Archive for November, 2008

City Council Moves Forward with Hospital Master Plan

November 24, 2008

The Santa Clarita City Council held a special meeting November 19 regarding the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Master Plan. Wednesday night’s meeting marked the end of a four year public process, which began with the Planning Commission’s review.

The evening began with presentations from the City staff and a presentation and video from the Hospital, as well as a power point presentation from a group in opposition to the Hospital’s expansion plans. Following the presentations, approximately ninety speakers commented on the project representing both “for” and “against” positions.

After public comment a lengthy discussion took place. In the end Councilmember Laurie Ender made a motion with a second from Mayor Pro Tem Ferry to adopt the staff’s recommendation for approval of the project. The motion passed by a vote of four to one with Mayor Bob Kellar dissenting. The motion also included conditions of approval requested by Councilmembers Laurene Weste and Masha McLean.

The Hospital’s Development Agreement was passed to a second reading on a three to two vote with Councilmember Marsha McLean and Mayor Bob Kellar dissenting. The second reading will take place December 9 at the City Council’s final meeting of 2008.

City of Santa Clarita Wins Most Business Friendly Award

November 18, 2008
Tina Haddad, Jessica Freude, Ken Pulskmap, Councilmember Laurie Ender, Ken Striplin, Laura Biery, Jason Crawford, Andree Walper

l-r: Tina Haddad, Jessica Freude, Ken Pulskamp, Councilmember Laurie Ender, Ken Striplin, Laura Biery, Jason Crawford, Andree Walper

 

The Los Angeles Economic Development Commission (LAEDC) named Santa Clarita the most business friendly city in Los Angeles County. The award was presented to the City of Santa Clarita at a gala in Beverly Hills on Monday November 17. Santa Clarita has been a top five finalist for the award for the last two years.

Some of the City’s business friendly innovations include no business license fees, no utility user fees and having a streamlined permit process. Additionally, in 2007 the City was designated as a state Enterprise Zone and the City began a City/Sheriff business alliance program.

Extreme Neighborhood Makeover in East Newhall!

November 18, 2008

Last Saturday,the City’s Neighborhood Leaf Out program completed the Newhall Extreme Makeover Tree Planting event. Neighborhood volunteers joined City staff in planting 15 new Camphor trees along Arch Street in Newhall. Additional trees will be planted in the area in the months to come.  The Extreme Neighborhood Makeover program is aimed at improving neighborhoods through partnerships among residents, the City, agencies and volunteers.  The program in East Newhall is the second since the City started the program earlier this year.

Transit Launches U-TEXT for Commuters

November 14, 2008

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Ever been waiting for a bus wondering where in the world it could be? The City of Santa Clarita Transit division is now making it easier for commuters to stay informed of unforeseen changes to their specific route through U-text. U-text is a text messaging service that allows commuters to subscribe and receive mobile phone text alerts when there are urgent changes to a commuter route.

The texting service alerts riders of incidents that may delay transit service such as traffic jams and other unforeseen problems. With U-text, Santa Clarita Transit can keep customers informed of unexpected, last-minute commuter route changes at all times.

To subscribe to U-text, simply send a keyword text message to 41411, select the commuter route you want, and begin receiving “urgent commuter text updates” from City Transit. Keyword options include: sctransit747, sctransit 791, sctransit 792, sctransit793, sctransit794, sctransit795, sctransit796, sctransit797, sctransit798, and sctransit799.

U-text is only for emergency route notifications and will not replace emailed Rider Alerts and Transit e-Notify subscriptions. U-text subscribers will only receive text alerts regarding their chosen commuter route. Standard text messaging rates apply. Please check with your service provider for applicable charges.

Santa Clarita Salutes Veterans

November 13, 2008
Photo by Scott Groller

Photo by Scott Groller

The Santa Clarita City Council joined members of the community and honored men and woman of the armed services on Veteran’s Day, November 11, at the Veterans Historical Plaza in Old Town Newhall.