2014 has been another incredible year for Santa Clarita. I am pleased to share with you some of our City’s major accomplishments – improving our infrastructure, purchasing land for open space, hosting festivals, adding new trail connections, being recognized as a top business destination, improving traffic and creating beautification projects.

In January, we opened the Newhall Roundabout in Old Town Newhall. This landscaped traffic circle provides a unique gateway into our Old Town, while improving traffic flow at this intersection. In February, we completed a major beautification project at Sand Canyon and SR 14. The project incorporates low-water use plant material and attractive hardscape, providing a unique gateway into our City from the east. We also opened a new bike trail connection at Golden Valley Road near Golden Triangle.

Spring and summer were loaded with great festivals and events, aimed at providing free and low-cost family entertainment, right here in our community. This spring, the annual Cowboy Festival attracted thousands to Melody Ranch Motion Picture studio where nationally-renowned western performers entertained locals and visitors. We also hosted our annual Earth Arbor Day event at Central Park. In May, Santa Clarita was once again a host stage for both a start and a finish for the AMGEN Tour of California.

This summer, we hosted our 20th annual series of free concerts as part of the Concerts in the Park program. Thousands enjoyed a summer of Saturday evening events filled with music and friends at Central Park.

This fall was marked by several major land acquisitions including the 302-acre Gateway Ranch project, which was formerly slated to be a massive housing development adjacent to our City’s southern borders. We also purchased 6.5 acres near Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon Road for the future, permanent Canyon Country Community Center. Additional property acquisitions include acreage adjacent to Canyon Country Park for future park expansion, and acreage at the entrance to Towsley Canyon. All of these beautiful lands are now part of the City’s Open Space Preservation District and will be protected forever.

In November, we opened our first Small Business Incubator in Old Town Newhall incubator page. The incubator supports entrepreneurs and start-ups on the verge of significant growth, providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Our Business Incubator is centrally located in the City’s Arts and Entertainment District and is seeking creative-focused companies. The Incubator provides office space, management guidance, technical assistance, and even help with financing to help get these creative companies off the ground. Speaking of business, Santa Clarita was also named one of the “Most Business Friendly Cities” in Los Angeles County by the L.A. Economic Development Corporation.

In Valencia, we recently completed the widening of the McBean Bridge across the street from the post office. The newly widened bridge expanded traffic lanes and includes a new, protected bicycle and pedestrian trail. Furthermore, several intersections throughout the City have received timing upgrades, helping to improve traffic across town.

Keep in mind, these are just a few of the many accomplishments our City achieved this year. I want to personally thank you for your participation in our City. If you are interested in learning more about the many programs and projects we are working on, please visit santa-clarita.com.

Councilwoman Laurene Weste is mayor of the city of Santa Clarita for 2014.