH

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita will host a no-cost Arts and Crafts class for local youth 6-9 years of age. Classes will be held Fridays from 11:15 a.m.-12 noon beginning Friday, July 17 through Friday, August 14 at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex Activities Center.

The Arts and Crafts classes celebrate the creativity of local youth by allowing them to build self esteem and express themselves through creative projects. Attendees will participate in pottery painting, planting seeds, making wind chimes and more in the classes.

“The City’s no-cost Arts and Crafts classes are a great way for local kids to express themselves in a creative and constructive way,” said Councilmember Laurie Ender. “The classes also give local youth the chance to interact with community kids their own age over summer break.”

Beginning July 6, residents may visit the Sports Complex Activities Center to sign up and reserve a spot in the Arts and Crafts class. Space is limited and registration is required to ensure a place in the class.

The Sports Complex Activities Center is located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway. For more information on the Arts and Crafts class, please contact the Activities Center at (661) 250-3703 or visit santa-clarita.com.

CITY OFFERS SUMMER SAFETY COURSES TO HELP SAVE LIVES

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita is offering pool safety courses this summer to help prevent tragedies from occurring at both private and public pools. From Adult and Youth Swim Lessons to Lifeguard Training Courses, there are a number of opportunities available to community members looking to prevent poolside accidents and be prepared for emergencies.

The City will host its “ABC's of a Safe Summer" day on July 18, 2009 from 1-3 p.m. during Recreational Swim at all City Pools. Lifeguards will have three stations set up at each pool for swimmers to watch or participate in buoy throwing, CPR, and First Aid demonstrations, along with general water safety and sun safety handouts.

The program will be conducted at all municipal pools throughout the Greater Los Angeles area and is sponsored by the American Red Cross, KABC-TV Channel 7, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Los Angeles County Health Department.

“Pool safety is a very serious issue for individuals of all ages. Parents should never leave a child alone and residents should remember that knowing how to swim is first a life skill, and second, a recreational activity,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “After learning how to swim, supervision is a top component in not only preventing accidents, but properly responding when they occur.”

More than 2,000 community kids attend summer swim lessons at City pools. Swim Lessons are available at the City’s Aquatic Center, Newhall Pool, North Oaks Pool, Santa Clarita Pool, Valencia Glen Pool and Valencia Meadows Pool on weekdays in both the morning and evenings this summer. The classes teach both kids and adults important safety and life saving skills. Residents can visit santa-clarita.com/seasons for a schedule of Swim Lesson classes.

Adults can benefit from swim classes in order to protect themselves and provide the best possible pool supervision to youth. The City offers a weekly Adult Swim Class for Santa Clarita adults who want to learn how to swim or feel more confident in deep water. The class, currently offered Saturday mornings from 9-10 a.m. at the Valencia Glen Pool, is $4 per visit and teaches standard swimming skills at attendees’ own pace in a quiet and comfortable environment.

The City also offers a Junior Lifeguard Program, available at the City’s Aquatic Center for local youth ages 8-15. The Program teaches participants the fundamentals of water safety to be followed at public pools, open water areas, backyard pools and other swimming areas.

To help prepare community members for the busy summer season at City pools, the City offers American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Water Safety Instructor certification classes, taught by City Lifeguards, at the Aquatic Center each fall, winter, and spring. There will be a 33-hour American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification class at the Aquatic Center September 12 through September 26, 2009, as well.

Additional tips for keeping safe at pools include: keeping glass out of the pool area, refraining from running on the pool deck, wearing appropriate pool attire and being knowledgeable of one’s personal swimming ability.

For more information on pool safety courses offered by the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Doug Botton, Recreation Services Administrator for the City of Santa Clarita, at (661) 250-3772 or visit santa-clarita.com/seasons.

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA’S HOMETOWN TROLLEY OFFERS SUMMER SERVICE

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Today, the City of Santa Clarita rolls out new summer service aboard the Hometown Trolley with a “tourism route,” a convenient, stress free way for visitors to enjoy the area’s attractions, dining, shopping, and signature events.

The Hometown Trolley, offering service Thursday through Sunday from July 2 through September 6, is complimentary and includes service from some of Santa Clarita’s premier hotels to popular destination spots like Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, and Westfield Valencia Town Center. The Trolley offers a unique and convenient way for visitors to experience Santa Clarita while saving time and money. A complete Hometown Trolley schedule is available at VisitSantaClarita.com.

“The Hometown Trolley is a fun and unique way for visitors to experience Santa Clarita. It’s a fun, convenient, and hassle free way to get around our community,” said City of Santa Clarita Mayor Frank Ferry.

Summer is high season for the Santa Clarita Valley’s tourism industry. The City of Santa Clarita is offering the Hometown Trolley service for the busy summer months in an effort to support many of the tourism businesses in the community.

The Hometown Trolley is intended for visitors spending time in the Santa Clarita Valley, but is also a fun, unique way for residents to experience their community’s unique tourism offerings. Seating on the Hometown Trolley is on a first come first serve basis. The Hometown Trolley service picks up visitors from the following hotels located in the Santa Clarita Valley: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Best Western, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriot & Embassy Suites, and Hyatt Regency Valencia.

Located in north Los Angeles County just minutes from Burbank Airport, the Santa Clarita Valley offers visitors the quintessential California experience. Abundant sunshine, a unique blend of sophistication and small town charm, historic elements, destination dining and shopping, and a variety of world-class events, attractions and accommodations for all ages make Santa Clarita a must see when visiting Southern California. And Santa Clarita is just minutes from Los Angeles and Ventura, making it an ideal home away from home when visiting other great regional destinations.

For additional information about Santa Clarita, including details about annual events and year-round attractions, please visit VisitSantaClarita.com or contact the Tourism Office at (661) 286-4084.

CITY OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERS

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita is offering low and moderate income residents the chance to repair their homes and properties through the Residential and Property Rehabilitation Grant Program.

The Rehabilitation Grant Programs are designed to address exterior code violations, as well as keep homes safe and habitable. Grants are available for single family homes, mobile homes, and condos inside the City limits. The Grants provide up to $5,000 in needed repairs for the home itself, and up to $1,000 in needed repairs for front yards and detached garages.

Typical allowable repairs include roofing repairs or replacement, plumbing and electrical work, heating and air conditioning repair, flooring and window repairs, exterior painting, modifications for disabled access, tree trimming for safety, and removal of illegally installed hardscape or garage conversions.

“This is a great way for lower income homeowners to keep their homes and properties in good repair,” said Erin Moore-Lay, Housing Program Administrator for the City of Santa Clarita. “The Rehabilitation Grant Program helps ensure that residents live in safe and habitable housing and that neighborhoods are maintained, giving residents pride of ownership and maintaining property values.”

Applicants must earn an annual household income at or below 80 percent of the median household income for Los Angeles County to be eligible. A household of four, for example, must earn an annual household income at or below $63,450 to qualify for Grant funding.

Applicants must own the home for which they are requesting Grant funding, and it must be located within the City of Santa Clarita.

The Rehabilitation Programs do not pay for remodeling or upgrades. For more information or to request an application, please call (661) 286-4156.

HEAD FOR THE BEACH ON THE SUMMER BEACH BUS!

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

City of Santa Clarita Transit is now offering rides to Santa Monica via the 2009 Summer Beach Bus. The Bus will travel to the beach on Wednesdays and Saturdays through September 7, and on Labor Day, as well.

The Summer Beach Bus has two departure locations in the Santa Clarita Valley to take community members from the canyons to the sea and back again. The Bus departs from Val Verde Park, located at 30300 Arlington Street, at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 5:00 p.m.; and from the McBean Transfer Station, located at 24375 Valencia Boulevard, at 8:55 a.m., returning at 4:50 p.m.

“The City has seen a strong response from residents requesting transit that travels to the ocean,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “Driving to the beach can be a hectic experience and the Summer Beach Bus lets riders sit back and relax on the way to the beach for less than what it would normally cost in gas to make the same trip.”

A round-trip to enjoy the Santa Monica surf, sand and surroundings on the Summer Beach Bus is $4 for all children and adults, and $2 for persons with disabilities and senior citizens 60 years of age and older. Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted on the bus without a parent or guardian.

For more information on the Summer Beach Bus, please contact Brendie Bandara, Administrative Analyst for the City of Santa Clarita’s Transit Division at (661) 295-6304 or visit santaclaritatransit.com.

4TH OF JULY LINEUP FEATURES EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita is poised and ready to celebrate the 4^th of July, with events and activities scheduled throughout the day across the City. From the annual Santa Clarita 4^th of July Parade to the always-spectacular City of Santa Clarita 4^th of July Fireworks show, Independence Day, 2009 will feature something for everyone to enjoy.

The 4^th of July festivities will kick off with an Independence Day 5K to benefit the Santa Clarita High School Cross Country program, starting at 8 a.m. at Newhall Park, located at 24933 Newhall Avenue. The race, presented by the Santa Clarita Runners’ Club, will stretch along the Santa Clarita 4^th of July Parade route. A Non-Competitive Walk will be offered, as well as a Kiddie K, starting at 7:45 a.m., for children.

The cost to register is $30 for the 5K and $10 for the Kiddie K. Community members can register for the 5K at scrunners.org, or at Whole Foods Market, located at 24130 Valencia Boulevard, on Friday, July 3 from 5-9 p.m.

The Santa Clarita 4^th of July Parade, presented by Magic Mountain and the SCV Parade committee, will begin at 9 a.m. in Old Town Newhall. The parade route stretches along Main Street, Lyons Avenue and Orchard Village Road before finishing at 16^th Street in Newhall. More information on this great community tradition can be found at scvparade.com.

Bristol Farms and the Bridgeport Marketplace will also host a Fourth of July Picnic and Carnival from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Bridgeport Marketplace on the corner of Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway. The event will feature live music, BBQ fare and sweet treats, as well as a dunk tank, petting zoo, pie eating contest, pony rides, carnival games, and more. In addition to providing Family-friendly activities and delicious food, the Fourth of July Picnic and Carnival is also benefits a great cause- 75 percent of all Carnival Booth ticket sales at the event will be donated to local charities.

The day’s festivities will culminate with the City of Santa Clarita Fourth of July Fireworks Show, beginning at 9:15 p.m. at the Westfield Valencia Town Center, located at 24201 West Valencia Boulevard. As the fireworks show is one of the City’s most popular 4^th of July events, attendees are encouraged to arrive early. The show’s soundtrack will be broadcast live during on KHTS AM 1220. For more information on the Firework Show, including viewing areas, parking information and road closures, visit santa-clarita.com/fourth.

For more information on the City’s 4^th of July activities, please contact Dave Knutson, Coordinator for the City’s Arts and Events Division, at (661) 286-4037 or visit santa-clarita.com/fourth.

LOCAL BUSINESSES, VOLUNTEERS WORK ON CODE VIOLATIONS FOR CANYON COUNTRY HOMEOWNER

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, June 20, Oaksprings Landscaping and volunteers from Grace Baptist Church helped out with a Canyon Country homeowner’s City code violations free of charge. The group removed old cement and installed sidewalk pavers, and completed preparation for the installation of a new front lawn, parkway, shrubs and automatic irrigation system.

Landscaping company employees and church volunteers removed vegetation and overgrown tree roots, as well as rocks & debris from the front yard. The group also completed soil conditioning and grading and installed new sidewalk pavers and an irrigation system.

After being contacted by City Community Preservation staff regarding the numerous City code violations on his property, the senior homeowner expressed concern that he could not afford to bring his home into compliance on his limited fixed income and with no assistance.

With the homeowner’s permission, the City worked with local businesses and volunteers to address his code violations free of charge. In addition to the June 20 landscaping project, StayGreen, Inc. trimmed a 40-foot, heavily overgrown tree. SJA Painting also pressure washed stucco on the home’s exterior, and removed and repainted deteriorated paint on the home’s exterior trim, as well.

The City of Santa Clarita began its Extreme Neighborhood Makeover program in July, 2008. The program involves a unique and bold step by the City, in partnership with the community, to proactively resolve neighborhood beautification and safety issues. The program aims to help maximize property values throughout local neighborhoods and best assist individual property owners with the challenges they face in complying with the law.

Additional photos from the landscaping project can be found at santaclaritacitybriefs.com. For more information on the Extreme Neighborhood Makeover program, please contact Ron Brown, Community Preservation Officer, at (661) 286-4076 or visit santa-clarita.com.

I-5/MAGIC MOUNTAIN PARKWAY OFF RAMP NOW OPEN

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The newly widened northbound off-ramp at the I-5/Magic Mountain Parkway interchange is now open. The off-ramp officially opened on Friday, June 19 and was previously closed to traffic beginning May 31 for Phase II of the City’s I-5/Magic Mountain Interchange project. The ramp widening project was completed in 19 days.

The off-ramp has detoured along Wayne Mills Place to Tourney Road for more than one year. With the ramp widening re-open on schedule, the regular off-ramp will now be open permanently. The entire I-5/Magic Mountain Interchange project will be completed in July 2009, a month’s time, according to the Project Manager, James Tong.

“The construction project completion and off-ramp opening comes at a perfect time,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “The off-ramp can now accommodate the boom of Magic Mountain’s busy summer season. The project is funded through Los Angeles County, Newhall Land, Caltrans and Metro,” he added.

The completion of the multi-million dollar I-5/Magic Mountain Interchange project, which includes ramps widening and infrastructure improvements, will benefit Santa Clarita’s transportation system by improving mobility, enhancing safety, alleviating congestion, and greatly increasing the capacity of the interchanges and local roadways to meet future anticipated development and traffic growth.

Please check the City of Santa Clarita's website at www.santa-clarita.com or the project hotline (661) 290-2297 for any extended major lane closures, detours, or news associated with this project.