Q: With summer in full swing and more people out enjoying all the city has to offer, what advice do you have for safety?
Summer is such a fun time around the city - from favorite events like Concerts in the Park and SENSES Block Parties, to families enjoying different facilities like our community centers and the Aquatic Center - more people will be out and about on the streets. Whether driving, biking or walking, it's important that we continue to remain vigilant. You can be a Heads Up! pedestrian or driver by staying distraction free while out in our community. Pedestrians should make sure they are using designated crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. Drivers can stay Heads Up! by putting their phones down and taking a few extra seconds to check their surroundings before turning. Cyclists and e-bike riders should ensure they are following traffic laws, signal when turning and ride carefully to protect themselves and others. For more safety tips, residents can visit santaclarita.gov/headsup. Let's all do our part to keep our community safe this season.

Q: Let's talk about some of the fun summer events like Concerts in the Park. The lineup is out! What do people need to know to make the most of these free events?
I hear from residents - all year long! - about how much they look forward to Concerts in the Park. The lineup is going to be something special, because we are celebrating the 35th year of this hometown favorite event. Popular past-acts are returning including Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars tributes. There will also be some exciting new additions. Get ready to travel back to the '80s with iconic hits from none-other than a Madonna tribute, along with another powerful female tribute to Adele. The final concert of the season kicks off three hours early to create a full evening of music starting at 5pm on August 30. Get ready to rock out with hits from three remarkable tribute bands - Eagles, The Killers and Tom Petty. There will be food trucks on site each night, or you feel free to bring your own snacks. Don't forget your lawn chairs and blankets and your family and friends. This years' experience will be elevated as the new River of Lights will be open and illuminating the hillside and plaza each night at Central Park. I look forward to seeing you there. For the dates of each show and more information, please visit santaclarita.gov/concerts.

Q: Our community loves its Fourth of July traditions. What are people looking forward to this Independence Day?
This Fourth of July, we're excited to gather in Old Town Newhall for one of our most cherished traditions, the Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade. This year's theme, "Home is Where the Hart is...Welcome Hart Park!," not only honors our country's independence, but also officially recognizes William S. Hart Park as it becomes the City of Santa Clarita's 40th park. The parade will begin at 9am at the Newhall Roundabout, then make its way north on Main Street, west on Lyons Avenue, onto Orchard Village Road and will conclude on Dalbey Drive at Avenida Ignacio. Whether you're in a Scout troop, volunteer in a nonprofit, represent a local business or are a proud Santa Clarita resident, this is your opportunity to showcase your red-white-and-blue spirit. You can register now at scvparade.com. Before the parade kicks off, Santa Clarita runners will host the 41st Annual Independence Day Classic races. Later in the evening, the community is invited to enjoy the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Valencia Town Center. Around 9:15pm, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky. Santa Clarita truly knows how to celebrate Independence Day in a way that brings the entire community together.