Good morning, Santa Clarita.

Crosspoint Church on Cinema Drive in Valencia hosted its annual Back-to-School event on Wednesday, Aug.

5, giving away 400 backpacks and free clothing to help local students amid rising costs (with carnival games and food uniting community members).

The Triumph Foundation will host its 2026 Gala on Thursday, Nov.

12 at the iconic Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, offering the community an evening of inspiring stories, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while seeking sponsors starting at $2,500 and individual tickets at $300 per person.

Placerita Canyon Nature Center will host a movie night featuring 'Spy Kids' (7-9:30 p.m.) on Saturday, Aug.

22 at the Acorn Amphitheater.

Hoot Gibson, born on Aug.

6, 1892, became a Western film star and Saugus rodeo owner — his rodeo wins and film roles helped shape local heritage. The city honors his legacy with a star on the Western Walk of Stars.

The city announced the 'Illuminated Women' art exhibition by Jane Mick, which features vibrant mixed-media paintings and is on view at The MAIN through Sept.2 (a special reception is scheduled on Aug.20 from 7-10 p.m. during the SENSES Block Party).

A WalletHub survey shows that Santa Clarita residents spend a lower share of their income on clothes (ranking 92 out of 100), indicating a strong cost-of-living position in clothing expenses.

The Music Center’s 39th Annual Spotlight program invites high school students in the performing arts to apply for scholarships and artistic growth.

Applications are due by Monday, Oct. 12 and the finale takes place at The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre on Saturday, May 22, 2027 (full details online).

DTSC is seeking public comment to reduce gas + odor emissions from Chiquita Canyon Landfill by proposing a cover over the waste at 29201 Henry Mayo Drive.

The comment period will continue until Aug. 19.

Volunteer registration is open for the 31st Annual River Rally Clean-Up and Environmental Expo at the Newhall Community Center on Saturday, Sept.

19 from 8-11 a.m. Volunteers will clean a stretch of the Santa Clara riverbed and learn about local conservation efforts (registration closes Friday, Sept. 18).

The City of Santa Clarita has released a new episode of Santa Clarita Voices featuring City Manager Ken Striplin and Communications Manager Carrie Lujan in an interactive Q&A for residents to learn about housing, development, and local services (including a playful 'Mean Tweets' segment and a special surprise).

On Tuesday, the California Pizza Kitchen on the 24600 block of Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia was closed due to a vermin infestation and is expected to reopen soon (a restaurant spokesperson said no exact time was provided).

Residents enjoy a local summer staycation by exploring Old Town Newhall historic sites, riding the Summer Trolley, and attending events like Time Machine on Aug.

20 and Oktoberfest on Sept. 17; local venues such as the Aquatic Center and The Cube (a cool skating spot) offer family fun.

Alex Hernandez (a right-handed pitcher from Fresno City College and Visalia) signed with The Master's University baseball team.