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Putting an End to Parental Dental Shame
Your child has a cavity - or four - and you feel absolutely awful... like you are personally responsible and have failed as a parent. "Not on my watch," says beloved Valencia dentist Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS. "In this practice, we talk to parents about all the reasons children can develop cavities - without shame and blame - and then we help them create a plan to improve their family's oral health... together." Dr. Tong shares that cavity development can be attributed to dental hygiene practices and nutrition, but also genetics, pharmaceutical use and other factors far outside the control of parents. "We don't believe that the 'goodness' of a parent can be measured by how many cavities a kid has or doesn't have," says Dr. Tong. The takeaway: Don't put off your dental care because you're embarrassed or worried that your provider will make you feel bad about a delay in dental care. "We're here to partner with you for a lifetime of good health - and we do it with a big smile!," says the dentist.
Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS 268-6284

"Both our children, Vedansh and Divansh Chinnapaka, recently enrolled at Santa Clarita School of Performance and Arts. The instructors at SCSOPA are industry professionals with extensive experience in film, television and theater. They provide valuable insights and constructive feedback, ensuring that every student improves their craft. Plus, the school organizes agent meetings where you can perform/showcase your acting talents in front of reputable agents. Many of the instructors are working as actors, directors and casting professionals. Whether it was scene study, cold reading or improv, every class is an opportunity to refine your skills. In just a few months, both kids landed many commercials and short films and Divansh auditioned for a Netflix film. We are getting very busy with auditions almost every week and we love it! If you are serious about a career in acting, SCSOPA is the place to be. It's not just an acting school, it's a launchpad for your acting career!"
The Chinnapaka Family

Seniors Sing with Encore
Are you a senior who loves to sing? Join Santa Clarita Rocks - a 55+ ensemble of community singers. The non-auditioned group meets Fridays from 4pm to 5:30pm at Newhall Church of the Nazarene - and it's a blast!
Accessibility is the key to Encore's success. There are no auditions to become a member of an Encore program; interested singers need only to have a love for music and a desire to improve their physical, mental and emotional health. No singer needs to have any experience with music or singing, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Singers may be seated or standing for all 90-minute rehearsals and performances. Most importantly of all, Encore is fun! Encore singers love the music, love to sing and thrive on the camaraderie that comes with the Encore experience.
Encore Creativity for Older Adults is the nation's largest choral arts organization for adults 55 and over. With over 1,900 singers, and over 50 ensembles (and growing!) nationwide in more than 10 states, Encore is a leading organization in the field of creative aging. They envision a world where all older adults have a place in the arts.
encorecreativity.org

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Santa Clarita's Library Express Brings the Library to You this Summer
Designed to expand access and spark lifelong learning, the Library Express makes it easier than ever for residents of all ages to connect with Santa Clarita's library resources. Whether it's Storytime in the Park, a pop-up at a community event or simply checking out a good book closer to home, this custom vehicle delivers the library experience wherever it's needed most.
Inside, the vehicle contains shelves stocked with popular titles, onboard check-out capabilities and equipment for mobile programming like crafts and reading activities. The goal is to ensure equitable access to educational tools and experiences, especially in areas with limited access to a physical branch. With its colorful design and welcoming setup, the Library Express is more than a vehicle - it's a rolling celebration of imagination, connection and community.
santaclaritalibrary.com/library-express

InsideSCV Field Trip of the Month
Dog Beach Huntington Beach
With the mission of, "preserve, play, pick up," the off-leash optional Dog Beach lets your four-legged sweetie enjoy sand and surf with resources, education and programs. It's all thanks to The Preservation Society of Huntington Dog Beach, which was founded in 1998. The organization is self funded via donations and makes sandy paws possible year round for SoCal fur-families.
This summer, enjoy the mile-and-a-half stretch of pristine beach with your pup and kiddos, too. Parking is manageable and easier on weekdays. Aim for the two parking lots between Seapoint and Goldenwest Streets, where you'll find electronic parking meters. You'll drop $2 per hour on parking - a small price to pay for a day of saltwater and memories.
Dog Beach USA is open every day from 5am to 10pm at
100 Goldenwest Street in Huntington Beach.
dogbeach.org

Your Family's Free Ticket To Fun
The Santa Clarita Summer Trolley Returns
The City of Santa Clarita has announced the return of the popular Summer Trolley service, offering complimentary transportation on the classic-looking trolley through Monday, September 1. This convenient, eco-friendly service connects residents and visitors to premier destinations like Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Old Town Newhall and Valencia Town Center.
Kids love the trolley - and parents love the convenience. It's a fun way to spend a low- or no-cost afternoon exploring the city while riding a family-favorite form of transportation.
The Santa Clarita Summer Trolley provides a stress-free way to explore the city's top attractions without the hassle of driving and parking. The service operates daily, with multiple stops at participating hotels and key locations.
visitsantaclarita.com/summer-trolley

That's Good News!
SCV Water Announces Scholarship Winner
SCV Water, in partnership with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), is proud to announce that the 2025 Edward G. "Jerry" Gladbach Scholarship has been awarded to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student Jade Meichtry. Established in honor of the late Edward G. "Jerry" Gladbach, a past ACWA president, SCV Water vice president and longtime local, state and national water leader, this annual ACWA Scholarship Program awards $2,500 to one qualified undergraduate student majoring in engineering, agricultural and/or urban water supply, environmental studies, public administration or other water-resource-related fields.

This Month, Why don't You...
Summer at the Lake Edition

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Show Pride in our Community Lake on Saturday, July 12?
The Friends of Castaic Lake hold a Pride-In-The-Lake day on the second Saturday of each month. This is a great way to get out there and do something positive for our community. The group meets at the Lagoon Launch Ramp area at 9am and picks up trash until 11am. Gloves, trash bags and trash pickers are supplied; all you need to bring is a desire to make one of LA County's best parks even better. Come on out to the lake and help make a positive contribution to the community that we live in. Volunteers can register online.
insidescv.com/prideinthelake

Chill Out at a Massive Inflatable Waterpark?
Cool off from the summer heat with Southern California's largest inflatable aquapark! Now open for the 2025 season and floating over beautiful Castaic Lake, this attraction features 35 obstacles, slides, bouncers, wiggle bridges and much more. Spend a day full of family fun at the lake and enjoy other amenities such as the swimming beach, boat and kayak rentals and the barbeque area.
calisplashpark.com

Swim in an Open Water Course?
Competitive swimmers ages 13 and up can swim in an open-water setting on the lagoon at Castaic Lake on select dates now through August 30. Once you pass a lifeguard swim check, you and your swim buoy can take to the open water to swim along a marked buoy course. It's only $5 per person and you can reserve your spot online.
castaiclake.com/about-3