Several people have inquired why the City is pursuing a shooting range in the South Hills. It seems to them like an unnecessary expense and burden on the residents. I would invite anyone who has questions about why this is a high priority to simply spend some time in the South Hills on a typical after-noon. Any given day you can find a multitude of citizens and visitors alike doing a variety of outdoor activities from mountain biking, hiking, taking dogs for a run, camping, riding ATV’s and a few are shooting high powered rifles in the mix. The trails and roadways follow the terrain and are not always visible. As a result, the risk of a potential accident is extremely high. Shooting has been part of this community’s heritage since it was settled, and the City Council doesn’t want to close the South Hills to shooting altogether. To mitigate the risks, a designated shooting area has been identified and the City is working closely with the BLM and the County, to obtain a property grant and construct a shooting range. Once complete, the remaining area in the South Hills outside of the shooting range will be closed to shooting and strictly enforced. We don’t want a tragedy in Santa Clara like the accidental shooting that happened in Rich County in September of this year when a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed while riding in the back seat of a Jeep with his family.

Every so often it seems we need to be reminded to slow down on our streets and roadways. Many of the citizen complaints we receive have something to do with excessive speed in our neighborhoods. It’s not just youth drivers, many times moms and dads are equally to blame. Let me encourage every-one to take a few extra minutes on your daily commutes around town and please slow down. Don’t drive distracted and watch out for the other guy as we have all been taught. The few seconds you save are not worth the risk of a citation or worse an accident. Parents talk to your kids, kids talk to you parents. It’s up to all of us to keep our streets safe.

Election Day is on November 6th and this election is shaping up to be a critical decision point in modern history. Washington County is using a mail in ballot this year. Make sure you read the instructions carefully and post your ballots before the deadline. Let your voice be heard. As citizens, we have an obligation to study the candidates and the propositions on the ballet and determine for ourselves how we want to be represented at the County, State and Federal level. Do your part as a citizen of this free society, don’t waste the sacrifices made by our veterans and our ancestors by not voting when given the opportunity.

Families and friends will soon gather throughout the City to celebrate Thanksgiving and offer thanks for the blessing and bounty we enjoy as citizens in this great land. I’ve said it before, Santa Clara is a wonderful place to live and raise families, I’m grateful for everything the community has provided for my family. Great neighborhoods, wonderful friends, a beautiful community with high quality schools, churches, parks, and a growing economic base. Thanks to everyone involved for your efforts and good work in making Santa Clara a better place. I hope this community will always be grateful for what we have. Have a great Thanksgiving Santa Clara, and please remember to stay safe.

Mayor Rick Rosenberg (rickr@racivil.com or mayor@sccity.org)