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

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January 17

1994, 4:31 a.m. - Magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake rocks Santa Clarita Valley [video]

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.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger represents the Fifth Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County which is home to nearly two million people. The district covers 2,785.21 square miles and touches the Ventura, Kern and San Bernardino County lines. The Fifth Supervisorial District includes portions of 20 cities, including Santa Clarita, 63 unincorporated communities and 15 neighborhoods in the city of Los Angeles. Barger is currently serving as the chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for 2025.

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Laurene Weste | Preserving the Past, Building the Future at Hart Park

Friday, Jan 16, 2026

There are places in our community where history is not simply remembered, but carefully safeguarded and brought to life every day. William S. Hart Park is one of those rare treasures.

Pilar Schiavo | California State Budget

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) released the following statement on Friday, Jan. 9 in response to Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed 2026–27 State Budget.

Kathryn Barger | One Year Later

Saturday, Jan 10, 2026

This week marked the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire. As I reflect on the past year and look toward what lies ahead, my message to survivors is clear: I see your pain, I respect your resilience and I remain committed to walking with you on the long road ahead.

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.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com


Today in SCV History (Jan. 17) 1994, 4:31 a.m. - Magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake rocks Santa Clarita Valley [video]	Lady Mustangs Power Past OUAZ On the Road A strong defensive performance by The Master's University Lady Mustangs basketball team led to a 73-45 win against OUAZ in Surprise, Ariz.	Tejon Ranch Conservancy Offers February Nature Programs The Tejon Ranch Conservancy has published its calendar of nature programs it will host in February.	Jan. 20: SUSD to Meet in Closed Session with City Regarding Santa Clarita Elementary The regular meeting of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board of Trustees will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 5:30 p.m.	Hart District’s Collyn Nielsen Named ACSA Negotiator of the Year The William S. Hart Union School District has announced that Dr. Collyn Nielsen, Deputy Superintendent, Human Resources, has been named the 2026 Negotiator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.	Jan. 20: City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission Plans Site Tours The city of Santa Clarita Planning Commission has scheduled a site tour of the Princessa Crossroads Specific Plan Project and a virtual tour of the Belcaro at Sand Canyon Project. These projects are expected to hold public hearings in the near future.
COC SBDC Hosting Free Webinars to Help Grow Businesses Free business training webinars are available from the College of the Canyons Small Business Development Center this January.	March 7: ‘Live From Santa Clarita, It’s Saturday Night’ SCVHS 50th Anniversary The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a unique gala on Saturday, March 7, 6-10 p.m.	Saugus High Music Clothes for Cash Fundraiser Saugus High School Instrumental Music gives back while raising much-needed funds for the high school's music program.	Feb. 10: Non-Profit Council Roundtable’s ‘Non-Profit Love Match’ at Child & Family Center Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce for a special Non-Profit Council Roundtable, "Non-Profit Love Match: A High-Impact Networking Experience for Professionals & Nonprofits," 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the Education Center at Child & Family Center.	Laurene Weste \| Preserving the Past, Building the Future at Hart Park There are places in our community where history is not simply remembered, but carefully safeguarded and brought to life every day. William S. Hart Park is one of those rare treasures.	Jan. 18: CBS Film Series Presents ‘Truth & Treason’ Congregation Beth Shalom offers a monthly film series that shows selected independent films one Sunday per month at 2 p.m.
CDPH Reminds Retailers, Public About Dangers of Kratom, 7-OH Products The California Department of Public Health is collaborating with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to remind consumers and retailers that products containing kratom or 7-hyrdroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, are associated with addiction, serious harm, overdose and death.	Foothill League Soccer: The Big Push Foothill League soccer is coming into a final flurry of league matches that will sort out standings.	Jan. 18: Valencia FivePoint Farmers Market Free Cooking Demonstration The Valencia FivePoint Farmers Market will offer a special live cooking demonstration and tasting on Sunday, Jan. 18.	Jan. 19: California State Parks to Offer Free Vehicle Entry on MLK Day In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California residents and visitors will receive free vehicle day-use entry to participating California state parks on Monday, Jan. 19.	Today in SCV History (Jan. 16) 1926 - Newhall Community Hospital, est. 1922, opens in larger, more modern hospital building at 6th & Spruce streets [story]	Jan. 19: Schiavo to Host MLK Day of Service, Donations Encouraged Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo will host the Third Annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19. The event will be held 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Vallet Boys and Girls Club Thomas E. Dierckman Clubhouse.
Jan. 18: Ridge Route Preservation Organization Work Day The Ridge Route Preservation Organization will host a Ridge Route Storm Clean Up Day Sunday, Jan. 18 at 7 a.m.	Jan. 17: Santa Clarita Community Hike in Quigley Canyon Open Space The city of Santa Clarita January Community Hike will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. in the Quigley Canyon Open Space, Cleardale Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.	Jan. 22: City of Santa Clarita to Break Ground on Via Princessa Park The city of Santa Clarita invites the community to celebrate the groundbreaking of Via Princessa Park on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m.	Jan. 29: ‘Teen Library Eats: Ramen Noodle Bar’ at Canyon Country Library Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library will host a "Teen Library Eats: Ramen Noodle," event Thursday, Jan. 29, 4-5 p.m. at 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.	Traffic Alert Issued for SCV Water Pipeline Installation on Smyth Drive The city of Santa Clarita has issued a traffic alert for Smyth Drive in Valencia.	Jan. 23-Feb. 1: Eclipse Theatre LA Presents ‘Curse of the Starving Class’ at The MAIN Sam Shepard’s dark comedy "Curse of the Starving Class," presented by Eclipse Theatre LA, will run weekends beginning Friday, Jan. 23-Feb. 1 at The MAIN.