Q: We had an amazing amount of rain this past year.
What does that mean as far as fire danger now that all the
brush is drying up in the summer heat?
The much-needed rain left our hillsides and surrounding mountains a lush green for several months, but now we have much more dry brush to contend with. You can do your part by helping to prevent wildfires and knowing what to do if one should break out. Our partners with the Los Angeles County Fire Department urge residents to familiarize themselves with the Ready! Set! Go! personal wildfire action plan. This important resource is available at fire.lacounty.gov/rsg. Make sure you are ready for a fire by creating and maintaining a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is the buffer that homeowners are required to create on their property between a structure and the plants, brush and trees or other items that could catch fire. Make sure your family is set and prepared ahead of time for a possible evacuation. Make sure you have important documents easily accessible and your emergency supply kit ready. Then go! Should a fire break out, know the immediate action you need to take to keep your family and property safe. By being ready to evacuate and leaving early, you will give your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire. You also help firefighters by keeping roads clear of congestion, enabling them to move more freely throughout the neighborhood and do their job. By working together and being prepared, we can ensure our community will be ready for possible wildfires.

Q: I know a lot of families are looking to find ways to keep their kids learning and reading this summer. What does the Santa Clarita Public Library have to offer?
It's not too late to be part of the annual Summer Reading Program. The theme for this year is "Find Your Voice." Through July 29, participants will have a chance to enjoy a summer filled with exploration, songs, crafts, special events and - of course - lots of opportunities to read. There will be plenty of activities offered throughout the summer to get kids not only exploring their love of books, but also getting outdoors. Every Thursday, kids can enjoy Check It OUT-side, where the Library will be bringing Story Times and fun to various city parks. Make sure to also take part in Trail Tales, where you can enjoy a family-friendly story while making your way along the trail at Duane R. Harte Park. The Summer Reading Finale is set for Saturday, July 29, at 10am at the Old Town Newhall Branch, where participants will enjoy performers, crafts, story time, music and more! For more information please visit santaclaritalibrary.com.

Q: Our favorite summertime event series is just around the corner. What does the City of Santa Clarita have in store for this year's Concerts in the Park lineup?
We know that Concerts in the Park, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, is one of the event series that residents look forward to all year long. It's a time to come together with family, friends and neighbors to relax and enjoy our warm summer nights with great live music. This year's lineup will not disappoint. The series kicks off on July 8, at 7pm with Hard Day's Night: A Tribute to the Beatles. Get ready to rock on July 15, with Wild Shot: A Tribute to Guns N' Roses. The breezy tunes and steel drums on July 22, will have you grooving along with Upstream, playing Reggae, Soca and Caribbean music. On July 29, you can travel back in time a couple of decades with the '90s Rock Show playing '90s Alternative and Grunge Rock. On August 5, the guitar riffs of Santana will fill the park as Savor takes to the stage. The Eras Tour is all the rage this summer and we have our own Twist on Taylor, playing a tribute to Taylor Swift on August 12. We will all be champions when Queen Nation, a tribute to Queen, takes the stage on August 19. Concerts in the Park will wrap up on August 26, with FABBA: A Tribute to ABBA. Make sure to pack your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a treat from the onsite food trucks. We look forward to seeing you at Central Park on Saturday nights for Concerts in the Park.