“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead
Having called the Santa Clarita Valley home since 1972, I have had the privilege of watching our city grow, but still maintaining a hometown feel, working alongside neighbors who care deeply about preserving what makes this such a wonderful place to live. Throughout the years, I have been involved with organizations dedicated to protecting our environment, improving our neighborhoods and ensuring Santa Clarita remains a place we can all be proud to call home.
Those experiences have reinforced something I have always believed: When people come together with a shared purpose, even a few hours of volunteer service can have a lasting impact.
That is one of the many reasons Community Beautification Day has become one of my favorite annual traditions. It is a day when friends and neighbors roll up their sleeves, work side by side and take pride in improving the city we all share. Whether planting fresh mulch, removing litter or helping remove graffiti, every volunteer plays a role in making Santa Clarita cleaner, safer and more welcoming for everyone.
I invite you to join us for the fifth annual Community Beautification Day on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. This event offers something for everyone, whether you are looking to volunteer, dispose of bulky household items responsibly or simply spend the morning giving back to our community.
In previous years, volunteer efforts focused on one neighborhood at a time, rotating between Newhall, Canyon Country Saugus and Valencia. That approach allowed us to make meaningful improvements within individual neighborhoods, but this year we are expanding our efforts. For the first time, Community Beautification Day will take place throughout Santa Clarita.
Volunteer projects and community services will be offered across the city rather than concentrating our efforts in a single neighborhood. This year, residents will have opportunities to participate closer to where they live while helping improve public spaces in multiple areas. It is a wonderful way to celebrate how connected we are as one city while continuing to care for the unique character of each of our neighborhoods.
Volunteers, ages 12 and up, will assist with mulching, litter removal and graffiti removal, while residents can also take advantage of mulch and compost giveaways and bulky-item drop-off at Newhall Park (24923 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita, 91321). These projects may seem simple, but together they make a noticeable difference. Clean neighborhoods, well-maintained landscaping and graffiti-free public spaces strengthen community pride and help preserve the beauty of Santa Clarita’s neighborhoods.
None of this would be possible without the help of residents who generously donate their time. This year, the city aims to recruit 76 volunteers to help with these efforts, and opportunities are open to everyone, including individuals, families, students, businesses and community organizations. Whether you are volunteering for the first time or returning as a longtime participant, every helping hand makes a lasting impact.
Volunteer registration is open now at SantaClaritaVolunteers.com. I am asked frequently about volunteer opportunities and this is the perfect chance for you to become involved.
I hope you will join me on Saturday, Sept. 12 as we celebrate the fifth annual Community Beautification Day and work together to keep Santa Clarita beautiful for generations to come. For more information about Community Beautification Day, please contact the city’s Community Preservation Division at 661-286-4076.
Councilwoman Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected].
