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Q: With Halloween coming up, what are some tips you
can share to make sure everyone stays safe and has fun?
From the decorations to the candy and costumes, Halloween is packed with fun activities for all ages. Whether you're out with the family trick-or-treating, or gathering with friends, it's important to keep safety in mind - especially when driving and walking at night. With more people on the road, residents need to ensure they are taking steps to keep our community safe. Using the Heads Up! approach, drivers and pedestrians alike will have the tools to protect themselves and others. Drivers should remain vigilant at all times - keeping distraction free from phones, reduce speeds in residential areas and be prepared for excited trick-or-treaters to unexpectedly cross the street. Take additional care at crosswalks and make eye contact with those crossing the street. Pedestrians should make sure their phones are put away before stepping off the sidewalk. To improve visibility, consider attaching reflective tape to costumes or carry glowsticks. By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can focus on making Halloween night what it should be, a fun - and safe - night of fright.

Q: State of the City is right around the corner.
Can you tell us a little bit about this event and what to expect?
State of the City is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Santa Clarita. It gives our city council the opportunity to highlight major projects and inform the public about the work the city does on behalf of our residents - and it always centers around a theme that has special importance to the community. This year's theme commemorates a huge landmark for the city's park system - the incorporation of William S. Hart Park. Titled, "Hart Park: History in Every Frame," attendees will get to celebrate this achievement and learn about the strides we have made citywide.
Join us as we delve into significant accomplishments from the past year and get a sneak peek into exciting future initiatives. From the opening of the historic Pioneer Oil Refinery, to updates on The Rink Sports Pavilion, the Santa Clarita City Council aims to provide an overview on all things Santa Clarita. State of the City is an incredible opportunity to celebrate our achievements, envision the future and share in the spirit of our community. State of the City will take place on Thursday, October 16, at 3pm at the Canyon Country Community Center. For more information about this event, please contact Billie Abreu at babreu@santaclarita.gov.

Q: The "Santa Clarita Voices" podcast has been growing in popularity. Tell us about the most recent episode?
I had the opportunity to learn about the world of professional mountain biking with special guest Spencer Rathkamp - an accomplished enduro rider known for his speed, skill and passion for the sport. Spencer shares his journey on two wheels, from his earliest rides to competing at national and international events and talks about why riding is his ultimate form of therapy.
This episode also spotlights one of the city's most exciting upcoming projects - the Haskell Canyon Bike Park, which broke ground earlier this July. The park will feature world-class amenities, including slopestyle lines, downhill jump trails, pump tracks and more, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for riders of all abilities. Spencer offers his perspective on what this new space will mean for the cycling community in Santa Clarita and beyond. Whether you're an avid rider, a casual cyclist or simply love hearing inspiring stories from local personalities, this episode is packed with energy, insight and a glimpse into the future of biking in our city.
All episodes of "Santa Clarita Voices" are available with video on Spotify and the city's YouTube Channel, as well as in audio format on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today!