Santa Clarita, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park series, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, returns with free, live entertainment on Saturdays this summer. Join thousands of your closest friends and neighbors each week and enjoy concerts on Saturday nights from July 9 to August 27 at Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road.
The 2022 Concerts in the Park lineup features the return of Santa Clarita favorites and tributes to some of the most beloved music artists in the world. A variety of genres are on the set list, including rock and roll, country, R&B and more. Each show will begin at 7:00 p.m. with food vendors onsite, allowing concertgoers to relax and enjoy a meal or snack during the show. See the following for the full schedule:
July 9 — DSB: A Tribute to Journey
July 16 — Bruno & The Hooligans: A Tribute to Bruno Mars
July 23 — Redneck Rodeo OC: Country
July 30 — Blue Breeze Band: Soul and R&B
August 6 — Dreaming of You: A Tribute to Selena
August 13 — Yachty by Nature: Yacht Rock
August 20 — Twisted Gypsy: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Plus, Special Video Introduction by NBC’s TODAY Weather Anchor Al Roker Featured to Share the Electric Tram Innovation.
Universal City, California, April 14, 2022—Universal Studios Hollywood debuts the first four electric trams in its fleet of 21 Studio Tour trams. Weather and feature anchor of NBC’s TODAY and Co-host, 3rd Hour of TODAY, Al Roker is featured in a video introduction aboard the trams as part of the guest experience.
The Electric Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood
“I am extremely proud of this innovative undertaking and our commitment to creating a zero-emissions Studio Tour fleet in collaboration with our parent company and local partners,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “This is just one of many steps we are taking to transform our business in line with Comcast NBCUniversal’s carbon neutral goal, all while pioneering first-class attractions for our guests.”
The Electric Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood
The world-famous, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour is a hallmark Universal Studios Hollywood attraction that, for over 55 years, has taken millions of guests from around the world through authentic movie and television production studios, featuring iconic sets made famous in blockbuster movies such as “Back to the Future” and dynamic rides such as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3-D.”
“The Universal Studio Tour has always been a groundbreaking attraction with lots of thrills, excitement and scary moments. I’m honored to be part of an experience for adults and children to learn about these best-in-class electric trams that will transport them around this iconic studio lot and help the environment,” said Al Roker.
The conversion to electric trams was spearheaded in 2017 by visionaries within the Universal Studios Hollywood technical services department and represents some of the first-ever and largest battery-powered, off-road, high-torque and low speed mass people movers in the U.S.
Full conversion of the 21 trams from diesel-hydraulic engines to electric will help reduce carbon emissions as well as improve the guest experience by reducing noise associated with the diesel-hydraulic engine.
Installation of inductive charging technology from WAVE (Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification) by Ideanomics was a critical factor in the conversion designed to meet the trams’ rigorous daily demands of navigating the Studio’s varying topography. Trams will routinely charge during the normal operation at the start and end of the attraction route. Coupled with a regenerative braking feature, the trams will continue to build up charge when they travel downhill, providing added energy efficiency.
The elaborate clean air conversion design process evolved from a collaboration between Universal Studios Hollywood and L.A.-based Complete Coach Works to reimagine the trams from diesel-hydraulic engines to electric.
The project continues to be made possible by a grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District — the local regulatory agency that works to reduce air pollution in the region — which provides funding to replace older equipment with cleaner ones that are cost-effective while reducing air pollution. It was also supported by a significant investment from Comcast NBCUniversal and Southern California Edison through its Charge Ready Transport Program.
“It is truly so exciting to see initiatives like Universal Studios Hollywood’s new fleet of electric Studio Tour trams come to fruition — initiatives that show our public and private entities working together to do our part to combat air quality and climate change,” said L.A. Councilmember Nithya Raman. “As a new member of the South Coast Air Quality Management Board, I am looking to broaden these types of collaborations and accelerate the positive impacts they will have for our region and world. Our climate crisis demands we do this.”
For more information on Comcast NBCUniversal’s environmental efforts, visit the environment page at Comcast.com.
About Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, the new mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride” featuring the spectacularly realistic Indominus rex dinosaur, and the all-new ride “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.” The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” Universal CityWalk, located adjacent to the theme park, features such popular restaurants as VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, NBC Sports Grill & Bar and Voodoo Doughnut, along with dynamic shopping and entertainment options, including Universal Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres.
Santa Clarita, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita invites community members to attend the unveiling of the newest inductees on the Walk of Western Stars on Thursday, April 21, at 5:00 p.m. Cesar Romero and Ricky Schroder will be formally enshrined with a bronze star on terrazzo tile at the unveiling, which will take place outside of Reyes Winery on Main, which is located on the west side of Main Street in Old Town Newhall, between 8th Street and Market Street.
Cesar RomeroRicky Schroder
Since 1981, the City has honored Western television, radio and film stars, and these newest inductees will join them with their own bronze tile.
Cesar Romero had an impressive career spanning six decades and made more than 200 appearances in television shows and movies, 56 of which were Westerns. In the early 1930s, Romero appeared in such classics as “The Thin Man,” “The Devil is a Woman” with Marlene Dietrich and “The Little Princess” with Shirley Temple. A Cuban-American, Romero was the first Hispanic actor to portray the iconic character of the Cisco Kid, doing so in “The Cisco Kid and the Lady.” Romero is perhaps best remembered for his role as The Joker in the 1960s “Batman” television show and feature film, making him the first actor to portray the famous villain on the big screen. Romero passed away in 1994.
Ricky Schroder began his career as a child actor, appearing in movies such as “The Champ” with Jon Voight and “The Last Flight of Noah’s Ark” with Elliott Gould. His most famous early role was as Ricky Stratton in “Silver Spoons” from 1982 to 1986. Schroder’s Western career started with the role of Newt Dobbs in the mini-series “Lonesome Dove” opposite Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, which was one of the most-watched television events in history. He has appeared in Western TV movies such as “Blood River,” “Texas” and “Ebenezer” while also directing and starring in 2013’s “Our Wild Hearts.” Schroder has appeared in more than 50 other television and film productions in his career, including “NYPD Blue,” “Strong Medicine,” “24” and “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors.”
Free parking for the Walk of Western Stars unveiling will be available in the parking structure located on 9th Street between Railroad Avenue and Main Street or in the public parking lot on the corner of Main Street and 6th Street. Community members are invited to further celebrate the newest inductees at a special reception inside Reyes Winery on Main, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The reception will include light appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks, wine for purchase and video clips of the inductees’ work playing on screens. Tickets for the reception are available for purchase at wows2022.eventbrite.com for $30. Space is extremely limited. Following the reception, guests are invited to attend a Western-themed SENSES Block Party from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Main Street.
For more information about the Walk of Western Stars unveiling or reception, please contact Arts and Events Manager Phil Lantis via email at plantis@santa-clarita.com.
Open Letter from Academy President, David Rubin and Academy CEO, Dawn Hudson
Los Angeles, Calif. – The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.
During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.
Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.
We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.
This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.
Chick Chick Chicken Opens Today at Universal CityWalk! The Exciting New Restaurant Opens Daily at 11am.
Universal City, Calif. –Chick Chick Chicken is a casual dining experience with a variety of hand breaded chicken dishes. The restaurant combines a colorful presentation with a nostalgic feeling that highlights exciting, yet familiar flavors. From traditional to the hottest Nashville hot, Chick Chick Chicken serves up a unique sandwich experience.
Universal CityWalk – Chick Chick Chicken All-New Casual Dining Concept Opens Today at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood.
