The 2011 Graffiti Task Force Yearly Report shows graffiti statistics and results that happened in the past year. In the yearly report, the Graffiti Task Force:

• Removed 6,333 graffiti tags, 55% of the removals were proactive (found by staff while on patrol) and 45% were reported by residents.
• There was a 25% decrease in gang graffiti compared to 2010.  Over 400 tags were removed in the Old Orchard, Valencia Glen and Bridgeport paseos. 
• 169 graffiti vandals were arrested – 72% of the taggers were juveniles. Since the inception of the award winning e-graffiti database in 2007, over 1,00 graffiti vandals have been arrested and charged with felony vandalism.
•  The Graffiti Task Force also attended over 10 restitution hearings to confirm restitution on graffiti vandalism cases.  Over $240,000 dollarswas awarded to the City for damages cause by 22 vandals.  Staff is currently researching other cities to find additional ways to recover damages. To date over $30,000 dollars has been paid to the City.

The City of Santa Clarita’s Graffiti Task Force is a collaborative action group that meets quarterly to discuss and develop solutions to graffiti-related issues and remove graffiti on City Property within the City of Santa Clarita. Graffiti incidents outside of the City’s jurisdiction are forwarded to the appropriate agencies. To report graffiti within unincorporated Los Angeles County (Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, Val Verde, etc.) click here.

Click image to report graffiti within the City of Santa Clarita.

To report graffiti within the City limits, call (661)-25-CLEAN/ (661)-252-5326 or Report Graffiti Through eService.

Click image to see the Graffiti Task Force 2011 Yearly Report.

Click here to check out the 2011 Graffit Task Force 2011 Yearly Report.

This Week in Santa Clarita previews the upcoming 2012 Earth Arbor Day Festival, presented by the SCV Family of Water Suppliers, happening Saturday, April 14, at from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Central Park.

If you’ve been looking to break into the music business, but aren’t sure where you’d fit or how to do it, then join the City and 661-Arts for a FREE music-industry focused panel session on Wednesday, February 1, at 6 p.m. in the Century Room at City Hall.  Four music industry veterans will discuss their unique careers and provide insight about career opportunities to help those seeking a career in music find a path.  No RSVP necessary. 

For more information about the panel discussion email jbarber@santa-clarita.com. 

The Santa Clarita Valencia Library is offering four book clubs for youth and family to join beginning January through May.

• Harry Potter Book Club - Get together every third Thursday of every month, January through May, from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. to discuss all books of the Harry Potter series beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at the Valencia Library
• Science Book Club – Explore books about science, technology and inventions every third Wednesday every month from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Valencia Library.
• Family Read Aloud Book Club – Families can enjoy a monthly sample of classic and new read-aloud books every fourth Wednesday from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Valencia Library.
• Teen Genre Book Club – Select teen books chosen every month and discuss with friends every fourth Wednesday from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Valencia Library.

Click image to enlarge.

For more information about the Valencia Library Book Clubs visit SantaClaritaLibrary.com or call (661) 259-8942. The Valencia Library is located at 23743 Valencia Blvd. 

Click image for flyer of events.

The 2012 Santa Clarita Green Guide is now available on the City’s Green Santa Clarita website. The Green Guide shows a list of events like Earth Arbor Day and Bike to Work Day happening throughout the year along with green tips and information.

For more information about the Santa Clarita Green Guide, visit GreenSantaClarita.com.

The First two pictures in this post are of Main Street in Old Town Newhall. The pictures were taken from the new Old Town Newhall Library which currently is under construction.

Main Street incorporates wooden sidewalks, brick pavers, new landscape, hardscape, street furniture, new and decorative streetlights to make the area pedestrian friendly.

John Hustead has appeared at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival for the last 13 years as well as entertaining at many Western festivals and parades around the state. With his expertise is riding and roping he has entertained thousands over the years.

Cowboy Trick Roper, Jim Townsley, of Los Angeles entertains audiences with his charoo style of rope handling in colorful cowboy dress. Look for the tall Cowboy on stilts swinging a mean lariat.

Chapmaker Dave Thornbury grew up trick riding and roping on Midwestern fair and rodeo circuits. Dave moved to California in the mid 70’s and since that time has worked at Calabasas Saddlery as well as performing at Calabasas Ranch and other events around the country.

Residents can celebrate their child’s birthday party at the Santa Clarita Activities Center. Children, 5 – 10 years old, can enjoy fun themes like “It’s Carnival Time”, “Be a Sports Star”, “Pirates Treasure”, “Princess Jewels” or ”Rock Star”.  There are three time slots available each weekend – Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12 pm and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.  

The Santa Clarita Activities Center provides the space, decorations, invitations, and two fun filled hours of entertainment led by enthusiastic party hosts. A popcorn machine with free popcorn is also included. Games are available which include musical chairs, dodge ball, parachute games, freeze dance, relay races and many more.  Food is not included.

For details call the Santa Clarita Activities Center at (661)250-3703.

Click image for Planning Commission website.

The City of Santa Clarita is seeking applications for Planning Commissioner. An unscheduled vacancy resulted when former Commissioner Bill Kennedy resigned in December. Applications and three letters of recommendation will be accepted through the deadline, February 8.

The five-member Planning Commission is appointed by the City Council and responsible for reviewing development projects in Santa Clarita. The commission also formulates and prepares general policy recommendations for the City Council. Each Commissioner is appointed by a City Councilmember and then must be approved by a majority of the City Council. The current vacancy is under Councilmember Bob Kellar.

For further information or to obtain an application for the Planning Commission vacancy, click here or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (661) 255-4391.

The City of Santa Clarita is encouraging residents, local business owners and stakeholders to attend a Community Needs Assessment Meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Century Room. The meeting will discuss the needs of lower-income residents in the areas of affordable housing, infrastructure, supportive services, and economic development.

Residents may also provide input regarding CDBG funded programs by participating in an 18 question Community Needs Assessment survey available online now through February 1.

For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Program or the Community Needs Assessment Meeting, contact Community Development Project Technician Terasa Sullivan at (661) 255-4368 or visit the Affordable Housing webpage. The City Hall Century Room is located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard.