Santa Clarita’s 30th State of the City luncheon included all the homage and nostalgia an 80s fan could handle, including a “Footloose” tribute from Mayor Cameron Smyth and co.

While city of Santa Clarita staff had fun harkening back to the time period when the city was founded, the event was also about looking forward.

Behind the fun-filled look back on three decades was a celebration of progress, said Smyth, and an appreciation for the hard work that officials and staff have put forth to make Santa Clarita what it is today.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating 30 years of cityhood at this year’s State of the City Luncheon,” said Carrie Lujan, city of Santa Clarita spokeswoman, who had fun with the 80s-themed gala. “Our City Council shared with residents about the latest progress on our Santa Clarita 2020 Strategic Plan, as well as reflected on the past 30 years.”

Smyth recalled being “dragged” to the city’s first-ever City Council meeting back in 1987 by his father, the late Clyde Smyth, who was a superintendent for the William S. Hart Union High School District at the time.

“And like most 16-year-olds, I didn’t recognize the significance of what we accomplished,” Smyth said. “Now with perspective, it really is amazing — that we were able to incorporate as a city and all that has been accomplished in such a short period of time.”

The sold-out event was attended by county officials, state legislators and a host of other representatives who joined in the celebration of 30 years of cityhood.

“Santa Clarita is not one of the premiere cities in the country by accident,” Smyth said, “it’s the work of so many people beyond the walls of City Hall who have put the time and love into this city to make us what we are today.”

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