CITY LOOKS FOR ARTS IN ITS FUTURE; PLAN TO LIST RESOURCES, DESIRES.

Byline: Teresa Jimenez Daily News Staff Writer

Ask residents what they can find in their city, and most will say they have just about everything within a short drive - including movies, department stores, boutiques and repair shops.

But it's the ``just about'' that has city officials thinking. Mayor Jan Heidt has said she plans to make cultural arts a priority in the coming year.

Most Santa Clarita residents go to Los Angeles for museums, shows and other cultural events. Community arts leaders and city officials are asking, why not promote the arts locally and create a city known for culture?

``This is not a cultural mecca, but it will be,'' said Sean Morgan, cultural arts coordinator for the city. ``This is a new city, and we don't have the arts history that other communities have.''

They have looked at cities of similar size for inspiration. Thousand Oaks, for example, has created a cultural center that is guided by a nonprofit organization and used by dozens of local arts groups, Morgan said.

Now, Santa Clarita has started drafting its own Cultural Arts Plan. The plan could call for facilities for performing and visual arts and art education, as well as art in public places, Morgan said.

``We need to see how they fit into the community,'' Morgan said. ``What will this community pay money for? What will keep them here instead of going to L.A.? That could mean a cultural center or theater district.''

The first phase of the plan was recently completed and lists known needs as well as resources already available in the community, such as the Canyon Theatre Guild and the 2-year-old Santa Clarita Ballet Co., Morgan said.

The city will hold a public meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at City Hall to solicit community comment on the arts plan.

``We want to find out what's lacking right now because we're such a young community,'' Morgan said. ``We need an arts plan so that people know what's available in their city.''

The effort began with a nudge from the community Arts Alliance, whose members suggested that the city apply for a planning grant.

With $9,000 from a grant and fund-raisers, the city hired a consultant to analyze local resources, Morgan said.

Sixteen arts organizations participated in the first phase of planning, Morgan said.

Depending on the City Council's direction, the next phase could deal with how to provide needed programs, how to run a cultural center and who to solicit for performances, Morgan said.

Those interested in looking at the first phase of the plan can pick up a copy in Suite 110 at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd. For information, call Morgan at [phone].