Soggy Santa Clarita

My newspaper didn’t survive the storm last night, so I’m not sure if there is anything important going on in the city today aside from the weather.

Almost Spring Cleaning Time

I spent the day Saturday going through our garage (which is now empty) and various closets and storage spots in my house.  I got rid of so much stuff and while I absolutely hate doing this, once I get started I get on a roll.  When it’s done I feel so happy and I really enjoy looking at all the space I have to store more junk during the year.

If you’re like me and procrastinate even though you know you just have to do it, maybe you should think about a date in the near future.  Tell your family it’s the day and just do it.

At any rate, if you are able to sort through, throw out, donate your items that have been cluttering up your closets I wanted to point out a couple great resources here in Santa Clarita.

If you don’t already know this, there is a Goodwill truck that is always parked behind Kmart on Valencia and Soledad.  The truck is open everyday and  the guys that work there will help unload your car and will always offer to give you a receipt.

If you have things that are too big to load in your car and your staring at them cluttering up your garage or backyard, consider 1-800 GOT-JUNK! I had a huge home gym that we had taken apart when we moved over 2 years ago.  The thing was gynormous and taking up much needed floor space in the 3rd garage.  There was no way that this thing would ever get put back together.  It was like a huge metal puzzle with missing pieces.  I went to the Got Junk website yesterday afternoon and they were there at my house at 8am this morning to get rid of the home gym for me.  It took them about 10 minutes to load up all the heavy cumbersum pieces.  It cost me about $150 and was well worth it.  I now have so much space to sort out Christmas decorations and all the sports stuff we have in there (which I’ll probably get rid of next year).   The Got Junk guys were very friendly and professional.  They tell you to just point to what you want gone and they move everything for you.  Lastly, they try and recycle or donate all items that they remove.

I hope this motivates you to begin your spring cleaning and get rid of unnecessary items that are eating away at your space. 

Traffic on Old Rd / Magic Mountain Pkwy

The next Phase of this project on the Old Rd at magic Mountain will begin Saturday 1/19/2008.  If you will be traveling around this area, expect delays.  Traffic will be reduced down to one lane and there will be no curbside parking available.

The exit from the 5 north at magic Mountain will remain either closed or detoured through mid February as well.

Basically, try and avoid the area completely!  I know I will. 

Classic Rock Concert

February 1, 2008 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center beginning at 7:30pm. 

This event looks like it’ll be lots of fun.  For one thing the venue is beautiful and with two tribute bands of two of the most loved bands in rock history, it’s sure to be a night to remember.

Proceeds from this concert will benefit students studying sustainable development in the form of scholarships and internships.

To purchase tickets you can go to the event website. 

Kool and the Gang

Look through your closets for your most favorite disco duds and head on over to COC on Tuesday, January 22.  Kool and the Gang will be performing at PAC at 7:30pm and playing their famous songs from the 70s like ‘Celebration’ and ‘Get Down on It’.

A few lucky residents will be invited to dance on stage so go pumped up and ready to shake your groove thing!

For tickets you can call 800-880-4995 or go to the website. 

Feathers are Gettin Ruffled

Recent news has reported that the Bridgeport HOA is trying to rid their community of the American coot.  A species of birds that has migrated from Alaska and have made their way here to our lovely Santa Clarita.  Specifically the waters of Bridgeport.

I have to laugh at this because as a side note, while I think Bridgeport is nice to look at, I always thought it was strange that they built a lake in the  middle of the city and often wondered what animals would find shelter there.  I assumed it’d be mosquitoes, but I was wrong, it was the coot.

Santa Clarita Real Estate Agent, Darla Vanderlip  has a nice write up on the story along with a photo of these lovely creatures relaxing  on what looks like a beautiful spring day (in January). 

Where I live (Tesoro) we have rabbits.  Lots of cottontail rabbits.  They eat my plants and leave their little pellet poops all over my yard. I don’t mind it.  I feel like it’s part of living where I live.  I just deal with it.  

So, in my opinion, to the Bridgeport HOA, cry me a river and poop on you.  Leave the birds alone.  Just deal with it. 

Getty Center Excursion

I grew up in Los Angeles, but had never been to the Getty Center until last year.  It is really quite amazing.  Really you need more that a day there.  The gardens are just beautiful and almost everything there is white.  The architecture is out of this world and so is the view.  The Getty Center also has a restaurant that has great food (a bit pricey) but great.

The city has arranged an excursion day on Feb 2, 2008 for SCV residents to be able to experience the beauty of the Getty Center.

Transportation to the Getty Center will be provided by charter bus.  All participants must ride the bus. Please arrive at City Hall on Saturday, February 2, by 9:45a.m. for departure.  Buses will return to City Hall around 4:00 p.m.  City Hall is located at 23920 Valencia Blvd.

Tickets are $20 per person for residents, $35 per person for non-residents, and $25 per person for non-resident seniors (55+). Registration ends at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 28.  Tickets may be purchased online or through the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center, located at 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway.

For additional information, please contact City Recreation Coordinator Jennifer Lindstrom at (661) 284-1465.