Preserving Open Space a Key Issue At City Council Meeting

Here’s what went on at the City Council meeting on October 24^th:

 

Council Reports:

The council has endorsed the group that is dedicated to Historic Route 6. Route 6 is 3,652 miles long and was the first major east/west highway in the United States. Sections of Route 6 run through Santa Clarita in the form of

Sierra Highway

and

San Fernando Road

, directly through down town Newhall. The city will erect signs that display “Historic Route 6” in the areas where the route runs in Santa Clarita.

 

The council announced that Santa Clarita’s

Community Court

dry run was a success. The specialized court is for juveniles and handles such offenses as graffiti, speeding, petty theft and more. Offenders that pass through this system will serve their punishments by way of community service in Santa Clarita.

 

Council Member Spotlight:

Bob Kellar requested an independent inquiry into the expansion of HenryMayoHospital to help the Council garner more information.

Mayor Laurene Weste acknowledged that Santa Clarita’s unemployment rate is the lowest in LA County at 2.8%. The statewide unemployment rate is 4.8%. Mayor Weste also brought attention to the ground breaking of ToddLongshorePark, which will take place on November 3^rd at 10:00am on the corner of WhitesCanyon and Canyon Crest.

 

Recognition:

The Council presented George Runner with a plaque to thank him for his work with the city on State Senate bill 475 that allows Santa Clarita residents the opportunity to vote to remove sulpher generating water softeners from use. The bill also allows for a 100% rebate of reasonable value to those who volunteer to remove their water softeners as well as rebates for removal costs.

Bob and Lynn Baida were honored for their work with residents in their community of Stone crest. Stone crest was recently annexed into the city of Santa Clarita and Bob and Lynn, along with other residents were able to get more signatures for that cause than any other annexed area. This battle was key in the city’s fight against the Cemex mega mine.

Soroptimist International was honored for their work in proclaiming October “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” and November “End Domestic Violence Month.”

Public Comments:

Many residents spoke about their desire to see the City buy undeveloped land, and allow it to remain undeveloped. Most of the open space in and around Santa Clarita is privately owned and could be developed. There is a newly formed group that is working to get a new initiative on the ballot that would give the City tools to buy and preserve open space.

 

 

Jon Dell

KHTS AM 1220 News

10-25-06