There were two articles by Alicia Doyle recently in the Sunday Signal and I had to smile when I read them because I had a lot to do with the success of the subjects included.
I’ve been a Santa Clarita city councilwoman since 2002. I’ve been re-elected five times, and served as mayor four times. As my time on the council winds down and I will be retiring in December 2026, I am being asked what I think would be my legacy.
The following are two that I can include as part of that legacy.
One was “Reclaim a Moment of Calm on Relaxation Day” published on Aug. 9, 2026. This article resonated with me deeply, because the areas that were mentioned faced the possibility of non-existence in the years from about 1987 to 2012.
Those of us who lived in Santa Clarita during those years remember the fight that ensued to protect these precious lands. Elsmere Canyon, Whitney Canyon and Placerita Canyon Nature Center faced the possibility of non-existence in the years from about 1987 to 2012 with the very real possibility of falling prey to the proposed largest landfill in the world at the gateway to our city. It was a long fight, but worth it.
Today, in 2026, Elsmere Canyon is in public ownership forever, widely known as a perfect hiking place to unwind, enjoy waterfalls (especially after rains), oak trees, wildlife, serenity and peace for our children, grandchildren and future generations. It is part of my legacy after 24-plus years on the City Council. Not to mention that, along with saving Elsmere Canyon in the Angeles National Forest from becoming a landfill, adjoining Whitney Canyon and Placerita Canyon Nature Center are also preserved and thriving.
The second article was “Train Travel from Santa Clarita is on the Rise.” Metrolink, as stated in the article, is more popular than ever. I have spent more than 25 years serving in leadership roles on regional transportation boards and coalitions, which has given me the opportunity to advocate successfully to make sure Santa Clarita and cities along the Antelope Valley Metrolink line maintain at least the current level of funding and finding sources of new funding to improve schedules and include new stations.
I am proud that I had a hand in creating a stop at the Burbank Airport and the four stops within the city of Santa Clarita. However, Metrolink is struggling and having to raise fares for the first time in 13 years. It is only a few more dollars, but still difficult for some.
While the governor and state Legislature are providing $1 billion a year to the California High Speed Rail Project, our Metrolink and rail infrastructure are underfunded, impacting what could be one of the best means of transportation in the nation, but won’t be unless the ideology in Sacramento switches to pay more attention to the safety of improvement of our current rail system.
I know that I am supporting only those in Sacramento who are committed to stopping the $1 billion a year for the dead-end California High Speed Rail project and use their common sense to spend the money instead on improving the infrastructure for existing rail and Metrolink that will truly serve commuters trying to get to work throughout California.
My wish for our future is that my commitment and legacy can continue with the next City Council advocating as strongly as I did to serve on regional organizations and make sure funding increases instead of decreases to serve commuters who rely on being able to get to where they want to go in a safe and timely manner.
Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council.
