Q: After two years, the community favorite Fourth of July Parade is back! What can Santa Clarita residents expect this year on the Fourth?
I know so many community members have missed the patriotic activities that are a staple of summertime in Santa Clarita. We are thrilled that all of those favorites are back this year. Your Fourth of July will start off with the annual 5K and 10K runs. The 10K takes runners along the South Fork Trail, while the Kids K and 5K will travel along the parade route, ensuring one of the best cheering sections in Southern California. Then find your place along the route to catch the return of the parade, which is back bigger and better than ever. We'll be honoring our first responders, health care heroes and frontline workers. Cheer on these community members who kept our city moving and healthy throughout the pandemic. Once the sun sets, the skies over Westfield Valencia Town Center will light up with the Spirit of America Fireworks Spectacular. We look forward to once again celebrating this patriotic holiday together as a community.

Q: Another community favorite will be rocking this summer at Central Park. What can residents expect from this year's Concerts in the Park?
Concerts in the Park is one of my favorite city event series - gathering with family, friends and neighbors enjoying our beautiful summer nights with music from popular tribute bands. Presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, the lineup this summer will bring back some favorites while also adding some new acts that are sure to get the crowd singing and dancing along. Some of the new acts you are sure to enjoy include a tribute to Bruno Mars, Selena, Yacht Rock and even a disco night. These free concerts take place every Saturday night at 7pm from July 9 through August 27.
For more information, please visit santa-clarita.com.

Q: As we move into the hot summer months, any tips for residents to protect themselves from being a victim of crime?
That's an important question right now because as temperatures go up, people often want to leave their car and home windows open. This is an invitation to thieves to try and break into your vehicle and attempt to enter your home. This is why we remind you of the #9PMRoutine. Every night around 9pm, before you go to bed, take a moment to make sure that you have closed all windows and locked all doors. If your vehicle is parked on the street, make sure that all valuables are out of sight and park in a well-lit area when possible. Also, remember to never leave pets or kids in a parked car. In a locked vehicle, a dark dashboard, steering wheel or seat can reach temperature ranges of 180 to 200 degrees, which then warms the air trapped inside a vehicle. This can turn deadly for pets and children. Let's all take these safety precautions to have a fun and safe summer season!