While we still have a few more weeks of summer weather, our children are returning to school and we can begin to anticipate the cooler days of fall. After the heat of summer, I know I am definitely ready for a little cooler weather!

Here at City Hall, we are busy with a myriad of programs and projects aimed at helping to retain our high quality of life and improve our great City. Here are a few highlights you may enjoy learning about.

On September 15, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., the City will host its award-winning River Rally Cleanup & Environmental Expo! The event is expected to draw large numbers of volunteers interested in helping remove trash and debris from a portion of the Santa Clara River. This year, volunteers will be cleaning up the portion of the river located in Canyon Country off of Calla Way. The City provides volunteers with gloves, lunch, and a gift in appreciation of their service to the community. River Rally is always a popular event for local scout troops, clubs, and other community service organizations. More information is available through the City of Santa Clarita’s Environmental Services Division at (661) 286-4098 or online at santa-clarita.com.

In an effort to help families, the City of Santa Clarita is proud to present its Teen Scene Unplugged on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Grand Ballroom. Sponsored by the Blue Ribbon Task Force, Teen Scene Unplugged is an exciting, interactive seminar where parents and teens can learn to engage one another in meaningful conversation about youth and family issues, specifically in the electronic age. This year’s theme is: “The Seven Cries of Today’s Teens: Hear Their Hearts—Make the Connection!” For more information about Teen Scene Unplugged, or about the Blue Ribbon Task Force, please contact Tess Simgen, Community Services Analyst for the City, at (661) 255-4965.

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to present the 2007 Santa Clarita Street Art Festival in Old Town Newhall, on September 29 and 30! The free outdoor festival will feature live music, arts and crafts, great food, and amazing street art exhibits! Free of charge, the festival is a component of the City’s effort to revitalize the Downtown Newhall area. The City hopes to turn the streets of Old Town Newhall into a vibrant pedestrian-based City center, with eclectic shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Santa Clarita Street Art Festival is one of the programs the City hopes to set up in Downtown Newhall throughout the year. Guests will enjoy amazing sidewalk chalk art created by professional artists, as well as live music, entertainment and host activities for adults and children. For more information, please contact the City Arts and Events Office at (661) 286-4018 or visit the website at www.streetartfest.com.

I hope that you and your family take the opportunity to attend these unique community events. Thank you for your interest in the City of Santa Clarita. It’s because of the tremendous involvement and support of our community that Santa Clarita continues to be one of the best places to live, work and play!