Will Santa Clarita become a Ghost Town? Will businesses continue to flee California and Santa Clarita causing a snowball effect that cannot be reversed.
That’s the cynics’ opinions that drive the streets and see “For Lease” signs everywhere. They see parking lots that used to be full now bare. Isn’t it great? SCBJ March issue shows vacancies in office, industrial and retail space all increased this year in the City of SC and SCV.
I too am a cynic. But, I am also an optimist. Yes, you could be both. As much as the city has “plans” and “visions” of development, it is moot if you don’t have a vibrant local economy. It is like opening the lion’s cage in order to clean it while leaving the door open to lose the lions. The beautiful cage is nothing without the lions. First and foremost is to make sure the lions (jobs) stay in the cage (SC) by feeding them, then clean and prep the cage while working on getting more animals to attract revenue.
Barring outside influences here are two reasons this city will rebound.
1. SC can bounce back faster than most cities. In 1990 when I built HPD (Honda’s engine testing facility) SC was considered the safest city in the nation. People started moving into the city in droves. I came back to SC in 2002. I was amazed at the progress.
Three years ago business started to deteriorate reflecting the whole nation. However, I have noticed that the officials in this city were well aware of the conditions and stepped up to the plate. In 2009 the city began their proactive local stimulus efforts. I have worked in many cities (NY, Miami, BH, Gardena, West Hollywood, Torrance, La Mirada etc) and I can say that the people who work for this city are competent, love this city and will not let it go down. From the receptionists to the mayors, they have what it takes, common sense. That is a simple statement but in reality it is a very powerful asset that can make or break a city.
Sierra Crest Center is located at 27125 Sierra Hwy in Canyon Country. For more information on leasing space or general inquiries, please call Paul Zimmerman at 310-628-2311.