Q: 'Tis the season to be jolly! In Santa Clarita, residents are excited about the kick-off to the holiday season. What can we look forward to this year at Light Up Main Street?
Light Up Main Street is one of my favorite events of the year. It is the perfect time to spend with family and friends while ringing in the holiday season. Last year, thousands of people from throughout the Santa Clarita Valley came together to watch the city council flip the switch and illuminate the tens of thousands of holiday lights in Old Town Newhall. As always, Main Street will be filled with spectacular holiday decor on every street corner. The event is set to kick off on Saturday, November 19 in front of the Santa Clarita Public Library Old Town Newhall Branch. I encourage everyone to arrive early for this must-attend night, which will begin at 5pm. The thousands of lights on the 23-foot tall tree - as well as decorations up and down Main Street - will be illuminated at 6pm. Attendees can expect to enjoy live music on the main stage, food trucks, festive activities for all ages, shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts at the Maker's Marketplace, a snow zone and the fan favorite: photos with Santa himself! Light Up Main is the ideal way to get into the holiday spirit while celebrating with family, friends and neighbors. I hope to see you there!

Q: Residents are making a list and checking it twice and are ready to purchase the perfect holiday gifts for their loved ones. Why is it important to shop local for the holidays - and year-round?
As many of you are aware, the City of Santa Clarita prides itself on being a business-friendly city that supports our local businesses. Spending your hard-earned money in our community means your tax dollars stay local. A portion of every dollar that is spent in our city is invested back into our roads, parks, library branches and many other essential community services that maintain the quality of life we all enjoy in Santa Clarita. During this time of the year, I encourage everyone to shop locally. Whether you shop at one of the many stores Canyon Country has to offer, at the unique boutiques in Old Town Newhall, at Westfield Valencia Town Center or in Saugus, you will find the perfect gift for that special someone on your holiday shopping list while supporting our local businesses and our community as a whole.

Q: Speaking of the holiday season, what can we do to ensure the safety of our belongings and all those gifts we buy over the next few weeks?
Don't let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season make you a potential target for would-be thieves. While out holiday shopping, make sure you park in a well-lit area. As your hands fill up with packages, bags and boxes of gifts, it may be tempting to run back to your car and toss them on the seat. However, crooks are on the lookout for an easy take and it only takes them a second to smash your window and make off with your purchases. If you need to store something in your car, lock it in the trunk and out of sight. If you decide to skip the stores and do all your shopping online, make sure you have a secure spot for packages to be delivered. Thieves are known to tail UPS, FedEx or mail trucks to pick up what gets dropped off. When possible, require a signature for delivery or have the packages shipped to your workplace or a neighbor you know will be home. Don't forget about the #9pmroutine this holiday season. Every night when the clock strikes 9pm, make sure your doors and windows are closed and locked. Ensure your porch light is on and if your car cannot be parked in a garage, make sure you remove all valuables, roll up the windows and lock the doors and trunk. I want to wish all of you a joyous holiday season and make sure you follow the city and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on social media for more holiday safety tips.