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| PACIFIC OCEAN |
I love going to the ocean. It is where I find my peace and tranquility. I love Santa Monica and Malibu beach. Now that my daughter goes to the University of California at Santa Barbara, I find myself traveling north on the 126 to the 101. The trip requires a mandatory stop at Carpinteria Beach. It is has become my new favorite beach. It has tide pools filled with star fish, sea anemones, crab, lobster, birds, rocks, etc. etc. not to mention miles and miles of a great coastline.
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| Star Fish |
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| Sea Anemone |
I love to walk. It is my exercise of choice. Santa Clarita has many paseos and hiking trails. I love to go to Vasquez Rocks in Agua Dulce, California. It is less than 10 miles north on the 14 freeway.
VASQUEZ ROCKS
10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road,
Agua Dulce
If you only have time to visit one wilderness area in Santa Clarita, this is where you should go. And if you live in the SCV, this is probably one of your favorite places.
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| Vasquez Rocks |
It is easy to access, and the spectacular rock formations are easy to climb and are a favorite to photograph. In the cool months (October - May), the rangers offer guided hikes and animal presentations.
And don't be surprised if you experience a little deja veux, because Vasquez Rocks has been the location of numerous television programs, music videos, and feature films--dating back to the silent film days.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Ranger-led hikes, power walk hikes, and animal presentations are offered in the cool months. Star parties, organized by The Local Group, offer visitors an opportunity to see the constellations. It's great fun! Check out the above link for exact times.
Please note: The weather can be completely different at Vasquez Rocks from the Santa Clarita Valley. Special events will be cancelled for inclement weather, so do call before heading to the park to avoid disappointment.
Birds of Prey Presentation
You'll get to see a couple of birds, a snake (if he's not in hibernation), and a rattlesnake skeleton. There's also a special display of...we'll let you be surprised. Meet at the park office. (This event is suspended during July, August & September due to extreme heat.)
Ranger Guided Hikes
The park ranger will lead a nature hike through the park. The hike will last approximately one hour. Meet at the park office. (This event is suspended during July, August & September due to extreme heat.)
http://www.santaclaritaguide.com/VasquezRocks
Placerita Canyon is another one of my favorite places to go on a nature hike.
Placerita is an east-west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak groves, a willow and sycamore-lined seasonal stream and numerous other interesting plant and animal communities.
The historic "Oak of the Golden Dream" is the site of A network of self-guiding nature, history and hiking trails radiates out into the park from the Center, with longer hikes leading to a seasonal waterfall and to the top of the Santa Clarita Divide. Picnicking is available near the
The park encompasses oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian plant communties on the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains southeast of the City of Santa Clarita. The park not only serves to conserve a slice of the wild environment but also endeavors to educate the public on the value of undisturbed flora and fauna through wild animal presentations, nature hikes, and self-guided educational trails.
Please feel free to contact the
Placerita Canyon Natural Area is located at
19152 Placerita Canyon Rd , Newhall , CA , 91321 . Click here for a map and directions.
Placerita Programs
Every Saturday we offer a Family Nature Walk at 11AM and a Native Live Animal Presentation at 1PM. There is no charge for these programs and they are fun for the whole family.Every second Saturday of the month there is a docent led Bird Walk starting at 9AM for beginning to advanced birders. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and water.
Every fourth Saturday of the month there is a "Blooms of the Season" wildflower walk from 9:30AM to 10:30AM. Click here for a program brochure.
In addition, The Placerita Canyon Natural Area docents lead a monthly Bird Walk at Castaic Lake Recreation Area on the first Saturday of the month at 8:00AM.
WATER SUPPLY
The company that supplies water to my home is:
Santa Clarita Water Division
22722 Soledad Canyon Road
CA 91350-2945
History
The growing valley towns are regularly faced with a fact of Santa Clara Valley life - it's picturesque creeks and rivers periodically flood. Unlike the tradition of the Ohlone natives, these permanent settlements cannot move to higher ground. Winter flooding begins to threaten valley homes, businesses and lives.
By the turn of the 20th century nearly 14,000 acres of orchards and vineyards are under irrigation in
1920s As water levels drop, sections of the valley floor begin to sink. Concern over subsidence grows and in 1920 farmers and business leaders push for the formation of the Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation Committee. The committee hires noted engineer Fred H. Tibbetts of
1930s
The Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation District, formed in 1929, begins construction on the district's first six reservoirs. In 1935, Calero, Almaden, Guadalupe, Vasona and
Flooding, however, is still a serious issue in the valley. Floods in 1931, 1937 and 1938 halt transportation and inundate hundreds of acres of orchards and pasture lands.
1940s The population in the county jumps from 30,000 in 1940 to 90,000 in 1948, then to 291,000 in 1950. This explosive post-war growth, combined with a major drought from 1940 - 1946, puts a severe strain on local water resources. Groundwater levels continue to drop due to increased agriculture, industry and residential construction, and land subsidence worsens due to overpumping. In response, voters pass bonds to construct two more large dams for water storage and percolation:
Ironically, in the midst of the drought and dropping water levels, heavy rains in 1940, 1942 and 1943 trigger devastating floods, causing power failures and leaving four dead in the
The Central Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation District is formed to manage groundwater in the
1950s
The valley is rapidly evolving from a predominantly agricultural area to an industrial and urban center. Accordingly, more of the county's water consumption shifts from agricultural to domestic and industrial use.The South Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation District builds the Chesbro and Uvas dams to increase storage and recharge efforts. The Central Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation District is annexed to the Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation District. Water conservation education efforts begin in earnest.
In 1952 the county board of supervisors forms the Santa Clara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Its goals are to protect the county from flooding and supplement local water supply with water imported from outside the valley. The "Christmas Week" floods of 1955 leave thousands homeless. The Guadalupe River alone floods 8,300 acres, the worst flood on that river in recorded history.
1960s
The county's population swells to 642,000 by 1960.President John F. Kennedy and Gov. Edmund G. "Pat" Brown join in a dedication ceremony in 1962 for the San Luis Dam and Reservoir west of Los Baños. The dam takes five years to build, and by 1987 is the source for imported federal Central Valley Project water to Santa Clara Valley through the Pacheco tunnel.
In 1965 the state of California begins delivering water to Santa Clara County via the 72-inch South Bay Aqueduct, which brings water about 40 miles from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to the county.
The valley's first treatment facility, the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant, begins operation in Los Gatos.
In 1968 the Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation District and the Santa Clara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District merge, forming one agency to manage the water supply and flood programs for most of the county.
By 1969 the addition of imported water to the local recharge efforts halts more than 40 years of land subsidence.
1970s
The Santa Clara Valley Flood Control and Water District changes its name to the Santa Clara Valley Water District.The county's second treatment plant, Penitencia, located in the east foothills north of Penitencia Creek, comes on line.
Historic drought years in 1976 and 1977 reduce deliveries from the State Water Project, and the delta water it does provide is too full of salt to be percolated into local aquifers. The district's water conservation education program is established, and includes a school outreach component.
Conservation efforts achieve a 22 percent drop in water usage between 1976 and 1977.
1980s
The requirement to mitigate environmental impacts becomes a normal part of every construction project. The district hires biologists and environmental specialists who help ensure compliance with a myriad of environmental regulations. Water quality protection is a major focus as it is discovered that underground storage tanks are leaking and potentially contaminating drinking water. The third district treatment facility, the Santa Teresa Water Treatment Plant, begins operation.Severe flooding in 1982, 1983 and 1986 heightens public interest in flood management projects. Funding for much needed projects is obtained through voter-approved benefit assessments and water utility revenue bonds.
The South Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation District is renamed the Gavilan Water District in 1980, and upon south county voter approval is annexed to the Santa Clara Valley Water District in 1987.
The federal Central Valley Project, San Felipe Division, begins delivery of imported water to the county in 1987. The water arrives just as the valley enters a seven-year drought period.
1990s
The prolonged drought results in a stepped-up district effort to seek new sources of water supply through recycled water projects, the storage of excess water in other regions (called water banking) and an aggressive water conservation program.Flooding in San Jose in 1995 highlights the need to complete flood protection projects, especially on the Guadalupe River through downtown San Jose.
In 1996 the district initiates a long-term water supply planning process, the Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP). Projections indicate future severe droughts could result in a significant water supply shortfall-up to 100,000 acre-feet. To address this gap, the district, with help from IWRP stakeholders, selects four main water supply components: water conservation, water recycling, water banking and long-term water transfers.
The district embarks on a multi-year project to upgrade all three water treatment plants in order to continue to meet all state and federal water quality standards. The upgrades include changing the primary disinfectant to ozone, increasing the treatment capacity at Rinconada Water Treatment Plant and performing seismic upgrades.
Changing community priorities, more stringent state and federal regulations and an evolving environmental ethic lead the district into the 21st Century. The district's role as steward of the local watersheds is the driving force behind its mission: a healthy, safe and enhanced quality of living in Santa Clara County through the comprehensive management of water resources in a practical, cost-effective and environmentally sensitive manner.
2000 - 2009
The District takes a lead role in the fight against MTBE water contamination, addresses perchlorate contamination of more than 1000 South County well and partners with local wastewater agencies to increase recycling. The first phase of the WTIP is completed and the second phase launched.
2000: County voters endorse the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Plan (Measure B) and approve a special tax to ensure continuity of flood protection and stream stewardship services for 15 more years.
2002: A new 10-year Stream Maintenance Permit reflects an era of partnership between the district and resource agencies, and allows the district timely seasonal access to creeks for improved maintenance and environmental enhancement.
2005: The 15-year, $346 million Downtown Guadalupe Flood Protection Project is completed, protecting an estimated 95,000 people from flooding and restoring critical endangered species habitat.
2006: Santa Teresa Water Treatment Plant delivers the district’s first ozonated water, providing customers better-tasting, more healthful tap water.
2007: Assembly Bill 2435 passes, ending county oversight of the district’s budget and other procedural holdovers from the 1968 merger. Penitencia Water Treatment Plant begins delivering ozonated water to customers.
2008: The district achieves registration with the International Standards Organization (ISO), signifying consistency and excellence in its business and operations.
2009: District Board calls for 15% mandatory conservation in response to continuing water shortage; recession drives significant District budget reductions.
http://www.valleywater.org/About/History
In October of 2007, fires devastated the Santa Clarita area. Fires are a common environmental threat when warm, dry winds (known as Santa Ana winds) blow from the interior of the state. (see page 299)
Santa Clarita, CA Weather
Santa Clarita, CA climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and cool during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 50's.
The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 95.40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is December with an average minimum temperature of 35.80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be big during summer with a difference that can reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Santa Clarita is 17.96 Inches. Winter months tend to be wetter than summer months. The wettest month of the year is February with an average rainfall of 4.32 Inches.
http://www.idcide.com/weather/ca/santa-clarita.htm
10 Things You Should Know Before Moving To Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita is a wonderful place to live, and this list of “10 Things” certainly does not define this city. Because of Santa Clarita’s location, independence, and diversity, there could easily be dozens of lists of “10 Things…”.
1) Santa Clarita is not
Santa Clarita is an independent city located 35 miles north of downtown
2) Family oriented –
There are a TON of things to do in Santa Clarita for children and their families which include over 60 miles of walking paseos, beautiful parks, recreation, and activities. Go-karts, martial arts, ice hockey, swimming, gymnastics, and much more are available to kids. The City of
3) Freeway traffic –
Traffic is a reality anywhere in
4) Weather –
Santa Clarita is located within a valley along the foothills of the
5) Safety –
Santa Clarita consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in America to live. The Los Angeles County Sheriff patrols the Santa Clarita Valley, and neighbors all keep an eye out for one another.
6) Great schools –
Bottom line, the public schools in Santa Clarita are excellent. There are two elementary school districts (
7) Beautiful natural scenery –
Santa Clarita is a suburb, but it is surrounded by mountains, National Forests, and nature. This mix of open space with thoughtful development has provided a city with beautiful natural scenery everywhere. Canyons, creeks, mountain vistas, lakes, and city lights at night make living in Santa Clarita refreshing.
8 ) Ethnically diverse –
Being in the middle of suburbia, people have the misconception that Santa Clarita has no ethnic diversity. This couldn’t be further from the truth. More and more people are relocating to Santa Clarita from parts of
9) Air quality –
We had originally made an error regarding this air quality paragraph. We made the claim that Santa Clarita had good air quality. We had no intention of being dishonest, but we had made that claim based upon our experiences in the Santa Clarita Valley and our dealings with many people who live here.
As one of our residents (and former doctor) has brought to our attention, the air quality in Santa Clarita can at times be quite lacking. We have decided to maintain the integrity of this blog post and the comments of our readers. More information about the air quality can be found in the comments following this post. Thank you.
It can get very windy in Santa Clarita, especially when the
10) Much more than
When people ask where Santa Clarita is located, they usually respond “oh, Magic Mountain”. Yes, we have that too, but this community has a voice, is fiscally responsible, and has a responsive local government. It is anything but a theme park!
http://www.redbrickprop.com/2010/04/27/10-things-you-should-know-before-moving-to-santa-clarita/
Santa Clarita, CA Profile
Santa Clarita, CA, population 169,500, is located in California's Los Angeles county, about 16.1 miles from Simi Valley and 19.8 miles from Burbank.
Through the 90's Santa Clarita's population has grown by about 37%. It is estimated that in the first 5 years of the past decade the population of Santa Clarita has grown by about 11%. Since 2005 Santa Clarita's population has declined by about 1%.
Santa Clarita's property crime levels tend to be lower than California's average level. The same data shows violent crime levels in Santa Clarita tend to be much lower than California's average level.
http://www.idcide.com/citydata/ca/santa-clarita.htm
http://www.valenciacommercial.com/images/City%20of%20Santa%20Clarita%20Images/graph1.gif
ONE VALLEY ONE VISION
THE FUTURE OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA
What is One Valley One Vision?
ONE VALLEY ONE VISION is a joint effort between the County of Los Angeles, the City of Santa Clarita and Valley residents and businesses to create a single vision and guidelines for the future growth of the Valley and the preservation of natural resources. Initiated in 2000, the result of this project will be a General Plan document and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the buildout of the entire Santa Clarita Valley. The Planning Area (PA) includes the City and it's four communities: Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus and Valencia and the County communities of Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, Val Verde, Agua Dulce and the future Newhall Ranch.
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