Good morning, Santa Clarita.

Hart District students outpaced state and Los Angeles County averages on CAASPP and CAST tests with double-digit gains in math, as shown in the California School Dashboard.

The results reflect improved graduation rates and college readiness, bolstered by focused math investments (a key part of the district’s approach).

The California Department of Education released test scores on Oct.

15, prompting Educational Results Partnership to announce the 2026 Honor Roll for top public schools and districts statewide. Santa Clarita Valley schools like Newhall Oak Hills Elementary (Scholar) and Newhall Stevenson Ranch Elementary (Star) earned recognition for closing achievement gaps.

Castaic Middle School was redesignated as a National School to Watch, confirming its strong commitment to academic excellence and student support.

It was also recognized as a California Distinguished School and remains one of the select legacy schools in the district.

City officials urge residents and businesses to prepare for El Niño as wetter-than-normal conditions may bring heavy rain, flooding & landslides this fall and winter.

They advise clearing gutters, having sandbags ready and signing up for emergency alerts to stay informed during storms.

Santa Clarita seniors will see their Social Security benefits rise by 3.6% next January, increasing average payments by about $75 per month (the Social Security Administration announced the largest increase in four years amid rising inflation).

High winds and fire danger triggered public safety power shutoffs by Southern California Edison in the Santa Clarita Valley on Thursday, affecting 40,531 customers while 230,065 remain under review.

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger advised residents to prepare emergency supplies (including charged devices) and stay alert as conditions may worsen.

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo met with local business leaders Wednesday to discuss a new law protecting small businesses from predatory financing practices after Gov. Newsom signed the measure — the law will expand oversight of commercial lenders from Jan.

1 with licensing effective July 1.