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Summer is your Dental "Catch Up" Opportunity
Didn't want to take the kids out of school for that cleaning or cavity? Don't worry - you still get an "A" as a parent. Prioritizing your child's education is important. But now that school is out, "catching up" is "in" - and your favorite local dental professionals want you to know that they're ready to get you back to your summer of fun - fast.
"We're very proud of our practice's low in-office wait times," says Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS. "We're conscientious about scheduling our patients with great respect to their time."
"Since so many of our patients are parents with children, summer gives us an opportunity to get the whole family in over the course of just one or two weekday appointments, though our office is booking quickly for summer visits," says Becky Short, Dr. Tong's longtime office manager. "I wouldn't hesitate to call sooner than later to make sure we can get you in before school registration is here."
Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS 268-6284

"As parents, you never quite know where a child's interests might lead. Our daughter has always loved performing, singing, acting and being on stage. When we first enrolled her at the Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts (SCSOPA), we simply wanted a place where she could explore that passion and learn more about the craft. We didn't expect the school to guide us through the essential first steps into the acting world so quickly. SCSOPA helped us navigate those early steps: taking professional headshots, practicing monologues, preparing for auditions and, eventually, securing an agent. The teachers are incredibly-supportive while emphasizing real technique. That preparation quickly led to opportunities we never imagined. She was thrilled to land a role as the voice of 'Child Beth' and 'Child Space Beth' on 'Rick & Morty.' More recently, she worked on a motion capture and voiceover project for the trailer of the video game 'Ready or Not.' Her first professional job took place in a major network's recording studio. As parents, we were nervous watching her walk into such a high-level environment - but she wasn't. Because SCSOPA has its own recording studio with professional equipment, she said the setting felt familiar. She walked in, put on the headset, opened the script and got right to work alongside award-winning producers. Most importantly, she still loves going to SCSOPA each week. She's made friends, continues to grow and is discovering there is always more to learn. As she says, 'At SCSOPA, I learned that acting isn't just about saying the lines, it's about reacting to what's happening in the scene.' We can see her taking these teachings to heart and her acting improve. Watching her grow and gain experience, with the support of SCSOPA, has been incredibly rewarding for our family."
Julie Ha Truong & Alan Butterworth

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Keep your Pets Safe this Summer
Summer in the Santa Clarita Valley means sunshine, outdoor adventures and soaring temperatures - and your pets feel every degree of it. As the heat climbs, so do the risks for our four-legged family members.
Watch for Overheating: Dogs and cats can't regulate body heat the way we do. Never leave pets in a parked car, limit midday walks to shaded areas and always provide fresh, cool water.
Protect their Paws: Asphalt and concrete can reach scorching temperatures on hot days. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.
Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Animals: Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy or vomiting mean that it's time to get to your closest emergency vet - and fast.
Pay Attention to your Surroundings: Beware of seasonal hazards like lawn chemicals, standing water
and local wildlife encounters that increase during summer months.
Be Ready for a Pet Emergency: Everyone in your family should have "Vet Urgent Care" saved in your phone - because during an emergency, there is no time to Google "emergency vet near me."
Santa Clarita Animal Urgent Care & Wellness 888-8838


Field Trip of the Month
Family Fun Activities Aboard the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler
Anchors aweigh! Hoist the sails and step back in time aboard the Mystic Whaler, a 110-foot two-masted schooner modeled after a 19th-century coastal vessel that will be ready to explore in Ventura Harbor May 20 to May 31. Dockside Tours at Ventura Harbor Village will give visitors a chance to set foot on deck and explore the storied ship, meet the crew and learn the ropes of schooner life. Lovers of the sea can also hear captivating sea stories and discover how the Mystic Whaler keeps maritime traditions alive. Visits aboard the tall ship are free, with a suggested donation of $5 for adults. Mystic Whaler is more than a ship - it's a floating classroom and an environmental advocate. Operated by the nonprofit Mystic Ocean Adventures (MOA), an organization that preserves maritime heritage, Mystic Ocean Adventures's mission is to utilize adventure through sailing and the sea to promote STEM comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence and nautical skills with a special focus on youth.
venturaharborvillage.com/events

SCAA Gallery Hosts "Go Figure"
Exploring the Complexity & Expression of the Human Form
The "Go Figure" art exhibit is a diverse collection of artwork on display in the Santa Clarita Artists Association Gallery through May 31. This exhibit is free, open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to connect with art reflecting the human experience in all its forms.
The SCAA Gallery is located at 22508 6th Street in Old Town Newhall. Show hours run Fridays from 5pm to 8pm; Saturdays from 11am to 8pm; and Sundays from 11am to 5pm.
santaclaritaartists.org

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This Month, Why Don't You
The "Get Moving with the Family" Edition

Picnic in the Park
One of our favorite ways to explore everything that SCV has to offer all summer long is to pack up a picnic and head out for a tour of Santa Clarita's parks. Each week is a new destination for play, soaking up the vitamin D and some quality time with those you love.
santaclarita.gov/parks-division/parks

Stay Cool at The Cube
When SCV temps soar... so do we! Glide across the perma-Winter-Wonderland at the Cube Ice and Entertainment Center to stay cool while getting your heart pumping. With three sheets of ice - NHL, Olympic and The Pond - The Cube offers 93,000 square feet of skating, relaxation and event space. Newly renovated and beautifully redesigned, The Cube is Santa Clarita's home for ice skating, hockey, curling, special events and much, much more.
thecubesantaclarita.com

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Learn New Tricks at the Skate Park
Located at the George A. Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports Complex, the Santa Clarita Skate Park is one of the top destinations for skateboarders, BMX riders, rollerbladers and scooter riders in SoCal. There's plenty to keep you and the kids busy, including ledges, stairs, planters, banks and other street obstacles. Check out the U-shaped half pipe, 10-foot square bowl, 9- and 6-foot clover bowls plus a variety of rails and ramps perfect for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
scskatepark.com

Kick Up some Dust at the Bike Park
The Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita is free to visit seven days a week and is open from dawn till dusk. The Bike Park offers riders seven acres to ride, practice jumps and develop skills for both BMX and mountain biking. The park was designed with riders of all ages and skill levels in mind and consists of several single-track mountain bike trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. There are also over 800 yards of pump and BMX track featuring combination jumps, including step-ups, step-downs, rollers and tabletops.
santaclarita.gov/bikepark