header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
December 19
1970 - Snow day in Santa Clarita Valley [photos]
Saugus train station


Greetings from the MRCA Trail in Santa Clarita Woodlands
From George Lange, Chair

 

Dear Friends,

 

Welcome to another issue of the MRCA Symbiosis Newsletter. This issue focuses on “Stay Safe in the Great Outdoors”, intended to get us all thinking ahead of time about being safe and aware — anticipating the potential for experiences both positive and negative, expected or not expected — while in open space and out on the trails.

More specifically, what does “Stay Safe in the Great Outdoors” mean? We all have our own vision of being outdoors, but what thoughts go through your mind when you hear the word “safe”? Everyone wants to be safe (from danger, harm, disappointment, etc.), yet we know that there is always the possibility that not so pleasant things may happen. There are always unforeseen circumstances that occur throughout our life. However, if we do our best with planning and preparing we can minimize the likelihood and impact of the negative circumstances. These principles also apply when venturing into the Great Outdoors — which is the message we want to communicate in this issue. Read more

 Having trouble viewing the newsletter?     Click here for a pdf version

Trail at Temescal Gateway Park What to Know Before You Go
Planning and Preparing for Safe Outdoor Activities
With summer starting, people are looking forward to spending some time in the outdoors. From hiking and camping to horseback riding and biking, summer is a popular time at the parks. But with the recent headlines about lost hikers and injured park visitors, you may be a bit hesitant about going out on the trail. While it is everyone’s personal responsibility to be prepared, we want to set your worries at ease and make some suggestions for your future park visits. Luckily with a few simply steps, you can be well prepared and keep yourself safe while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.  Read more

Hikers on Trail

Staying Safe in Nature’s Playground
What to Do While on the Trail
Picture yourself out hiking on a trail in the Santa Monica Mountains. It is a beautiful day, 80°F, with a gentle breeze blowing through the chaparral. You had a scrumptious lunch break with a spectacular view looking out over the rolling hills and valleys, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the big city that is only a few miles away. As you pack up your lunch and start to head back, you accidentally stumble on a rock in the trail. You feel a sharp pain in your ankle. Not sure whether you broke or just badly sprained your ankle, you are certain you will not be able to walk out on your own. Without anyone else around to help, you call 911. Read more

Girl with Sycamore Tree

Showing Gratitude to Nature
Principles of Leave No Trace and Outdoor Etiquette
Manners are good skills to have no matter where you go or what you are doing. They go a long way, especially in the outdoors! Followed by many outdoor adventurers for decades and officially established by the US Forest Service in 1994, Leave No Trace (LNT) was designed to spread the word of outdoor etiquette. LNT’s 7 principles encourage respect and stewardship of the land, a way you can demonstrate your “pleases”,”thank yous”, and gratitude for recreating in a space shared by other living organisms. Read more

Rattlesnake

Knowing Your Neighbords
Notable Plants and Animals in the Parks
How well do you know your neighbors? If you are anything like me, you know a few names and occasionally wave a friendly hello. When you are out enjoying your local parks this summer it can be helpful to know your nature neighbors a bit better. Take a moment to meet some of our notable neighbors so you can be better prepared when visiting their wildland homes. Read more

Turkey Vulture
Staying Cool and Hydrated in the
Summer Heat
Lessons from Nature
Our summers in Los Angeles can be extremely hot and dry which makes it more important to keep cool and stay hydrated. Whether you are hiking the trails, enjoying a day at the beach, or relaxing under an oak tree, water is a key component for a successful day. Often when we are enjoying our activities, we lose track of time and forget to take a sip of water. While it is easy to get carried away in our activity it’s crucial to replenish our loss of fluids.  Read more

Get to know the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority with Symbiosis. In every issue we will share news, stories, and photos on a different theme.

Prop 84 Logo

Published by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and 

partially funded by a Proposition 84 grant from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.  

 

Contact Information:  InterpPrograms@mrca.ca.gov

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Friday, Dec 19, 2025
City Presents ‘Pop Culture’ Art Exhibit at the Newhall Community Center
The city of Santa Clarita will present its latest art exhibition, “Pop Culture,” on view at the Newhall Community Center now through March 25, 2026.
Thursday, Dec 18, 2025
Applications Are Open for the Summer 2026 Lifeguard Season
Do you have a passion for swimming and a desire to make an impact in your community? The city of Santa Clarita is seeking individuals with strong customer service skills and a commitment to community engagement to join its lifeguard team.
Thursday, Dec 18, 2025
Dec. 19: No Burn Day Alert Issued for SCV, South Coast Air Basin
Santa Clarita Valley residents need to put down the yule log and refrain from all residental wood burning fires on Friday, Dec. 19.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The city of Santa Clarita will present its latest art exhibition, “Pop Culture,” on view at the Newhall Community Center now through March 25, 2026.
City Presents ‘Pop Culture’ Art Exhibit at the Newhall Community Center
This week’s Foothill League matches resulted in the Saugus boys getting a firmer grip on first place, and the Saugus girls slipping into second place. Meanwhile, holiday tournaments are bringing both wins and losses from non-league teams, with more on the way.
Foothill League Soccer: Saugus Boys, Hart Girls Leading
1970 - Snow day in Santa Clarita Valley [photos]
Saugus train station
Do you have a passion for swimming and a desire to make an impact in your community? The city of Santa Clarita is seeking individuals with strong customer service skills and a commitment to community engagement to join its lifeguard team.
Applications Are Open for the Summer 2026 Lifeguard Season
Santa Clarita Valley residents need to put down the yule log and refrain from all residental wood burning fires on Friday, Dec. 19.
Dec. 19: No Burn Day Alert Issued for SCV, South Coast Air Basin
U.S. Rep. George Whitesides (D-Aqua Dulce), announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 27th Congressional District: the “MathViz” team led by local Academy of the Canyons student, Gautham Korrapati.
Whitesides Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge SCV Winners
The Mardi Gras Madness 1K/5K/10K, set for March 1, in Santa Clarita, is more than a race, it’s a celebration of health, community and giving back. Now through Wednesday, Dec. 24, take $10 OFF race registration with promo code WINTER10 at checkout.
March 1: JCI Santa Clarita Holds Mardi Gras Madness 1K/5K/10K Runs
Theatre Extempore will present the all time classic musical The Fantasticks, 8-10 p.m. Jan. 9-11. 15-18 at The MAIN.
Jan. 9: Premiere of ‘The Fantasticks’ Presented by Theatre Extempore
West Ranch High School senior Braulio Castillo (17) never did any long-distance running before high school, but what he has accomplished in that demanding discipline since taking it up is impressive. And, so far his senior year, it is phenomenal.
West Ranch Runner Going the Distance
Powerlab Studio will hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting 4:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at 28110 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia, CA 91355.
Jan 8: Powerlab Studio Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting
B2 Entertainment will have a Cookies With Santa event, 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at 21516 Golden Triangle Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Dec. 21: Cookies With Santa at MB2 Entertainment
The College of the Canyons soccer programs will be hosting 'Friday Night Footy,' small-sided pick-up games, running on Friday evenings Jan. 2 through June 26 at the COC Soccer Facility.
Jan. 2-June 26: Cougars Soccer Programs to Host ‘Friday Night Footy’
College of the Canyons sophomore pitcher Nichole Muro will continue her academic and athletic career at Cumberland University after signing with the Phoenix softball program.
Muro Signs with Cumberland University Softball Program
College of the Canyons men's basketball won its fourth straight contest in an 80-72 affair at Napa Valley College on Monday afternoon, Dec. 15 as freshman Julius Washington led all scorers with 20 points.
Cougars Win Fourth Straight 80-72 at Napa Valley
Canyons women's basketball snapped a five-game losing streak with a 60-44 win over Diablo Valley College during the final day of action at the Napa Valley Storm Surge tournament on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Canyons Finishes Tourney Weekend with 60-44 Win Over Diablo Valley
1929 - Swift justice: Thomas Vernon sentenced to life in prison for Saugus train derailment & robbery 1 month earlier [story]
Tom Vernon
The Newhall School District Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, Dec. 16 for its annual organiational meeting.
Newhall School Board Elects Rachelle Haddoak 2026 Board President
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department  Forensic In-Patient Step Down program’s success has led to an annual graduation that not only celebrates the participants for the progress they have made in the program but also acknowledges the department’s commitment to excellence in custody operations. 
LASD Custody Division Honors Inmates on the Path of Recovery and Success
The study of bones from the largest collection of Neandertal remains in Northern Europe has revealed evidence of selective cannibalism targeting Neandertal females and children between 41,000 and 45,000 years ago.
Research by CSUN Prof Finds Neandertal Selective Cannibalism 45,000 Years Ago
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that registration is open for the second annual School Leadership to End Hate Winter Institute, co-hosted by the California Department of Education and the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education.
State Education Dept. to Address Rising Antisemitism, Hate
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was awarded a $134,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety
LASD Crime Lab Awarded Grant to Bolster Testing for DUI Cases
Southern California’s iconic Joshua trees are in bloom, and California State University, Northridge’s environmental biologists are asking the public’s help in figuring out why and what it means for the trees’ future.
CSUN Researchers Call for Public’s Help in Documenting Joshua Trees’ Surprise Out-of-Season Bloom
The California Department of Motor Vehicles today issued its decision in the Tesla administrative case, adopting the administrative law judge’s proposed decision
DMV Finds Tesla Violated California State Law With ‘Autopilot’ Terms
Starting January 1, 2026, Santa Clarita Transit is launching Fare Capping, meaning once riders hit the daily or weekly cap, the rest of their local rides are free.
Santa Clarita Transit Launches Fare Capping Beginning January 2026
SCVNews.com