Happy New Year! 2006 was truly a banner year for Santa Clarita and 2007 promises to be just as spectacular. CNN/Money Magazine named Santa Clarita as the best City to live in California, ranking our City as the 18th top City to live in the nation. The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation named Santa Clarita as one of its top five most business friendly cities.
Businesses will definitely find Santa Clarita even more business friendly when we begin our new Enterprise Zone in 2007, a special designation through the state that provides businesses located within the City’s boundaries with unique tax incentives and advantages.
On February 24, 2007, the Amgen Tour of California will make its sixth stage right here in Santa Clarita. The eight day, 650 mile race is expected to bring 100,000 visitors to our community. Teams and riders participating in the second annual race will include Tour de France competitors, world champions and Olympic medalists. In 2006, the Tour of California drew more than 1.3 million spectators, setting records in attendance for any single sporting event in the state as well as for any cycling event in the U.S.
The City is currently underway with construction of the 31-acre Todd Longshore Park in Canyon Country. This rustic setting is an incredible backdrop for picnicking and passive recreational uses. A children’s play area, covered picnic areas, restrooms, turf areas and parking are part of the new park project. Also this year, the City plans to start construction on the next phase of the Sports Complex, adding a new gymnasium and expanding the skate park.
In our City’s Transit Division, 2007 promises to include a myriad of changes and program expansion plans. Changes include: adding two new service routes, adding six new transit vehicles, including four new Dial-a-Ride vans and two 60-foot buses to the City’s transit fleet, as well as expanding the Dial-a-Ride program for seniors and the disabled. If you haven’t seen the new Hometown Trolley, chances are you will in 2007. This old-fashioned wooden trolley will be providing free rides at various events and programs throughout the year.
Thank you for your interest in our city! Should you have any suggestions or wish to email me, you can do so at kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com.
Best regards, Ken Pulskamp