During its regular meeting Tuesday night, the Santa Clarita City Council discussed public safety power shutoffs and funding for community use of local performing arts venues, among other topics

Mayor Bill Miranda read a letter from the CEO and President of Southern California Edison, Stephen D. Powell, in response to a previous letter sent last month regarding public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) in the Santa Clarita area.

“Please be assured that my executive leadership team is aware of the feedback that you have shared, and we are prepared to participate in a productive discussion with you and your team regarding PSPS, grid hardening and customer service,” the letter read. “Our goal is to be transparent and open to complexities involved in providing reliable electric service and to strengthen our partnership to accelerate reliability and resiliency improvements in the region.”

During the meeting, the Santa Clarita City Council discussed potentially looking at balancing the use of the Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons and the Newhall Family Theatre to better accommodate community groups.

In particular, Councilwoman Marsha McLean expressed concern that the costs for community groups to use the Performing Arts Center are very high, making it difficult for some groups to afford.

“I’m just wondering, since the costs are so high, if we can maybe look at the contract and ask them – the money that we’re giving to them, that they put it back into the community (…) where maybe it could offset some of those costs a little bit, rather than maybe going to some of the discretionary ways that the money is spent.”

Councilman Jason Gibbs, as well as Councilwoman McLean, expressed discomfort with the language that allowed the college “discretion” in how the city’s funding contribution is used.

In addition to the Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, the Santa Clarita City Council also discussed funding for another local arts venue, the Newhall Family Theatre.

Since opening to the community in 2018, the theater has hosted over 30 different local organizations, including those working with performers of varying abilities. The theater has also been home to annual variety shows for six Newhall School District schools, with over 400 student performers and 1,000 attendees.

“I have seen firsthand how positively the arts can influence someone’s life,” said Tom Lund, theatre manager. “I strongly urge you to approve the renewal of the agreement between the city of Santa Clarita and the Newhall School District. Together, we can continue to enrich the lives of the people of Santa Clarita through live performing arts.”

Lund urged the council to approve the renewal of the agreement between the city and the Newhall School District to continue enriching the lives of the Santa Clarita community through live performing arts.

The council approved the renewal of the agreement between the city and the Newhall School District to continue operating the Newhall Family Theatre.

The Santa Clarita City Council also recognized International Women’s Day and honored first responders for their heroic efforts during recent fires. Additionally, the City Council recognized the achievements of the Diamond Girls, an 8U softball team in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Diamond Girls “showcased their remarkable talent by dominating the fall and winter tournament season with an incredible 31 to 1 overall record en route to winning three tournaments,” as stated by Councilwoman Laurene Weste.

The next Santa Clarita City Council meeting is scheduled for March 11. To watch Tuesday’s meeting, click here.

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