RESIDENTS CELEBRATE CITY'S 10TH YEAR ON MORNING TRAIN RIDE.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

Anthony and Nicole Sherman found it difficult to sleep Friday night as they prepared to take their first train ride ever. The siblings were among the many who helped celebrate the 10th anniversary of the city of Santa Clarita with a Metrolink train ride to Union Station on Saturday.

With the city's public information officer, Gail Ortiz, leading the way, hundreds of residents met for breakfast at the Saugus Metrolink station and were given two free round-trip tickets on the train.

``I want to go through the tunnel and hear the horn on the train honk,'' said 6-year-old Anthony Sherman.

Anthony's 10-year-old sister Nicole had her own ideas on what a train should have. ``I was hoping it had television and stuff,'' Nicole said.

The Shermans joined a host of proud valley residents in the celebration of the city's 10th year. City Councilwoman Jan Heidt assisted other officials in handing out fliers and giving information.

With the rain, wind and a gray sky hovering above, residents were thrilled when a U-Haul truck pulled into the Saugus station and unleashed red, white and blue balloons while Santa and Mrs. Claus emerged to hand out candy canes to children and adults alike.

As everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of the train, the Saugus-based gourmet catering company, LA-Trends, provided orange juice, coffee and doughnuts for the cold and hungry. The celebration was also a chance for some to get acquainted with residents.

Kent Carlson, who is running for a seat on the City Council, seized the opportunity to get to know voters. ``I just came down to meet and greet people,'' he said. Carlson said he wants other council members and city officials to use this time to examine what has made Santa Clarita a place where people want to live.

``We need to look at what brought people here. We have a wonderful track record being one of the safest cities, but we do have the ability to be the No. 1 safest and that's what I want,'' Carlson said.

Residents feel safer in their hometown

Santa Clarita is winding up its 10-year anniversary festivities. The Daily News asked several residents how living in Santa Clarita has made a difference in their lives. Here's what they had to say:

``Living in the Santa Clarita Valley has not only given me a sense of security, but a sense of `hometownness.' There is a lot of community participation, especially with nonprofit organizations. I've lived here since 1971, and it's just a good community.

- Gloria Hillard

volunteer, Newhall

``I've lived here for a little less than a year. I moved from North Hollywood right after the bank shootout. The peace and tranquillity is what attracted me to the Santa Clarita Valley. I mean, I was in the shower during that shootout and that was enough for me. It seems that Los Angeles has lost everything, the Santa Clarita Valley is what the San Fernando Valley used to be years ago.

- David Mills 

Los Angeles city employee, Valencia

``Here it's safer, cleaner and the schools are much better. There are nice homes in this valley as well as good shopping, and it's reasonably safe to travel at night here. We have everything in the Santa Clarita Valley, good city services and good law enforcement.

- Joe Marko

Sheriff's deputy, Santa Clarita

CAPTION(S):

5 Photos, box

PHOTO (1 -- color) Free food and beverages help people celebrate the city's 10th anniversary at the Saugus Metrolink station.

(2 -- color) Casey Jennerson and her brother Cole keep their eyes open for the arrival of the Metrolink train and a free ride to Los Angeles Union Station on Saturday.

Myung J. Chun/Daily News

(3 -- color) David Mills

(4 -- color) Joe Marko

(5 -- color) Gloria Hillard

BOX: Residents feel safer in their hometown (see text)