It was 25 years ago when President Reagan led our nation, the price of a new home was a little over a 100 grand, and postage was only 22 cents.  The cost of a gallon of gas was just under a buck and so were a dozen eggs.

The Minnesota Twins won the World Series and the New York Giants were crowned Superbowl Champions.  Of course, the Los Angeles Lakers added yet another championship ring to their collection.  Debbie Gibson and The Bangles filled the airwaves and Red Bull starting making its appearance at parties.  Also that year, was the birth of a new city...a city named Santa Clarita.  
The growth of Santa Clarita since its birth on December 15, 1987, has been remarkable, and is one of California’s most desirable places to reside, work and visit.  On the cover this issue we featured Santa Clarita’s councilmembers, celebrating 25 years.  
We asked our Councilmembers to take a trip down memory lane, asking them what they thought our City’s greatest achievements were and what they look forward to in 2012.

We have had so many accomplishments over the past 24 years, it’s hard to pick just one!  I’d have to choose the establishment of our amazing City parks and facilities.  We have 23 incredible parks throughout the community; many of which the City built, including the 130 acre Central Park, the 60 acre Sports Complex inclusive of the Aquatic Center, Skatepark and Activities Center, plus the Newhall Community Center.  I think this work really underscores our City’s commitment to healthy lifestyles and families.
The coming year holds many exciting things including the opening of our brand new library in Old Town Newhall. However, the priority for our City Council will continue to be to maintain a balanced budget, with a strong emphasis on public safety and the needs of our community, while being fiscally responsible.  –
Laurie Ender, Mayor

The question asked is what I consider one of our greatest achievements.  Two things come quickly to mind such as adding “In God We Trust” to the Council room wall next to our City logo. Also, the naming of the Cross Valley Connector Bridge to honor military members of the Santa Clarita Valley that gave their lives for America since 9-11.  Having said that, there exists something else that I believe sums it up very well.  That is the many folks that have approached me in stores and restaurants to say how much they love this City and what a great place it is for our families.  Together I believe we have a City we all can be very proud of.
Looking to the future we must continue to focus on the myriad of issues that affect this City and the quality of life for our families.  Also we must somehow win this battle to stop the gravel mine going forward in Soledad Canyon.  That mine would be devastating to all of us living in Santa Clarita. Wishing all a great 2012. –
Bob Kellar

This has been another banner year for the City of Santa Clarita.  In the area of law enforcement, we’ve seen a 40 percent decrease in part one or serious crime.  Helping to keep our neighborhoods safe for our residents will continue to be a top priority.  This year we’ve celebrated numerous milestones including our first community garden at Central Park, new landscape and beautification projects City-wide, and more than 6,000 acres of land in and around the City now in public ownership.
Over the next year, we will continue to see Old Town Newhall shine with the opening of our new 30,000 square-foot library and several improvements to Hart Park, in coordination with the County of Los Angeles, including a complete upgrade to the frontage area with historic wrought iron and new signage, all tying into the newly completed streetscape on Main Street.  Over the next year and beyond, we will continue to work hard to bring and create jobs in Santa Clarita, so that our residents can live and work in our amazing City.  My hope for our community is that everyone remains healthy, stay close with family and friends, and that our community continues as an incredibly warm, safe, beautiful place to call home. – Laurene Weste

Santa Clarita continues to place our children as its number one priority: beautiful parks, award winning schools, numerous sport programs, including an awesome skate park, impressive arts opportunities, and most important, safe neighborhoods. Recently, the City began a Teen Community Court to intervene with teenagers who have made poor decisions but can be quickly set straight and we increased our efforts with multiple agencies combating the increase of marijuana and heroin being brought from outside our valley and distributed to our kids. In 2012, we commit to our residents a dedicated City Council and staff working hard to provide you with outstanding services, a safe, clean community, which you are proud to call home. Happy New Year and may you and your loved ones enjoy happiness and health. – Frank Ferry

City’s greatest achievement:  There are many I can name, but this one stands out since I was intimately involved.  Since shortly after our City was formed, Santa Clarita was faced with the possibility of being home to the world’s largest garbage dump in Elsmere Canyon at the gateway to our City near Sierra Highway and Newhall Avenue.  In the beginning the dump was considered a “done deal”.  I was privileged to partner with the City working with residents, environmentalists, businesses and legislators. The fight lasted for 25 years, and today, we not only don’t have the dump, but the City purchased 800 acres of Elsmere Canyon adjacent to the Angeles National Forest and it will remain open space in perpetuity.   
I look forward to our City maintaining a balanced budget with at least a 15 percent surplus (working towards a 17 percent surplus).  I look forward to another great year for law enforcement with a continuing decrease in crime.  I look forward to continuing with a zero tolerance for graffiti.  I look forward to increasing our parks and open space, a solution to stopping the CEMEX Mega Mine, and perhaps most of all continuing with my intention for increased communication with our residents and to bring awareness of why our City is one of the best in the nation. – Marsha McLean