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Robert Lamoureux

Robert Lamoureux | Old-style closet: Looking for a fresh DIY door option 

Question: Hello Robert, love reading your articles, learning what I can. Looking for a suggestion here, hoping you have one. There is a small bedroom closet, which has the traditional older sliding doors on it. The problem is, the size opening that it has, is quite inconvenient. Is there any other door I can install with limited wood-working abilities, that I could use? Any ideas?  — Joseph A.  Answer: Joseph, there are many options, all of which you’d have to evaluate based on the wall this closet is on. The most popular in the last many years is the barn door style. If you have enough wall space, this can be one piece that slides off to the side, though you need the wall space to accommodate for it. The second and most likely to work would be a bi-fold-style door.   All of these can be purchased through Amazon as well as big box stores, and install is not too difficult. I’d likely go with the bi-fold doors — they have more style options and, in my opinion, you can end up with a larger opening for the access you’re looking for. Best of luck.  Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing

The Time Ranger

The Time Ranger | When Plum was Called, ‘Canyon of the Dead …’ 

Funny thing? Twenty years ago this week, this was the oddest Santa Clarita Valleyv August. Cold nights. Drizzly mornings. Beats any quadruple-digit egg evaporator.  This morning we’ve interesting vistas ahead. There’s beginnings and endings, ghostly canyons and ancient graffiti. We’ll be saying howdy to crooks, firebugs, movie stars,

COC to host Welcome Day on Aug. 14 

News release  College of the Canyons is scheduled to host Welcome Day on Friday, Aug. 14, providing new, prospective, and continuing students with an opportunity to explore the campus and prepare for

Photos: National Night Out

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, the California Highway Patrol and Search & Rescue team members, in addition to other organizations, participated in National Night Out in conjunction with the

Photos: Gold Rush in Santa Clarita

Attendees put on their boots and gathered for the fourth installment of the city of Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park series, featuring Gold Rush Country performing contemporary hits on

Dietra Clayton

Bridge to Home announces new executive director 

News release  Bridge to Home announced that Dietra Clayton is the new executive director of the nonprofit homeless services organization.   Clayton brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience advancing housing stability, behavioral health services, organizational growth and community partnerships, according to a news release from the nonprofit.   Most recently, she served as managing executive director of The Sophia Way in Washington State, where she led efforts to expand services for women experiencing homelessness, strengthen organizational sustainability, and deepen partnerships across government, philanthropy, health care and the nonprofit sector, the release said.  “Dietra has built her career around one simple but powerful belief — that everyone deserves hope, opportunity and the support to move from crisis to stability,” Bridge to Home Board President Laura Gallardo said in the release. “Her

Special olympics hosts bowling tournament  

The Valencia Lanes was packed on Saturday morning, with teams from across southern California including the Santa Clarita Valley for the 2026 SCV Bowling Competition hosted by the Special Olympics of Southern

Robert Lamoureux

Robert Lamoureux | The Mystery of the Squeaking Pocket Door 

Question: Hi Robert, I have a pocket door that is making a “grinding/squeaking” noise, as it is operated. Is this something I can investigate on my own, or do I need to call a professional in for it? Who would I call? Thanks for your help.  — Roger L.  Answer: Roger, if you are patient and decent with tools, you can give this a go. It is likely a shift in materials. This happens over time with doors and such, with houses settling.   Carefully remove the trim surrounding the pocket door frame, exercise the door and see if that is where it was catching. If this is the case, shave down the trim so that there is clearance between the two, and reinstall. Caulk and paint as needed.   If, by chance, this was not the issue, you will likely have to open drywall to investigate further. Best of luck.  Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He