By City Manager Ken Striplin
Old Town Newhall has always been more than a destination. It is a place where neighbors gather, families make memories and local businesses pour their time, energy and dreams into creating something special for our community.
The fire that swept through Main Street early Monday, August 24, was devastating for the businesses that help make Old Town Newhall our premier Arts and Entertainment District. Business owners lost spaces they had invested years of hard work, passion and resources into building, while employees lost workplaces and customers lost businesses that had become part of their lives. In the weeks since the fire, our focus has been on supporting those affected, helping our businesses move toward recovery and making it clear that the City will remain a committed partner as they rebuild and move forward. For more information on how to support these businesses, please visit OldTownNewhall.com.
The loss of The MAIN has been especially difficult. More than a theater, The MAIN was a creative home where local artists performed, audiences connected and our community came together to experience live theater, music, comedy and the arts. It was also a place where City staff dedicated themselves to the arts, working behind the scenes to create opportunities for artists and memorable experiences for our residents.
We are working to ensure Old Town Newhall remains active and welcoming in the months ahead. On September 17, the SENSES Block Party will bring the community back to Main Street for an evening of music, entertainment and connection. This month, the City is partnering with the Old Town Newhall Association to expand SENSES an additional block to the south and incorporate activities supporting fire recovery efforts.
One of the most important things each of us can do right now is show up for one another. Visit Main Street, shop at a local business or grab a meal at one of its restaurants. Supporting the retailers, restaurants and entrepreneurs who give this historic district its unique character has never been more important. Every visit and every purchase are reminders that our community stands behind our neighbors who were affected by this fire.
There is a long road of healing and rebuilding ahead, but Santa Clarita has never been a community that faces challenges alone. Together, our community will support one another through the recovery and help ensure Old Town Newhall remains a vibrant destination for arts, entertainment, dining and community gatherings for years to come.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
