Q: Top of everyone's minds right now are the wildfires that have devastated parts of Southern California. What are some things residents should do to be prepared for fires?
With a large portion of the City of Santa Clarita labeled as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, it is imperative that our residents take every step they can to safeguard themselves and their properties against the real threat of wildfires. The County of Los Angeles Fire Department has valuable resources on their website to help you and your family get organized and prepared. By following the Ready! Set! Go! Action Plan, you can set yourself and your home up for success during emergencies. The Ready! step is invaluable to protecting your surroundings with a defensible space around your home. Keep your yards maintained and free from any dead or dying vegetation. Ensure that trees are trimmed, and branches within 10 feet of your home are removed. Next is Set! Have an evacuation plan in place and discuss it with the entire family. Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit with necessities including a change of clothes, rations of food and water, necessary medications and a first aid kit. If a fire were to start, you should be prepared to Go! Once evacuation orders come in, leave as quickly as you can to avoid smoke, fire and traffic congestion. Have your route planned and make sure everyone in your family knows where you are meeting, regardless of where they may be at that time. For more information or to download your own
Ready! Set! Go! Action Plan, please visit fire.lacounty.gov/rsg.

Q: March sees the return of the community favorite, One Story One City. What can you tell us about this year's book?
The Santa Clarita Public Library is excited to announce this year's novel selection called The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova.
This captivating story follows the Montoya's as they grapple with the magical inheritance handed down by their matriarch, Orquidea Divina. But as threats loom over the family, they must uncover the truth about their past. Themed programs that pair with the book have been planned across all three Library Branches for the community to participate in. Residents can get crafty with activities like painting constellation coasters, hand-crafting rock pendants, building shadow boxes and decorating trinket dishes. Learn something new with an Introduction to Genealogy class, get into the groove with Cumbia and Salsa classes or sit back and be amazed as a mentalist performs some mind-bending tricks. The author of the novel will make an appearance, taking on a Q&A with the crowd. If you're an avid reader, or looking to pick up something new, One Story One City is the perfect time to join in a collective celebration of literature, creativity and community.
For more information, or to find the list of event locations, please visit onestoryonecity.santaclarita.gov.

Q: There's been a lot of work going on at Central Park.
Can you tell us a little bit about the new project?
The River of Lights is a new feature coming to Central Park that includes hundreds of LED lights trickling down the hillside by the exercise staircase and streaming across the ground of the plaza. These adjustable lights will mimic the effect of flowing water, highlighting the beauty and significance of water in our community. Not only will these lights add a dynamic and immersive experience, but it will also serve as an educational opportunity for residents. Informative podiums will stretch across the area, providing graphic illustrations about water usage and how it impacts Santa Clarita. At the center of the plaza, a new 14-foot sculpture titled "When a Cloud Met a Cloud," will feature white clouds and colorful "rain" columns, tying the theme together. For some added excitement, the lights will be able to change color, allowing for festive notes for holidays and special events. The River of Lights is anticipated to open in late spring, perfect to enjoy as the weather warms up.