"From the lack of sidewalks and bus benches to the failure to complete the median beautification, for far too long Canyon Country and the eastern part of Santa Clarita have been short changed." I wrote those words in an op-piece a little over a year ago. In addition, I wrote about the need for a "to-do" list instead of a wish list.

Has anything changed since then? In short, yes the city has made strides in certain areas; well others continue to be neglected.

First of all, I want to publicly thank the following city employees: Dave Peterson, Curtis Williams and Ron Brown - they all deserve a raise! They have been pro-active in the removal of advertisement signs posted all over Canyon Country. They have regularly attended the Canyon Country Advisor Committee ("CCAC") meetings, at which they provide updates of the work they do, answer questions and speak with the attendees.

I have seen Dave Peterson in the parking lot at 10:00 pm listing to issues raised by members of community, while taking down notes and providng re-assurance that those issues raised will be addressed by city staff. The city has done a tremendous job in getting the various shopping centers along Soledad Canyon to come into compliance with the sign ordinance.

The power line poles have been removed and placed underground along Soledad Canyon between Rainbow Glen and Whites Canyon.

At the July CCAC meeting, city staff presented plans for the removal of the port-a-potties and the installation of restrooms at the Via Princessa Metrolink station. The city is expected to start construction this Fall with completion scheduled for Spring 2008.

Canyon Country still lacks bus benches. For example, I pointed out last year, that the bus stop located on Sierra Highway and the entrance to Cordova Estates has no shade covering or a bus bench. On numerous occasions, I have seen mothers holding their child in one arm, while holding a stroller in the other. Surely, the city has had ample time to install a bus bench.

Although the city cannot require a Hospital to be built in the Eastern part of the city, it can be an advocate for one, it could meet with potential suitors and lobby. The city already does this with businesses, why not with medical providers such as Providence, Henry Mayo or Kaiser, to just name a few. The city can take certain steps and be pro-active. At the very least it could zone an area for a future hospital in the Canyon Country area.

The city needs to establish a long term plan for the building out of Canyon Country. Our community is going to continue to grow and we need a plan that will balance housing, with business and park and open space, while avoiding the pitfalls of bad planning.

College of the Canyons had the foresight to construct an eastern campus, which opened August 27, 2007. Why? Because President Dianne Van Hook and the board of trustees determined that 35% of the students who attend COC commute from the eastside of Santa Clarita, this number will continue to grow as the eastern part of Santa Clarita does. The city needs to follow their leadership and create a constituent center and a sheriff’s station. This would allow for residents to conduct city business without the need of having to commute across the valley.

The city needs to complete the beautification of medians along Sierra Highway and Whites Canyon. I don’t want hear about a lack of money. Given that the city allocated $850,000 dollars to determine the feasibility of spending 32 million dollars to construct a sports complex center for a private company to manage and maintain.

There is a group of concerned citizens, led by community leader Al Ferdman, who strive to make Canyon Country the community that it can be. Over the last year the group has done a wonderful job of identifying issues and concerns and getting the city to respond to them. I like to tip my proverbial "hat" to the city for agreeing to meet with the CCAC and engage in a constructive dialogue. Within the last year, Mayor Marsha McLean, City Manager Ken Pulskamp and Sheriff’s Captain Anthony LaBerge have addressed our group and answered questions.

I want to publicly thank Al Ferdman for his leadership and passion. I would like to encourage all of you to attend the CCAC meetings, which happen every third Wednesday of the month at the George Carvallaho Sports Complex Center. For more information, you can visit canyoncountryadvisor.com.

Michael Cruz
Santa Clarita