Good morning, Santa Clarita.

The SENSES Block Party season kicks off on April 16 in Old Town Newhall at Main Street between Market and Sixth, offering themed events every third Thursday from April through September that include live music, interactive games, and festive activities for the community.

Santa Clarita Elks Lodge #2379 held a veterans luncheon for nearly 80 guests, including 45 veterans, who enjoyed a meal and dessert.

Donna Kiger from Quilts of Valor presented a handcrafted quilt to veteran Dale Turner, and the Veterans Guitar Alliance performed and received seven new guitars for lessons.

The Santa Clarita Film Office listed five productions filming in the valley this week (Mar.

16 to Mar. 22), including TV shows NCIS and IASIP and commercials for Bank of America and T-Mobile, which are set to boost local business and the film economy.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve is nominated for Best State Park for Family-Friendly Experiences, Spectacular Views and Wildflowers as Californians can vote through April 11 — the poll organized by the California State Parks Foundation highlights public favorites in 12 park categories.

The Santa Clarita Community College District will host forums on Mar.

23 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center for four finalists for the College of the Canyons superintendent/president role to address community members — trustees will then interview candidates on Mar. 24 with the new leader starting in July.

The Newhall School District board received a student forecast update showing enrollment will rise over the next seven years.

David Kaitz presented projections that key zones, including Oak Hills, could see increases as new housing developments move forward.

Golden Oak Adult School is offering a new Phlebotomy Technician Program in partnership with UCLA.

The 8-week course (Mon, Wed, Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) begins on Wednesday, April 1 and ends on May 22 and prepares residents for certification in healthcare.

Castaic Middle School was named a 2026 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education, reflecting its long record of academic success.

It will be celebrated at a statewide awards ceremony on April 24 at the Disneyland Hotel (showing the dedication of its teachers and community).

Senator Suzette Valladares named Jill Mellady as the 2026 Woman of the Year for Senate District 23 during a ceremony at the State Capitol on March 16.

Mellady, president and co-founder of Mellady Direct Marketing, is recognized for her business leadership and deep commitment to community service in Santa Clarita.

College of the Canyons won 3-0 against No. 18 Long Beach City on Wednesday after freshman Anais Perez pitched seven scoreless innings, and the Cougars resume conference play today with a road game at L.A.

Mission College.

Six Foothill League teams played games on March 11 and 13 with two teams undefeated, two tied, and two winless.

West Ranch and Hart won both games and will host matchups on March 18 & play again on March 20 at 3:30 p.m. on their home fields.

The Master's baseball team beat Embry Riddle 15-4 on Saturday, Mar.

14 at its home field in Santa Clarita. The win boosts their season record & sets up future matchups.

West Ranch swept the series by defeating Golden Valley 3-0 on Friday at Golden Valley High.

Wildcats head coach Trevor Brown praised starter Connor Clayton for his six strong innings while the team prepares for its next matchup with the Castaic Coyotes on Wednesday at home.

The California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section announced its all-CIF honors for competitive cheer, naming seven Santa Clarita Valley student-athletes and awarding Valencia a Coach of the Year nod after a season in which local teams earned state and national honors (including a state title and a national podium finish).