Q: This time of year has people thinking about giving gifts and giving back to the community we love. How can we help those in need in Santa Clarita?
I am always grateful to live in a community that has such a generous spirit. We have a wide-range of nonprofits helping everyone from our veterans and seniors, to children in need, and even animals. If you are looking to give back, please visit the City of Santa Clarita's website at santaclarita.gov/communitylinks. There you will find a list of local charities and what they need this time of year. You can also donate to the city's Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program and sponsor a banner in recognition of our local, actively-serving military men and women. For more information please visit santaclarita.gov/heroes. And finally, there is no better gift to give than your time and skills. By volunteering at a city event, at a local nonprofit or community event, not only will you be able to help others, but also build a sense of community with fellow residents dedicated to giving back. For upcoming volunteer opportunities please visit santaclaritavolunteers.com.

Q: One of the most popular family events of the year is coming up in early December. Tell us what we can expect at this year's Family Lit Fest?
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience, as this year's theme is "Take Me to your Reader." The 16th Annual Family Literacy Festival will take place on Saturday, December 2, from 10am to 2pm at the Santa Clarita Public Library Old Town Newhall Branch. This family-favorite event will feature hands-on activities, story times, live performances, giveaways and, of course, reading! In addition to the interstellar aspects, the event will also bring back the popular Wonder Wheels area. This is where guests can get up close and personal with some of the coolest vehicles in our city, from the city bucket and vector trucks, to fire engines and sheriff vehicles. Make sure you mark your calendars and visit santaclaritalibrary.com
for more information.

Q: After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, many people are looking to make their New Year's Resolutions and get active. What are some options offered by the city to get moving?
There are so many opportunities in Santa Clarita to get your steps in and improve your health. Look no further than the exercise staircase at Central Park. Those 172 stairs have become incredibly popular for people looking to add some cardio and endurance to their workout routine. If you enjoy hiking, there are more than 13,000 acres of protected open space surrounding our city. Throughout these acres, you will find miles of trails to explore while you appreciate the beauty of nature. If you prefer to get your workout on two wheels, hit the more than 100 miles of off-street trails to cycle to better health. You can also test your skills at the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita, where you can try out the pump track, jumps and the mountain-bike trails. If sports are your thing, our parks offer fields, courts and more to get active. You can also peruse the pages of Seasons Magazine for new workout classes, sports leagues and aquatics classes. No matter the time of year, there are plenty of options to be active in Santa Clarita. For more information, please visit santaclarita.gov.