Locals learn to embrace the grind at Castaic Sports Complex

Local skateboard enthusiasts road-tested the new skate park at the Castaic Sports Complex on Tuesday.

Car crashes with two big rigs on Interstate 5

A California Highway Patrol officer walks past a man and a Volkswagen involved in a crash with two big rigs on northbound Interstate 5 near Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia on Tuesday. The vehicles blocked the right two lanes, but were cleared to the shoulder. An ambulance and Los Angeles County Fire Department officials also responded, but the extent of any injuries was not known.

Clear skies cycle through SCV

A bicyclist rolls through a curve on a bike path north of Valencia Boulevard near Bouquet Canyon Road on Monday. Santa Clarita residents enjoyed mild temperatures that hit a high of 64 on Monday. The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures in the mid-60s today, dropping into the high 50s Wednesday and warming to high 60s and low 70s as the weekend approaches.

Clear skies cycle through the Santa Clarita Valley

A bicyclist rolls through a curve on a bike path north of Valencia Boulevard near Bouquet Canyon Road on Monday. Santa Clarita residents enjoyed mild temperatures that hit a high of 64 on Monday. The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures in the mid-60s today, dropping into the high 50s Wednesday and warming to high 60s and low 70s as the weekend approaches.

McTeacher Night fundraises for Golden Oak Community School

Fifth- and sixth-grade teacher Kim Tredick, left, calls out an order as sixth-grade teacher Amanda Jones helps behind the counter during Golden Oak Community School's McTeacher Night at the McDonald's on Golden Valley Road in Canyon Country on Thursday. Golden Oak teachers took orders and served students and families to raise money for equipment and student programs.

Flight and finesse in acrobatic performance for schoolchildren

Three cars crash in Saugus

Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies and firefighters respond to a crash in Saugus on Monday. Three vehicles collided about 3 p.m. Monday on Bouquet Canyon Road west of Seco Canyon Road, Los Angeles County Fire Department officials said.) EMTs transport a patient on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. Two ambulances were requested at the crash scene, but it was unclear Monday of the extent of injuries to any drivers or passengers.

Two-van crash slows Stevenson Ranch traffic

A Ford Aerostar van and an AT&T utility van collided near the intersection of The Old Road and Pico Canyon Road in Stevenson Ranch about 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department officials. Passengers in the two vehicles were not injured, officials said.

Elementary art on show at CalArts

From left, Vanessa Basilio, Darcy Hubler, associate dean of the School of Art at the California Institute of Arts; Isaura Cruz, 8; and Natasha Tobler, 8; discuss the works being showcased in a gallery on the campus on a recent Thursday night. CalArts hosted a reception to showcase the work of Newhall Elementary School students in the Art Pilots program, led by CalArts students and administrators.

A celebration of the longest night

Pastor Stan Fix pauses during a Blue Christmas service at Friendly Valley Community Church in Newhall on Tuesday. The service recognized the longest night of the year with music and a message of light and hope. "It's not a downer. This is an attempt to lift up persons who have experienced grief of sadness of emptiness," Fix said.

SCV gets a feel for the sun

Alex Grossguth, left, and Denise Hill, with her dog Grizzly, converse at Hasley Canyon Park in Castaic on Thursday. The Santa Clarita Valley got a break from the rainy weather and should see some more sun today, with a high near 65. The sun won't last long, though, as afternoon rain is forecast for Christmas Day, possibly continuing into Sunday morning.

Santa comes early for Valencia High School students

Parent Lisa Alonso organized the party that featured food, games and a visit from Santa.

Newhall Memorial breaks down walls for neonatal intensive care unit

Nurses Jan Berry, left, and Cathy Butler, center, join Sally McGann, director of women's services, in smashing a wall with a sledgehammer inside Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital's old intensive care unit on Tuesday. At far right is pediatrician Krishan Vashistha, also participating in starting the demolition of the building. A wall-busting celebration was held in preparation of the hospital's new 11-bed neonatal intensive care unit, which is set to open in 2011.

Mars rover piques preschoolers' curiosity

Dennis Young, of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, brought a minature rover as part of JPL's education and public outreach program to Christ Lutheran Preschool in Valencia on Tuesday. The presentation, organized by preschool director Chris Porrazzo, included a life-size model of the rover Curiosity and a three-dimensional look at the Mars landscape.

SCV runners run for marathon bombing victims

About 50 people took part in a three-mile run/walk for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing on Thursday.

Dump truck catches fire in Newhall

The tire of a dump truck caught fire on the northbound Highway 14 on-ramp at Newhall Avenue on Tuesday, prompting firefighters to respond and douse the blaze.

Striking the right chord

An event called the "Instrument Petting Zoo" was held at Wiley Canyon Elementary School in Newhall on Tuesday. Students were introduced to a variety of instruments in an effort to recruit them to the school's orchestra.

‘Blue Dog’ artist visits local school

Artist George Rodrigue, born and raised in the heart of Cajun country in southern Louisiana, delighted students at North Park Elementary School Tuesday with impromptu drawings and a brief look at his influences and artwork through the years. He was greeted by student works inspired by his famous "Blue Dog" series of paintings.

Canada goose on the loose

'Tis the season for migrating Canada geese to return to the Santa Clarita Valley, where they are particularly fond of the Bridgeport area in Valencia

Arroyo Seco Junior High puts on a show

Students salute the United States

Dance it out ‘Gangnam Style’

No ice, but plenty of Hockey

Tiny steps for tiny dancers

Students were introduced to tap, ballet and tumbling techniques as part of American Heart Month to promote good health and exercise during a dance class on Feb. 19.