It’s November and as our thoughts turn to the upcoming holiday season, I wanted to let you know about a few things happening in our city.

If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to get involved with the Santa Clarita Marathon, but running isn’t your speed, you are cordially invited to join me and members of the Santa Clarita City Council on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013 at 7:15 a.m. for the 4th Annual Mayor’s Walk.

Hosted as part of our Healthy Santa Clarita program, this 3-mile walk is perfect for families, groups, and teams.  The course follows much of the 5K run course along paseos and city trails and ends at the official Marathon finish line at the Westfield Valencia Town Center.  To register for the Mayor’s Walk or for more information about the annual Santa Clarita Marathon events and schedules, visit SCMarathon.org.

I am excited to tell you about a special holiday program the city will undertake this year in Old Town Newhall.  For the first time, we will be decorating Main Street for the holidays.  Each of the 90-plus trees along the street will be decorated with twinkle lights. Two skylines over the street featuring Santa and his reindeer plus a “Season’s Greetings” message, and what holiday décor would be complete without a Christmas tree.

We will be erecting a 23-foot tall, fully decorated tree in front of the Old Town Newhall library. Special thanks to our partners, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers for their contribution to this effort).  If you want to join us when we “flip the switch” and begin the holiday décor program, please join us at dusk on Nov. 9, on Main Street, following the Old Town Block Party happening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. See www.oldtownbp.com.

Otherwise, plan to take a trip down to Main Street in Old Town Newhall from Nov. 9 through Dec. 31 in the evening to enjoy the lights and décor. And don’t forget to do a little shopping on Main Street while you are there.

There are so many great programs and events happening in our city.  I would like to encourage you to check them out on our community calendar available on the city’s website at santa-clarita.com.

Thank you for your participation in our City.  I can be reached at bkellar@santa-clarita.com.

Bob Kellar is mayor of the city of Santa Clarita.