By City Manager Ken Striplin
Imagine a month-long event that brings the community together in an immersive literary experience—merging one novel with themed arts, crafts and experiences. This is possible with the return of the community-favorite One Story One City program. Kicking off this month, the Santa Clarita Public Library is excited to announce The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova, as this year’s reading choice.
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina follows the Montoya family, as they journey through the hidden truths of their past following the death of the family matriarch, Orquídea Divina. Each page of this gripping adventure will have you hooked, blending together elements of magical realism and fantasy to fully immerse you in the story. As you read the novel, you will have the opportunity to network and delve deeper into the world created by Córdova, as you take part in the variety of activities hosted by the Library.
We kick-off the event lineup with a special meet and greet with the author, Zoraida Córdova. Join us tonight, Saturday, March 1, from 7:00-8:30 p.m., at the historic Mitchell River House (16950 Lost Canyon Road), where you’ll have the opportunity to ask her questions and learn about the inspiration behind The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina.
For anyone interested in crafting, check out some of the unique opportunities throughout the month. Start your experience creating your own Tree of Life pendant or copper wire tree during this hands-on workshop. Explore the stars as you make your very own Constellation Coasters from tile, scrapbook paper and paint. Construct an intricate display with a Ceiba Shadow Box, or make the perfect Trinket Dish out of a large scallop shell, paint and paper napkins.
Join our Spanish Book Discussion at the Old Town Newhall Branch on Monday, March 17, from 5:00-6:00 p.m., to delve into the pages of the book, all in Spanish. Books and Brews is another prime opportunity to get together and touch on the important themes stretched throughout the novel, happening at Lucky Luke Brewing on Wednesday, March 19, from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Get ready for an engaging performance by mentalist Franklin Saint, an America’s Got Talent contestant, at the Valencia Branch on Friday, March 7 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. On Saturday, March 15 from 3:30-5:00 p.m., at the Old Town Newhall Branch, Matt Bruce, an expert in Tarot, medium work and magic, will introduce you to Rose Reading, the practice of blending intuition and plant symbolism. Catch Christie Everitt at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Branch on Saturday, March 22 from 4:00-5:00 pm., to learn the basics of how to build family trees based on genealogy. Lastly, learn some new moves with a Cumbia and Salsa Dance introduction at the Old Town Newhall Branch on Sunday, March 23 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
So, grab a copy of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina from any of the three City Library Branches and join the month of community, literacy and immersive storytelling. For more information about One Story One City and the lineup of events, please visit OneStoryOneCity.SantaClarita.gov.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
