Home & Garden

The end of June is just a few days away and I am sure many of us are still not sure what to do about the automatic water softener issue.  Some are disgruntled and upset that this is being taken from us while others believe there is no other solution to our water treatment needs in the SCV area.   And then there are the rest of us who reluctantly accept that we are going to go along with the program but wait until the eleventh hour to do something.

In one of her first positions in community colleges, an enterprising young faculty member created a model program for Santa Ana College in the Rancho Santiago Community College District — a program that would help other women enter the workforce by giving them access to the training and support services they needed to succeed.  Within five years, the program became a state model and was funded at more than 50 other colleges across California.

The visual art world is all around us everyday!  Generally, people think they have to go to an art museum to look at visual art.  We live in a visual world and most of what we see has been created by people.  Our homes, cars, streets, stores, buildings, clothes, and churches all have to be designed and made for us to use.

Chris and Amy Boswell of Oasis Garden & Patio would like to thank Santa Clarita for a second fabulous year in the SCV.  As their Ventura store celebrated a 10-year anniversary this year, they are equally thrilled about the continued success at the Santa Clarita store. 

Santa Clarita Valley Family of Water Suppliers Calls on Residents to Reduce Water Use Immediately Voluntary Reduction a Must to Ensure Water for the Region

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s declaration of a drought state of emergency this February came with a major call to action for Californians to do their part in tackling the water crisis.

There are many questions being asked of Los Angeles County District regarding their intended increase in sewer assessment rates.  Wow, from $14.92 per month to $47, based on a 250 gallon per day average.

It’s “Garage Sale” season!  Time to reclaim your garage, closets and bedrooms from the clutter that invaded while making some much-needed cash!

Does your home need a makeover?  Are you looking for a more spacious living area?  Is your bathroom or kitchen causing you nightmares?  Ok – it’s time to think outside the box for a while.  You’ll be amazed at how many inexpensive home remodel ideas you can find to give new spice to the inside or outside of your house.  First think about what it is you most hope to accomplish from the remodel.

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling.  So making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort.  Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

An analysis conducted by Burrtec Waste Management found that the City’s Earth Day Festival and 20th Annual Arbor Day Celebration produced zero waste.  All waste materials disposed of at the event were either recycled or composted and approximately 692 pounds of mixed recycling and 134 pounds of organic material was collected and taken to a recycling center.

America’s favorite flower is also the insect world’s favorite flower.  The first rose buds of spring are usually covered with the first aphids of spring!

Flowers have been used for centuries to decorate and perfume houses. Bringing fresh cut flowers into your home adds color and scent, but the flowers add an extra dimension that cannot be created with soft furnishings and accessories.  They bring with them a sense of life and growth, making a room come alive.

We now make our own paint fresh everyday.  Every product (all water-based) made with our system is below the most stringent air quality standards in the country.  Because we make the paint fresh everyday, it doesn’t sit on a shelf.  It is smoother and more consistent than anything we’ve used in the past.  The Allbright Paint is low odor, low VOC, LEED Certified and is of the highest quality.

In general, good quality seeds can be procured from any reliable and good seed house. But, even despite all carefulness, one can never be too sure about seeds. Seeds that look great from outside may not be vital or good enough to yield a sturdy plant.

City of Santa Clarita Takes Home Top Honors for Third Year Straight

For the third year in a row, the City of Santa Clarita was named the Best Economic Development Program in the State of California from the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED). The award recognizes outstanding and innovative programs which have made a significant contribution to the field of economic development. The City of Santa Clarita was presented with the award at CALED’s Annual Training Conference, held last week in Monterey.

The College of the Canyons Animation Department was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Medtronic Foundation to support the ACME Animation Network, a fee-based online learning community.
ACME links students with other college students, high school students and animation industry professionals from across the nation through videoconferencing sessions.

Spring is here and it is a time for new beginnings, we clean out closets, cupboards and drawers.  We love to be outside and enjoy barbeques, pools and picnics with family and friends.  Even though we are all facing tough economic times at Real Deals on Home Décor you can still find wonderful home décor and gifts all at true warehouse pricing. 

A play within a play, the College of the Canyons Theatre Department production of “Noises Off” will charm audiences for four nights at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center starting on May 7.
The play, which New York Magazine called a “side-splitting” farce, is directed by Paul Wickline, chair of the college’s theatre department.