The William S. Hart Park and Museum located in the Santa Clarita Valley is the former home and property of the legendary silent film star William S. Hart. 265 acres of untouched land that was bequeathed by Mr. Hart to the County of Los Angeles to be preserved forever, and in Mr. Hart's words "for the benefit of the public of every race and creed". Mr. Hart's 22 room mansion built in 1927 is preserved as a world class house museum, and displays many of Hart's personal furnishings, books, as well as photos with many historical figures who were his friends (such as Amelia Earhart). Paintings from renowned western artist Charles M. Russell, sculptures by C.C. Cristidoro and many other rare works of art grace the halls. The Hart Museum is one of the three museums in the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum family. Also on the park grounds (which are maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation) is the Barnyard. There's a wide array of animals that are housed and cared for, from rabbits, to alpacas, to swans, as well as a herd of 12 North American Bison who descend from the herd that Walt Disney gifted to the park in April, 1962. 

 On November 19th, 2021, the Santa Clarita Valley Signal ran an article with headlines reading "City Council considers plan to take over Hart Park". The City of Santa Clarita (which was incorporated December 15th, 1987) has been "eyeing" to take over ownership of Hart Park for the last two decades with no clear and concise plan of financial breakdowns, pros and cons, etc. IF the City of Santa Clarita is successful in the acquisition of William S. Hart Park, for one it would be in direct violation of the Last Will and Testament of William S Hart, and two the Park would become part of the gentrification of Downtown Newhall and loose its old west charm. The City of Santa Clarita does not have the resources to maintain such a gem that the Hart Park staff and its volunteers have been effectively doing since September 20th, 1958, the day the park opened. 

I strongly urge anyone reading this to write/email Kathryn Barger; Los Angeles County 5th District Supervisor and express that the County needs to strongly uphold William S. Hart's legacy.