The Santa Clarita City Council took action on several key issues during its latest meeting, officially proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month, selecting a new book for the One Story One City program, and securing funding for water infrastructure improvements.

Black History Month Proclamation

The council issued a proclamation recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month, highlighting the contributions of African Americans to the community and society as a whole.

Representatives from the Santa Clarita branch of the NAACP spoke at the meeting, inviting residents to an event honoring local trailblazer Louis Brathwaite on February 20.

Born in 1933, Brathwaite moved to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1969 and quickly became involved in community leadership. In 1977, Brathwaite was the first Black member of the William S. Hart Union High School District governing board and a founding member of the first City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission in 1987.

“Each of us has our own history. However, the history of black Americans in the United States is marked by painful and forced migration. Many of our ancestors were taken from their homelands, packed in the holes of ships like sardines and forcibly brought across the Atlantic to the southern United States, or what will become the United States, to provide labor, free labor, that help build this country,” said Rlynn Smith-Thomas, President of the NAACP Santa Clarita chapter.  “Black history is American history, and it’s an essential part of Santa Clarita’s history.”

One Story One City Program

The council also announced the selection of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova as the 2025 One Story One City book.

The annual program, which encourages citywide reading and discussion, will feature author events, book giveaways, and community activities throughout March.

“Zoraida Córdova masterfully intertwines elements of magic, secrets, stories and the longing that binds families together, weaving a spellbinding tale that’s sure to captivate readers to celebrate The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina,” said City Librarian Gina Robertson. “Please check out a paper, ebook or audiobook copy of the novel at your local library.”

Safe Clean Water Measure W Funds

In a move to secure vital infrastructure funding, the council authorized City Manager Ken Striplin to execute a Fund Transfer Agreement with Los Angeles County, allowing Santa Clarita to receive its 40% municipal share of Safe Clean Water Measure W parcel tax funds. The money will be used for water quality projects across the city.

Resident Concerns: Traffic, Safety, and Infrastructure

Community members voiced concerns over the expansion of The Masters University in Placerita Canyon, citing increased traffic congestion, pedestrian safety issues, and potential impacts on emergency evacuations. Several residents urged the city to conduct a traffic study at Quigley Canyon Road, a high-traffic area near the university.

The potential risks of a lithium battery storage facility also took center stage, with residents demanding clarity on fire safety measures. Councilwoman Laurene Weste requested a report from the fire department on preventative safety protocols following a recent Monterey County battery fire.

Additionally, the Orchard Village pedestrian safety project drew mixed reactions. While some residents praised the effort to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, others raised concerns about potential delays for emergency vehicles traveling to Henry Mayo Hospital. City staff confirmed that the project is a temporary pilot program and will be evaluated over six months.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for February 25.

Ed. Note: This story has been updated with the correct name for the new NAACP president.

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