Q: If you are driving along the 14 Freeway heading east, you can't help but spot the new Vista Canyon Project. Can you share some of the details?
As a city, we continue to invest in Santa Clarita with new amenities and facilities like the new Canyon Country Community Center and Sheriff's Station. As with Vista Canyon, business developers are also investing in our city. Vista Canyon, located south of State Route 14 and Soledad Canyon Road, is currently under construction and will include 1,100 dwelling units, 646,000 square feet of office space, 164,000 square feet of commercial/retail space and a 200-room hotel. The latest progress made on the site was last month's groundbreaking for the new bus transfer station. The bus transfer station, as with the recently-completed parking structure, will both be city-owned and operated. Vista Canyon is designed to be a car-optional place to live and work. Residents will have the convenience of direct access to the bus transfer station as well as the future Metrolink station, allowing them to utilize public transportation wherever they need to go in the city and the region. This new station will also serve as Santa Clarita Transit's hub on the east side of our valley.


Q: It seems like there has been a recent uptick in the number of pedestrian accidents in the last few months. What message would you want to send to those who walk and drive in Santa Clarita?
Safety on our city streets is the responsibility of all who walk, ride and drive on them. Our city council has long made it a priority to do what we can as an organization to enhance safety. This is accomplished through the work of our Traffic Safety team, which includes members from the Sheriff's Department, City Traffic Engineers and our Communications Division. Together this group works to increase safety by focusing on the Three E's - Enforcement, Engineering and Education. Our sheriff's deputies handle enforcement by keeping an eye out for those speeding, using cell phones or other distractions behind the wheel and those who are making unsafe maneuvers when a pedestrian is in a nearby crosswalk. Our Traffic Engineers assess intersections, bike lanes, left turn pockets and other infrastructure to see what improvements can be made to enhance safety. Education is centered on the award-winning Heads Up campaign, which urges people to pay attention to their surroundings, whether walking or driving. If we all make it a point to be aware of road conditions, other vehicles and pedestrians - we can help all members of our community get where they are going safely.


Q: We've been hearing the buzz about some new events in Old Town Newhall. Can you share the latest on what is happening at The MAIN theater?
Old Town Newhall is teeming with arts and culture, thanks to numerous theaters, galleries, events and more. The city is proud to host a wide range of events at The MAIN. With the start of the New Year, we launched two new shows that are sure to become local favorites. The first of which is called "SCENES" and is a completely-immersive journey into the music, culture and traditions of music scenes from around the globe. The series will take place on the fourth Friday of each month from 7pm to 9pm. If you have always felt you were destined for stardom on the stage, then "You're the Best" is your opportunity. This talent contest will feature singing, dancing, acting, music, animals, martial arts and whatever other talents people have to display. The outrageous competition will take place on the fourth Thursday of the month. Both events will be hosted at The MAIN, located at 24266 Main Street in Old Town Newhall. For more information, log on. atthemain.org