Good morning, Santa Clarita.

The City of Santa Clarita is inviting nonprofit organizations to submit project proposals by Aug.

24 for Make A Difference Day on Oct. 25—if selected, groups will supply tools and manage volunteers while the City coordinates event logistics.

Shanti, the 1½-year-old cat at Castaic Animal Shelter, was surrendered after being rescued from the recent fires — she now needs a quiet, patient home with an experienced owner.

Shelter staff say she is very shut down but responds to treats and gentle conversation, and they hope a caring family will help her feel safe.

Douglas Furniture, a local staple for 50 years, is closing its doors as owners Doug and Pat Green announced a giant wall-to-wall quitting business sale for early shoppers—no closing date has been set.

Santa Clarita gang detectives raided multiple addresses in April targeting a generational gang with 14 suspects linked to violent crimes including firearm use and drug sales to minors+ investigators reported one drug-possession charge so far and are still processing evidence for further cases.

The ‘Encapsulating Bloom’ art exhibit by Angelica Gomez is on view at Canyon Country Community Center through Tuesday, Sept 16—inviting local visitors to experience the latest creative works.

Three major fires ignited near Santa Clarita Valley last week—one in Ventura County burned 5,370 acres and seven structures, another in Gorman burned 577 acres and cost two RVs, and a third in Acton burned 400 acres with partial containment.

Neighborhoods received evacuation and shelter warnings, so residents are urged to prepare a wildfire readiness plan.

On Thursday the Hawk Fire in Acton burned 400 acres and reached 42% containment with evacuation warnings lifted by Friday morning — the King Fire in Gorman burned 577 acres and reached 40% containment with its evacuations lifted early Friday.

CDPH warns Santa Clarita residents that Valley fever risk remains high in 2025 as case counts are up from a record year in 2024 and over 5,500 provisional cases have been reported in early 2025—people with symptoms like cough, fever, or trouble breathing after exposure to outdoor dust should seek medical care promptly.

Golden Valley Football is gearing up for the 2025 season with fresh faces and new focus after a 2024 playoff run plus the team named Jayce Johnson as the starting quarterback, and they will open the season against Westlake on August 22 at 7 p.m. The team is building on last season's experience with renewed leadership and unity.