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Q: As more and more local businesses are able to offer their regular services, how can we support them this holiday season?
It's no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating impacts on our local businesses. This holiday season, I encourage everyone to purchase gifts from any one of the many local boutiques and stores in the city, as well as make dining or takeout plans with your favorite local restaurant. The months of shutdowns and restrictions have many businesses struggling. By shopping and eating locally, we can help ensure our neighbors have jobs, our economy stays strong and we have a variety of local businesses to visit. To find out more about what local businesses are doing to keep their customers safe, please go to
visitsantaclarita.com/saferbusinesscommitment.


Q: What are some other ways to help out our community as we head into the final months of what has been a very challenging year?
Supporting others and caring for those in need are ideals that are built into the foundation of our city. I am always touched by how many residents step up to support our many local non-profits by volunteering their time and talents and also donating much-needed funds. If you have the means, I encourage you to support your favorite local charity this holiday season. Just as local businesses have been struggling due to the restrictions, so have our non-profits. The big fundraising events that we look forward to each year have not been able to take place because of the limitations on gatherings. This means many organizations are struggling to provide the crucial resources needed in our community. If you are looking to give back and need a place to start - check out the city's COVID-19 website at santaclaritaemergency.com. Under the resources tab, you will find a link for Non-Profit Assistance and Donation Requests. On that site, you will find a list of local charities, what items they currently need and how you can donate or volunteer. By giving back, we can help spread love and support to those who need it most this holiday season.

Q: Anyone who has driven down Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country recently is sure to have noticed the amazing progress that is being made on the new Canyon Country Community Center. How is the project going and when will we get to enjoy it?
The project is on track, and even with a few minor delays in getting construction materials because of COVID, we are still making excellent progress. It is quite a sight to see currently, as the steel framing is in place, giving an accurate visual of the size and scale of the new building. The facility and surrounding fields, courts and event space will transform this area of the city into a beautiful gathering place for the community, where residents can come together to learn, create and be active. The new Canyon Country Community Center will include a 25,000-square-foot community center building that will consist of a gymnasium, multi-purpose room, dance room, activity and classrooms and a demonstration teaching kitchen. Site improvements include plazas and courtyards, walkways, parking, open turf area, an event stage, outdoor half-court basketball, play area, several pieces of public art and landscaping. The project also includes off-site road improvements, which will enhance vehicular and pedestrian movement around the new community center site. The City of Santa Clarita looks forward to welcoming residents into this new hub of enrichment and culture when it is complete in late summer 2021.