A local state of emergency has been declared by the Santa Clarita City Council for coronavirus COVID-19 at a special meeting on Friday.

After a conference with the City Attorney, City manager, and Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Captain Justin Diez, the Santa Clarita City Council has elected to declare a state of emergency, canceling or postponing all City events through the end of April in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The city does not make this decision lightly, but the priority as a community should be preventing the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19,” said Mayor Cameron Smyth.

In response to state and federal government recommendations in regard to reducing the spread of coronavirus, the City of Santa Clarita has canceled or postponed all City-sponsored events across the Santa Clarita Valley until the end of April.

“It goes without saying that we are in unprecedented times,” Smyth said. “Our community is no stranger events such as earthquakes, fire or the unspeakable tragedy of the Saugus shooting.”

There will be no change to the efforts of law enforcement, street crews, graffiti removal and other essential resources, according to Smyth.

Among the events that have been postponed or canceled, include the popular “SENSES” block party in Old Town Newhall, as well as the closure of City resources such as City libraries, community theaters and City hall itself.

See Related: First Santa Clarita Coronavirus COVID-19 Case Reported

Santa Clarita City Councilwoman Marsha McLean cautioned residents to be considerate of their behavior in the coming days, noting conditions in local grocery stores lined with empty shelves and long lines.

“Just be respectful of your neighbor and the people who need supplies,” said McLean “Don’t create such havoc that a person who needs regular supplies can’t get them. That is not something that (Santa Clarita) is about.”

The City council has also opted to cancel the next regular meeting, meant to be on March 24, and instead have tabled all items for April 14.

 The essential City services that are set to remain in operation during the coronavirus state of emergency include:

• City Management
• Santa Clarita Transit
• City Communications
• Streets Crews
• Graffiti Removal
• Parks Crews
• Urban Forestry
• Traffic/Transportation
• Building and Safety (on a limited basis)
• Parking Enforcement
• Permit Center (by appointment only)
• Film Office (by appointment only)

All other City services are suspended for 14 days, including Public Library, The MAIN theatre, Community Centers and in-person services at City Hall.

On March 11, the California Department of Public Health experts directed that all mass gatherings should be postponed or canceled to slow the spread of COVID-19. Non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if organizers can implement social distancing of six feet per person.

            City events that are canceled include:

• • The Sister Cities Hike – March 15
  • SENSES Block Parties – March 19 and April 16
  • Youth Arts Showcase – March 21
  • DFY in SCV Youth Summit – March 27 and April 15
  • Free to be Me Music Festival – March 29 (will be rescheduled)
  • Eggstravaganza – April 11
  • Cowboy Festival – April 18 -19
  • Earth Arbor Day – April 25

Additionally, Youth and Adult Sports programs and all contract classes have been postponed until further notice. The City Council Regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, has been canceled.

“This will be a period of significant disruption to our everyday lives, with our local schools closed and our public gatherings canceled,” said Smyth. “I encourage all of you to do your part to stay informed and limit the spread of this virus. The City will continue to push out critical information as well as share resources through our emergency website at SantaClaritaEmergency.com.”

The City of Santa Clarita is in regular contact with our community organizations and will continue to follow the recommendations of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect our community.

Ed. Note: This story will be updated with lists of events and City resources that are unavailable as of the announcement as soon as this information is released.

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