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Free Adoptions, Free Movies, and Your New Favorite Book Club ✨

Free Adoptions, Free Movies, and Your New Favorite Book Club ✨

Castaic ACC waives adoption fees this weekend, City Cinemas returns, and a wine-fueled literary meetup this week in SCV.

Kate Gullett
July 22, 2025

Good morning, SCV. This is The SCV Insider, here to remind you that yes, July is almost over and no, you don’t have to pretend you're okay with that.

In today's SCV Insider:

Upcoming events 🥳
Free celestial-themed gallery runs through Oct. 1 🌌
LA County aims to boost local film production 🎬

Let’s get into it.

— Kate

Want to get your business in front of 6,000+ Santa Clarita locals? Advertise with us HERE!

🆕 New & Upcoming Events

Wednesday, July 23

🍸 Summer Set at Hart & Main | Wednesday, July 23 | 5–9pm | 24217 Main St, Newhall | Free | The rooftop’s calling. Round three of Summer Set brings El Trocadero eats, happy hour drink specials, and live music from 6–8:30pm — plus DJ JT and LoEE spinning for the vibes. Sunset cocktails, good company, and zero cover? Yes, please! All ages welcome!

🚰 ‘Water Matters’ Webinar | 6–7pm | Online | Free (registration required) | Curious what’s really in your tap water? SCV Water’s Water Matters webinar dives into the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report and how local water gets tested thousands of times a year. It’s nerdy in the best way — and super relevant if you live here and drink water (so... everyone).

Thursday, July 24

🩸 Red Cross Blood Drive at CrossPoint | 1–7pm | 23415 Cinema Dr, Valencia | Free | Do something heroic on a Thursday. CrossPoint SCV is hosting a Red Cross blood drive to help restock local hospital supplies post–4th of July. Each donation can save up to three lives—and yes, snacks are included. Book ahead with sponsor code CROSSPOINT or walk in (but be prepared to wait!)

🍹 VIA Cocktails & Conversation: Pilar Schiavo | 5:30–7pm | Margaritas Mexican Grill | $35–$45 | Policy, chips, and a margarita? Count us in! Join the Valley Industry Association for a candid evening with Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. It’s part networking, part legislative update—all over tacos. Space is limited, so grab your ticket while you can.

Friday, July 25

🎬 Placerita Canyon Movie Night: Rango | 6:30–9:30pm | Acorn Amphitheater, Placerita Canyon | Free | Lizards, laughs, and a little wild west. Head to Placerita Canyon for a free screening of Rango under the stars, plus pre-movie Western entertainment by Nancy Lee and Lise Meyers. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and your best cowboy energy — popcorn and snow cones will be on deck. Yeehaw meets movie night.

🎞 City Cinemas: Inside Out 2 at Central Park | Food trucks at 7pm, movie at 8pm | Central Park | Free | Joy, Anxiety, and a summer night under the stars? Count us in. Inside Out 2 brings big feelings to the big screen as part of the City Cinemas series at Central Park. Pack your blankets, grab some eats from the food trucks, and settle in for a feel-good sequel with major heart.

Saturday, July 26

🐾 Summertime of Hope: Pet Adoption Event | Saturday, July 26 | 11am–3pm | Castaic Animal Care Center | Free (just pay licensing) | Looking for a furry BFF? Castaic ACC is waiving adoption fees for one day only — plus, you’ll score some fun freebies with each adoption. Come meet your future ride-or-die (or nap-on-the-couch buddy). All you need is love… and a pet license.

🎶 Concerts in the Park: Twisted Gypsy | Food trucks at 5pm, music at 7pm | Central Park | Free | Fleetwood Mac fans, this one’s for you. Twisted Gypsy brings all the drama, harmony, and '70s magic to Central Park with a tribute that’ll have you singing into your picnic wine tumbler. Come early for dinner from the food trucks, stay late for the Dreams.

Sunday, July 27

🥂 Moms Brunch Society: July Brunch | 12–1pm | Location TBA | Ticketed | 21+ | Mimosas, motivation, and mom realness. The Moms Brunch Society is back for a soulful Sunday of connection and inspiration — featuring powerhouse speakers Vonia Arslanian, Niki Adams, and Traci Channer. Seats are limited and go fast, so snag yours early and get ready to refill your cup (literally and figuratively).

📖🍷 Books, Brunches, and Booze SCV | July Meetup | 3–4pm | Kindred Spirits Wine Bar, Valencia | Free (registration encouraged) | This isn’t your grandma’s book club. Join the SCV chapter of Books, Brunches & Booze® for wine, laughs, and lit talk at Kindred Spirits. It’s all about good reads, good people, and a really good glass of rosé. Newbies welcome—just bring your bookish banter and brunch energy.

🔄 Recurring Events

🎭️ Local Theater & Performing Arts

🕊️ Stupid F**king Bird | The MAIN, Old Town Newhall | Runs: July 25–August 10 | Select evenings & matinees | A bold, darkly hilarious riff on Chekhov’s The Seagull that takes on love, ego, and the pain of making art—sometimes literally. Presented by Theatre Extempore.

Local Stories

Community

🪐 Now on view: “In Orbit” at the Newhall Community Center! This celestial-themed art exhibition invites visitors to explore the wonder and mystery of outer space through the work of 20+ local artists. From planetary landscapes to starlit abstractions, “In Orbit” reflects on our connection to the cosmos, scientific discovery, and infinite possibility. Featured artists include Kaitlyn Liu, Denise C. Lewis, and Stella Robinson Lightheart. The exhibition runs through October 1 at 22421 Market St. and is free to the public. (City of Santa Clarita)

Business

🎬 LA County takes steps to boost local film industry. On July 18, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion to streamline film permitting and explore major investments in creative tech. Co-authored by Supervisors Kathryn Barger (who represents SCV) and Lindsey P. Horvath, the initiative directs county departments to modernize filming policies, making LA more competitive with production hotspots like Georgia and New York. The motion also proposes an $80–100 million public-private fund to support emerging film and TV tech start-ups—aiming to spark innovation and keep production dollars local. (The Signal)

Education

🎒 Fall Afterschool Program registration is now open! The City of Santa Clarita is enrolling students for its popular afterschool programs at the Canyon Country and Newhall Community Centers. Running from August 18 to December 19, the programs offer homework help, reading enrichment, sports, crafts, cooking, and more.

📍 Canyon Country Community Center
18410 Sierra Hwy | Mon–Fri, 2:30–6 p.m.

📍 Newhall Community Center
22421 Market St. | Mon–Fri, 3–6:30 p.m.

Cost is $40 for kids ages 5–11, and free for teens 12–17. Register online now at Seasons.SantaClarita.gov. (SCV News)

Mystery Link

👀 Pssst… Curiosity called. It said to click this.

Headline Hunt

New day, new word. Can you guess the 5-letter mystery word from today’s stories? Let’s see what you’ve got!

Thanks for reading today.

Now go do something summer-y today.

Cheers,

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