Saturday, November 29
Irving Berlin's "I Love a Piano" is a musical journey through American history. Go back in time via the ragtime rhythms of the early 20th century, the swinging sophistication of the '20s and '30s and the innocent optimism of the 1950s. "White Christmas," "Puttin' on the Ritz" and "There's no Business like Show Business" are just a few of the popular tunes you'll be humming after the show.
October was a month filled with atta-boys/girls and lots of back patting (sometimes flexibly achieved by folks who were both the patter and patee). Nothing new there. However, in a strange twist, most, if not all of it, was more than deserved. Here's the round up...
Most of us are worried about our financial futures. In part, it's because we didn't major in economics. But it goes beyond understanding spread sheets. In truth, there are real lifestyle and personality issues that play a role in how much - or how little - we have in our bank account. Here's what local experts have to say about the traits of the financially independent.
Featuring information on some of the best places in town, in categories like American, Asian, Fresh Eats and Mexican Cuisines, Catering & Events, Wine Bars and Desserts!
For Santa Clarita residents, it has been a busy month.
Let's start with what we only can guess was a major swoon-fest by 30-year-old women who should, let's be honest, have gotten over their crushes by now. Seriously. Former star of "Saved by the Bell" and current hottie Mark-Paul Gosselaar recently previewed "Raising the Bar," TNT's new legal drama, with some pals (including Chris Schauble of "Today in L.A.") at All Corked Up.
Booth sales are well under way for the 24th-annual Home & Business Expo, hosted by the SCV Chamber of Commerce. Expo is set to begin Friday, October 10 and continue through to Sunday, October 12. Expo is held at College of the Canyons, at the corner of Rockwell Canyon and Valencia Boulevard.
This year's Heart of the West auction is peppered with more than one spicy way to go beyond the confines of the 5 and 14 freeways. Of course, there are lots of cool ways to make your everyday living space resort-worthy, too. Here are just some of the dozens of live auction items up for bid - and each dollar raised directly benefits the beloved equestrian therapy program, Carousel Ranch.
Save the Date!
Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5 Loose Goose Wine Festival The fourth edition of the Loose Goose Wine Festival is nearly here, with up to 100 different wineries expected to participate. Experiences include pre-event wine pairing dinners at Salt Creek Grille and Mojito, a lively wine- and cigar-themed golf tournament at Robinson Ranch and the glamorous Golden Goose Gala (the ultra-secret location is revealed to ticket holders the day of the event). Each set the stage for the amazing Main Festival Weekend at Valencia Bridgeport Park.
Domestic violence is never funny. However, sometimes what people chose to wear at the Domestic Violence Center's second annual golf tournament was.
Observed
This year's Boys & Girls Club Auction drew hundreds to the temporarily-baseball-themed Mann Biomedical Park for a night of heavy bidding (not be confused with "imbibing," though there was plenty of that, too).
Free Street Festival Features
Internationally-celebrated Entertainers
Get ready for the sounds of live jazz and blues bands to once again fill Town Center Drive in Valencia. This will be the 10th year that the Keyes Lexus of Valencia Jazz & Blues Concert Series will feature regional, national and international entertainers in a quaint street party setting while offering interactive activities for adults and children.
City of Santa Clarita
4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Westfield Valencia Town Center
Bring the whole family and all your friends to the Westfield Valencia Town Center for an exciting Fireworks display on Friday, July 4, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. Set yourselves up just about anywhere at the Westfield Valencia Town Center.
The Menu: Americana with a Twist
• Mojito Snowcones with a Splash of Mint
• Melon Gazpacho
• Churrasco Style "Gaucho Grill" Filet Mignon, Chicken and Leg of Lamb
• Grilled Veggie and Quinoa Salad
• Guaymas Rock Shrimp Scampi with Soba Noodles, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Garlic, Tequila and Roasted Pablano Chilies
Are you ready to party with a purpose? Are you ready to shop - and get a possible tax write-off to boot? Are you eager to step out into the warm Santa Clarita night, wearing cleats instead of heels?
Your next "date night" is only one phone call away, and it'll do more than lift your spirits - you'll also help ensure that 3,500 SCV kids have somewhere safe, educational and fun to go after school.
Observed
Child & Family Center's Taste of the Town combines everything any well-respecting Santa Claritan desires: delicious eats (Most of us would consider the portion sizes distributed by the restaurants "samples." Of course, the handful of 45 year old women sporting their daughter's size-0 jeans would call them "my week's allotment of food.") and a much-craved opportunity to see and be seen (Especially the paint-on-jeans set.)
Have you ever wondered how one obtains a shiny license plate holder declaring that the possessor is a SCV Man or Woman of the Year? There are substantially hearty hoops (some lit on fire) that one must toss themselves through to qualify.
A brave new breed of Santa Claritan has entered the political scene. They are loud, motivated, loud, persistent, and, well, loud. We've always had some people like this in the Valley - adamant PTA moms, defensive small business owners, outspoken politicos, Bruce McFarland - but in recent months, these motivated characters have multiplied in number and have been making their presence especially well known. Their well-placed, well-projected comments have done much to get this little City of ours moving in the desired (or demanded) direction.
Newcomers to the SCV probably think our history begins and ends with planting tract houses on denuded ridges, complaining about Napoleonic HOA management and driving pre-teens to soccer practice. Don't hate these newbies for their ignorance. Sadly, the SCV's connection to Hollywood and cowboy culture remains hidden from many. Western luminaries from William S. Hart to Harry Carey have called the SCV home and even today we remain a key player in modern movie making.
So that's it, then. There'll be no more searching for Bobby Fischer.
Those wishing to find him need only visit the town of Selfoss, Iceland, where his body was laid to rest on January 21. In kidney disease, the undisputed king of U.S. chess - the erstwhile and enigmatic world champion from Brooklyn - finally met an opponent against whom he couldn't even force a draw. He tipped his king at age 64.
Observed
It was a busy month for Santa Clarita: We had a new park to gloat about; a philanthropist to mock; famous people to swoon over; and community show-offs to congratulate. The run down...