SANTA CLARITA ON EXPANSION PLAN; ANNEXATIONS ONGOING, ALBEIT LESS AGGRESSIVELY.

Byline: Teresa Jimenez Daily News Staff Writer

Area leaders have always envisioned a unified city encompassing all of the communities within the Santa Clarita Valley - a dream that officials have tried to fulfill since they began working toward cityhood a decade ago.

City founders originally requested 200 square miles to form the city of Santa Clarita, but that proposal was rejected. Instead, the city became a 38-square-mile territory.

But the goal of expanding the city's boundaries remains. In fact, since incorporation, Santa Clarita has grown to 45 square miles, and five annexation proposals are working their way through the approval process.

After all, Mayor Clyde Smyth said, the people of the Santa Clarita Valley share similar interests, belong to the same organizations and participate in the same activities regardless of whether they're in Canyon Country or Stevenson Ranch.

``We thought the whole valley should be a city because we believed that we were one group. Our kids went to the same schools, we shopped together, we were in the same leagues,'' Smyth said. ``Well, that didn't happen. But we do believe that the position we took earlier was correct.''

As Santa Clarita celebrates its first decade, area leaders said they expect the city to continue to grow - but only when property owners decide to join.

Though it is a less aggressive stance than the city has taken in the past, it is one officials predict will be more successful.

The city has attempted and failed twice to get a sphere of influence, which designates county land as future city territory. The designation must be granted by the Local Agency Formation Commission, an independent agency of government appointees who make land-use decisions.

Last year, the city considered conducting a study to make a third request, but the council decided against it.

Instead, the city has worked with landowners, proceeding with annexation efforts only as those owners express an interest in joining Santa Clarita, Smyth said.

``When we vote to annex an area, we want to know that that area has said, `We want to be part of the city,' '' Smyth said.

Former Councilwoman Jill Klajic - one of the original proponents of cityhood - agreed that the cooperative approach has been positive, but she would also like to see the city gain control of surrounding areas more quickly.

``I would like to see us annex more and be more aggressive in letting people know (about the option),'' Klajic said. ``A lot of people don't know how to proceed. Unless a property owner comes to us, the city does not have a policy to go out and solicit them into the city.''

Smyth said there are certainly benefits to living within city boundaries. Most importantly, collected tax money is spent locally, decisions are made locally and services are provided locally, he said.

``Most people I have talked with about annexation have said it's almost an emotional thing: We are one community,'' Smyth said. ``Second, the service they receive here is better than the service of an unincorporated area of the county. And that alludes directly to local control.''

While expansion has been slow, it has certainly continued at a steady pace. The city Planning Department is working on five annexation proposals, said Jason Smisko, an assistant planner.

The Towsley Canyon proposal would add 740 acres to Santa Clarita, most of which is land owned by the city for use as a park.

The Hunter's Green annexation would add 103 acres. The parcel is much smaller than the overall project, which includes upscale homes and a golf course, Smisko said. Most of the land is already within the city, he said.

The third annexation proposal involves North Valencia, which would bring 858 acres into the city. The plan includes a man-made lake, several retail centers, upscale housing and condominiums.

The fourth involves the Thompsen Ranch land, which would add the 172 acres in the Pinetree neighborhood, Smisko said.

Finally, the California Canyons annexation proposal would add 41.44 acres, and bring an additional piece of the Pinetree neighborhood into Santa Clarita boundaries, he said.

All of the proposals are subject to approval. Still, the city annexed three areas this year: the Northbridge development on 743 acres; the Vista del Canon development on 21.72 acres; and the Seco Canyon area of 416.43 acres.

And there is always a buzz among residents outside Santa Clarita who would like to join the city, Smyth said.

``There are people in Castaic right now talking about whether they should join the city,'' Smyth said.