Spring is certainly in the air.  The birds are chirping as we enjoy the warmth of the sun on our face and the beautiful crisp air.  There’s no better place to enjoy the weather than in this wonderful place we call “home”.  
We are pleased to feature some of the participants of this year’s Taste of the Town event on the cover of this issue.  Along with wine and beer from various vendors, Santa Clarita’s finest restaurants and chefs will be on hand to showcase their delicious foods on Sunday, May 6 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the beautiful Mann Biomedical Park in Valencia.  Enjoy an afternoon of live music and entertainment along with a silent auction and more, all to benefit the Child & Family Center.  See opposite page for details.
It’s election year, so be sure and vote.  The City of Santa Clarita will be conducting the City Council election on Tuesday, April 10.  Two council member seats are up for grabs.  Polls open at 7 a.m.  Turn to page 6 for more information on the elections.
Speaking of voting, be sure and vote for your favorite, the Ultimate, for beauty and fitness as élite Magazine continues their Ultimate Awards in 2012.  Deadline for Beauty and Fitness submissions are May 31.  Stay tuned for the June/July issue of élite Magazine, as élite Ultimate in Dining award winners will be announced.  Turn to page15 for more details on how to vote.
Have you filed your taxes?  The deadline to file a return is April 17.  If you haven’t already filed, be sure and take advantage of our CPA Guide on page 61 when looking for the right professional for the job.    
For all you western enthusiasts, saddle up for the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival that will take place April 19 through April 22.  Make your plans now to enjoy great western entertainment, shopping and dining at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio along with other venues in Santa Clarita.  For more details, see page 12.
On Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., join the College of the Canyons as they will be hosting their Fifth Annual Discovering Careers Expo.  Spend a day exploring careers at this free event aimed at middle school students.  See page 22 for more details.  That same day, College of the Canyons will be hosting Children’s Play Day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Turn to page 24 for more information.
To celebrate the upcoming religious season we are pleased to focus on our local churches and synagogues in our Religious Directory beginning on page 39.  
Have you opened up a new business and want to advertise, or are you coming back to advertise?  Let us introduce or reintroduce you to the Santa Clarita Valley!  Don’t forget that we have the largest direct-mail distribution in our valley. Call one of our sales representatives today, and be sure and check out our Meet the New Merchants feature on page 37.  Get to know a little more about the people behind the businesses.
There’s no doubt, everyone in Santa Clarita loves their pets.  We have provided you with a directory of pet businesses “It’s All About the Pets” beginning on page 106, to help you find the right professionals to meet all of your pet needs.  
With spring finally here, be sure and enjoy the beautiful weather and if you’re looking for the perfect place to dine or an entertaining evening out, be sure and check out our recurring Dining and Entertainment Guide starting on page 56.
Until Next Time,
Linda, Moe and Alex