Q: Everyone is buzzing about The Rink Sports Pavilion. What can residents look forward to?
The Rink Sports Pavilion is another major investment in recreation and quality of life for our community and it will provide a flexible space that can be enjoyed by residents of all ages. Expected to open in early October, it is located next to the Gymnasium at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex. The Rink is a 25,000-square-foot multi-use facility designed to host a wide variety of activities. Whether you're interested in roller skating, basketball, volleyball, pickleball or simply attending a community event, The Rink was built to accommodate it all. The facility features spectator seating, a commercial kitchen, a DJ booth and space that can be rented for birthday parties, celebrations and special events. Make sure you are following @TheRinkSantaClarita on social media for all the updates on the opening and schedule.

Q: October means State of the City. For someone who has never attended before, why should they come this year?
State of the City is one of my favorite events each year because it gives residents the opportunity to hear directly from their city council about the accomplishments of the past year while sharing the vision for the future. This year's event is especially exciting because it will be held inside our brand-new The Rink Sports Pavilion. The event will take place on Thursday, October 22 at 3pm and guests can expect much more than a traditional presentation. Through engaging video presentations, attendees will get an inside look at the work taking place throughout Santa Clarita on behalf
of our residents. Of course, State of the City is also designed to be fun. Guests will enjoy light appetizers and refreshments, see a roller-skating performance, receive a commemorative gift and have the opportunity to connect with fellow residents following the program, all while exploring The Rink Sports Pavilion. State of the City is one of the best opportunities to learn more about the services, projects and investments that continue to make our City such a great place to live, work and raise a family. I hope you'll join us. Tickets are available at santaclarita.gov.

Q: It has been about a month since the devastating fire
in Old Town Newhall. How is the City supporting recovery efforts and the businesses impacted by the fire?
While the immediate emergency has passed, the work of recovering from this devastating event continues. Several local businesses were destroyed, along with The MAIN, our City theatre that has been an important part of our arts and entertainment community.
City staff have been in close contact with the impacted business owners to connect them with available spaces and resources, while City leadership evaluates additional opportunities to assist with recovery and rebuilding. We also recognize that a fire like this affects more than the businesses that were directly damaged. Old Town Newhall is home to restaurants, shops and other small businesses that depend on people continuing to visit Main Street. One of the most meaningful things residents can do is continue to come to Old Town Newhall, have dinner, shop locally, attend an event and support the businesses that are open.
The City has invested decades of planning and resources into Old Town Newhall and that commitment has not changed. Recovery will take time, but we will continue working alongside our businesses and community partners as Main Street moves forward. To learn how you can help, please visit oldtownnewhall.com.