Q: WE ARE THANKFUL TO LIVE IN SANTA CLARITA, WHERE WE ARE STILL ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR MILES OF TRAILS AND PASEOS DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME. ANY ADVICE FOR RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO ENJOY THE NICE WEATHER WITH A HIKE OR STROLL?
There are many mental and physical benefits of getting outdoors, so understandably, our residents want to enjoy the warmer weather while exploring our trails or enjoying one of our 34 beautiful parks. As long as physical distancing guidelines set forth by healthcare professionals are exercised, then you may continue to utilize city trails, parks and paseos. Residents are urged to keep a minimum of 6 feet between themselves and others who are not a part of their immediate family. Additionally, having access to a cloth face covering or a face mask on a trail can prove beneficial when navigating narrow trails where physical distancing may not be possible. With our warmer weather, I also encourage those hiking, biking and walking to remain hydrated and alert to any wildlife they may encounter on our trails or at our parks. Residents can learn more about trail safety and view City of Santa Clarita trail maps at HikeSantaClarita.com.


Q: IT SEEMS LIKE INFORMATION ON THE PANDEMIC IS CHANGING ON A DAILY BASIS. WHERE CAN RESIDENTS GO FOR IMPORTANT LOCAL INFORMATION AND UPDATES?
Our City's emergency website is frequently updated with news, information and crucial resources for residents, businesses and nonprofits. On the emergency site, you will also find video messages from the mayor, press releases from our local and regional partners as well as additional resources.
This is the best place for residents to find any and all updates regarding the pandemic and its impact on our community. Our City social media pages continue to track the latest information and share the updates you need to know as well. The City's emergency website is located at SantaClaritaEmergency.com, and you can find us on Facebook at @CityofSantaClarita. If you have questions, I encourage you to send a direct message to our Facebook page, and staff will work to respond as soon as possible.


Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY GUIDANCE AS OUR COMMUNITY TRIES TO GET BACK TO "NORMAL?"
Our community has proven on multiple occasions just how strong and resilient we are, and this situation is no different. I understand the health, economic and social impacts that the pandemic has had on many of our lives, but we will get through this by supporting one another. We have to stand together while, temporarily, staying apart to keep our community moving in a positive direction. The hard work of our residents in slowing the spread of this virus has not gone unnoticed over the past few months, and I am thankful to every one of them. Let's continue to push forward together to avoid any setbacks and help each other adjust to a new and safer normal. I also would like to once again show my appreciation to our essential workers who continue to play a crucial role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. You are truly heroes, and we thank you for your dedication.