On September 20, 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 the Santa Clara River. This year, volunteers will be cleaning up the portion of the river located in Valencia near the Wiley Canyon bridge. The City will provide volunteers with 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 with teens, the City of Santa Clarita is proud to present its Teen Scene Unplugged on Wednesday, September 24, 2007 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Valencia Grand Ballroom. Sponsored by the Blue Ribbon Task Force, Teen Scene Unplugged is an exciting, interactive seminar where parents can learn to engage their teens another in meaningful conversation about important issues, specifically in the electronic age. This year’s theme is: “Understanding the Teen Brain,” and features Tina Bryson, Ph.D. There is also a Resource Fair at the Hyatt from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information about Teen Scene Unplugged, or about the Blue Ribbon Task Force, please contact Tess Simgen, at (661) 255-4965 or visit santa-clarita.com.

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to present the 2007 Santa Clarita Street Art Festival in Old Town Newhall, on September 27 and 28! 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 will 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.

Finally, it is my pleasure to cordially invite you to attend our annual State of the City Luncheon event on September 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Grand Ballroom. We have an interesting program planned and one I’m sure you will enjoy. Your $30 gets you a great lunch and a special, commemorative gift. More information is available at www.santa-clarita.com or by calling the City at 661-255-4939. Please RSVP soon to guarantee yourself a seat.

I hope that you and your family take the opportunity to attend these exciting 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!

Sincerely,

Ken Pulskamp