City of Santa Clarita - Press Releases

DONATE CLOTHING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ‘CLOTHES FOR COMMUNITY’

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita, Waste Management and the Salvation Army invite community members to participate in a new and innovative program called Clothes for Community. The new mobile clothing drive allows community members to donate their gently used clothing to those in need, while reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

There are two ways for community members to participate in Clothes for Community: drop-off or pick-up. For drop-off, residents may drop-off clothing to be donated at the specially-designated Salvation Army Drop Box, located at the Waste Management/Blue Barrel Yard at 25772 Springbrook Road, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

For the pick-up program, scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2010, Waste Management will mail “bag-tags” to every household in the City. Residents will simply place clean clothing in wearable condition in garbage bags or cardboard boxes, tape a Waste Management “bag tag” with a pick-up date to the front, and leave the bags on the curb on the designated pick-up day to be collected by Salvation Army trucks.

“Each year, Americans send millions of pounds of unwanted clothing to landfills,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste. “Clothes for Community provides local residents with a way to give to others in need this holiday season, while helping to collectively reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.”

In the coming months, Waste Management will send out “bag tags” with donation instructions and a designated pick-up date directly to City of Santa Clarita residents’ homes. Clothing must be placed curbside on the correct designated pick-up date in order to be collected by the Salvation Army.

For more information on Clothes for Community, please contact Mark Patti, Project Development Coordinator for the City’s Environmental Services division, at (661) 286-4173 or visit bluebarrel.com.

CITY TO CONDUCT H1N1 VACCINATION CLINIC AT SPORTS COMPLEX ACTIVITIES CENTER

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will host a free, walk-in H1N1 vaccination clinic on Friday, December 4 at the City’s Sports Complex Activities Center. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until the vaccination supply is depleted.

Vaccinations will be first available to pregnant women, health care workers, emergency medical personnel, individuals living with or caring for infants less than 6 months of age, individuals 6 months to 24 years of age, and 25 to 64 years of age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or weakened immune systems. Los Angeles County Public Health officials will administer vaccinations.

“The City of Santa Clarita and its partners provided residents with more than 1,500 free vaccinations against the seasonal flu at its annual Drive-Thru Flu Clinic in October,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “The upcoming free H1N1 Vaccination Clinic allows individuals who are typically hit hardest by the virus to receive free, priority inoculations.”

Children under the age of 18 in attendance must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to receive a vaccine. Vaccination authorization must be provided in person and will not be accepted via letters or over the phone.

Attendees are encouraged to carpool to the clinic and no pets will be allowed, with the exception of service dogs.

For more information on the H1N1 Vaccination Clinic, please call Los Angeles Health and Social Services at “211” or visit lapublichealth.org.

CITY LAUNCHES VOTESANTACLARITA.COM

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita recently launched VoteSantaClarita.com, a new website designed to keep community members informed about the 2010 Santa Clarita City Council elections, slated for April 13, 2010. Visitors to the site can easily learn about the upcoming election, as well as a host of related topics.

As April 13 draws closer, Votesantaclarita.com will provide voters with a number of resources for the 2010 City Council Elections, including candidate information, campaign disclosures as well as past City council election results. Community members can also utilize the site to find a polling place, download vote by mail applications and learn more about voter registration.

“Votesantaclarita.com is a useful tool for residents looking to learn more about the 2010 Santa Clarita City Council elections,” said Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Pulskamp. “The City created the site to provide a centralized location for voter resources, as well as comprehensive information on candidates, local government and the voting process,” added Pulskamp

Residents may also visit VoteSantaClarita.com for updated election notices and information about their local City government. The site also includes a link to the Santa Clarita City Clerks’ Office, which oversees the election process.

For more information on the 2010 Santa Clarita City Council elections, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (661) 255-4391 or visit votesantaclarita.com.

CITY TO CONDUCT TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON NEWHALL AVENUE AT SIERRA HIGHWAY

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita will conduct a Traffic Circulation and Safety Improvement Project on Newhall Avenue beginning Monday, November 16. Lane closures will be in effect during construction, which is expected to continue through December 18, with a portion of the work conducted at night to avoid disrupting busy daytime travel.

Work on the Traffic Circulation and Safety Improvement Project will include the removal of existing delineators and the construction of a landscaped median on Newhall Avenue. Pedestrian ramps will also be added and the intersection’s traffic signal and will be modified to patch into the City’s Traffic Operations Center.

The project is anticipated to improve overall traffic circulation by shifting lanes on Newhall Avenue at Sierra Highway northerly to allow more room for eastbound buses to stop without impeding traffic flow.

The work is part of one of the city's five American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funded projects related to the Highway Infrastructure Program.

For more information on the City’s Traffic Circulation and Safety Improvement Project, contact Amalia Marreh, Assistant Engineer for the City’s Engineering and Capital Improvement Projects division, at (661) 255-4363 or visit santa-clarita.com.

LOCAL SKATERS 12 AND UNDER INVITED TO ATTEND FREE JUNIOR SKATE CLINICS AT CITY’S SKATE PARK

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita invites local skaters 12 years of age and under to head out to the City’s Sports Complex Skate Park for free Junior Skate Clinics. The Clinics will be offered from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., and again from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, November 14 and Saturday, December 5.

Young skaters can come on down to the Junior Skate Clinics to learn proper safety techniques, skate park etiquette and tips on how to ride the new 40,000 square foot skate park.

“The City of Santa Clarita’s Skate Park is one of the most popular skate destinations in California due to its size, scope and professional-level features,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “The Junior Skate Clinics allow younger skaters to ride the Skate Park with their peers at their own pace without the pressures associated with riding alongside older, more experienced skaters.”

Skaters must bring a parent or guardian and their Santa Clarita Sports Complex Membership Card to attend the Junior Skate Clinics. Skaters without a Membership can sign up on the day of the event to enter. Membership is free and can be obtained at the Recreation Office, located inside the Sports Complex Aquatic Center at 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway.

All Junior Skate Clinic participants must wear required safety gear, including a helmet, elbow and knee pads.

The Santa Clarita Sports Complex Skate Park is located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway. For more information on the City’s Junior Skate Clinics, please contact Mike Coash, Recreation Coordinator for the City’s Recreation division, at (661) 250-3760, or visit scskatepark.com.

SHOP FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND ART AND HOLIDAY GIFTS AT CITY’S NOVEMBER FINE CRAFT SHOW

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita invites community members to attend the November Fine Craft Show. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 14 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 15 at Old Orchard Park.

Join fellow community members and art enthusiasts at the Fine Craft Show and shop for fine hand-crafted items and one-of-a-kind gifts, including intricate and colorful hand-crafted jewelry, pottery, woodwork, ceramics and items perfect for the holiday season.

“More than 80 artists will be on hand at the November Fine Craft Show to showcase countless items in a variety of mediums,” said Councilmember Laurie Ender. “A host of Holiday items will also be available for community members to purchase at the event, as well as home craft items such as soaps, lotions and candles perfect for hosting holiday parties.”

The City’s November Fine Craft Show provides residents with the opportunity to browse one-of-a-kind art pieces in a beautiful park setting. Residents are encouraged to come out and stock up on great gifts, Holiday items and unique crafts to enjoy all year long.

Old Orchard Park is located at 25023 Avenida Rotella, at the corner of Lyons Avenue and Avenida Rotella.

For more information on the November Fine Craft Show, please contact the City of Santa Clarita’s Arts and Events Office at (661) 286-4018 or visit www.santa-clarita.com/crafts.

CITY TO HOST SECOND INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR NEWHALL REDEVELOPMENT AREA BUSINESSES

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita and the Small Business Development Center invite Newhall Redevelopment area business owners to attend a Customer Service Workshop on Thursday, November 12. The seminar will be offered from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and again from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Santa Clarita City Hall’s Council Chambers.

The Customer Service Workshop is offered in conjunction with the Newhall Redevelopment Small Business Grant Program. The seminar will provide Redevelopment area businesses with valuable customer service tips, as well as 25 points toward their Newhall Redevelopment Small Business Grant application score.

“Newhall Redevelopment area businesses applying for a Newhall Redevelopment Small Business Grant can meet specific requirements to earn an application score of up to 250 points,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “Businesses in attendance at both the City’s previous Marketing and Sales when the Economy is sinking seminar and the Customer Service Workshop will earn a total of 50 additional points toward their grant applications.”

The City’s previous Marketing and Sales when the Economy is Sinking seminar was held for Newhall Redevelopment area businesses in October. The seminar also offered attendees 25 points toward their Small Business Grant application.

The Customer Service Workshop is part of the Newhall Redevelopment Small Business Grant Program, a component of the City of Santa Clarita’s 21 Point Business Plan for Progress.

City Hall is located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard. For more information on the Customer Service Workshop, please contact Christa Wasson, project technician for the City’s Economic Development division at (661) 286-4065 or visit santa-clarita.com/recovery.

CALIFORNIA APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM EXPECTED TO LAUNCH IN SPRING 2010

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to announce that the California Appliance Rebate program is expected to roll out in early spring 2010. Residents are encouraged to utilize GreenSantaClarita.com, the City’s “green” website, for updates about program information and implementation.

The Energy Commission submitted its proposed Appliance Rebate Program design to the U.S. Department of Energy on October 14. Three residential appliance categories were selected to be eligible to receive rebates: clothes washers (proposed rebate: $100), refrigerators (proposed rebate: $75), and room air conditioners (proposed rebate: $50). Appliances must be ENERGY STAR-listed and certified to the Energy Commission as meeting all state and federal appliance efficiency standards to be eligible for rebates.

“The City created GreenSantaClarita.com to help keep residents, businesses and builders informed on environmental issues and initiatives,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “With the upcoming launch of the California Appliance Rebate program, community members can learn how the program will be implemented locally.”

The Energy Commission used a Department of Energy list of "pre-screened" appliances to determine appliances eligible for the program. Earlier in 2009, the California Department of Energy received $35.2 million in appropriated federal stimulus package funding to assist California residents in swapping out old energy inefficient home appliances for new, Energy Star-qualified ones.

For more information on the California Appliance Rebate program, please contact David Peterson, Assistant Planner II for the City’s Planning Division, at (661) 284-1406 or visit greensantaclarita.com and click on the “Energy Star Products” icon.

HEAD OUT TO CENTRAL PARK FOR SUPER BOWL SATURDAY!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita invites community members to attend Super Bowl Saturday- the culminating event for the City’s 2009 Flag Football season. The event, held Saturday, November 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Park, will feature league championships games and the 1^st Annual Coaches Game.

Super Bowl Saturday will kick off with the Fall Flag Football League Divisional Championship Games for Minor I (age 9) Minor II (age 10), Major I (ages 11-12) and Major II Divisions (ages 13-14). Following the Championship games, youth Flag Football participants will be able to kick back on the sidelines and root for their team coaches as they face off in the 1^st Annual Coaches Game.

“The City of Santa Clarita will host Superbowl Saturday to celebrate Santa Clarita’s youth and coaches who participate in the City’s flag football program,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “The 1^st Annual Coaches Game is designed to show appreciation for volunteer coaching efforts throughout the season and promote unity among team coaches and players.”

All attending Youth Sports participants and their families Super Bowl Saturday will enjoy the opportunity to support their teammates and favorite team and coach in this fun-filled, special event experience.

Games will be held at Central Park’s Field #6. Central Park is located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road.

For more information on Super Bowl Saturday, contact Rich Carr, Recreation Supervisor for Youth Sports for the City’s Recreation division, at (661) 250-3753 or visit santa-clarita.com.

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA CELEBRATES VETERANS’ DAY WITH CEREMONY AT VETERANS’ HISTORICAL PLAZA

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The City of Santa Clarita invites community members to join the Santa Clarita City Council for a special Veterans’ Day Ceremony. The event, hosted to commemorate the national day of honoring America’s veterans and military families, will be held on Wednesday, November 11^th at 11:00 a.m. at the Veteran’s Historical Plaza in Old Town Newhall.

The Veterans’ Day Ceremony will open with the Changing of the Flags at the Veterans Plaza by the Knights of Columbus Santa Clarita Assembly, along with representatives from various armed services recruiting offices. The event will feature musical performances by local favorites Danielle and Erika Christopher, Marilyn Hackett, and Herb Hightower.

The Ceremony will also include addresses by local speakers, such as Dick Jeffrey of the Santa Clarita Valley Veteran’s Memorial Committee, Rabbi Mark Blazer, Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste, and Council members Laurie Ender, Marsha McLean and Bob Kellar, who is an Army Veteran.

One of the most exciting elements of the City of Santa Clarita Veterans’ Day Ceremony is the dedication of 11 Story Stations, which describe the major conflicts in America’s history. The 11 bronze Story Stations were donated to the Veterans Plaza by community members to honor those who have served, and continue to serve, to preserve our freedom.

The Story Stations are comprised of bronze plaques featuring iconic artwork by local artist Frank Rock. The stations are designed to depict crucial moments in American history through artwork in a visually striking way.

“The City of Santa Clarita worked with representatives from several local organizations to plan the Santa Clarita Veterans’ Day Ceremony, including the Historical Veteran’s Committee, Prayer Angels for the Military, Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons Chapter #82, SCV Blue Star Mothers Chapter #91 and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste. “The City and the Council extend their gratitude to these crucial local organizations for their efforts toward supporting veterans and active duty military personnel and their families throughout the year.”

Currently, hundreds of Santa Clarita community members serve their nation in the armed services. Residents are invited to attend the Santa Clarita Veterans’ Day Ceremony to join friends and neighbors in support of members of the armed services’ sacrifice and courage.

The Santa Clarita Veterans’ Historical Plaza is located at 24275 North Walnut Street in Old Town Newhall. For more information on the Santa Clarita Veterans’ Day Ceremony, contact the City’s Arts and Events Office at (661) 286-4018 or visit santa-clarita.com.