City to Sponsor Contest for Motto That Sums It All Up

In the five years since the city of Santa Clarita was incorporated, no one has complained that its name was somehow inadequate.

But city officials now have decided that just having a name isn’t enough. They also want a slogan that will summarize the city’s philosophy, its self-image and its dreams.

To find such a motto to be used on the city letterhead and signs, the City Council voted Tuesday night to have a public contest.

After all, they argued, other cities have mottoes, including Burbank (The City of People, Pride, and Progress), Beverly Hills (The Garden City of the World), Santa Monica (A Fortunate People in a Fortunate City) and Inglewood (The All-American City).

Among some suggestions already offered by Santa Clarita city staff are: L.A. County’s Retreat City, The City That Future Generations Will Love, and Santa Clarita--Big Valley with Small Town Values.

City spokeswoman Gail Foy said a motto would counter the stereotype that Santa Clarita is “quirky.” The city has earned that reputation partly by painting its buses candy-apple red and by recruiting hairdressers to advise the council on local issues.

The details of the motto contest, including the deadline, the prizes and the judging process, are to be decided later, city officials said.

Mayor Jill Klajic noted that when the city had a contest several years ago to design a city seal, the winning entry was never used. Instead, a professional artist was hired to do the job.

“I think we should decide that we will not hire a professional after we do this,” Klajic told the council.

After the City Council voted to have a contest, suggestions began flying.

“The City of Golden Dreams and Western Themes,” offered Councilwoman Jo Anne Darcy.

“Santa Clarita--Ideas in Action,” suggested Councilwoman Jan Heidt.

Councilman Carl Boyer offered a motto that harks back to a decision by the Local Agency Formation Commission to reject proposed Santa Clarita city limits that would have encompassed an area of more than 90 square miles.

“Santa Clarita--the City That LAFCO Shot Down,” Boyer suggested.