The KHTS AM 1220 7^th Annual Sacramento 2012 Road Trip has been a whirlwind of productive meetings and enlightening conversations as more than 80 local activists, elected officials and business owners traveled to the state capitol in Sacramento to meet with legislators, lobbyists, committee chairs and other Capitol figures.

The troupe arrived Monday and immediately convened for informational meetings with trip sponsor Assembly Member Cameron Smyth of the 38^th District and NBCUniversal Vice-President Steve Nissen. The topic: advocating for movie industry tax credits to stop the flood of runaway production.

According to the City of Santa Clarita Film Office local film and television production contributes $20 million to local economy.

The dissolution of the Newhall Redevelopment Agency has been the topic of vitriolic conversation among the Santa Clarita City Council. Monday afternoon the large representation from Santa Ca including Mayor Laurie Ender and Council Member Marsha McLean, joined the road trip contingent to meet with Pedro Reyes, the Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Finance. The subject of redevelopment agencies and school funding prompted some serious questions and challenges.

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In the evening, the group reconvened at the historic Firehouse restaurant in Old Sacramento to hear Governor Jerry Brown speak about the budget and public input. Brown openly invited the group to offer ideas and suggestions to the challenges facing California.

After the Governor’s keynote address, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson spoke to the group (including Saugus Union School District Board Member Judy Umeck and Newhall School District Board Member Sue Solomon) concerning class size increases, schools working with funds available and challenges that parents can address.

Tuesday morning the road trip group met with 2^nd District Assemblyman Jim Nielsen (R) who spoke about realignment and the importance of citizen involvement.

City representatives will be staying an extra day to meet with the Governor’s office concerning water issues.

Updated details, plus photos and reactions will be posted here at hometownstaition.com