Politics/Govt

City Council committee considers workforce housing proposal

The Santa Clarita City Council Development Committee heard a presentation Wednesday morning about a proposal to convert 278 market-rate apartment units into “workforce housing” intended for middle-income workers, such as first responders, teachers

Concerns raised over illegal marijuana grow operations

Illegal marijuana grows in Acton, Agua Dulce and the Antelope Valley have the attention of Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, who has spoken out about the operations in recent weeks.  “These are international, transnational criminal organizations that are getting

Democrat enters race for state Assembly seat

Pilar Schiavo, a Chatsworth resident, announced Thursday she’s running to represent California’s 38th District in the state Assembly.  The 38th Assembly District is currently represented by Assemblywoman Suzette Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, who is running

City Council to revisit district-based city elections

The Santa Clarita City Council is scheduled Tuesday to hold a special meeting to discuss a lawsuit that may put Santa Clarita voters in a position to elect their council members through district-based elections instead of the existing “at-large” method.  The lawsuit, filed by Bay

D.A.’s opponents cleared to gather signatures for recall attempt

The signature-gathering phase of a recall election for District Attorney George Gascón can begin, according to a letter obtained by The Signal on Thursday. The approval paves the way for opponents of the county’s top lawyer to begin collecting enough signatures

Sand Canyon Resort development returns to Planning Commission

The city of Santa Clarita Planning Commission is scheduled to conduct a public hearing Tuesday to further deliberate on the Sand Canyon Resort development.  The proposed 75.5-acre development returns to the Planning Commission after three prior hearings on the subject. 

City receives 800+ rental assistance applications

The city of Santa Clarita received approximately 850 applications for its rental assistance program ahead of the program’s April 30 application deadline.  “Now we’re in the process of basically fully vetting the applications,” said Michael Villegas, the city’s preservation officer, “determining

Wilk introduces resolution seeking to protect retirement benefits

Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, introduced last week a state Senate joint resolution, SJR 5, to urge Congress to amend the Social Security Average Wage Index — a variable in the Social Security Administration’s formula for calculating Social Security benefits — to

Mayor responds to Human Relations Roundtable criticism

Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda responded Tuesday to criticisms of the city of Santa Clarita Human Relations Roundtable, which was formed as a result of last summer’s protests about issues involving race relations.   At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Miranda

Santa Clarita City Hall, as pictured on Feb. 26.

Federal funds to support future local affordable housing

The Santa Clarita City Council will consider allocating a little over $3.5 million in federal funding intended to support low- and moderate-income residents with decent and affordable housing and economic opportunities.  The proposed allocation will be discussed

County enters yellow tier

Los Angeles County moved Thursday into the least-restrictive yellow tier in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy and modified its health officer order to allow for more openings across the county.   Despite the increased presence of COVID-19 variants, the county met

Valladares’ elections bill passes Assembly

A bill to address foreign involvement in state and local elections passed the state Assembly with unanimous support Thursday.   Assembly Bill 319, authored by Assemblywoman Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, would authorize the California

Planning commissioners recommend historic preservation code change

The Santa Clarita Planning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend amending the city’s historic preservation code to allow owners of sites designated historic by the state or the federal government to apply for historic preservation grant funding from the city

City previews balanced budget

The Santa Clarita City Council convened Tuesday evening to hear an overview of the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.  City Manager Ken Striplin presented the budget’s highlights during the hourlong meeting. 

Historic preservation on Planning Commission agenda

The city of Santa Clarita’s historic preservation grant funds may soon become available to help maintain local buildings with historic designations from the state of California and the federal government.  The Santa Clarita Planning Commission is scheduled Tuesday to consider amending the city’s historic