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Meet the Mouse That Stole SCV’s Heart 🐭

Meet the Mouse That Stole SCV’s Heart 🐭

West Ranch teacher turns a classroom mouse into a children’s book hero — and it’s as sweet as it sounds.

Kate Gullett
October 07, 2025

Good morning, SCV. This is The SCV Insider. It’s officially the time of year when every coffee order sounds like a potion: “One oat milk pumpkin cream cold foam chai espresso, please.” It’s basically Autumn witchcraft.

In today's SCV Insider:

Upcoming events 🥳
This local tradition just hit its 31st year… and it’s still growing 🪶
A local classroom guest became a children’s book star 📚

Let’s get into it.

— Kate

🆕 New & Upcoming Events

Tuesday, October 7

🌮 National Taco Day BOGO at Chronic Tacos | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 9am–9pm | Chronic Tacos, Bouquet Canyon Rd | Free to join (loyalty members only) | Celebrate National Taco Day the right way — with a buy-one-get-one-free deal at Chronic Tacos! Loyalty members score an exclusive app-only BOGO offer plus $1 off. Just check the “Offers” tab in your app and redeem in-store or online. Not a member yet? Sign up before Oct. 7 to join the taco party.

💼 Resume Refresh | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 9am–3pm | College of the Canyons (Valencia & Canyon Country Campuses) | Free | Polish your resume before the big Santa Clarita Job Fair. Stop by either COC campus (or hop on Zoom) for a free resume review from Career Services experts — no appointment needed. Open to the public with free parking in student lots. A strong resume is your ticket to landing that next great opportunity.

💼 Empower Your Empire: Funding Essentials with the SBDC | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 5–6:30pm | Hammer & Nails, Valencia | Free (registration required) | Get the funding know-how to grow your business. Hosted by the SCV Chamber’s Black Business Council, this interactive session features Catherine Grooms, MBA, Executive Director of the SBDC, sharing real-world insights on securing capital and exploring funding resources. Expect open Q&A, networking, and mix-and-mingle time with fellow entrepreneurs ready to level up their empires.

Wednesday, October 8

🍷 Wine Down Wednesday at The Paseo Club | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 4–7:30pm | The Paseo Club, Valencia | Free for members | Your midweek mood booster. Happy Hour starts at 4, wine specials at 6, and live music at 6:30. Grab your friends, sip something smooth, and unwind on the patio — no guest passes needed.

Thursday, October 9

🍺 Oktoberfest at Hyatt Regency Valencia | Thursdays, Oct. 9–30 | 5–9pm | Greater Pacific at Hyatt Regency, 24500 Town Center Dr, Valencia | Free Entry
Raise a stein at Hyatt Regency Valencia’s Oktoberfest celebration, where each week spotlights a different local brewery—Pocock Brewing Company, Brewery Draconum, Lucky Luke Brewing, and Santa Cruz Brewery. Sip seasonal brews, savor bites from Greater Pacific, and toast to fall nights on the patio. Prost to local flavor and community spirit!

Friday, October 10

🎨 Art Exhibit: “Highwire – Under the Big Top” at SCAA Gallery | Oct. 3–Nov. 2 | Fridays 5–8pm, Saturdays 11am–8pm, Sundays 11am–5pm | 22508 6th St., Old Town Newhall | Free | Step right up and experience the circus through the eyes of 13 SCAA artists in Highwire: Under the Big Top! This whimsical exhibit peeks behind the curtain to reveal the color, chaos, and creativity of life under the big top. The reception (Saturday, Oct. 4, 5–8pm) includes live music, interactive charm bracelet-making, and live painting by local artists. Plus, enjoy special BOGO deals at Newhall Press Room with your flyer and vote for your favorite piece!

🎃 Bar Harbor Scares | Fridays & Saturdays, Oct. 3–31 | 7–9pm | 23935 Bar Harbor Ct., Valencia | Free | Step into an old-school haunted house experience right in the heart of Valencia. Bar Harbor Scares combines family-friendly fun with just enough fright to keep everyone on their toes—featuring animatronics, fog, flickering lights, and ghoulish surprises around every corner. It’s spooky season perfection for kids, families, and the young at heart.

🎩 Chris Funk the Wonderist: Redefining Wonder | Friday, Oct. 10 | 7pm | Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at COC | $20–$50 | Prepare to have your mind—and your expectations—blown. Chris Funk’s Redefining Wonder blends live music and jaw-dropping illusions into one unforgettable multimedia experience. Known from America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Funk turns instruments into magic props, creating a spectacle that’s equal parts concert and illusion show. It’s not just a magic show—it’s an experience.

Saturday, October 11

💜 Purple Walk: Domestic Violence Awareness 5K | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 8–11am | 21545 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita | $10–$50 (kids under 5 free) | Join the Child & Family Center for a heartwarming morning walk supporting domestic violence survivors. Enjoy music, a pancake breakfast, and vendor booths as the community comes together to raise awareness and hope. Dog-friendly event! Teams are encouraged—prizes for the biggest and top fundraisers.

🏠 Fix & Flip Workshop – Flipping Houses Made Simple | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 12–1pm & 2–3pm | Lotus Flooring, Santa Clarita | Free | Ready to dive into real estate investing? Learn the ins and outs of flipping houses with local experts in lending, real estate, and construction. This hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop breaks down every step of the process — from funding and finding the right property to fixing, staging, and selling for profit. Free parking and two time slots available. RSVP early to secure your spot!

🍷 Hayrides Through the Vineyard at Agua Dulce Winery | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 12pm | Agua Dulce Winery | $10 adults / $5 kids | Celebrate fall at Agua Dulce Winery with scenic hayrides, live music, and award-winning wines. Wander the beautiful 90-acre vineyard, enjoy family-friendly fun, and soak in the crisp autumn air. Perfect for a cozy weekend outing just north of Santa Clarita.

🐺 Wolf Connection Event at Agua Dulce Winery | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 12–2pm | Agua Dulce Winery | Free | Experience an unforgettable afternoon of wine and wolves. Meet ambassadors from Wolf Connection, a nonprofit wolf sanctuary and pioneer in Wolf Therapy®. Learn how their programs use the power of the pack to inspire self-confidence, connection, and growth — all while enjoying the serene vineyard setting of Agua Dulce Winery.

🍷 Quatro Burro at Agua Dulce Winery | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 1–3pm | Agua Dulce Winery | Free | Meet the donkeys behind the blend! Agua Dulce Winery introduces Quatro Burro, their newest red wine inspired by Corky, Zinnie, Sunny, and Sedona — the winery’s beloved four-legged residents. Sip, savor, and celebrate this playful new release among the vines.

🎨 Old Town Newhall Juried Fine Art Festival | Oct. 11–12 | Main Street, Old Town Newhall | Free | Celebrate local creativity at this vibrant two-day art festival featuring fine artists, live music, and colorful street chalk art. Stroll the 24200 block of Main Street to shop original works, enjoy performances, and watch artists bring their creations to life right on the pavement. Presented by the Santa Clarita Artists Association and Old Town Newhall Association, this free, family-friendly event runs Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm.

🍝 “Mission Im-Pasta-ble” Pasta Dinner | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 6pm | St. Kateri Catholic Church, 22508 Copper Hill Dr | Ticketed Event | Your mission, should you choose to accept it: all-you-can-enjoy pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad, and rolls at the Knights of Columbus’ annual themed pasta dinner. This year’s top-secret operation, Mission Im-Pasta-ble, comes with great food and even greater community spirit — all to support local charities, youth programs, and veterans. Watch the promo video here!

Sunday, October 12

🍞 Sourdough Masterclass at Agua Dulce Winery | Sunday, Oct. 12 | 2–4pm | Agua Dulce Winery | Price TBD | Perfect your rise at this hands-on sourdough masterclass led by the bakers at Agua Dulce Winery. Learn the art of starter care, fermentation, shaping, scoring, and baking—and take home both a live starter and ready-to-bake dough to keep the magic going. Pair your new bread-making skills with a glass (or two) of local wine for the ultimate Sunday afternoon.

🎶 A Grand Night for Singing – Santa Clarita Master Chorale | Sunday, Oct. 12 | 4pm | Valencia United Methodist Church | $25 | The Santa Clarita Master Chorale brings Broadway to Valencia with A Grand Night for Singing — a showcase of beloved show tunes and fresh favorites, curated by Steven Applegate. Performed by current and former Chorale members, the evening includes a post-show dessert reception and raffle baskets, all in support of the Chorale’s community programs and performances. A perfect night out for music lovers and theatre fans alike.

🎻 Santa Clarita Symphony presents New Celebrations | Sunday, Oct. 12 | 4pm | Canyon High School Performing Arts Center | Free | Experience an evening of uplifting orchestral music as the Santa Clarita Symphony Orchestra — a blend of professional and volunteer musicians — takes the stage for New Celebrations. This community performance highlights the spirit of collaboration and artistry that defines the SCV music scene, showcasing new compositions and symphonic favorites in a concert designed to inspire.

🔥 Fireside Nights: A Celebration of Indigenous Peoples | Sunday, Oct. 12 | 4:30–7pm | Vasquez Rocks Interpretive Center | Free | Gather ‘round the campfire for an evening of storytelling, live music, and community connection at this special Fireside Nights edition honoring Indigenous Peoples. Enjoy songs, crafts, animal meet-and-greets, and s’mores under the desert sky. Guests are welcome to bring acoustic instruments, snacks, or a picnic for a cozy night of shared culture and creativity.

🔄 Recurring Events

🎭️ Local Theater & Performing Arts

🎹 Beautiful: The Carole King Musical | Canyon Theatre Guild, Newhall | Runs: Sept. 27–Nov. 1 | Select Fri/Sat evenings & weekend matinees | The inspiring true story of Carole King’s rise from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend, featuring beloved hits like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “One Fine Day,” and “Natural Woman.”

Upcoming! 🛋️ Resisted Living | The MAIN, Old Town Newhall | Runs: Oct. 9–19 | Thurs preview at 8pm, Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sat & Sun matinees at 2pm, Sun evenings at 7pm | A dark yet heartfelt comedy about family feuds, estate battles, and plastic sofa covers — when aging parents and their adult kids clash, chaos (and laughter) ensues.

Local Stories

Community

🪶 31st Annual Hart of the West Pow Wow brings Native traditions to life. Hart Park was alive with color, drums, and community last weekend as the annual Pow Wow returned for its 31st year — honoring the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and tribes from across the country. Dancers in traditional regalia filled the arena while local artisans sold handmade baskets, jewelry, and food that celebrated Indigenous culture.

Tribal president Rudy Ortega said the event is about connection and education: “It helps people enjoy and witness other cultures — to see how things are done in native traditions.” The celebration continues to grow each year, drawing thousands of visitors eager to learn and participate.

From the rhythmic drum circles to the rows of colorful crafts, the Pow Wow reminded everyone that history isn’t just something you read about — it’s something you can dance to. (The Signal)

Business

🚧 Valencia’s wastewater system is getting a $60 million glow-up. Helix Electric just kicked off a massive multi-year overhaul of the Valencia Water Reclamation Plant — aka the facility quietly handling 21.6 million gallons of wastewater a day for over 200,000 SCV residents. The project, funded by the L.A. County Sanitation Districts, will replace decades-old electrical systems with modern, redundant ones to keep things running smoothly (and avoid any “uh-oh, no flush” situations).

The upgrades include a new medium-voltage switchboard, a third 2500-kW emergency generator, and a full refresh of transformers, cables, and control systems. The goal: improve reliability, lower long-term costs, and prep the plant for Santa Clarita’s steady growth. Construction runs through 2030, so expect a lot of hard hats and even more acronyms. (SCV News)

Education

📚 From classroom critter to literary legend. West Ranch High teacher Adam Holland turned an unexpected visitor — a mouse that wandered into his history class — into the star of his new children’s book, The Adventures of Seymour of West Ranch. What started as a lighthearted student-naming moment (“Can we keep him?” vibes) became a heartfelt story about friendship, courage, and community — inspired by Holland’s own journey battling brain cancer and his nearly 20 years teaching at West Ranch.

Illustrated by local artist Sam Irizarry, Seymour features nods to real people and moments from campus life, blending whimsy with wisdom (and a few football scenes for good measure). Holland says the book honors students and teachers who’ve shaped his life — and hopes it reminds readers that every small life, even a mouse’s, can make a big impact. (The Signal)

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.

May your coffee be strong and your group chats mercifully quiet.

Cheers,

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