Santa Clarita, California
Santa Clarita is the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County, California, United States and the twenty-sixth largest city in the State of California. The California Department of Finance estimated the city population as of January 1, 2010 at 177,641. Including unincorporated areas of the Santa Clarita Valley, the population is estimated at over 275,000.[citation needed] It is located about 35 miles (56 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and occupies most of the Santa Clarita Valley. It is a notable example of a U.S. edge city or boomburb. The FBI rates it as the sixth safest city in the United States with at least 100,000 inhabitants. (Nearby Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, in Ventura County, traditionally alternate between the first and second spots on the list.) Santa Clarita was ranked as number 18 of the top 100 places to live by Money magazine in 2006.Santa Clarita was incorporated in 1987 as the union of several previously existing communities, including Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia, all of which are the land of the former Rancho San Francisco. Its principal boundaries are the Golden State (I-5) and Antelope Valley (SR-14) freeways; their merger in Newhall Pass at the city's southernmost point gives Santa Clarita its distinctive triangular appearance on the map.Santa Clarita's most notable attractions are the Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park located just outside the city limits in unincorporated Los Angeles County, and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), located in Valencia.
History
Santa Clarita was only fairly recently incorporated (1987), but its history runs deep. About AD 450, the Tataviam people arrived, numbering about 2,000 at their zenith.In 1842, six years before the better-publicized discovery in the Sacramento area, Francisco Lopez made the first documented discovery of gold in California (the document is a mining claim signed by Gov. Juan B. Alvarado in that year). The discovery was made in Placerita Canyon, an area later used as Hollywood's original back lot.The community of Newhall is named after Henry Newhall, a businessman who made his original fortune during the California Gold Rush after opening up the H.M. Newhall & Company; an extremely successful auction house in San Francisco, CA Newhall's next business interest was railroads. He invested in rail companies that would connect San Francisco to other cities and became president of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad. In 1870, he and his partners sold the company to Southern Pacific Railroad, whose board of directors he then sat on. After railroads, Newhall turned his eye to real estate and ranching. He purchased a number of the old Spanish and Mexican land grants in the state for a total of 143,000 acres (579 km2) between Monterey and Los Angeles counties. The most significant portion was the 46,460-acre (188 km2) Rancho San Francisco in northern Los Angeles County, which he purchased for $2/acre, and which became known as Newhall Ranch after Newhall's death. Within this territory, he granted a right-of-way to Southern Pacific through what is now Newhall Pass, and he also sold them a portion of the land, upon which the company built a town they named after him: Newhall. The first station built on the line he named for his hometown, Saugus, Massachusetts. Following his death, Newhall's heirs incorporated the Newhall Land and Farming Company, which oversaw the development of the communities that now make up the city of Santa Clarita.On September 26, 1876, Charles Alexander Mentry brought in the state's first productive oil well at Mentryville, giving rise to the California oil industry. The oil was brought to a refinery at Newhall; today it is the oldest existing refinery in the world. (It was operational from 1874 to 1888.)A few days earlier, on September 5, 1876, Charles Crocker and Leland Stanford joined their railroads in Canyon Country, linking Los Angeles with the rest of the nation for the first time.The Saugus Cafe, on San Fernando Road in Saugus, was established in 1887 and appears to be, by far, the oldest still-operating restaurant in Los Angeles County.Filming in Santa Clarita began shortly after the turn of the 20th century with a veritable Who's Who of actors including William S. Hart, Tom Mix, Harry Carey [disambiguation needed] and a young John Wayne. Hart and Carey made their homes in the Santa Clarita Valley; today both are operated as county parks.The Santa Clarita Valley was the scene of the second worst disaster in California history — The History Channel called it the 'worst civil engineering failure of the 20th century' — when, on the night of March 12, 1928, William Mulholland's St. Francis Dam collapsed. By the time the floodwaters reached the Pacific Ocean near Ventura, an estimated 450 people were dead. Within modern Santa Clarita city limits, the site of the future Westfield Valencia Town Center mall was buried beneath muck and mud. Numerous buildings within Santa Clarita became makeshift morgues.
Geography
Santa Clarita is located at 34°25′00″N 118°30′23″W / 34.416561°N 118.506443°W / 34.416561; -118.506443Coordinates: 34°25′00″N 118°30′23″W / 34.416561°N 118.506443°W / 34.416561; -118.506443 (34.416561, -118.506443). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 123.9 km² (47.8 mi²). 123.9 km² (47.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.04%) is water.Santa Clarita is situated near the San Fernando fault zone and was affected by the 1971 San Fernando earthquake, also known as the Sylmar quake. The city was also affected by the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and many commercial and residential buildings were devastated by its aftermath. Including the nearby Newhall pass, the Valencia Mall, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. The historic, 38 story tall Sky Tower at Magic Mountain swayed 6 feet in each direction during the Northridge earthquake with only minor damages.
Wildfires
Santa Clarita is one of the top areas in the nation for wildfire activity. Recent fires in and around the City of Santa Clarita include the Stables (2001), Copper (2002), Bouquet (2002), Simi (2003), Verdale (2003), Foothill (2004), Buckweed (2007), Ranch (2007), Magic (2007), and Sayre (2008) Fires.
Climate
Santa Clarita is warm and dry for most of the year with very little rainfall and hot dry summers, due to its close proximity to the Mojave Desert. Characterized by dry hills covered in brush, the months of late summer and early autumn are often referred to as 'fire season.' The warmest months of the year are July through September, although it is not unusual for the temperature to reach 100 degrees in early October. Winters are mild, with temperatures dropping below freezing only occasionally on clear winter nights. Rain falls primarily from December through February. Snow has occurred before and was last seen in March 2007 when a storm dusted some areas at about 1500 feet. In this storm most people saw snow flurries and sleet through the day.Residents describe Santa Clarita's climate as 'mild summers, cool winters, and a little June Gloom.'
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 151,088 people, 50,787 households, and 38,242 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,219.6/km² (3,159.1/mi²). There were 52,442 housing units at an average density of 423.3/km² (1,096.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 59.02% Non-Latino/Non-Hispanic White, 20.50% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 8.54% from other races, 5.24% Asian, 3.89% from two or more races, 2.07% African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.15% Pacific Islander.There were 50,787 households out of which 44.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.0% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.7% were non-families. 18.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.38.In the city the population was spread out with 30.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $79,004, and the median income for a family was $91,450. Males had a median income of $53,769 versus $36,835 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,841. 6.4% of the population and 4.7% of families were below the poverty line. 6.7% of those under the age of 18 and 5.9% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Local government
According to the city’s most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city’s various funds had $190.1 million in Revenues, $143.4 million in expenditures, $1,062.6 million in total assets, $149.8 million in total liabilities, and $222.9 million in cash and investments.The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:
Politics
In the state legislature Santa Clarita is located in the 17th and 19th Senate Districts, represented by Republicans George Runner and Tony Strickland respectively, and in the 38th Assembly District, represented by Republican Cameron Smyth. Federally, Santa Clarita is located in California's 25th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +7 and is represented by Republican Buck McKeon.
School districts
Castaic Union School District
Newhall School District
Saugus Union School District
Sulphur Springs Elementary School District
William S. Hart High School District
Colleges and universities
California Institute of the Arts
The Master's College
College of the Canyons
Parks and recreation
The City of Santa Clarita's leadership has placed a priority on offering recreational facilities and programs since incorporation. Many youth-friendly activities and diversions exist in order to steer the city's children away from crime and gang activity. The city has established many neighborhood parks and maintains a comprehensive recreation program. There is a recreation center in Canyon Country that includes an aquatic park with wading, diving, and Olympic swimming pools along with a bicycle/skatepark, community swimming pools in both Newhall and Canyon Country and a community center in downtown Newhall. The city's largest park is located in Saugus and is known as Central Park. There are currently a total of seventeen parks scattered in various neighborhoods throughout the city. Many have lighted tennis and basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields. There are over 3,000 acres (12 km2) of open space and 32 miles (51 km) of off-street trails within its boundaries.Over the past several years, the city has cosponsored a summer concert series offering a wide variety of music in cooperation with various local businesses. These concerts are free of charge and take place on weekends in Central Park. The city offers a wide variety of fee-based and free classes and programs in a variety of locations throughout the year. These programs are listed in the quarterly magazine Seasons which is delivered to all residences within the city limits via mail.The Santa Clarita Marathon is held annually in November. The race was first run in 1995 and is now a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.Santa Clarita was picked to be the end of Stage 6 in the AMGEN Tour of California, in 2007. Santa Clarita was also picked to be the end of Stage 6 and the beginning of the final stage, Stage 7, in 2008.There are several public and private golf courses in Santa Clarita, including, TPC Valencia, Valencia Country Club, and Vista Valencia. The city is also home to a public ice skating rink called the Ice Station Valencia.
Law enforcement and fire protection
The City of Santa Clarita has a contract with the Los Angeles County Fire Department for fire protection. Currently the agency has eight fire stations in Santa Clarita - but with the increasing growth in the area eight new stations are planned for the area by 2012.[citation needed]The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) operates the Santa Clarita Valley Station in Santa Clarita.
Economy
According to the City's 200 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:
Enterprise Zone
On July 1, 2007, to offer new businesses tax incentives to operate inside Santa Clarita, the industrial and commercial areas in northern and western Santa Clarita were zoned as a federally recognized Enterprise Zone. Additional warehousing and office space was also constructed. Presently, the Santa Clarita Enterprise Zone covers 97% of all commercial, business, and industrial zoned land within the City of Santa Clarita. This zoning allows local businesses to claim hiring, sales and use tax credits.The newly designated Enterprise Zone is now the base of operations for several large companies, including True Position Technologies, Salt Creek Grille, Condomman.com, and Trigg Laboratories.
New home development
Santa Clarita has experienced significant new home growth led by various builders such as K. Hovnanian Homes and Lennar.Newhall Ranchis new community that will break ground in 2012 and bring in 70,000 people to Santa Clarita as well created 20,000 new jobs.
Media
The City of Santa Clarita and surrounding communities are served by several local media properties.
Newspapers
The primary daily newspaper, The Santa Clarita Signal, was founded in 1919 and enjoys a weekday circulation of 10,454 and a Sunday circulation of 11,598. The newspaper, which focuses almost exclusively on local news, sports, entertainment and features, is owned by Morris Multimedia, Inc., of Savannah, Georgia. The Signal's offices on Creekside Road serve as the newspaper's newsroom, production office, IT and web design facility, and printing facility.Additionally, Santa Clarita is served by the Los Angeles Daily News, a subsidiary of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group which itself is owned by MediaNews Corporation of Denver. The Daily News primarily focuses on news, sports and entertainment stories in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles, but also covers Santa Clarita periodically. Daily News circulation numbers within the Santa Clarita Valley are not known, but the paper enjoys a circulation of some 157,000 in the greater Los Angeles region, according to its website.
Radio
The Santa Clarita Valley is exclusively served by one radio station: AM-1220 KHTS. The commercial radio station, operated by long time residents and public servants Carl and Jeri-Seratti Goldman, broadcasts from studios located in Canyon Country. The station carries local news, traffic, weather, sports, music and talk shows. The station's transmitter and antennas are located on Sierra Highway between Soledad Canyon Rd. and Sand Canyon Rd. The station has been on the air since October, 2003. Prior to KHTS, AM-1220 was known as KBET until 1999 when the Goldmans sold it to now-Clear Channel Communications, only to buy it back in 2003.In addition to KHTS, the City of Santa Clarita and its surrounding communities are indirectly served by a number of major market Los Angeles FM and AM radio stations, though residents often complain that radio reception in the valley is poor due to the surrounding hillsides.
Television
All local programming for Santa Clarita is carried on a single public television channel, which is operated by SCVTV, a tax-exempt 501c3 nonprofit corporation. It is available to Time Warner Cable customers throughout the Santa Clarita Valley on Channel 20 and to AT&T U-verse customers under local programming (Channel 99/Santa Clarita). SCVTV carries public, educational and government programming, including Santa Clarita City Council and Planning Commission meetings, history shows, high school and college news programs, talk shows, football games and other programs of local interest.There are no commercial over-the-air television stations in the Santa Clarita Valley. The city is part of the Los Angeles media market. Digital signals from the Los Angeles stations are available on local cable television systems, DirecTV and Dish Network.
Television and movie production
From the first decade of the 20th century to the present day, the Santa Clarita Valley has been a favorite location for producers of films, television shows, and commercials. Even before the first permanent movie set was erected in 1922, the area's topography was exploited for its versatility as the prototypical Western setting. As the 'A' Western of the 1910s, '20s and '30s gave way to the 'B' Western of the 1940s and '50s, the Santa Clarita Valley continued to play its role, most notably at Gene Autry's Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in Placerita Canyon and, later, at The Walt Disney Company's nearby Golden Oak Ranch.While the area has a long history of doubling for other places, on rare occasions the Santa Clarita Valley is credited as 'itself;' as in the opening of Ocean's Thirteen when Brad Pitt and crew attempt to rob a Toys R Us in Valencia.Santa Clarita's proximity to Hollywood has seen a number of TV shows and movies filmed in the area:
Select television productions
24(The city was supposedly destroyed by a nuclear bomb in one episode of24.)
B. J. and the Bear
Big Love
Carnivàle
Charlie's Angels
CHiPs(several episodes)
Christinefilmed inValencia.
CSI
Deadwood(filmed in Placerita Canyon atMelody RanchStudios, once owned byGene Autry)
Disney Channel Games(College of the Canyons)
Firefly(Many outdoor scenes were filmed in Santa Clarita.)
Freaks and Geekswas filmed atWilliam S. Hart High Schoolalong with its general vicinity.
Heroes, filmed atGolden Valley High SchoolandWest Ranch High School
JAG
Knight Rider(1982 version, filmed in and around the Santa Clarita Valley)
Malcolm in the Middle(Go-kart scene at Mountasia Family Fun Center on Soledad Canyon Road)
Melrose Place(Beginning in the 1990s, studios began to set up in the Santa Clarita Valley, and this was one of the first TV series to be based out of Santa Clarita Studios.)
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers(filmed in parts of Santa Clarita andCastaic)
NCIS
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide(takes place atLa Mesa Junior High School)
Smith(Bonus:The main characters (in-universe)livedin the city.)
Supermarket Sweepwas taped at Santa Clarita Studios when it was revived in 2000, before moving toNBC StudiosinBurbank, Californiathe following year.
The Dukes of Hazzard
The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo
The Riches
The Secret World of Alex Mackwas filmed at Charles Helmers Elementary School in the Valencia neighborhood of Northbridge.
The Unit
Top Shot
Weeds(filmed in various locations aroundStevenson RanchandCollege of the Canyons)
Wipeout
Zoey 101
Note: Golden Oak Ranch is a property owned by The Walt Disney Company located east of State Route 14 in Newhall. This has been used as a location for several Disney features. It has also been rented out to other studios and production companies.
Select films
Bio-Dome(also partially at Valencia High)
Dude, Where's My Car?(Mountasia Family Fun Center.)
Encino Man
Faster(featuringDwayne 'The Rock' Johnson(refer to Santa Clarita Film Office)
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back(Some scenes shot near Interstate 5's 126 interchange, between Castaic and Valencia in Santa Clarita.)
Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park
Mr. Woodcock(the gym at Sierra Vista Junior High)
National Lampoon's Vacation(filmed atSix Flags Magic Mountain)
Never Been Kissed(filmed partially at William S. Hart High School)
Pleasantville(features Valencia High)
Pump Up the Volume(filmed atSaugus High School)
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion(high school flashback scenes filmed atValencia High School)
Space Cowboys(The Halfway Houseon Sierra Highway used for an opening scene)
Stay Cool(Some scenes were filmed in Santa Clarita Valley, including West Ranch High School.)
The Chumscrubber(features Rio Norte Junior High)
The Gumball Rally
Twilight(The Arizona House scene was filmed near Highlands Elementary School in Saugus, CA. The house overlooks Grace Baptist Church, which can been spotted in the movie. Also, Valencia Hyatt was used for Alice, Bella, and Jasper's hideout.)
Vacancy(largely filmed in Santa Clarita)
Viva Knievel!
Select other productions
The video for 'There Goes My Heart' by Enuff Z'Nuff was filmed at Richard Rioux Park in Stevenson Ranch.
The video for '1979' by the Smashing Pumpkins was filmed at Valencia High School.
The video for 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Green Day was filmed at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita.
Part of the video for 'Long Road to Ruin' by the Foo Fighters was filmed at the Westfield Shopping Center in Santa Clarita.
The video for 'American Honey' by Lady Antebellum was filmed in Santa Clarita in January 2010
Freeways
Santa Clarita is serviced by Interstate 5 on the western side of the City. The east side of the City is serviced by State Route 14. State Route 126 terminates at Interstate 5, where is goes west to Ventura, passing through Fillmore and Santa Paula.Interstate 5
California State Highway 14
California State Highway 126
Bus service
City of Santa Clarita Transit provides extensive bus service within the Santa Clarita Valley and to/from North Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley. City of Santa Clarita Transit is operated by MV Transportation, Inc. under contract with the city of Santa Clarita.On weekdays, City of Santa Clarita Transit operates commuter buses to/from Burbank, downtown Los Angeles, North Hollywood (operates seven days per week), Warner Center, Van Nuys, Century City and Lancaster. Also on weekdays when school is in session, City of Santa Clarita Transit operates supplemental school-day service with routes and scheduled stops designed around various school sites within the Santa Clarita Valley.City of Santa Clarita Transit also operates Dial-A-Ride service for seniors and the disabled. Dial-A-Ride service is also open to the general public after 6:00 p.m. The service allows for pick-up and drop-off at any address within the City of Santa Clarita and within a three-quarter mile radius of the nearest fixed route bus stop in unincorporated areas.City of Santa Clarita Transit was formerly known as Santa Clarita Transit.
Train
Metrolink provides commuter passenger train service to the Santa Clarita Valley along its Antelope Valley Line which runs from Lancaster to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, where transfers can be made to destinations in Southern California and the rest of the nation. Metrolink services 3 stations in the city, Via Princessa Station in the Canyon Country community, Santa Clarita Station which is centrally located in the city and serves most of the Valencia and Saugus communities, and the Newhall Station which serves the community of Newhall. All stations have large parking lots to allow commuters to 'park and ride.'Metrolink service operates 7 days a week, with reduced service on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bicycle and walking
There are a series of bike trails and walking paths threaded throughout the city. Bicyclists can ride from the eastern end of the city in Canyon Country along a paved path which is independent from automobile traffic all the way to Valencia on the Santa Clara River Trail. This path closely follows the Santa Clara River and Soledad Canyon Road. There are many jumping off points along this route providing access to neighborhoods, Metrolink stations and commerce. Once in Valencia, there are several pedestrian bridges called paseos connected to the bike path network. The paseos provide a measure of safety for riders and walkers by keeping them above and away from automobile traffic. The neighborhoods in Valencia were planned to include an ample amount of walking and riding paths that connect to this overall network.
Notables
Shawn Barton- FormerMajor League Baseballpitcher. Graduated fromSaugus High School
Kyle Boller-National Football Leaguequarterback. Graduated fromWilliam S. Hart High School
Steve Borden-Professional Wrestler. Graduated fromWilliam S. Hart High School
Bob Brontsema- collegiate baseball player and head baseball coach at UC Santa Barbara. Graduated fromCanyon High Schooland attendedCollege of the Canyons.
Crystl Bustos- a two time Olympic gold medalist on the USA Softball team and three times gold medalist at the Pan Am Games. Graduated fromCanyon High School
Jon Garland-Major League Baseballpitcher. Born in Valencia.
Meagan Good- Actress. Grew up in Canyon Country (now known as Santa Clarita).
Jason Gore- Professional Golfer. AttendedWilliam S. Hart High School. Resides in Valencia.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar-Actor. AttendedWilliam S. Hart High School.
William S. Hart- Silent-eraActor. Lived inNewhall.
Erik Hiljus- FormerMajor League Baseballpitcher. Graduated fromCanyon High School
Bryan Herta- Open wheel race car driver. AttendedWilliam S. Hart High School.
Joe Kapp- Quarterback for the University of California and Minnesota Vikings. Also played in the Canadian Football League and was the head coach at Cal. Graduated fromWilliam S. Hart High School
Taylor Lautner- Actor. Lives in Santa Clarita. Lautner was a junior atValencia High Schoolfor the 2008-09 school year, but tested out of high school and is taking college classes.
Andrew Lorraine- FormerMajor League Baseballpitcher. Graduated fromWilliam S. Hart High School
Tessa Ludwick-Actress. Graduated fromSaugus High School
Kevin Malone- Former baseball executive andGeneral Managerof theMontreal ExposandLos Angeles Dodgers. Co-Owner of the Santa ClaritaMercedes Benzdealer.
Matt Moore-National Football Leaguequarterback. AttendedWilliam S. Hart High School.
Eddie Murray- FormerMajor League Baseballfirst basemanand hitting coach. Co-Owner of the Santa ClaritaMercedes-Benzdealer. Resides in Santa Clarita.
Jerry Owens-Major League Baseballoutfielder. Graduated fromWilliam S. Hart High School. AttendedUCLA.
Erin Perperoglou-Women's National Basketball Associationplayer. AttendedThe Master's College.
Mike Penberthy- FormerNational Basketball Associationguard. AttendedThe Master's College.
Mackenzie Rosman-Actress. AttendedValencia High School
Paul Ruebens- Actor, akaPee Wee Herman. Attended theCalifornia Institute of the Arts(CalArts), located in Valencia.
Roger Salkeld- FormerMajor League Baseballpitcher. Graduated fromSaugus High School
James Shields-Major League Baseballpitcher. Born in Newhall. Graduated fromWilliam S. Hart High School
Cory Snyder- FormerMajor League Baseballutility player. Graduated fromCanyon High School
Jessica D. Stone-Actress. Born in Valencia.
Ashley Tisdale-Actress. Graduated fromValencia High School.
Bob Walk- FormerMajor League Baseballpitcher. Graduated fromWilliam S. Hart High School
Todd Zeile- FormerMajor League Baseballthird baseman. Graduated fromWilliam S. Hart High School
Smile Empty Soul- Post-Grunge/Rock Band
Tim Burton- Film director, producer, writer and artist. Attended theCalifornia Institute of the Arts(CalArts), located in Valencia.
Tyler Posey- Actor - MTV's Teen Wolf, Lives in Valencia.
Sister cities
Tena,Napo,Ecuador