Q: Let's talk trash! As we get closer to the July 1 waste hauler
transition date, what should residents expect?
Our residents should expect to see their new Burrtec waste carts showing up any time after July 1. You won't need to go anywhere or do anything - Burrtec will deliver your three new carts and Waste Management will take away your old ones. The three brand-new carts will have different colors than what you are used to - recycling will now belong in your blue cart, garbage goes in your black cart, and organics, including bagged food waste and loose green waste, will go into your green cart. You will also receive a smaller organic pail to keep in your kitchen and put bagged organics in before taking them outside for disposal in the green cart. Organics waste consists of food scraps, expired food and food-soiled paper. Speaking of talking trash, our Trash Talks video series has all the information to make the transition a smooth one. Please make sure you are following the City of Santa Clarita on social media or greensantaclarita.com for more information.

Q: The much-loved summer favorite Concerts in the Park is right around the corner, but this month marks the return of City Cinemas in the Park. What blockbusters can we enjoy al fresco this summer?
There is something special about spending time with your family, enjoying a great movie under the stars on a warm summer night. City Cinemas has a star-studded lineup for this season. Each event offers a must-see film at a different City of Santa Clarita park. Kicking off the season is "The Little Rascals" at Newhall Park on June 23 at 8:30pm. Then head over to Bridgeport Park on July 28 at 8:15pm to catch the highly-rated animated film "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish." Then get ready to go "Back to the Future" on August 25 at 8pm at Central Park. Even if you've already seen it, you'll want to see it again. "Top Gun: Maverick" is flying over to the Canyon Country Community Center for an outdoor showing on September 22 at 7:30pm. The final showing of the year is just in time for Halloween! Catch the family-favorite "Hocus Pocus" on October 27 at 7:30pm at The Centre. Make sure to bring blankets or chairs, pack a picnic or purchase some tasty treats from on-site food trucks. For more information visit santa-clarita.com/events.

Q: As we near the end of the fiscal year, the City of Santa Clarita is working on finalizing the 2023/2024 budget. What is that process like and what exciting items are included?
The city's annual budget takes six months and staff members from across the organization collaborating together to complete. That does not include the mid-year budget process that provides opportunities for unforeseen expenses and projects that arise. The massive work effort that is the annual budget includes a wide variety of funding sources and funds everything from our public safety contract, capital improvement projects, special events and street repairs to transit, public libraries, sidewalk replacement and community services. The city's fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. Our city has always followed a conservative approach to budgeting. That is one of the reasons we have a 100-percent track record for delivering a balanced and on-time budget with a 20-percent reserve fund, as well as AAA credit rating from Standard and Poor's. Some exciting items you will see in the next budget include significant upgrade projects to David March Park and Old Orchard Park, seven new Transit Buses and a Mobile Library. If you are interested in viewing the city's budgets (Past and present!), please visit the city's website at santa-clarita.com/budget.