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Q: Creating events that are inclusive for all of our residents is a priority to the city. Tell us what we can expect at this year's FestAbility?
This is one of the most inspiring events of the year. FestAbility creates a safe space for residents of all needs and abilities to come together, engage, get active and learn. This year's event will take place on Sunday, May 3, from 12pm to 3pm at West Creek Park. This free community event celebrates inclusion, connection and fun through a wide range of adaptive and sensory-friendly activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, interactive arts and crafts, recreational sports and hands-on sensory play in an environment created to support comfort and accessibility. A dedicated chill zone will be available throughout the event, providing a calm space for anyone who may need a break from the excitement. FestAbility will feature something for everyone, including a toddler play zone, line dance instruction, dance performances and opportunities to meet therapy dogs and even therapy goats. Attendees can participate in adaptive sports such as softball, volleyball, golf, street hockey, football and cheer, or enjoy face and hand painting. The event will also feature special character appearances and a festive photo wall for capturing memorable moments. Families will also have access to valuable community resources, including information about the Special Needs Registry. There will also be raffle prizes and food and drink options available for purchase. FestAbility is about creating a space where everyone feels welcomed, supported and celebrated. For more information, please visit santaclarita.gov.

Q: The City of Santa Clarita does a lot behind the scenes to maintain the high quality of life our residents enjoy. What are some services or responsibilities people might be surprised to learn the city handles?
That is a great question. Many residents are familiar with some of the city's most popular amenities, such as our community centers, libraries, the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center presented by Kaiser Permanente, The Cube Ice and Entertainment Center powered by Valencia by FivePoint, the skate park and the bike park. There are even more exciting facilities on the horizon, including the new roller-skating facility, The Rink Sports Pavilion. The city also provides many services that may surprise residents. For example, we maintain a Geographic Information System that maps everything from flood zones to speed limits throughout the city. Our City of Santa Clarita Clerk's Office offers confidential marriage licenses and even performs weddings at City Hall. The city also oversees film permits; local filming brings significant economic impact to our community. Residents can explore the blockbuster movies and popular shows filmed here by visiting filmsantaclarita.com. All of these resources and many more are available on our website at
santaclarita.gov. The Resident Service Center is another convenient tool on our website that allows residents to submit requests, track progress and receive updates. Whether you need to report a streetlight outage, inquire about pothole repairs, want to apply for a permit or even to sign up for tennis lessons, the Resident Service Center makes it simple to manage your requests. If you have a more specific question, you can always call our friendly staff at 259-CITY (2489).

Q: It seems like people are in such a great hurry to get to destinations around our city. What can drivers do every day to make our streets safer?
The answer often comes down to small, intentional choices. A driver pauses to ensure the road is clear before exiting a driveway. A pedestrian waits a few extra seconds to make eye contact before stepping into a crosswalk. A cyclist signals to turn and checks over their shoulder before merging. These everyday actions may seem minor, but when practiced consistently, they help create a safer system for everyone who shares our streets. As city manager, I spend a lot of time looking at interconnected systems, considering how infrastructure, enforcement and education efforts work together to keep our community moving safely. When it comes to traffic safety, the most important system is the human one. That is why the city remains committed to leading with awareness, prevention and shared responsibility to help keep our streets safe. Santa Clarita's continued growth has brought increased activity on our roads, sidewalks, paseos and trails. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are interacting more frequently, particularly at intersections, crosswalks and driveways, which are locations where many preventable accidents take place. I encourage everyone to be a Heads Up! driver, which includes fully stopping at red lights, obeying the speed limit and looking out for everyone who travels on our Santa Clarita roadways.