This month the City of Santa Clarita is officially kicking off A Season of Diversity, a program designed to promote cultural understanding in our community. The City has scheduled a long list of events this year to support cultural diversity by honoring the rich cultural tapestry of Santa Clarita. A Season of Diversity begins in October and will continue until the end of February 2011. All of the events are free of charge and are offered at locations throughout the City.

The events and programs are enhanced by the various live performances that are held at local middle and high schools. On Tuesday, October 19 at 6:00 p.m. Canyon High School will host “Stand,” a presentation where multicultural performers use real life experiences, language and ethnic stereotypes to make the point that bigotry and intolerance can be hurtful and demeaning. Canyon High is located at 19300 W. Nadal.

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“A Season of Diversity provides our residents an opportunity to embrace numerous cultures while instilling the ideal that in Santa Clarita, everyone matters,” said Mayor Laurene Weste.

A Season of Diversity is anchored by an essay and poster contest that is open to all students in grades 1-12 who either live or attend school in the Santa Clarita Valley. The deadline for submissions is Friday, December 3. The contest guidelines, as well as a full calendar listing of the numerous educational and entertaining events happening during A Season of Diversity, are available at santa-clarita.com/humanrelationsforum.

For more information about A Season of Diversity or for a complete list of activities please contact Janine Prado, Community Services Administrator at (661) 250-3716.