SCVNews.com | Opinion/Commentary: Laurene Weste | Looking Ahead

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February 8

1990 - Rock 'n' Roller Del Shannon, whose hit "Runaway" topped the charts in April 1961, found dead at home in Sand Canyon [story]

Laurene Weste | Looking Ahead

Mayor Laurene Weste | Monday, Feb 2, 2026

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Laurene Weste mugshot As we step into 2026, I am honored to serve as your Mayor and am excited for what lies ahead for Santa Clarita. The start of a new year always brings a renewed sense of possibility and that feeling is matched by meaningful progress you’ll be able to see, experience and enjoy throughout our community.

In the months ahead, several milestone projects will move from long-anticipated plans to real places where families can gather, play and form lasting memories. We will open our second bike park with the completion of the Haskell Canyon Bike Park, another step forward in creating active, outdoor spaces that serve residents and visitors of all ages.

This spring, we will celebrate a major community tradition, the 30th anniversary of the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival. This world-renowned event will take place at William S. Hart Park for the first time since the city took ownership of the site, creating new opportunities to embrace our history and the cowboy culture we are so proud of, with beloved favorites and new additions, including a line dancing competition and of course, the peach cobbler.

Also this spring, we anticipate the opening of the revamped and expanded David March Park, including additional acreage, a new baseball field and the city’s phenomenal second exercise staircase. As we move into the fall, we look forward to celebrating the grand opening of The Rink Sports Pavilion, a place designed for skating, sports and time together in a safe, fun environment for all our family and friends.

Alongside these major openings, we will stay focused on the work that protects Santa Clarita’s quality of life, adding to the green belt of open space surrounding and protecting our city, preserving our history, advocating for local control, maintaining our infrastructure and striving to keep Santa Clarita among the safest cities in the nation.

I am looking forward to a year filled with progress and moments that bring us all together.

Mayor Laurene Weste is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at lweste@santaclarita.gov.

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Suzette Martinez Valladares | California State Driving Tax

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026

I have heard from hundreds of constituents this week about a bill coming to the Senate, and I wanted to flag it for you as well.

Marsha McLean | More Affordable Rides, A More Resilient Transit System

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026

Public transportation plays an important role in how our community moves, connects and grows.

Ken Striplin | The Dangers, Consequences of Red-Light Running

Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026

You have likely seen it happen and you may have even experienced it firsthand.

Laurene Weste | Looking Ahead

Monday, Feb 2, 2026

As we step into 2026, I am honored to serve as your Mayor and am excited for what lies ahead for Santa Clarita.

Bill Miranda | Creativity on Display in Santa Clarita

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

Santa Clarita is home to a vibrant and diverse arts scene that continues to inspire connection, creativity and discovery.

Ken Striplin | A New Year, A Shared Purpose

Monday, Jan 26, 2026

The strength of a thriving community is measured not only by where we live, but by how we show up for one another.

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