Good morning, Santa Clarita.

The City of Santa Clarita invites residents and visitors to join the 2026 Hiking Challenge at Elsmere Canyon Open Space (accessed from Whitney Canyon Park at Newhall Avenue) today.

Hikers can complete four trails and finish by Dec. 31 to earn a custom t-shirt.

Local lore holds that actor James Dean stopped at Tip’s in Castaic on Sept.

30, 1955, to grab pie and milk before his fatal crash, though his companions did not confirm the visit.

Santa Clarita hosts a busy October with events such as a Halloween guide running all month, a free Fix-It Clinic on Oct.

3 at Valencia Library, and a networking breakfast today at Child and Family Center, plus comedy shows, pow wows and pickleball tournaments over the weekend.

Santa Clarita theaters will show a variety of new films in October, including horror, drama and western titles with releases on Oct.

2, 7, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Local viewers should check listings + book tickets early.

Santa Clarita author Jerry Danielsen will discuss his new book Dying to Live at a public event on Oct.

10 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Valencia Library—hosted by the Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library—to include live music, a Q&A session and book signing.

Golden Valley High School's National Honor Society chapter earned the National Chapter of Distinction award for completing 2,660 community service hours during the 2025-26 school year.

The chapter supported local groups (the Child and Family Center and Santa Clarita events).

Metrolink will waive fares on Oct.

7 for California Clean Air Day amid rising gas prices, offering riders unlimited travel across its six-county system + Arrow service between San Bernardino and Redlands.

A state audit found that the L.A.

County Public Health department repeatedly delayed timely responses to the Chiquita Canyon Landfill crisis, leaving families without current air quality info. Lawmakers planned a hearing and called for better community engagement + quick action on health updates.

The CARE Act Annual Report from CDPH outlines Los Angeles County's plan to connect people with serious mental illness to treatment and housing — including training 133 community partners and achieving a higher service connection rate than state averages.

LACDMH continues to refine its outreach programs for lasting support.

Public Health reported 69 rabid bats as of Sept.

28 in the Santa Clarita Valley, marking a record high. Residents are urged to avoid contact with bats and call animal control if one is found indoors — steps designed to protect people and pets.

Week 6 of high school football starts today at 7 p.m. when Golden Valley hosts Hart at Canyon High School; Friday games at College of the Canyons, Canyon High School, Chadwick (Palos Verdes) and Faith Baptist will further shape league standings.