The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved transferring ownership of William S. Hart Park and the Hart Museum to the City of Santa Clarita on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who introduced the motion that details the terms of the transfer, has been a vocal supporter of the collaboration with the city.
“After nearly two years of negotiations to transfer Hart Park and Museum to our city of Santa Clarita partners, we’re finally crossing the finish line,” said Barger. “Los Angeles County is not losing a park, but is instead gaining a partner to steward this beautiful and historic site. Our north star during these negotiations has been the continued and uninterrupted public access for all County of Los Angeles residents in perpetuity. Hart himself was staunchly committed to leaving the site for the public’s enjoyment and that will be safeguarded.”
Next Step
Barger’s motion instructs the county attorney to file for a substitution of trustee with the probate court for the portion of the property that is covered by William S. Hart’s will, together with his collection of Western memorabilia and papers. The process is expected to take several months. The city is tentatively anticipating a handover date of July 1, 2025.
William S. Hart, an American actor, screenwriter, director and producer, was renowned as a Western star of the silent film era. Hart deeded his ranch and property to the county after his death in 1946 at the age of 81. His will included instructions to place a plaque at the park inscribed with this message: “This park has been dedicated by William S. Hart for the benefit of the American Public of every race and creed.” The plaque is in place at the entrance to the mansion/museum.
For 75 years, the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has been a steward of William S. Hart Park, which comprises approximately 128 acres of a historic ranch. Hart’s mansion, which had been stewarded by the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, will also be transferred to the city of Santa Clarita.
The terms of the park’s transfer of ownership were developed through a total of five public meetings between L.A. county and the city of Santa Clarita, as well as meetings with stakeholders–and will include the development of an Arts and Veteran Center.
Terms of the transfer also include the continued posting of hours of operation on the park’s website and on-site to ensure awareness of public access and not enacting differential program fees, rental fees, or priority reservations for city or non-city residents.
The motion also mentions the beloved animal ambassador program at Hart Park, which includes the herd of bison that are cared for and reside there. The bison at Hart Park have a longer life-span than bison in captivity. The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation’s animal keeper and team will develop, in partnership with other animal experts, a welfare plan for the city of Santa Clarita to continue the high standard of care for all the animal ambassadors at Hart Park.
The county of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation will also have access to Hart Park five days a year so that regional events and partnerships can continue. This includes the county’s collaboration with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians to host one of the largest Pow Wows in the region. The 30th annual Hart of the West Pow Wow will take place in October 2024.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is slated to begin the process of transferring control of William S. Hart Park to the city of Santa Clarita.
With a 5-0 vote Tuesday night, the Santa Clarita City Council unanimously approved an agreement with the County of Los Angeles to transfer ownership of William S. Hart Park to the city.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday, Aug. 6 on a motion to finalize the transfer of William S. Hart Regional Park to the city of Santa Clarita. The vote will be held at the regular weekly public board meeting held in downtown Los Angeles.
Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.
Among several important issues presented at its Tuesday, April 8 regular board meeting, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will hear recommendations on establishing a unified permitting authority for the Altadena One-Stop Recovery Permitting Center relating to properties impacted by the Eaton Fire.
Los Angeles Health Services has released its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year of exemplary achievements in patient care, innovation, and community health.
The LA County Arts Internship Program will invest over $1.6 million to fund 228 university and community college internships, providing students with paid on-the-job experience in the arts and creative sector at over 170 nonprofit organizations starting this summer. Applications for interested students are open now.
California State University, Northridge’s Department of Theatre will host Native Voices, the only professional theatre company in the United States devoted to bringing Indigenous playwrights, 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, to perform “To Indigeneity and Beyond!”
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced that Anthony Eslao, a senior at Golden Valley High School, has been awarded the distinguished California Scholarship Federation Seymour Award. Additionally, Matthew Thomas De Guzman, also from Golden Valley, has been recognized as a Seymour Award finalist.
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo’s bill, D-Chatsworth, the Expediting State Housing Permits Act (AB 301) was passed as part of a major package of housing legislation aimed at tackling the state’s housing crisis.
The Department of Water Resources conducted the all-important April snow survey on Wednesday, April 2, the fourth measurement of the season at Phillips Station.
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites you to an elegant evening of wine, dinner and song atthe annual Cabaret & Cabernet benefit “The Beat Goes On,” on Saturday, April 26, 5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.
For the third year in a row, The Master's University's basketball player Kaleb Lowery has been named an NAIA All-American, this time on the First Team.
Lief Labs, a premier formulation and product development innovator and manufacturer of dietary supplements, has announced the launch of its 2025 Brand Boost Guide which offers tips, guidance and resources to support dietary supplement brands in identifying potential sales growth and risk management strategies.
The Master's University men's volleyball team completed the sweep of its old rival with a 25-11, 25-21, 25-19 controlling of the Arizona Christian Firestorm Saturday afternoon, March 29 in Glendale, Arizona.
Arbor Day is more than just a celebration, it’s a commitment to our future. Every year, communities across the world come together to plant trees, promote environmental stewardship and enhance the landscapes that make our cities and towns more beautiful and livable.
Among several important issues presented at its Tuesday, April 8 regular board meeting, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will hear recommendations on establishing a unified permitting authority for the Altadena One-Stop Recovery Permitting Center relating to properties impacted by the Eaton Fire.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a nationwide initiative that highlights the dangers of distracted driving and promotes safer driving habits.
One of the things that makes the city of Santa Clarita such a great place to live, work and play, is the wide range of amenities we offer our community.
Los Angeles Health Services has released its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year of exemplary achievements in patient care, innovation, and community health.
American Sports Entertainment Company and the LA Kings, collectively referred to as JV Ice at The Cube, are seeking proposals to license restaurant and bar space at The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center, powered by FivePoint Valencia.
The College of the Canyons Foundation will host its third annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 27, in the college’s West P.E. (WPEK) gymnasium, located on the Valencia campus.
The LA County Arts Internship Program will invest over $1.6 million to fund 228 university and community college internships, providing students with paid on-the-job experience in the arts and creative sector at over 170 nonprofit organizations starting this summer. Applications for interested students are open now.
SCV Water received three prestigious awards from the California Association of Public Information Officials at an awards luncheon on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
When Abraham Martinez-Peña enrolled at California State University, Northridge as a film major, he knew the path he set out for himself — to be a professional comedy writer for film and television — would not be an easy one. Hollywood’s hiring reputation was more “who you know,” than “what you can do.”
Tweet This
Facebook
Digg This
Bookmark
Stumble
RSS
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.
0 Comments
You can be the first one to leave a comment.