Q: Earth Day is almost here! How can residents celebrate and do their part to care for our environment?
We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful valley. The hills surrounding our city have now started to green and grow new life thanks to the winter rainstorms we experienced these past months. What better way to celebrate our environment and welcome spring to Santa Clarita, than by doing a little "neighborhood" spring cleaning. The City's Neighborhood Clean Up event is the perfect volunteer opportunity to do so. In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, this event, taking place on Saturday, April 27, encourages residents to pick up trash and litter right in their own neighborhood. Participants will be invited to pick up the supplies they need at one of three city locations, including the Newhall Community Center, Canyon Country Park and Valencia Heritage Park. Residents should pre-register by visiting santaclaritavolunteers.com. For more environmentally-friendly tips like how to properly recycle, conserve water, dispose of hazardous waste and much more, visit greensantaclarita.com

Q: The Cowboy Festival is right around the corner! What can residents expect this year?
The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is by far one of my favorite city events of the year. I am thrilled to announce that this year's festival is returning to the picturesque grounds of William S. Hart Park in Old Town Newhall. Kicking off on Saturday, April 20, Hart Park will once again be transformed into the Wild West where residents can enjoy live musical performances and engage in all types of cowboy activities. Building upon the popular mechanical bull riding and axe throwing, guests can also visit Gilchrist Farm's Pioneer Corner, where they can travel back in time and try their hand at wool spinning, candle making, leather stamping and more. Once you have gone through all the attractions, check out the blacksmiths and other various vendors to pick up an authentic souvenir or some new cowboy duds. If you are in the mood to kick up your heels, Bootscoot's line dancing will be open from 1pm to 5pm, with a new dance taught every hour. With all these activities and dancing, you will no doubt work up an appetite. There will be several food vendors grilling up hearty barbecue and, of course, the Rotary Club of Santa Clarita Valley will be cooking up their famous dutch oven peach cobbler. The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is free fun for the whole family. If you would like to see the event schedule or get more information, please visit cowboyfestival.org. I'll see you at Hart Park!

Q: Let's talk Cowboy logistics! Where is the easiest place for residents to park for the Cowboy Festival?
We know how popular our Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is and want to make sure our residents have plenty of options to get there. You can skip the hassle of parking altogether by taking the Metrolink from one of our local stations and disembark at the Newhall Station. From there it is an easy walk to Hart Park. If you are going to drive, attendees are once again encouraged to park at the Cowboy Festival shuttle site located at 13th Street and Railroad Avenue. Shuttles will provide service between the parking site and Hart Park beginning at 9:30am on both days for your convenience. If shuttles are not your thing or you would prefer to walk through Main Street, parking is also available at the Old Town Newhall Parking Garage and the Newhall Community Center.