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Q: As more people are getting the COVID vaccine and health restrictions continue to relax, more popular city activities are returning. Can you tell us what leagues and recreational activities are now available?
Being active is essential to your personal health and wellbeing. That is why throughout the COVID pandemic and shutdowns, the City of Santa Clarita made it a priority to keep parks and trails open for our residents. Now that the restrictions are lifting, we have been able to open up our popular recreational opportunities once again. Back in March we relaunched our adult softball leagues and it was evident that people missed playing because the slots quickly filled up. We also relaunched our youth sports, including outdoor volleyball, t-ball and coach-pitch baseball. By now you should have received the summer edition of Seasons magazine in your mailbox, which has the full list of classes, aquatic programming, sports leagues and much more to get you active this summer season.

Q: The Santa Clarita Public Library branches have once again opened up their buildings to the public. What is happening at our libraries?
Our library staff really went above and beyond to keep materials and resources available to the community throughout the past year. Now, they are thrilled to once again have patrons inside the physical buildings. It is one thing to go online and select a book you have been wanting to read, but the experience of browsing among the aisles of books to discover a unique new find is what draws many patrons to the library. In addition, the library's computers provide much-needed access to resources for job searches, college applications, homework help and more - not to mention the wide range of engaging programs put on by the Santa Clarita Public Library. The Summer Reading Program is a great way to get your kids connected and excited about all the library has to offer. For more information please visit santaclaritalibrary.com.

Q: Many people miss the world-class events put on by the city each year. Are any of those events making a return this summer?
Yes! We are thrilled to once again offer many of the popular events we had to put on pause last year. Most notably, the skies over Valencia Westfield Town Center will once again light up on the Fourth of July for the Annual Spirit of America Fireworks Show. I know many of you were disappointed that the event had to be cancelled in 2020, which makes this year's show even more exciting. We also will once again offer our residents a chance to put their patriotism on display with the Patriotic Pee Wee Parade and Fourth of July Patriotic Tour. Get ready to decorate your own mini-float and deck your home or business out in red, white and blue. I know that many people are also anxiously awaiting the return of Concerts in the Park, which will once again take place beginning in July at Central Park. There is much more taking place in Santa Clarita and you can find out all the information on upcoming events by following Santa Clarita Events on Facebook: @CityofSantaClaritaEvents.