Community Stories

CHP holding annual toy drive 

The California Highway Patrol’s Newhall-area Office has started its annual toy drive, according to officials.  In addition to starting the collection now, officers are planning the annual “stuff-a-bus” event for Dec. 6-7

Artist and SCAA member Ezra Turn live paints during The Santa Clarita Artists Association Gallery’s group art schow titled “Reflections” in Newhall on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Katherine Quezada/The Signal

Photos: SCAA holds ‘Reflections’ reception

The Santa Clarita Artists Association held its last art gallery reception of the year last Saturday in Newhall.  During the reception, SCAA members Ezra Turn and Justin Pool performed live

College briefs

College Briefs for Nov. 20

Amanda Alatorre named to dean’s list at Tufts University  Amanda Alatorre, class of 2028, of Canyon Country, was named to the dean’s list at Tufts University for the spring 2025

Participants in Carousel Ranch's Ready to Work program prepare vegetables as part of the program's "restaurant experience week." Photo courtesy of Carousel Ranch.

Carousel Ranch receives $75K grant from Taper Foundation 

News release  The S. Mark Taper Foundation has contributed a $75,000 grant to Carousel Ranch and its Ready to Work program that provides vocational training programs for young adults with special needs, according to a news release from

The Santa Clarita History Center is inviting the community to a photo session Dec. 6 in front of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society’s 125-year-old Mogul 1629 steam engine to help the society raise money for restoration projects and programming. 

History Center to host ‘Polar Express’ photo fundraiser 

News release  The Santa Clarita History Center is inviting the community to a photo session Dec. 6 in front of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society’s 125-year-old Mogul 1629 steam engine to help the society raise money for restoration projects

Patricia McEwen (left) and Rosi Silvis show off the merchandise they have for sale to a shopper at the American Cancer Society Holiday Boutique held at the Santa Clarita United Methodist Church Nov. 23, 2024, where attendees kickstarted their holiday season shopping. Katherine Quezada/The Signal

Cancer Society Holiday Boutique set for Saturday 

News release  The annual Holiday Boutique benefiting the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley is scheduled 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road.    The annual boutique features unique items for the gift-giving season, with more than 50 vendors. Proceeds go to the

Spectrum presented Single Mothers Outreach with a $5,000 grant to support services for single parents. From left: Douglas Tripp, Spectrum director of government affairs; John Evarts, SMO board chair; Yorleni Sapp, SMO executive director; Adrianne Sears, Spectrum director of government and community strategy; Virginia Miranda; Mayor Bill Miranda and Councilwoman Patsy Ayala. Courtesy photo.

Single Mothers Outreach receives $5,000 grant 

News release  Single Mothers Outreach has received a $5,000 grant from Spectrum through the company’s Spectrum Employee Community Grants program.  This is the program’s fourth grant awarded to Single Mothers Outreach, bringing the total donation to $30,000

West Ranch High School band dads Jim Forrest and Jonathan Gallaway have volunteered their time and energy to create and maintain the props for “Red,” the band’s field show that loosely tells the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Photo courtesy of Manuel Villa and Ruthy Horak.

West Ranch band dads bring Hollywood flair to field show 

By Bob Buttitta For The Signal  From Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the “Wizard of Oz” to Luke Skywalker’s iconic lightsaber, great props can play a huge role in helping to tell the story of a theatrical production. 

“Alma Thomas Winter Forest” by Delilah Martinez-Cazares.

Castaic district student art on display at Newhall library 

News release  The city of Santa Clarita’s latest art exhibit, “Castaic Union School District Student Exhibition,” is on view now through Jan. 20 at the Santa Clarita Public Library Old Town Newhall Branch, 24500 Main St.   This exhibition showcases 90 playful winter and autumn-themed artworks inspired by the seven elements of art — line,

Santa takes a photo with Mary Lou Cortez, left, and Ricardo Cortez at the Valencia Town Center on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Susan Monaghan/The Signal

Mall celebrates Santa’s arrival

The Valencia Town Center mall celebrated the official arrival of Santa Claus for the 2025 season on Saturday. The celebration, featuring activities and character appearances, was held in front of

The West Ranch Wildcat Marching Band and color gaurd perform at the 41st annual Hart Rampage competition held at College of the Canyons in Valencia, Calif. on Nov. 1, 2025. Katherine Quezada/The Signal

West Ranch music program seeks help after cancellation of Wildcat Classic 

News release  Because of the winter storm that hit Southern California over the weekend, The Wildcat Classic, West Ranch High School’s annual marching band competition that was scheduled for Saturday, had to be cancelled.  The event was set to feature more than 20 marching bands

Light Up Main Street lets SCV families come as they are  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWfYcZjzyDQ&feature=youtu.be The Christmas tree lighting ceremony at this year’s Light Up Main Street event almost went perfectly.  At the end of the countdown, one by one, the giant snowflake lights