Good morning, Santa Clarita.

The SCV Food Pantry is urging residents to donate and volunteer as officials warn that the federal shutdown may soon disrupt CalFresh benefits that thousands need for food access.

Executive director Joanne Ainsworth said the pantry must prepare for a surge in local demand—calling on the community to help feed up to 10,000 clients a month.

Santa Clarita is hosting many events this week — including haunted houses, theatre shows, science talks, and community carnivals — with activities set from today through November 1; organizers note that details can change, so residents should check with event organizers for updates.

Mary S. Ruiz was born on October 22nd in San Francisquito Canyon to a pioneering ranch family that helped shape Santa Clarita Valley—she later served her community before perishing with her family during the St. Francis Dam disaster and now rests in the Ruiz-Perea Cemetery.

The City of Santa Clarita invites community members to the 2025 Sidewalk Poetry Dedication, which will take place on Oct.

30 at 5:00 p.m. at The MAIN (24266 Main Street) in Old Town Newhall.

Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency won three awards from PRSA-LA at its 61st Annual PRism Awards on October 22nd—earning two top honors and one Award of Excellence—and was recognized for its Get More from Your Landscape Video, Proposition 218 Water Rates Engagement Campaign and Popular Annual Financial Report—highlighting its commitment to clear public communication.

Los Angeles County’s Department of Economic Opportunity and the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment reopened a $100,000 grant program to help nonprofit Chambers of Commerce support small businesses facing financial challenges.

Eligible chambers may apply online for a grant of up to $7,000 until Oct. 31—awards will be announced by the end of November.

Following the State of the City address on October 22nd, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo and the city council unveiled a new Emergency Mobile Command Unit for first responders—equipped with monitors that track wind patterns and fire locations to improve emergency coordination.

The Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, LAHSA, and the VA released updated data showing that 3,050 veterans were homeless on any given night—2% more than last year but still 20% lower than in 2023.

The data report from the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count and the BNL also shows 1,573 verified veterans and 93% with a housing plan, while One Team reported 1,832 permanent housing placements through HUD-VASH, SSVF, and other programs.

Samuel Dixon Family Health Center Inc. was named Organization of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers on Sept.

24 for offering affordable care to underserved Santa Clarita Valley residents — the award honors its over 40 years of service and strong local partnerships.

Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Santa Clarita started offering a new treatment for severe COPD and emphysema.

Dr. Sasan Sani performed the first bronchoscopic lung volume reduction procedure using a Zephyr endobronchial valve to remove trapped air and improve breathing.

The City of Santa Clarita announced the third annual Pet Adoption Week from October 27 to November 1—covering all adoption fees for residents at the Castaic Animal Care Center while requiring only a license fee, and it will culminate with the Halloween-themed 'Paws at the Park' on November 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at William S. Hart Park.

Santa Clarita high school football enters week nine with important games affecting playoff spots, as teams prepare for contests today and Friday.

Today, Trinity plays Temecula Prep at 7:30 p.m. and Santa Clarita Christian takes on Milken at 6 p.m.—Friday contests include Hart hosting Valencia for the league title, Golden Valley facing West Ranch, and Saugus meeting Castaic for a playoff berth.

West Ranch girls volleyball fought back from an early deficit to beat the Tesoro Titans in straight sets (25-17, 25-16) on Tuesday and advance to the second round of the CIF playoffs.

The Wildcats host Roosevelt today at 6 p.m. at West Ranch High School.