The Mint Canyon Moose Board of Directors has agreed to host the Canyon Country Advisory Committee (CCAC) meetings at the Mint Canyon Moose Family Center Banquet Room. Starting next month with the September 15th meeting the CCAC will move to its new meeting location at the Mint Canyon Moose Family Center 2173 located at 18000 Sierra Highway in Canyon Country.

Tomorrow, at the Tuesday August 24 City Council Meeting, the Santa Clarita City Council Members will be discussing taking over Library Operations from the County. This is an important issue and the CCAC needs you to make your voices heard.

At last Wednesday’s Canyon Country Advisory Committee, Darren Hernandez presented information on the proposed Santa Clarita City takeover of our library services from the County.  This issue will be discussed, and possibly decided, at this Tuesday’s City Council Meeting after the Public Hearing for agenda item 15. 

The short story goes like this: City Staff is claiming; “Under City Operation, the City could significantly enhance public library services for the City of Santa Clarita” at a lower cost. But when Mr. Hernandez was asked the question; “Will the city commit to providing, at a minimum, the same level of services, at no increase in cost, to all library users from both within the city and unincorporated county?” he did not answer in the affirmative.  Instead, Mr. Hernandez told us the current plan is; after the decision to takeover library services is made, City Staff will poll City residents to find out what services the community thought were important and ensure those services would be provided. 

Now ask yourself, how could the City Staff know they can provide enhanced library services at a lower cost if they have not yet determined what services will be provided?  It is a safe assumption that under the City’s plan the service mix will be different than those currently provided by the County. Until the city can provide an exacting list of library services currently provided by the County and match them to the list of services the City intends to provide, we are just being feed a very disingenuous “smoke and mirrors” presentation.

Alan Ferdman, Chair of the CCAC, believes that residents all want what is best for the Santa Clarita Valley.  He urges you to go to this Tuesday’s City Council Meeting and speak on agenda item number 15.  Demand the council not rush to judgment.  Let’s take the time to have staff prepare a detailed accurate plan. Then, give the County time to evaluate the City’s proposal and respond. 

Then and only then, will our City Council Members be able to make an honest informed decision that will be in all of our best interest. Otherwise, local residents will just end up with whatever City Staff decides to provide.

The next City Council Meeting will be held this Tuesday August 24 at City Hall in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita, 91355, starting at 6 PM. Be there and let the Council know what you think about the City of Santa Clarita taking over Library Services.

A Day we must NEVER Forget; on Saturday September 11, 2010 please honor the lives lost on 9-11-01, Pay Tribute to the First Responders, and Support the Brave Men and Women of our United States Armed Forces.

10AM-1PM; Reading of the Names Flag Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park located at 24275 Walnut Street in Santa Clarita. Luncheon immediately following the Memorial to Benefit the IRAQ Star Foundation at 24527 Spruce Street in Newhall. Suggested donation for Lunch is $5. Those interested should please RSVP at 911Memorial2010@gmail.com or call 818-634-5854

“Together We Can Make A Difference”- Alan Ferdman, Chair, Canyon Country Advisory Committee. For more information contact Alan at 661 713-9344.