SCVNews.com | Opinion/Commentary: Looking Back on a Successful Year, Forward to Another

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1954 - C-46 cargo plane crashes at Saugus Drunk Farm; Civil Air Patrol chaplains parachute to safety [story]

Looking Back on a Successful Year, Forward to Another

Commentary by Mayor Frank Ferry

By Frank Ferry | Saturday, Dec 1, 2012

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Frank Ferry

It has been my honor to serve as your Mayor for 2012, and as the year comes to a close, I wanted to share some of our city’s accomplishments with you.

After more than two years of construction, the city opened its new, 30,000-square-foot library in Old Town Newhall this year. Since it opened, the new library has welcomed thousands of visitors. Information about all of our library programs and services is available at www.santaclaritalibrary.com.

Also in Old Town Newhall, we celebrated the completion of several façade improvement projects, transforming Main Street into a quaint street of eclectic shops. In June, we dedicated the new Iron Horse trail and art project, located off Magic Mountain Parkway. We also completed a major beautification project at Lyons and I-5, improving this gateway to our city from the south.

In July, we dedicated the Elsmere Canyon open space, now fully in public ownership, forever to be preserved. In 2012, we completed a host of beautification projects around town, as well as several road improvement projects aimed at keeping our city streets smooth and pothole free.

2013 promises to be another fabulous year for our city. If you are a commuter on the west side, you may be pleased to know that the city is beginning construction of a new, 285-space park-and-ride project at the McBean Transfer Station (McBean and Valencia Boulevard). In addition to the 285 new parking spaces, the project will include bike lockers, benches, low impact lighting and public art exhibits, plus information kiosks and a plasma screen television for bus arrival information.

The City will be purchasing more open space; spending $15 million in the Canyon Country area, including widening Golden Valley Road near SR 14; adding several new landscaped medians; widening the bridge near the post office on McBean Parkway; designing a new roundabout across from Hart Park in Old Town Newhall; and adding new bike lanes on the east side of town – to name a few things to look forward to.

If you are interested in learning more about our city’s many projects, events and programs, visit us online at www.santa-clarita.com. You can also sign up for email alerts on topics of your choice, and you can receive our online blog, City Briefs (www.santaclaritacitybriefs.com).

I have truly enjoyed serving as your mayor this year. I want to thank you for your support of our city.

Frank Ferry is mayor of the city of Santa Clarita.

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Bill Miranda | Santa Clarita Arts, a Journey Through Creativity

Thursday, Sep 19, 2024

As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.

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As a father of three, I understand firsthand the importance of guiding our children through open communication and keeping them engaged in extracurricular activities and sports to foster their growth.

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Scott Wilk | Stressing the Critical Need For Wildfire Preparedness

Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024

California State Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is urging residents to prepare an emergency evacuation plan as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire and several other wildfires continue to pose a serious threat to High Desert and foothill communities.

Teresa Todd | The Value of Dialogue

Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024

As we approach the November 2024 elections, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The choices we make at the ballot box will shape the future of our city, state and nation. Yet, in an era where soundbites often substitute for substantive discussion, how can voters truly grasp the complexities of the issues at hand?

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As scorching triple-digit temperatures engulf Los Angeles County throughout the weekend and excessive heat warnings have been issued for many communities in Los Angeles County’s Fifth District, I urge residents to do their part to lessen the threat of wildfires.

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