Santa Clarita · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Clarita public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Main Street Commercial Property Acquisition
The Main theater burned down two months ago, leaving the local theater community without its main small venue. The council bought the former KHTS building on Main Street for $1.9 million as a first step, but many theater groups want the city to plan a bigger multi-stage arts center and give them a seat at the table.
Flock surveillance cameras and teen curfew enforcement
Speaker after speaker — including a 13-year-old — demanded the city end its Flock license plate camera contract, citing cameras pointed at homes near Placerita Junior High and mass curfew sweeps that cited 31 teenagers. The council took no action; several speakers said they're banking on the November 3 election to change the council.
Replacing the Canyon theater / Old Town Newhall arts venue
The city bought the former KHTS building on Main Street for $1.9 million as a first step toward replacing the theater that burned down. Theater groups showed up in force asking for a seat at the table — some want a quick small venue, others want the city to plan a full theater center with multiple stages.
Arts Master Plan 2035 Adoption and Cultural Infrastructure
The city bought the former KHTS building on Main Street for $1.9 million as a first step toward replacing the theater that burned down. Theater groups showed up in force asking for a seat at the table — some want a quick small venue, others want the city to plan a full theater center with multiple stages.
Labor Negotiations and Employee Compensation
The City Council is meeting behind closed doors to talk about contracts and compensation with city employees, including union workers represented by SEIU Local 721. These talks help set the wages and benefits for city staff who provide everyday municipal services.
City Council Meeting
Want to know what's going on in Santa Clarita? Check out the latest City Council meeting recap to catch up on all the new local policies and decisions that affect your neighborhood.
Princessa Crossroads Specific Plan and Via Princessa Extension
A major 146-acre development proposal combining 1.5 million square feet of business park space with 300 apartments in Canyon Country. The project triggers the extension of Via Princessa and aims to generate thousands of local jobs.
Fire Hazard and Blight at Abandoned Commercial Building in Valencia
A local business owner pleaded for immediate city action regarding a burned, abandoned commercial building near her restaurant in Valencia where squatters repeatedly start fires.
Future Acquisition and Use of Santa Clarita Elementary School Site
The city is purchasing the closed 9-acre Santa Clarita Elementary School from the Saugus Union School District for $13 million to create new community spaces and recreation in Saugus.
Amazon Fleet Parking Extended Operation and Dust Mitigation
Nearby residents raised concerns regarding dust, bright lighting, and delivery truck traffic from the Amazon fleet parking lot on Sierra Highway. The commission approved a five-year permit extension with extra conditions requiring annual decomposed granite refreshment, soil stabilization, and a posted contact number for complaints.
Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards
The city is adopting objective design standards for residential developments to comply with state housing laws while maintaining architectural quality and community character.
Cooper Street Parking Structure Annexation and Maintenance Takeover
The city took over maintenance of the Vista Canyon parking structure from the developer and annexed parcels into a financing district to lower long-term maintenance costs.
Bridgeport Lake Security and Trespassing Concerns
Residents of Bridgeport are dealing with persistent nighttime trespassing, e-bike disturbances, and vandalism around their community lake. They report high private security costs and difficulties getting timely response from law enforcement, prompting calls for code amendments and possible gate closures.
Measure ER Proposed County Sales Tax
The council voted unanimously to oppose LA County's proposed Measure ER, arguing that a half-cent sales tax hike hurts local businesses and residents without offering genuine spending accountability.
Budget Debate
Santa Clarita is reviewing a massive $361.4 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. This financial plan decides how your tax dollars are spent on local services, roads, and community programs.