OLD TOWN NEWHALL TRANSFORMATION BRINGS PRAISE –
Frances Fisher, Actress and EMA Board Member addresses local dignitaries in Old Town Newhall. Photo by Margie Anne ClarkThe City of Santa Clarita is transforming the once-neglected area into a neighborhood of mixed residential and commercial uses that are strategically close to public transit services and centered on streets that are safe and pedestrian friendly.Santa Clarita’s vision for the Old Town transformation brought praise today from the Environmental Media Association (EMA) and California Green Communities.
“Old Town Newhall – where Hollywood meets Heldorado – is being reshaped by the City of Santa Clarita into a real star,” said Debbie Levin, EMA President. “Old Town will become an inspiration for community design in other cities that want to become more sustainable.”
Speaking before an invited crowd of community and business leaders in front of the Canyon Theatre Guild, Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean spoke about the City’s Downtown Newhall Specific Plan. The Plan was adopted in 2005 and is guiding Old Town improvements.
“This is part of Santa Clarita’s ongoing commitment to smart, environmentally friendly development,” said Mayor McLean. “Our Plan calls for transit-oriented development – which means that people who live, work and do business in downtown Newhall will be able to rely less on their cars.”
The city has just finished the second phase of “streetscaping” work in Old Town Newhall, which has been spruced up with new brick sidewalks and crosswalks, drought-friendly landscaping and bicycle parking.
Santa Clarita is one of 10 southern California cities currently participating in the California Green Communities challenge. Each city has designed a unique plan to address sustainable activities from energy efficiency and conservation to green building, recycling and waste reduction, efficient transportation, land use and community design and other areas. View Santa Clarita’s action plan.
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA ASSOCIATION
The Environmental Media Association (EMA) is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization founded in 1989 by Cindy and Alan Horn and Lyn and Norman Lear. www.ema-online.org
EMA is dedicated to harnessing the power of celebrity and the media to promote sustainable lifestyles and believes through positive role modeling the entertainment community can inspire consumers to take action. The organization has grown into a diverse group of industry professionals from film, television and music dedicated to the mission of promoting environmental awareness through the entertainment business and the media. EMA serves as a valuable link between the entertainment industry and the environmental community.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA GREEN COMMUNITIES
California Green Communities (CGC) is a project of USA Green Communities, Inc., a non-profit benefit corporation. www.cagreencom.org
CGC is an environmental recognition program that fosters innovative ways for cities in southern California to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption, while building vibrant, sustainable communities. Cities currently participating in the program include Claremont, Culver City, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Redlands, Riverside, San Gabriel, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica and Simi Valley.
