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November 8
1977 - Castaic residents vote 168-54 to withdraw 7th-8th grades from Hart District, making CUSD K-8 [story]
vote tally


The Santa Clarita City Council on Tuesday adopted a $219.7 million budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 — a $6.2 million decrease from the previous year — as the city continues to grapple with the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The 2020-21 budget includes a $110.2 million general fund and anticipates $32.1 million in sales tax, representing declines of 3.3% and 13.2%, respectively, from 2019-20.

The operating reserve, which serves as a funding source during emergencies, totals $17.7 million and makes up 20% of operating expenditures. Those expenses are expected to come out to $109.9 million in the new budget.

Shortfalls in the budget come after months of “Safer at Home” restrictions that kept residents in their homes, many without a job as many workplaces have had to shut down temporarily, and others permanently. Unemployment reached 20% in Santa Clarita for May, according to the state’s Economic Development Division.

“The message this year is very different,” said City Manager Ken Striplin in a statement with the budget report. “The long-term impacts from this crisis have yet to be realized, but we do know there will be many challenges and tough decisions ahead.”

The City Council’s unanimous approval of the 2020-21 budget came only after multiple residents asked for transparency and the reallocation of funds budgeted for the police services for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, which was approved for $28.6 million under its total operating expenditures.

“We’re not asking why police is more funded than other departments, but why we should receive such a hefty budget at all,” said Christina Carlson, who spoke during public comment, adding, “for comparison, $2.5 million would keep the local homeless shelter running 24/7 a year.”

Carlson, like others, questioned why the police budget is “funneled into one single line item” rather than provide a breakdown of where the funds go.

“We don’t pay for subscriptions or training and things of that nature,” Striplin said, to explain the nature of the Sheriff’s Department’s contract with the city. “We pay for an item, so the numbers are rolled up into larger numbers.” An item is a technical term that includes all of the services wrapped around putting a deputy out on the street, such as a car and equipment, according to Assistant City Manager Frank Oviedo.

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LATEST CITY HEADLINES
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
Want to make a difference in your community? Gather your friends and family for a rewarding day of giving back at the city of Santa Clarita’s Community Beautification Day in Saugus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-noon for this cleanup and beautification day.
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Step into a world of holiday fun! The city of Santa Clarita will partner with Metrolink to offer Santa Clarita residents a new, unique and festive activity this holiday season.
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation has once again recognized the city of Santa Clarita as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 "Most Business-Friendly City" award in the category of large cities (population over 60,000).
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The city of Santa Clarita is pleased to announce the release of the 2025-2026 Notice of Funding Availability and has scheduled informational meetings for organizations interested in applying for 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant funding.

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Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Nov. 12: Saugus Speedway Project, Garbage Fees, on City Council Agenda
Want to make a difference in your community? Gather your friends and family for a rewarding day of giving back at the city of Santa Clarita’s Community Beautification Day in Saugus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-noon for this cleanup and beautification day.
Nov. 23: Community Beautification Day
The California Department of Transportation announced northbound overnight lane reductions on Interstate 5 from Lake Hughes Road to two miles north of Templin Highway, near the Whitaker Sand Shed, north of Castaic Wednesday night, Nov. 13 through Friday night, Nov. 15 for asphalt and concrete paving and box culvert construction.
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1977 - Castaic residents vote 168-54 to withdraw 7th-8th grades from Hart District, making CUSD K-8 [story]
vote tally
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1940 - William S. Hart deeds land for theater at Spruce & 11th Street to American Legion [story]
American Theater
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Beginning Wednesday, November 13, crews will begin the construction of median modifications, paving, grinding and overlay operations along portions of McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road.
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