Spoil your valentine with something a little different

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer R omantic restaurants, B&B getaways, roses, cards and candy are universally viewed as the go-to “musts” for a successful Valentine’s Day. However, Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in any number of ways.

In one of the classic Valentine’s Day clichés, I was engaged on Valentine’s Day.

My soon-to-be husband and I met in the theater department at Washington State University, despite both being communications majors. He was a senior studying in the radio/television department and I was a journalism major. Our paths never crossed until we met on stage during rehearsals of “Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid,” a production of the WSU Comédiennes traveling theater troupe.

The troupe, open by audition only, saw fit to cast me as an actress playing the role of a young ingenue and my husband earned college credits for his work on sets, sound and lightening.

On our first date he took me to see the film “Freebie and the Bean.”

In less than two weeks, we were engaged. He popped the question over drinks at the Moscow, Idaho Mark IV motel bar and restaurant while we listened to our favorite local band.

In the years since, we’ve celebrated numerous Valentine’s days. My favorite memories are not of the expensive restaurants or getaways, but of celebrations unique to our lives and preferences. We don’t always have similar tastes in food, movies, fun or music, so we’ve made it a habit to alternate Valentine’s Day celebrations. One year he picks what we’ll do, and the next year I’ll choose.

It’s fun and keeps the romance fresh and alive. I never know what to expect, and neither does he! This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, a perfect dinner and movie night. However, if you don’t already have dinner reservations you might find it challenging to book a table at one the SCV’s “go-to” romantic destination restaurants. Here are some alternative suggestions for a memorable Valentine’s Day date night:

…with something a little different

Return to the ‘Scene of the Crime’ Until they tore it down, my husband and I would return to the Moscow, Idaho Mark IV motel bar and re-enact that fateful night when we became engaged. Over the years we’ve had to teach more than one bartender how to make a Smith & Kearns with Kahlua, the drink we both ordered that fateful night.

Returning to a place associated with where you first fell in love is a great way to rekindle the flame of romance. Perhaps it’s a coffee shop, a bar, a fast food joint, a beach or a ski slope. The possibilities are endless, as long it is a place significant to both parties. Romantic Gondola Getaway Info www.gondolagetawayinc.com Forget Venice, Italy. Established in 1982 in Naples Islands, Long Beach, the Gondola Getaway is the oldest and largest fleet of gondolas in America. The meandering canals, five bridges, calm bays and million-dollar homes make for a memorable romantic adventure.

Each ride includes a blanket, cups and an ice bucket … bring your own food and drinks. Throw in a card, a heart-shaped box of See’s Candy and a bouquet of red roses and you’re all set. It will be hard to top this Valentine’s experience. Send love in four-part harmony Info www.scmenofharmony.com Santa Clarita Men of Harmony Singing Valentine Serenades can be sent to your doorstep on Valentine’s Day. Tell your loved one how much you care by having a barbershop quartet sing

them a love song. Flower included. Your loved one will melt when they discover they are the center of attention of a love song sung by members of the Santa Clarita Men of Harmony. Sea breezes and beach walking Info www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/ valentines-day

One of my favorite places to “chill” is Ventura Harbor Village. Across the street is the ocean and a wonderful “walkable” beach. Take a romantic stroll along the sand, then wander back to the “village” to stroll along the boardwalk. Valentine’s Day will feature the Village Visitor Booth where you can send a message to a friend, family or loved one (postage paid for) from 1-4 p.m. Plus, you can hear seaside live music by Kenny Devoe, performing 1-4 p.m.

Climb aboard an Island Packers catamaran and cruise the Ventura Harbor and Keys with the Valentine’s Day Harbor Cruise at 6 p.m. or visit Top This Chocolate for a romantic Valentine’s experience.

There are also several restaurants at the village offering Valentine’s Day dining options. Home movies and dinner

If all else fails, make staying home a special evening “in.” Order dinner to be delivered from Uber Eats or Grubhub and then cozy up on the sofa and watch movies together. Flip a coin to see who chooses the first film and agree to “suffer” through whatever movie your partner chooses. I still remember the Valentine’s night I was entertained with the 2 1/2-hour film “Tora, Tora, Tora.” It’s a WWII movie, for those who don’t know. My revenge was “Love Story.” The perfectly awful film with the famous line, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

We still laugh about that Valentine’s experiment. A perfect example of why our love story continues… \

Do something a little different this Valentine’s Day. Take a romantic stroll along the sand, then wander back to Ventura Harbor Village to stroll along the boardwalk. PHOTO COURTESY VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE

Film’s “Silent Era” lasted roughly from 1895 to 1930. During this time, thousands of !lms were shot in Southern California, many in the area around Newhall—a place we like to call “NEWHALLYWOOD.” a celebration of silent film

February 14 - 16 , 2020 February 14 - 16 , 2020

PHOTO: Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., in costume, is visited by his wife, actress Mary Pickford, on the set of his 1932 !lm, Mr. Robinson Crusoe

"is event will mark the centennial of the 1920 wedding of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., the motion picture industry’s !rst power couple. For tickets* and event and screening schedules, please visit Newhallywoodfilmfest.org * Admission is free except for some of the Friday events.

2020 means progress for major projects in the City FROM THE CITY MANAGER

By City Manager Ken Striplin S anta Clarita is known throughout California for being a City that offers its residents an exceptional quality of life. Since incorporation of the areas of Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus and Valencia, which formed the City of Santa Clarita in 1987, our City Council has laid the groundwork for the safe, vibrant and fiscally sound City we live in today. As the City begins the process of creating its next five-year strategic plan, I want to provide you with updates on major projects currently under construction that are part of the City’s current Santa Clarita 2020 plan.

The much-anticipated new Canyon Country Community Center, located at the corner of Soledad Canyon Road and Sierra Highway, will begin to take shape in the next few months. The site is currently prepped for the construction of the Community Center building, which is part of the second phase of work.

Phase I, which included significant improvements to the Mint Canyon Channel, the installation of storm drains and a water infiltration system, has been completed and Phase II work will begin in February.

Phase II will focus on the actual Community Center building, parking lots, a play area, basketball court, landscaping, a Gateway Plaza and more.

If you’ve driven on Golden Valley Road lately, you’ve already seen the progress being made on the new Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station. Crews continue their work on completing the perimeter walls, as well as the walls of the station itself and the maintenance building.

They are also completing the north driveway into the station and the underground utilities at the site. When complete, the Sheriff ’s Station will be more than 44,000 square feet with a transmission tower, helipad and vehicle maintenance facility.

Those living in Canyon Country or

who commute using the 14 Freeway, can see that multiple projects are moving along in the Vista Canyon development. The water factory is complete and will support the sustainability of the community as it is built out.

Housing options and commercial buildings are under construction and in late January, the City held a groundbreaking event for the Vista Canyon Bus Transfer Station, which will make it even easier for residents to get where they need to go throughout the region.

Finally, I want to give you an update on the Newhall Crossings and Laemmle Theatres projects in Old Town Newhall. While it was speculated last year that the Laemmle Theatres company would be sold, news emerged that the chain is remaining family-owned and the location in Newhall remains on track to open this summer.

Newhall Crossings, the mixed-use development adjacent to the Laemmle Theatres site on Lyons Avenue between Railroad Avenue and Main Street, is also nearing completion. You can see the varied style of the residential units on the higher floors with space for retail and dining options at street level.

Laemmle Theatres will add seven screens to the bustling arts and entertainment district, showcasing arthouse and foreign films not readily available at other venues.

The retail stores and restaurants at Newhall Crossings will expand the current offerings in Old Town Newhall and bring enhanced opportunities for residents. More information about Newhall Crossings, including apartment availability, can be found at NewhallCrossings.com.

New and exciting projects throughout Santa Clarita are poised to further enhance the high quality of life we enjoy. I know we can’t wait to start experiencing the many benefits they will provide us in the future!

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. \

Backwoods Inn 17846 W. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-5522 The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 286-1165 Bergie’s 16404 Delone Street, Canyon Country (661)251-3133 Black Angus 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 288-2000 Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-4820 AMERICAN

Brooklyn Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 284-6057 The Cheesecake Factory 24250 Town Center Dr #110, Valencia (661) 286-1232 Claim Jumper 25740 The Old Road, Valencia (661) 254-2628 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733 The Daily Harvest Cafe & Juicery 22722 Lyons Ave #6, Newhall (661) 383-9387 Eat Real Cafe 23414 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-2237 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-2237 Grilled Cheese Factory 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 888-1508 Iconic Eats 23460 Cinema Dr, Valencia (661) 481-9404 Islands 24180 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-5903 Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 253-9996 The Local Pub & Grill 26876 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch Ca 91381 661.495.9192 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910 Nealie’s Skillet 25858 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 678-0031

Newhall Refinery 24258 Main St, Newhall (661) 388-4477 Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co 18810 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 252-7883 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494 Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 383-0173 Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 222-9999 Souplantation 24303 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 286-1260 Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661)799-8282 The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888 The Social 23329 Lyons Ave, Ste A, Valencia (661) 799-9155

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BREWERIES Dickeys Barbecue Pit 18742 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 251-0840 L&L Hawaiian BBQ 18727 Via Princessa, Canyon Country (661) 251-8333 Lucille’s Bar-B-Que 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 255-1227 Q&Q Hawaiian BBQ 27530 Newhall Ranch Road #101, Santa Clarita (661) 383-9098 Rattler’s BBQ 26495 Golden Valley Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-4195 Smokehouse on Main 24255 Main St, Old Town Newhall (661) 888-4585 Wood Ranch Bar-B-Que & Grill 25580 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-9494 Casa Canela 27647 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 523-7282 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733 Egg Plantation 24415 Walnut Street, Newhall (661) 255-8222 Eggs N Things 27560 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 702-8664 Halfway House 15564 W. Sierra Highway, Saugus (661) 251-0102 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910 Mimi’s Cafe 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661) 255-5520 The Old Town Junction 24257 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888 Saugus Cafe 25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus (661) 259-7886 Way Station Coffee Shop 24377 Main Street, Newhall (661) 255-0222 BJ’s Restaurant 24320 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 288-1299 BBQ BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. 18810 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 252-7883 Pocock Brewing Company 24907 Avenue Tibbits, Valencia (661) 775-4899 Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. 27746 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 263-9653

BURGERS/SANDWICHES Bricks 23820 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 286-1091

Corner Bakery 24290 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 259-2813 Cousins Burgers 19318 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 298-4200 Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412 Final Score 23754 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 254-6557 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Jimmy Dean’s 22941 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 255-6315 JJ’s Bar and Grill 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 799-7557 Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552 Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road (661) 702-9977 Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-2411 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494 Rustic Burger 24025 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-1300 Rustic Eatery 25343 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-8100 Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country (661) 259-4782 The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 291-1575 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552

CHINESE CUBAN DELICATESSEN Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5885 China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-8783 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-0351 Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0888 Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-9868 Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-5823 Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia (661) 288-1898 New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-4321 Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132 Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 288-2090 WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 295 9222 Wok’s Cookin’ Chinese Restaurant 31565 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 257-2890 Hidden Havana Cuban Cafe 23548 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-4460 Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5995 Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 288-2217 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261 The Sandwich Shop 25530 W. Avenue Stanford, Valencia (661) 257-4811

INDIAN FRENCH GREEK ITALIAN JAPANESE & SUSHI Gyromania 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 252-4976 Bella Cucina Ristorante Italiano 27911 Seco Canyon Rd, Saugus (661) 263-1414 Buca di Beppo 26940 Theater Drive, Valencia (661) 253-1900 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 259-6261 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Olive Garden 27003 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-8161 Piccola Trattoria 18302 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 299-6952 Presto Pasta 24375 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia (661) 284-7737 Le Chene French Cuisine 12625 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce (661) 251-4315 An Indian Affaire 23360 W. Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 288-1200 Karma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge 23460 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661) 288-0080 Royal Tandoor 26532 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 263-7100 Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 476-5522 I Love Sushi 26526 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-673-5200 Kabuki 24045 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 799-8655 Kisho Japanese Teppan Grill & Revolving Sushi Bar 23430 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-3856 Masa Ramen 27051 McBean Pkwy, #101, Valencia (661) 254-4229 Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 297-5659

MEDITERRANEAN MEXICAN KOREAN & MONGOLIAN Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9292 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-0351 Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-0048 Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ 23410 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0999 Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 254-2307 ZingGa Grill 26910 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7592 Cafe O 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0401 Flame & Skewers 25870 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-7538 Grill Kabob 27653 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-7445 Kebab House 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-5844 Manoushee Mediterranean Restaurant 27131 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country (661) 251-6666 Zankou Chicken 24463 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia (661) 705-7265 Azul Tequila 25387 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-5500 Betito’s Mexican 18902 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661)251-0557

PIZZA Cabo Cabana Restaurant 25710 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-7022 Casa Pasilla 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 295-1989 Dario’s Mexican Restaurant 24523 Newhall Avenue, Newhall (661) 255-6868 El Trocadero Mesquite Grill & Cantina 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615 Las Rocas Mexican Grill 27923 Sloan Canyon Road Castaic (661) 257-6905 Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 367-4945 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Mama Mia Pizza 25708 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 286-9183 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769

POLISH THAI VIETNAMESE Pierogi Spot 26511 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 254-4850 Original Thai BBQ Restaurant 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-6421 Pho Sure 23876 Copper Hill Drive, Valencia (661) 257-3888

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