A Brief History of Santa Clarita, California

Santa Clarita was incorporated in 1987 as the union of several previously existing communities, including Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, Valencia, and portions of Castaic, all of which are the grounds of the former Rancho San Francisco. The first city hall was a rented storefront on Soledad Canyon Road adjacent to a Suzuki motorcycle shop, and in 1989, the City moved into its new City Hall building on Valencia Boulevard where the City government headquarters remain today. Also in 1989 was the opening of the first park, located in Canyon Country. The achievement of a new city was a 20-plus year process that actually began with the goal of creating a new county. Although the proposal for a new city was met with resistance, the popular vote brought Los Angeles a new city by a landslide vote.

Since incorporation, the City has increased recreational opportunities by more than 400%. A variety of low-cost classes, sports programs, special events and lessons are offered quarterly through the SEASONS booklet that is mailed to every household. Some of these include: the annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival, River Rally, Arbor Day, Marathon and half Marathon events, Concerts in the Parks, Emergency Expo, and the 4th of July fireworks show.