SCVNews.com | Opinion/Commentary: Kathryn Barger | Keeping Up With Kathryn

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January 9

1857 - Estimated 8.0 earthquake, SoCal's most recent "Big One," decimates Fort Tejon [story]

Kathryn Barger | Keeping Up With Kathryn

Supervisor Kathryn Barger | Friday, Dec 19, 2025

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There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with toys, treats, and rollercoasters. My annual Foster Youth Holiday Party is one of the most special traditions we do each year, and I was so thankful to host it alongside our partners with the Department of Children and Family Services last weekend.

We welcomed 600 children of all ages to Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Thrill Capital of the World and a true gem in our district.

With the help of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the ABC7 Spark of Love Toy Drive, every child left with the gift of their dreams.

Every child deserves to experience the magic and warmth of the holiday season, especially those in our foster care system. Each year, this celebration creates joyful memories, eases stress for families and reminds our foster youth that they are valued and deeply cared for by our community.

May this care and cheer feel abundant across our communities this time of year. I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, restful, and hope-filled holiday season.

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Councilwoman Marsha McLean | New Year, New Amenities

Friday, Jan 2, 2026

As we usher in a new year, I want to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy 2026.

Ken Striplin | Happy New Year, Santa Clarita

Friday, Jan 2, 2026

It’s hard to believe 2025 is now in the rearview mirror.

Happy New Year and Becoming Father Time

Monday, Dec 29, 2025

The end of the year points out that time speeds up as you get older, or get bored, or think too much.

Kathryn Barger | 2025 Year in Review

Saturday, Dec 27, 2025

At this time last year, we had no idea what changes and challenges 2025 would have in store. What I did know, and what this year reaffirmed, is that whatever 2025 brought our way, we’d get through it together.

Kathryn Barger | Keeping Up With Kathryn

Friday, Dec 19, 2025

There's no better way to celebrate the season than with toys, treats, and rollercoasters. My annual Foster Youth Holiday Party is one of the most special traditions we do each year

Select Keeping Up with Kathryn Barger | Home For the Holidays

Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025

I'm overjoyed to share that as of this week, several Altadena residents have moved back into their newly-rebuilt homes in time for the holidays.

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Today in SCV History (Jan. 9) 1857 - Estimated 8.0 earthquake, SoCal's most recent "Big One," decimates Fort Tejon [story]	Feb. 21: Bridge to Home Soup for the Soul is ‘Off to the Races’ The annual Bridge to Home Soup for the Soul Gala fundraiser is "Off to the Races" on Saturday, Feb. 21.	SCV Sheriff’s Station Crime Impact Team Recognized The five deputies assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station Crime Impact Team (CIT) were recently recognized within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for exceptional work throughout 2025.	Proposed California Legislation Would Add Protections for News Media A California lawmaker started the new year by introducing three bills intended to provide more protections for journalists and ensure their access to the courtroom.	Jan. 13: New Docent Program Begins at Placerita Canyon Nature Center The Docent Training Program at Placerita Canyon Nature Center welcomes new docents to attend a 12-week training program beginning Tuesday, Jan. 13.	Jan. 24: Newhall Community Center’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Join the city of Santa Clarita for the Newhall Community Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Jan 24.
Tim Lim Joins Paseo Aquatics Coaching Leadership Team	Feb 21: Entry Deadline for Art Hop Youth Art Contest Submissions All public, private and homeschooled students in grades TK–12 within the city of Santa Clarita are invited to submit original visual artwork for the Art Hop Youth Art Contest by Saturday, Feb. 21.	Jan. 9: Deadline for SCV Chamber 2026 Business Choice Awards The deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 Business Choice Awards to the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce is Friday, Jan. 9.	Jan. 18: Placerita Canyon Nature Center Guided Mushroom Tour Take a guided mushroom walk through the oak woodlands of Placerita Canyon Nature Center with expert forager and mycologist Bat Vardeh 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18.	Jan. 24- Feb. 22: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’ at Canyon Theatre Guild The Canyon Theatre Guild, with special arrangement with R & H Theatricals, will host Rodgers & Hammerstein's "South Pacific," weekends beginning Saturday, Jan. 24- Feb. 22.	Today in SCV History (Jan. 8) 1869 - Sanford Lyon, Henry Wiley and William Jenkins begin drilling the first oil well in Pico Canyon [story]
Feb. 15: SCV Chinese Cultural Association Lunar New Year Gala SCV Chinese Cultural Association is hosting its first Lunar New Year Gala, Sunday, Feb. 15 at Newhall Family Theatre.	Jan. 17- Feb. 22: SCAA Artist Jeanne IIer on Display at Canyon Theatre Guild Works by Santa Clarita Artist Association's Jeanne Iler will be on display Jan. 17-Feb. 22 at Canyon Theatre Guild.	SCV Water Launches New 2026 Gardening Club The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency has announced the launch of the SCV Water Gardening Club, a new community-focused program debuting in 2026.	Jan. 15: ‘Teen Game Day, Escape Room’ at Newhall Library Old Town Newhall Public Library will host a "Teen Game Day: Escape Room," event Wednesday, Jan. 21, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at 24500 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.	Canyons Wins 78-64 Over L.A. Pierce in Final Non-Conference Outing College of the Canyons men's basketball received a game-high 17 points from freshman center Craig Irons, and Dwayne Boston Jr. added a double-double of his own, to help guide the Cougars past visiting L.A. Pierce College 78-64 on Saturday night, Jan. 3.	TJ Taylor Named to CCCFCA Region III All-State Team College of the Canyons offensive lineman TJ Taylor has been named to the California Community College Football Coaches Association Region III All-California Team.
Mustangs Fall to Royals in Final Seconds	First Conference Loss for Lady Mustangs A difficult first quarter proved too much to overcome as The Master's University women's basketball team fell to the Hope International Royals 60-53 Tuesday night, Jan. 6 in Fullerton.	Jan. 14: Water Resources and Watershed Committee Meeting The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Water Resources and Watershed Committee will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m.	Jan. 26: Application Deadline for Artwork at Santa Clarita Public Library The city of Santa Clarita is inviting artists to submit proposals for a new, large-scale art installation to be displayed above the children’s area at the Santa Clarita Public Library Valencia Branch.	Jan. 10: Violinist Paul Stein at Old Town Newhall Library Violinist Paul Stein will perform at the Old Town Newhall Branch of the Santa Clarita Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 3-4 p.m.	Jan. 9: COC Board of Trustees Organizational Meeting and Retreat The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold an organizational meeting and board retreat on Friday, Jan. 9.