Author: Michele Buttelman
This author has written 374 articles
Picture of Michele Buttelman

Michele Buttelman

The Pantone 2024 color of the year is Peach Fizz. Pantone says “It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body and soul.” Photo courtesy of Adobe.

2024 Trends in Home Decorating

May 12, 2024 10:29 am

With inflation raging and uncertainty ahead, the trends for home decorating in 2024 emphasize comfort and warmth, as well as recycle, renew, reuse.   The post-pandemic euphoria of being able to

Looking Forward to Summer Film, Streaming, TV

May 12, 2024 10:23 am

Lingering effects from the Writer’s Guild and Screen Actors Guild strikes still stalk movie theaters, as well as television and streaming production.  However, there are a few bright spots on

Make reservations now at the most popular spots for Mother’s Day dining, including brunch, lunch or dinner, in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Mother’s Day in the Santa Clarita Valley

May 5, 2024 10:50 am

If you are a server in a local restaurant, you know the most dreaded day in the restaurant business is fast approaching, Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12.   A National Restaurant

Years of unceasing drought brought many a perennial flower garden to its knees in the Santa Clarita Valley. But the past few years of bountiful rain makes one’s gardening heart flutter with possibilities.

Now is the time to plant those summer flowers

April 28, 2024 9:48 am

April showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes. Years of unceasing drought brought many a perennial flower garden to its knees in the Santa Clarita Valley. But the

There will be lots of fun at the Los Angeles County Fair.

May the fun be with YOU! 

April 28, 2024 9:38 am

May is nearly here and so are many of our favorite May celebrations including Stars Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo.  Stars Wars Day is celebrated on May 4. The

Explore the architecture of Jeff Shelton on the Jeff Shelton Walking Tour in Santa Barbara. The Ablitt Tower appears to be straight out of a Dr. Seuss dream. Photo courtesy of Jeff Shelton Architect.

Wonderful walking tours in the Golden State

April 21, 2024 9:43 am

There is no better way to experience a city than to take to its streets, walking. Many self-guided walking tours are available throughout the Golden State exploring architecture, history and

Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn in Griffith Park served as his workshop where he built miniatures and model trains. Disney’s tools and handcrafted work benches are on display as well as trains of all scales. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn.

Unusual Museums You May Have Never Visited

April 14, 2024 10:21 am

You’ve probably visited The Getty, The Broad and The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, but have you seen Walt’s Barn?  Los Angeles has hundreds of museums, but you

Historical reenactors from left, Ralph Castor, Joe Riddle, Dave Kanawah and Dan Cervantes dressed in Texas style Cowboy regalia sit around a period correct camp site at The 2019 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival held at William S. Hart Park in Newhall on Saturday. Dan Watson/The Signal

The Cowboy Festival is Back!

April 14, 2024 9:41 am

The grounds of William S. Hart Regional Park in Old Town Newhall will again embrace the yee haws! and yahoos! of the annual Cowboy Festival on Saturday, April 20 and

Widespread superblooms do not occur annually, they are a rare phenomenon that usually happen only once every 10 to 15 years.

California’s Wonderful Wildflower Trails

March 31, 2024 9:57 am

A combination of several atmospheric rivers and Hurricane Hilary made 2023 one of the wettest winters in California’s recorded history receiving 141% of its average annual rainfall. With the rain

Set in the quaint hamlet of Deptford in the 1580s, the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire offers guests entertainment, food, drink, vendors and hundreds of costumed characters.

Spring Into Fun

March 31, 2024 9:44 am

Spring has arrived in Southern California with spring gardening and spring cleaning keeping everyone hopping. But spring in southern California is also the perfect time to get out and enjoy

International Wolf Center. Photo courtesy of explore.org.

An Up-Close Look at California’s Diverse Wildlife

March 24, 2024 9:31 am

From dolphins and whale watching to birds, butterflies and bison, California abounds with opportunities to see and enjoy wildlife.   More than 600 species of birds have been observed in California.

Saugus Cafe, 1957 or 1958. The new 1952 building is seen at left (after 1963, the only building). The 1925 cafe building is at right. Signal file photo.

Some Landmarks Change But Stay the Same

March 17, 2024 9:56 am

A common refrain heard throughout the Santa Clarita Valley is: “Everything has changed so much in the last few years.”  It is true that the addition of the Vista Canyon

What is more Californian than a walk through a redwood forest? Located not far from Highway 101, this easy 1.5-mile loop trail winds through old-growth redwoods and lush ferns has been a popular destination for decades.

Time to Hit California’s Trails

March 17, 2024 9:26 am

The natural beauty of California is unsurpassed. It’s time to get outside and enjoy California’s dramatic coastline, majestic granite peaks, rushing waterfalls, the world’s tallest trees, sapphire blue lakes and

The Wine Affair in Old Town Newhall celebrates wine, beer and community spirit while benefitting a great cause. Signal file photo.

Celebrate California’s Wine

March 10, 2024 9:17 am

California wine is often assumed to be less prestigious than its European counterparts, but Californians have been making wine for more than 250 years.   The years of winemaking experience and

Gone are the glory days of the Wild West, but you can still get in on the action at the Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park. Photo courtesy of the Autry Museum.

Discovering Los Angeles’ Museums

February 18, 2024 10:36 am

Winter in Southern California can often mean that outdoor fun isn’t as available with weather encouraging residents to find indoor activities.  One often forgotten resource is the large number of

Cheese, Beer and Blooms 

February 11, 2024 9:59 am

One of the hottest culinary tourist trends is the “culinary trail.” Regional culinary trails draw tourists, foodies and others looking for a unique and fun experience and offer a variety

In April 2023, the Santa Clarita City Council approved a design contract for the proposed Blue Cloud Bike Park to be located between the Haskell Canyon Open Space and Blue Cloud Open Space. The area totals over 720 acres and approximately 500 acres have been determined to be an ideal location for a bike park. Photo City of Santa Clarita.

What’s New In Santa Clarita 

February 11, 2024 9:42 am

It seems as if every day something new is popping up in the Santa Clarita Valley. New restaurants, new businesses and new city facilities. Here’s a short rundown and status