Patti Rasmussen

Longtime Newhall resident, journalist and community volunteer Patti Rasmussen was named to the city of Santa Clarita Arts Commission on Tuesday.

Rasmussen has been a longtime voice in the community as a journalist who covered education for The Signal and contributes regularly to several publications as a freelance writer.

Rasmussen has also been an active community volunteer in the Santa Clarita Valley, taking part in a number of local events and organizations, particularly within the arts community.

The events and groups on her arts-related resume include: president of the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival; president, cofounder of the Theatre Arts for Children; and a member of the Arts Alliance, among others.

She’s also a board member for the Placerita Canyon Property Owners Association, a past president of the SCV Senior Foundation, a former educational outreach chair for the SCV Historical Society and a past president of the Peachland Elementary School PTA.

Rasmussen replaces Paul Strickland, who resigned May 1 to pursue a career opportunity in his professional field, which is animated television.

“I’ve known Paul Strickland for many years and admire all he has done for the community, education and the arts,” according to a statement by Rasmussen.

Here’s one of Rasmussen’s columns, a piece about her experience during the terrorist attacks on 9/11.