Community Stories

ARTree showcases student art 

The ARTree Community Arts Center held its Student Art Show last weekend in Old Town Newhall.   There were 49 pieces of original artworks created by students as young as 5 and up to 90 years old following the culmination of

Robert Lamoureux

Robert Lamoureux | My roof looks fine, but … 

Question: Robert, thank you for everything you do to educate homeowners with repairs to their homes. In a recent article you mentioned that your 33-year-old roof finally needs repairs/replacement. I live in the Valencia area, and my house has a cement shingle roof. The roof is about 25 years old without any leaks. My question is what the average lifespan of this type of roof is. Also, would you suggest that I have the roof inspected this summer even though I do not have any leaks?  Thanks for your expertise.   — Steve C.  Answer: Steve, thank you for being a loyal reader of the Signal. It all depends on the type of roof that was installed. The one I was alluding to is a concrete roof, with the underlayment. The underlayment is what fails in these types of

City celebrates Dia de los Niños 

Libros, música, cultura, comunidad, y celebración  was at the forefront of the city of Santa Clarita’s Dia de los Niños/ Dia de los Libros event last Saturday at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library branch.   In celebration with

College briefs

College Briefs for April 30

Keane Miller named to Worcester Polytechnic Institute dean’s list  Worcester Polytechnic Institute has announced that Castaic resident Keane Miller, a member of the class of 2029 majoring in electrical and

Members of the Include Everyone Project SCV performed songs on the ukulele at the city of Santa Clarita's FestAbility event held at West Creek Park, aimed to celebrate individuals with special needs with a series of inclusive and adaptive activities, on Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2025. Maya Morales/The Signal

City to host FestAbility on Sunday 

News release  The city of Santa Clarita invites residents of all ages and abilities to FestAbility on Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m. at West Creek Park, 24247 Village Circle Drive.   Now in its fifth year, FestAbility brings

Photos: COC’s Discovery Day

College of the Canyons hosted its annual Discovery Day aimed at to offer future students a chance to explore the campus and its programs at the Valencia campus on Friday.

Registration opens for WiSH Upon a Car 

News release  WiSH Upon a Car Showcase returns once again 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the Citrus Street parking lot at Valencia Town Center. This fundraising event benefits the WiSH Education Foundation and features hot rods, classics,

The School of Rock performs during the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley presented by UCLA Health on Saturday May 3, 2025 at Central Park in Saugus, Calif. Katherine Quezada/The Signal

American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life set for Saturday 

News release  This year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley takes place at Central Park on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the theme “Superheroes Unite!”   The community is invited to attend the free and family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, carnival games, vendors, children’s activities, raffle drawings,

Nonprofit filler

School on Wheels honors local Tutor of the Year 

News release  April marks Global Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time when School on Wheels recognizes the individuals who go above and beyond to support students experiencing homelessness through weekly one-on-one

SCV Senior Center celebrates 50th anniversary at Golden Gala 

The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center’s Bella Vida ballroom was possibly the shiniest it’s ever been Saturday.  The Senior Center’s 50th anniversary Golden Gala, a reimagined version of its annual Celebrity Waiter fundraiser, let attendees interpret the year’s theme “all that glitters is

Lifeguards Kalista Imo (front left) and Danae Plascencia present a CPR demonstration to attendees of the Water Safety Day event on June 21, 2025 at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center in Santa Clarita, Calif. Katherine Quezada/The Signal

City to host Water Safety Day 

News release  The city of Santa Clarita is reinforcing the importance of water safety through a free, community-focused event, Water Safety Day, scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center.

Community leaders recognized with One Hart award 

The William S. Hart Union High School District recognized two community leaders with the One Hart Award during Wednesday’s governing board meeting.   Capt. Brandon Barclay of the Santa Clarita Valley

Robert Lamoureux

Robert Lamoureux | Seeking first steps for a home addition 

Question: Good evening, Robert. Can you tell me, what is the first step in doing an addition onto a home? We have a large lot, plenty of room to add a breezeway and in-law suite, but no idea on where to begin. We are ready to start the process but no idea where to begin. Any help and advice you can share with us would be much appreciated, thank you.  — Randy S.  Answer: Randy, first thing is to have a plan drawn up. Hire an architect/engineer for the drawings. Take these to the city’s Building and Safety department to acquire permits. In the meantime, begin researching licensed and insured building contractors.   Try first to get a recommendation if you can, from someone you trust. You need nothing less than a licensed and insured contractor, whose certificate of insurance you have verified directly with their carrier. Vet their license through the California State License Board, where you can research their license history and status.   The contractor will look at the permit and plans and offer a proposal for work. Get at least three separate contractors to offer proposals, and decide which is the most detail-oriented, thorough bid. It is likely not going to be the least expensive but use caution here and choose the right person for the job over the best price. 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 owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].