The One Dish That Defines SCV 🍽️

This weekend’s events are here, plus we're asking, "What's SCV's Signature Dish?"

Today’s Forecast

63 🌡️ 37 | ☁️ | 💨 SW 5 mph

Good morning, SCV. This is the SCV Insider, reporting live from the last day of the January endurance trial. It was long. It was chaotic. It tested us in ways we weren’t prepared for (and it had absolutely no business being 7,000 days long!!!) 

But here we are—bruised, tired, and ready to embrace February, a month that at least has the decency to be short and come with the moral obligation to eat pastel sugar hearts like our lives depend on it.

In today's SCV Insider:

  • This weekend’s events 🤩 

  • First responder tribute proposed 🧑‍🚒 

  • Discussion: What’s SCV’s signature dish? 🍔 

  • Our staff’s weekend picks 📺️ 🍴 📖 

Let’s get into it.

— Kate

This Weekend’s Events

Friday, Jan. 31

🎵 Live Music at Lucky Luke Brewing | 6–9 PM | Lucky Luke Brewing | Start your weekend with great brews and even better tunes.

🎨 Santa Clarita Artists Association Presents “Signature You” Art Exhibit | 5-8 PM | SCAA | Discover the unique styles of 20 local artists showcasing works across acrylic, mixed media, and more.

🎤 Fuel Pump Friday’s Karaoke at Route 66 | 8 PM | Route 66 Grill | Your shot at karaoke glory awaits.

🎶 ESCAPE Theatre Presents "Annie" | 7–9 PM | COC Performing Arts Center | $15+ | Celebrate ESCAPE Theatre’s 50th production with the beloved musical Annie, featuring iconic songs like It’s a Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow.

Saturday, Feb. 1

🏕️ "Get Outside Day" with Boy Scout Troop 583 | 8:30 AM–1 PM | Valley Trails Camp, Castaic | $5 | Boys in grades 4–8 can explore scouting with fun activities like archery, a GPS scavenger hunt, and a backpack relay race. Fee includes participation, a souvenir, and an ice cream bar. A parent must accompany attendees. RSVP at [email protected].

🍅 Old Town Newhall Farmers Market | 8:30 AM–1 PM | Old Town Newhall | Fresh produce, artisan goods, and local vibes.

❤️ Free Cardiologist Consultations & Heart Screenings | 9 AM–3 PM | Valencia High School | Free | Valencia High School and Saving Hearts Foundation offer free cardiologist consultations and EKG heart screenings to promote heart health and early detection of cardiac abnormalities. Registration is required.

🏍️ Motorcycles & Coffee | 9-11 AM | Ken and Joe’s Powersports | Donuts, coffee, and motorcycles—what else do you need?

🎨 Santa Clarita Artists Association Presents “Signature You” Art Exhibit | 11 AM-8 PM | SCAA | Discover the unique styles of 20 local artists showcasing works across acrylic, mixed media, and more.

🎭 Canyon Theatre Guild Presents "West Side Story" | 2–4 PM | Canyon Theatre Guild | $15+ | Experience the iconic musical of young love and rivalry between the Jets and Sharks. Enjoy spectacular singing, dancing, and storytelling in this classic adaptation.

🎶 ESCAPE Theatre Presents "Annie" | Various Times | COC Performing Arts Center | $15+ | Celebrate ESCAPE Theatre’s 50th production with the beloved musical Annie, featuring iconic songs like It’s a Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow.

🎵 Live Music at Pocock Brewing Tasting Room | 7-10 PM | Pocock Brewing | Sip, relax, and enjoy live performances from local artists.

Sunday, Feb. 2

🥕 Valencia FivePoint Farmers Market | 8:30 AM–1 PM | The Porch | End your weekend with farm-fresh produce and artisan goods.

🐮 Farm Visits at Gilchrist Farm | 9 AM–2 PM | Gilchrist Farm | $5 | Meet animals, try axe throwing, and milk a goat.

🐷 Visits at The Gentle Barn | 10 AM–12 PM | The Gentle Barn | Spend the morning cuddling cows and pigs for a peaceful start to your day.

🖌️ DIY “Mats & Mimosas” Workshop at Board & Brush | 11 AM–1 PM | Board & Brush | $45 | Create a custom doormat while sipping on complimentary mimosas! Includes all materials and step-by-step guidance. Ages 21+ only. Pre-registration required.

🎨 Santa Clarita Artists Association Presents “Signature You” Art Exhibit | 11 AM-5 PM | SCAA | Discover the unique styles of 20 local artists showcasing works across acrylic, mixed media, and more.

🎨 Nest Healing Art Studio | 1–2 PM | ARTree Community Arts Center | Free | A calming, creative space for teens and adults to explore art for healing under the guidance of an art therapist. Materials provided. Pre-registration required.

🎭 Canyon Theatre Guild Presents "West Side Story" | 2–4 PM | Canyon Theatre Guild | $15+ | Experience the timeless musical of young love and rivalry set to unforgettable songs and choreography.

🎶 ESCAPE Theatre Presents "Annie" | Various Times | COC Performing Arts Center | $15+ | Celebrate ESCAPE Theatre’s 50th production with the beloved musical Annie, featuring iconic songs like It’s a Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow.

🎶 Dave Stuckey & The Hoot Owls | 5–8 PM | Club 507, Newhall | $25 | Enjoy a night of western swing with vintage tunes about love, betrayal, and saloons. Swing dance lesson at 4:15 PM. Doors open at 4 PM. Dinner available for purchase.

Local Stories

Community

🧑‍🚒 Mayor Bill Miranda has proposed a statue honoring the sacrifices of first responders, inspired by his experience with the recent fires and a visit to a similar memorial in Nevada. During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the idea was met with strong support, and city officials are now tasked with bringing it to life. This tribute would be a lasting symbol of appreciation for those who keep our community safe. Stay tuned for more updates! (The Signal)

Entertainment

🎩 Magician Chris Canfield is bringing his immersive show, The Games We Play, to The MAIN Theater in Old Town Newhall on Feb. 28! A mix of magic, storytelling, and interactive games, this show promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Don’t miss Canfield, who’s wowed audiences on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, in his hometown debut. Tickets are just $24—grab yours now and get ready for a night of magic! (SCV News)

Sports

⚽️ Hart girls' soccer made a bold statement with a dominant 5-1 win over Saugus, keeping their sights set on a fourth consecutive Foothill League title. Freshman Kelly Wieckowski and senior Gianna Costello each netted two goals in the win, which saw the Hawks jump to a commanding lead in the first half. With just three league games left, Hart only needs a win or draw to clinch the title. (The Signal)

Business

💡 Cigna Healthcare and Providence are expanding their Southern California network, giving Cigna Select HMO customers access to nearly 2,000 additional providers and facilities! With new options like Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana and Providence Holy Cross, members can enjoy more affordable, in-network care across the region. This partnership brings even more flexibility to benefit plans and healthcare options for families. (SCV News)

Education

🍽️ State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced that applications for the Summer Food Service Program will open on Feb. 18! These federally funded programs provide free meals to children 18 and under during school breaks, ensuring kids get the nutrition they need when school is out. Schools, camps, nonprofits, and other organizations can apply to become meal sites—helping to feed millions across California. (SCV News)

Discussion

What’s SCV’s signature dish?

Every city has its iconic dish — LA has tacos, New York has pizza, Chicago has deep-dish. But what about SCV? What’s the one food that screams Santa Clarita?

Is it the legendary tri-tip sandwich from Stonefire? A plate of Eggs Benedict from the Way Station? Or are we all just riding for that $1.50 Costco hot dog and soda combo?

Tell us what dish deserves the title of SCV’s signature food. Answers will be featured in the newsletter and on Instagram. 🍔🌮

Our Staff’s Weekend Picks

Watch

“We just started Severance, and I quite literally cannot think about anything else. Imagine going to work and having no clue who you are outside the office—sounds terrifying, right? That’s the premise of this eerie, mind-bending thriller, and it’s got us completely hooked. Plus, directed by Ben Stiller? It’s a home run. Season 2 just dropped, so now’s the time to binge!”

—EJ Gullett, Ad Partnerships Lead

Eat

“This is one of my go-to winter comfort meals—it’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. The mix of ground beef, zucchini, and melty cheese is already a winner, but I love adding pasta to make it even more satisfying. Cozy, delicious, and perfect for a chilly weekend!”

—Anne Baker, Head of Content

Read

“I’m currently reading Pachinko for my book club this January and let me tell you, Apple TV+ made this into a series for a reason. Pachinko is a historical fiction epic following a Korean family over four generations as they immigrate to Japan. It’s heartbreaking and captivating despite its length. I’ll admit, I’ve sacrificed a few hours of sleep to get a couple more chapters in before bed and it was definitely worth it. If you love historical fiction with rich character development then Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a must-read.”

—Nina Morrison, Contributing Editor

Nina’s Resources for Readers

Jobs

Hiring? Find the best local candidates in 2025

You asked, we listened! By popular demand, The SCV Insider now is launching a Job Board—your go-to spot for connecting local talent with local businesses. Got an open position? Fill out our quick form and we’ll put your job in front of 5,200+ subscribers who live, work, and play right here in Santa Clarita.

Oh, and here’s the best part: your first listing is free. Yep, free. 😏 

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Mystery Link

Milk, beers, and… fighting fire?

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.

Here’s to a weekend full of perfectly crispy fries, zero responsibilities, and a playlist that turns every errand into a main character moment.

Until next week,

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