Q: It is event season in the City of Santa Clarita! Everyone loves SENSES Block Parties and Concerts in the Park are just around the corner - but tell us more about Celebrate!?!
It's hard to believe that we've already kicked off our fourth season of the Celebrate event series, which means we have traveled around the globe and to almost every continent without ever leaving Santa Clarita. Celebrate brings the flavor and excitement of a different country every month to the Canyon Country Community Center. Every second Friday from May through September, Celebrate brings authentic cuisine, music, dancing, traditions, arts, activities and more right to our city. Last month, we traveled to Ireland and, coming up on June 13, we will experience everything New Zealand has to offer. From the powerful haka dance to their love for rugby - you will experience all that makes this country unique. Colombia, Italy and Thailand will also be showcased this year. While you are enjoying the festivities, make sure to get your Celebrate passport at the Santa Clarita Public Library booth at the event. For each stamp you collect, you will be entered in a raffle to win amazing and exotic prizes. For more information please visit
santaclarita.gov/events.

Q: Putting together the city's budget must be a huge undertaking for yourself and city staff. How does this process work?
You are correct. Our city budget process takes more than six months and thousands of hours of staff time. We have several public hearings to get input from our city council, commissioners and residents. As the city prepares to present the Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget, our focus remains on fiscal responsibility, long-term stability and protecting residents' quality of life. Considering ongoing economic uncertainty, the city continues to follow the conservative financial principles that have guided us since incorporation in 1987. This approach has helped us maintain a AAA credit rating and a healthy 20-percent emergency reserve. Each program and project in the upcoming budget are being closely evaluated to ensure that core services - such as public safety and infrastructure - are preserved, while supporting the goals outlined in the Santa Clarita 2025 Strategic Plan. Key projects moving forward include The Rink Sports Pavilion at the George A. Caravalho Sports Complex, the transfer of William S. Hart Park from Los Angeles County and upgrades at David March and Old Orchard Parks. Residents can also look forward to the new River of Lights experience at Central Park. For more details on the city's budget process and upcoming meetings, visit santaclarita.gov.

Q: With spring in full swing, what are some fun ways for residents to enjoy the warmer weather in Santa Clarita? As the weather warms up and brings longer days, Santa Clarita offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the season. Now is the perfect time for residents to soak up the sunshine and take advantage of the city's many outdoor amenities. Whether it's exploring the beautiful paseos, visiting our parks or taking part in community events, there is something for everyone.
One of the best ways to stay active and cool off is by checking out the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center at 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway. This amenity, presented by Kaiser Permanente, is a state-of-the-art facility offering fun for all ages and all swimming levels. It features three pools, including a 50-meter competition pool with a professional timing system, a 25-meter dive pool and an activity pool complete with interactive water play equipment - and my kids' personal favorite, a thrilling 160-foot water slide. To enhance your experience, the facility also includes locker rooms, concession stands and plenty of deck space for relaxing in the sun. Pay a visit to the Aquatic Center to time your swim laps, practice diving or simply splash around with family and friends. For the latest pool hours, swim lessons, pricing, water sports and locker rentals, visit santaclarita.gov/aquatics to stay up to date or for more information, please call 250-3740.