Good morning, Santa Clarita.

Santa Clarita families can use California’s SUN Bucks program to get $120 per eligible child during summer break; most children receive the benefit automatically while others must apply at the school + a 24-hour helpline is available for assistance.

Mayor Laurene Weste urged residents to support local businesses at Bouquet Plaza and Plum Commerce Center amid Bouquet Canyon Realignment project impacts.

Today, join the new Open Rewards Program and Shop Local Pop-Up Event (4 to 8 p.m.) to earn 5% cash back when dining or shopping.

The Los Angeles County Department Animal Care and Control was recognized by NACo for its Vet@ThePark clinics (second year), a mobile program that brings free pet wellness services to parks to help underserved pet owners.

The initiative will continue to support community pet health.

Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence seeks new Allies to support foster youth aging out of the county system.

The training session is on Aug. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fellowship Center (Christ Lutheran Church in Valencia).

The Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry announced that Albertsons Companies donated approximately 50,000 pounds of food (25 pallets of essential pantry staples) to support local families, seniors, students, and veterans.

The donated food including peanut butter, canned vegetables, and pasta will help keep pantry shelves stocked for those in need.

Harvard-bound Brandon Chang, a 2026 West Ranch graduate, was named a Milken Scholar and received a $10,000 award.

He founded GalaxSea Explorers to offer free space education to low-income students and will study applied mathematics and computer science at Harvard.

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo honored local students at the Young Community Leader Awards Gala, recognizing exceptional leadership and community service from transitional kindergarten through high school.

The event celebrated students from schools across the district.

The board approved new policies on mental health, immigration enforcement, administering medication and monitoring health conditions at a special school board meeting Monday — changes required by state guidelines before school starts.

The board additionally approved placing the national motto on the boardroom wall to honor the country’s 250th birthday.

Hsiawen Hull, executive director at College of the Canyons, received the Innovation & Best Practices Award from the Center for Internet Security’s MS-ISAC at the 19th ISAC Annual Summit.

His leadership has strengthened cybersecurity for California’s 116 colleges and 73 districts — boosting shared defenses and resources statewide.

SCV Water will soon convert irrigation systems at Fair Oaks Park - 17468 Honey Maple Street - and nearby medians to recycled water, as approved on July 21.

The project will transform 250,000 sqft of landscaping and supply 11.4 million gallons of potable water annually, with work finishing this winter.

Valencia resident Jim de Bree explained the challenges seniors face with health care and housing, using examples from his own family.

He urged local leaders to explore new tech + better support for care workers to help elderly residents live safely.

Canyon High School named Mike Young as the new head baseball coach for the upcoming 2027 spring season after former coach Zach Newman stepped down.

With 35 years of experience, Young will lead the Cowboys as they work toward making the playoffs.