This is Part III, the final installment of an exclusive West Ranch Beacon (WRB) “virtual” interview with Los Angeles County, 5th District Supervisor and current County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich (SMA). This was a three part interview in which we asked the Supervisor a series of questions regarding a variety of topics ranging from a “State of the Union” on the County to annexation in the Santa Clarita Valley. Click here to read Part I or Part II.
 

WRB:   Annexation has been a hot topic for sometime now.  What are your thoughts on the West Ranch and Castaic communities and any possible future annexation into the City of Santa Clarita?
 

SMA:   Again, the County of Los Angeles takes great pride in providing quality municipal services to our unincorporated communities in the Santa Clarita Valley.  Our County residents must have accurate and complete information relative to governance issues in order to make informed decisions on whether to remain a County unincorporated community; annex to a city; or establish a new, independent city.
One vital consideration is that the communities of the Santa Clarita Valley
are developing a sense of community based on cohesive geography and common interests.  These interests may, or may not, be similar to the geography and common interests enjoyed by City residents. This natural community evolution should not be hindered by attempts to fragment logical neighborhoods, nor to “pick and choose” selected areas and properties through annexation.
The residents and business owners of the unincorporated areas of the Santa Clarita Valley must have the independence to choose for themselves to determine their own future.  I support self determination and feel the County’s role is to provide information so residents can make intelligent and informed decisions.
 

WRB:   You were gracious enough to come out publicly against the proposed Lyons Canyon annexation plan at the request of the West Ranch Town Council and the community.  Do you think that the community should or needs to have a more formal vote on annexation?
 

SMA:   Again, I support self determination and will help ensure that the residents have the ability and information necessary to make informed decisions with regard to annexation issues.  If the community wishes a more formal voice they will express that concern on their own timetable.
 

WRB:   Should the unincorporated communities do a more formal study on whether a new city should be formed on the west side of the Santa Clarita Valley as a way of doing a thorough investigation into our self determination?  Do you think that a second city in the Santa Clarita Valley is viable?
 

SMA:   Annexation or incorporation is a very serious question with a wide range of consequences.  As such it is necessary that a study be implemented before engaging in any discussion of whether a second city in the Santa Clarita Valley would be viable.
 

WRB:   Some critics keep pointing to the 5% utility tax that the county charges residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas as reason enough to annex into the City of Santa Clarita.  Has the County looked at this issue and do you think there could be a repeal of that tax?  Or is it possible to designate the area a special economic zone to repeal the tax within that zone as a way of attracting more business to our area?  Doing so could possibly help to alleviate traffic on the I-5?
 SMA:   Proponents of annexation argue that it is less costly to live within the City and that City services are provided at an enhanced level. Basic property taxes do not change subsequent to annexation.  Direct assessments on property tax bills tend to vary due to assessments associated with various landscaping and lighting districts.  Other differences include a 5 percent Utility Users Tax within unincorporated Los Angeles County and fees associated with garbage collection.  The City charges its residents a storm water fee of $24 a year and a sewer maintenance fee of $50 a year which the County does not charge residents of the unincorporated areas. The County continues to make every effort to enhance the level of services provided to the residents of the unincorporated communities.
 

WRB:   Los Angeles County has a population that is in excess of 10 million and some are claiming that it is bigger than many sovereign nations.  How do you respond to those kinds of comments and concerns?
 

SMA:   In addition to 88 cities, Los Angeles County has 134 unincorporated communities.  Members of the Board of Supervisors serve as the “Mayor and City Council” for the 1.5 million residents who live in our unincorporated communities.
Unlike the city of Los Angeles, where the mayor is more of a ceremonial position, the Board of Supervisors has executive, legislative and quasi-judicial responsibilities in developing policies and administrating vital programs for all of our municipalities.
 The County Board of Supervisors is similar to New York City and the other major metropolitan cities — whereas the city of Los Angeles is like a borough.  Many of the services provided by the County are comparable to that of New York City. 
 Similar to our County Sheriff, the chief law enforcement officer for our 10 million residents, the County is responsible for providing vital services that include:
  

  • Fire and Police
  •  Land use and Planning
  •  Public Works and Flood control
  •  Emergency response and Disaster preparedness 
  •  Law enforcement and Justice
  •  Property assessment and Tax collection
  •  County Superintendent of Education
  •  Public health protection and social services
  •  Parks and recreation and many diversified cultural activities and venues.

Also approximately half of our 88 cities contract with the County for their fire, police, public works, and other municipal services. 
Even in light of the numerous agencies involved in providing services to the residents of Los Angeles County, we remain responsive to our residents through numerous town councils, citizen advisory boards, and community meetings.
 

WRB:   In recent years, the San Fernando Valley has tried to break away from the City of Los Angeles.  Do you think that there will be a point in which the County is just too large and too diverse to be managed as one entity?
 

SMA:   No, as I mentioned previously, County government is efficient and effective in meeting the needs of the community and providing quality municipal services. 
 

WRB:   Finally, do you have a final message that you would like to give to the residents of the unincorporated areas in the Santa Clarita Valley?
 

SMA:   My office is committed to being fully accessible to address your concerns and needs.  It is an honor and privilege to represent our Valley and I look forward to working with the communities to improve the quality of life for all of our residents.  I appreciate also the efforts of our Town Councils who ably represent their communities by communication through monthly meetings and blogs like yours.
 

WRB: Thank you!