The swim beaches at Castaic Lake will stay closed this summer, due to drought and receding water levels that have caused unsafe conditions. Other activities at the lake are not expected to be affected, except motorized boating, depending on conditions.

Santa Clarita to honor Connie Worden-Roberts with a lifetime achievement award for her service to the community and help with the formation of Santa Clarita

L.A. County will be held liable for violations of their 2001 storm water permit, after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal. County officials worry that the burden for cleaning water pollution will fall on cities, instead of on those causing it.

The city of Santa Clarita's population has gone up by more than 4,000 residents or almost two percent since January 2013. The city maintains its position as the third largest city in Los Angeles County, behind Long Beach and the city of Los Angeles.

Another rabid bat has turned up in the Santa Clarita Valley, at a residence in Newhall. It is the season's third rabid bat in Los Angeles County. Last year, nearly half of the rabid bats reported in the county were found in the SCV.

FYI, an A&E network, is casting for the pilot of a new show "Backyard Makeover," which will start filming in June. They are looking for families in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County who have overgrown backyards.

Acton and Agua Dulce residents who own a dog or cat should be aware that the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control will conduct a field licensing enforcement, starting on May 7.

In preparation for a public hearing on the Los Angeles County budget proposal, the full text of the proposal is now available online. The budget for Fiscal Year 2014-15 will be voted on in June.

Several Santa Clarita Valley news outlets took part in a candidate forum April 5 in which five Los Angeles County sheriff candidates were asked several questions about law enforcement

The city of Santa Clarita will be accepting hazardous and electronic waste for disposal, during a free E-Waste Roundup on Saturday at College of the Canyons. The county Sanitation Districts and Department of Public Works are partnering with the city.