Santa Clarita set to expand its acreage and population

The city of Santa Clarita is set to expand in size, demographically and geographically, now that it has received approval to absorb three new areas.

Last week, city officials announced that the Local Agency Formation Commission for the County of Los Angeles had approved the annexation of the Copperstone development in Saugus, open space in Elsmere Canyon and the future Soledad Commons retail center.

The state-regulated annexations add 1,284 residents to Santa Clarita and increase the city’s size by nearly 890 acres, the majority of which is open space, according to information provided by officials.

Mayor Frank Ferry said becoming a part of the city would afford new residents the opportunity to receive “high quality municipal services” and play a role “in shaping their community.”

 “We are excited to welcome new annexed areas and residents to the City as we look towards building a better future for one of Southern California’s fastest growing areas,” Ferry said.

City officials said annexation has many benefits, including providing easy access to local government services and enabling residents to vote in local elections, run for public office and serve on city commissions.

According to city data, over the last 25 years Santa Clarita has welcomed 28 areas, adding about 45,000 new residents and 12.9 square miles. And by December, the city expects to include additional areas that will expand its size by about 5,800 acres and add some 24,440 residents.

These annexations will swell Santa Clarita’s population to just over 200,000 residents, giving it the third-largest population of cities in the county, city officials said.

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-- Ann M. Simmons in Santa Clarita