Despite some ferocious storms in Santa Clarita this winter, it is all too easy to see the sunshine outdoors and forget what time of year it is. Where nature lets us down, though, advertisers are ready to pick up the slack. Commercials for jewelry, trips and chocolate mean it's the season of love. Love happens when you stop thinking about who is next and start thinking about what is next: romance, making it official on social media, moving in together, marriage, kids, trial separation, divorce... Oops, I jumped too far ahead. In any case, the year is young, possibilities are many and chasing what's next is on our minds.

Five Rings
February brings two important Olympics tasks. The first is to watch the games, which run from February 6 through the 22. The Team USA roster isn't finalized as of this writing, but keep your eye on bobsledder Azaria Hill, who may well go. She attended Golden Valley High School - not renowned for its bobsled program - where she was a track and field star. Then, the former Foothill League champion sprinter took to the ice. Hill finished fourth at the 2024 World Championships and she started well in the 2025-26 World Cup Season for bobsled. Several other LA-area athletes could also make the trip to Italy. Against conventional wisdom, SoCal natives really can do winter.
The second important Olympics task is to get ready to snag some tickets for the next one. It's a bit of a process. You have to register at la28.org between January and March (Do it now!), then you wait to be randomly selected for various ticket releases... and then you hopefully buy a ticket. Resale will add another wrinkle. If you're anything like me, you'll take a ticket to any event. There will not be a next time to watch so close to home anytime soon.

Ayala Bests McLean
In politics, people are always thinking about who's next and who's next after that. But for Santa Clarita, the answer to who's next for a city council seat has been Laurene Weste since time immemorial. She joined the City Council in 1998, was mayor for the first time in 2001 and has served in that capacity many times since. And at the last city council meeting of 2025, she became mayor again.
After a seemingly endless program of Christmas carols and praise for the out-going mayor, Bill Miranda, it was time for nominations. Both Marsha McLean and Patsy Ayala sat at the edge of their seats, poised like tigers, eager to pounce on the call for nominations. McLean spoke over Ayala to nominate Weste. Everyone approved. The call for Mayor Pro Tem came next and was far more contentious. Again, McLean spoke first and loudly, nominating herself. Jason Gibbs said he had planned to nominate himself but seconded McLean instead. But then, Marsha was scorned. Bill Miranda nominated Patsy Ayala, seconded by Laurene Weste. That trio voted "no" on McLean, narrowly ensuring Ayala's ascent to mayor pro-tem. If tradition holds, that means Ayala will be mayor next.

Valentine's Day
Since it falls on a Saturday this year, expectations for Valentine's Day may run especially high. The pinnacle for dinner is, doubtless, a Michelin-starred restaurant. They're generally expensive and over-hyped, which makes them perfect for Valentine's Day. The 2025 Michelin Guide awarded just 32 stars among 25 LA restaurants, so competition for a seat is high. The closest to us are one-star Pasta Bar and Shin Sushi, both on Ventura Boulevard in Encino, and LA can now boast three-star restaurants for the first time ever: Providence and Somni.
Whether a drive to LA to chase culinary perfection makes a great Valentine's date very much depends on the couple (Or throuple or polycule - who am I to judge?). Santa Clarita has plenty of great options much closer to home. But it's the next holiday, so it's time to start planning. Get a reservation - or drop a passive-aggressive remark. Something like this should suffice: "I heard the nice restaurants are booking fast. Good thing I'm happy with just a hug and leftovers." If you happen to be solo this year, make plans for yourself. After all, when you heart the SCV, love is always in the air.
This column is intended as satire and a (sometimes successful) attempt at humor. Suggestions and catty comments intended for the author can be e-mailed to iheartscv@insidescv.com.