Former Santa Clarita Mayor George Pederson, who guided Santa Clarita through the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, died Saturday. He was 90.

Pederson was a former commander with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at the Peter J. Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic, and also one of the first Santa Clarita City Council members.

“People talk about it all the time, how well this city was run during a catastrophic event,” said Mayor Pro Tem Bob Kellar, who was also a longtime friend of Pederson’s. George played a very important role in that. … He did a remarkable job as a council member and a mayor, but his participation in the community went way beyond that.”

Pederson was the commander of Pitchess from 1980-84. He served on the Santa Clarita City Council from 1992-96.

He was named Santa Clarita Valley Man of the Year in 1997 for his various contributions to the Santa Clarita Valley’s development.

“George was always looking for ways to support partnerships and collaboration,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dianne Van Hook. “Whether it was helping bring college educational programs to Pitchess Detention Center, or supporting joint economic development efforts between the city and the college, I could always count on him for creative ideas that benefitted everyone involved.”

Kellar also credited Pederson with participation in numerous community organizations, such as the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center and the Chamber of Commerce.

Pederson was born Dec. 4, 1924.

He was also a World War II veteran who served in the Navy.