"Vessels" Art Exhibition a Multi-media Experience for Families
Discover 21 local artists through baskets, boxes, sculpture, gourds and other unique presentations in all media as you and your crew explore the diverse world of vessels. Running through April 4, The Santa Clarita Artists Association proudly presents "Vessels," a compelling group exhibition that examines the concept of the vessel as both physical object and symbolic form.
"We are so excited about this unique theme and the different artwork it has brought into the gallery by attracting new members in basketry, assemblage and pottery! Getting to showcase more 3D and sculpture artwork, in addition to our familiar 2D favorites, will be a treat for gallery guests and they are sure to see things they definitely have not seen here before!" says 2026 SCAA Gallery Chair and Artist Tobi Beck.
The SCAA Gallery is located at 22508 6th Street in Old Town Newhall. Show hours are Fridays from 5pm to 8pm, Saturdays from 11am to 8pm and Sundays from 11am to 5pm. santaclaritaartists.org

"Seeing Catalina's confidence bloom, from runways to being featured in Matilda Magazine, has been transformative. She had just turned 3 when we began taking her to SCSOPA. We travel from Earlimart to Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts - and every mile is worth it! Catalina isn't just growing in skills, she's developing charisma, self-esteem and character. It's not just about her; this journey has helped me grow, too.
I saw her love for acting, her expressions and her bilingual voice. If you see that spark in your child - whether it's performing arts, music, or anything they love - don't hesitate. Just like any class that expands horizons, this is an investment in their future - and yours. Don't see it as wasted time or money, see it as opening doors you never imagined."
Catalina and Goldie Medina

courtesy of Shutterstock

Protecting your Child's Oral Health
Here's How to Make a Real Difference
Toothbrushes can feel funny in a child's mouth. Toothpastes and flosses can taste yucky. And no one - kid or not - likes it when another person says, "Open up! I'm going to clean your teeth!" when you're in the middle of your favorite activity or trying to rush out the door.
Parents often have an uphill battle when it comes to keeping their child's oral health intact. "It creates a lot of shame for many parents, most often moms," says Valencia's Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS. "It's not just the kids that can develop an aversion to the practice of brushing and flossing their teeth. Caregivers are already overwhelmed and adding a dysregulated child who doesn't want to brush to the mix can feel like too much."
"We work hard to let parents - especially moms, who are usually the ones booking dental-care appointments - know that there's no judgment here," says Dr. Tong's longtime office manager Becky Short. "Your child having cavities or some decay doesn't mean you're a bad parent. In fact, you're a great parent for getting them into the dentist and taking care of it! I work at a dental office and my kids have had cavities! It happens."
So - how can overwhelmed caregivers make a long term, meaningful difference in their child's oral health - even when kids resist brushing and flossing?
More influential than anything, says Dr. Tong, is parent behavior. "You can buy all the Barbie or Paw Patrol toothpastes and brushes in the world, but if caregivers aren't modeling healthy oral hygiene habits, it'll be a tough sell to small kids. We encourage our parents to make brushing and flossing fun alongside their kids. Put on a silly tooth brushing song and scrub together. If your child is nervous, give yourself ample time to take it slow and reassure. They'll get there!" says the beloved Valencia dentist.
"As a parent, I know how stressful morning and bedtime routines can be," explains Office Manager Becky Short. "But when we make brushing and flossing a tense, hurried experience, our kids are going to pick up on that. Set the alarm for a few minutes earlier and start night-time practices a little sooner so that no one feels upset or stressed out during teeth time. Before you know it, they'll be doing a great job brushing and flossing on their own."
Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS 268-6284

Field Trip of the Month
Ventura Harbor Village "Mermaid Month"
Make waves with Mermaid Month at Ventura Harbor Village with ocean-inspired festivities, special events, a nod to pirates and themed treats. Grab mer-mazing mermaid merchandise from Ventura Harbor Village shops, take a photo at the mermaid shell photo opp and participate in a fun kids' mermaid scavenger hunt all month long.
From lively entertainment and fresh seafood, to fish ice cream cones and hands-on activities, there's something for every mermaid, pirate and ocean lover. Plus, on Saturday, March 21, your family can join in the fun for "Celebration of Mermaids & Pirates."
From 12pm to 3pm, there will be waterfront mermaid meet and greets, a mermaid DJ dance party, photos with pirates, bubble shows, the chance to swim with a mermaid, mermaid crafts and vendors and much more.
Event admission is free. venturaharborvillage.com

That's Good News!
Dennis Yong Named New Assistant Principal at
Rancho Pico Junior High School
Mr. Yong began his career in education as a science teacher at his alma mater, Canyon High School, in 2012. While at Canyon High School, Mr. Yong served in a number of leadership roles, including department chairperson, administrative intern, head coach for the tennis program and advisor to the environmental club. Mr. Yong has both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from California State University, Northridge and he obtained his administrative credential from National University.
Says Superintendent Michael Vierra: "His journey from Hart District alum to standout teacher has been defined by unmatched energy, dedication and a deep-rooted love for this community. I am confident he will thrive in this new role as he continues to put our students at the center of all he does."

courtesy of Shutterstock

Rattlesnake Season has Already Started
Do You have an Antivenom Plan for your Pet?
Social media posts from hikers enjoying Towsley Canyon trails tell a snake-filled story: Thanks to unusually-warm winter weather, rattlesnakes in Santa Clarita are already out, about and enjoying the sunshine.
That's good news for the snakes - but could be dangerous data for your pets.
Each year, over 150,000 dogs in the US are bit by venomous snakes and about 99 percent of those injuries are from rattlers.
If your animal sustains a snakebite, your response time could mean life or death.
Not all veterinary offices have rattlesnake antivenom on site, so it's essential that you have a resource saved in your phone. Should the worst happen, you don't want to waste valuable time Googling to find a provider that can immediately treat your precious pup.
The Santa Clarita Animal Urgent Care staff is trained in rattlesnake antivenom treatments and carries antivenom on site. Save their number now as a contact in your phone so that you're ready in an emergency.
Santa Clarita Animal Urgent Care 888-8838

courtesy of Shutterstock

This Month, Why don't You...

Attend the Art Hop on Saturday, March 28?
This free youth arts festival at Hart Park features student art, live shows, crafts and an Egg Scramble (Registration required.) for ages 10 and under. Selected art will be on display at Old Town Newhall Library through May 27.
santaclarita.gov/arthop

Attend the Spring Art Festival and Sale on Sunday, April 26?
For all you romantics and art lovers, you don't want to miss the 12th annual Spring Art Festival and Sale. This free one-day event takes place in the beautiful gardens of Agua Dulce. Sip on local wine, listen to live music and stroll a currated collection of local art from the Santa Clarita Artists Association as you meet 45 artists sharing - and selling! - their original works of art.
santaclaritaartists.org

Get to know ARTree and the organization's free art days?
ARTree is a non-profit arts center located in Newhall. Founded in 2010, with a commitment to bringing art opportunities to all ages, ARTree has developed deep roots in our community by hosting weekly classes, monthly free open studios, volunteer opportunities and public art projects throughout Santa Clarita. ARTree classes teach artistic principles utilizing an active, hands-on approach in small class settings. Give one of these free art classes a try! Flutterby, held on the first Saturday of the month, is a free monthly event for families with all ages welcome. On the first Sunday and Wednesday of the month, Nest offers free community mindful art-making experiences. And, new to the lineup, Branching Out - held on the second Saturday of the month - invites kids 10 to 14 years old to come together for self-directed art making.
thearttree.org