Remembering Our Mothers and Our Veterans by Our Valley Group

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Issue…

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Editorial

Our Community Movers & Shakers Byron Alvarado Jennifer Ramos Memorial Day Meet Dante Acosta Our Mothers’ Stories Mom’s Who Served Arts & Entertainment Arif Halaby Discount Coupons Caught in the Lens

CREDITS Editor in Chief Bill Miranda

Art Design

Patsy Ayala Ricardo Paredes Estefanía Islas Blanca De La Torre

Production Julio Del Rio

Copy Editor

Virginia Miranda

Advertising Director Patsy Ayala

Account Executive Francisco Del Rio

Technology Julio Del Rio Ryan Kuhn

Publisher

Our Valley Group, Patsy Ayala, CEO

Contributors

Scott Wilk Steve Knight Byron Alvarado Bill Miranda Laurie Morgan Arif Halaby Michele Buttelman Jennifer Ramos Sydney Smith Julia Chaidez Heather Hoffner Robi Ramos Matheny Linda Pippen Christina Martinez Bianca Bracero Moises Robles Morelia Robles Mariposa Robles

Your Invisible Solution Center

Editorial Remembering Our Mothers and Our Veterans

ast month’s “Our Spiritual Awakening” issue received tremendous acclaim for both its content and its design. Thank you to all of you who offered your opinions. This month we celebrate Mothers’ Day and Memorial Day so Our Valley Santa Clarita has put together this issue with the thought that mothers should be loved and celebrated … and those who served … honored for their service. On a personal note, I want to honor my mother. She raised seven children, five boys and two girls, and had a husband who held three jobs to keep food on the table and shoes on our feet. She grew up in Puerto Rico and came to the U.S. as a young lady. During World War II she worked as a mail handler in the U.S. Post Office Department while her husband was off to war. She knew very little English, but somehow she managed to make everything work. When her boys got into trouble she was there to be heavy with the discipline. When her boys were bullied she was there with a baseball bat to protect her pups. When her boys were old enough every one of them served their country in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps. Her proudest moments were seeing her boys in uniform. “I never pushed any of them into the military. They all volunteered on their own. I did, however, teach them to be patriotic and to love this country as I do. It must have rubbed off on them,” she would say. She always inspired her daughters to “rise above the crowd” and become anything they wanted to become. She taught them right from wrong and left the rest to them. Well, to them and to the nuns. Her daughters both graduated from Catholic schools and went on to lead very productive lives. Mamita taught me how to hit a baseball, defend myself with boxing skills and dance … all in our tiny living room! She sat at the table with my brothers and me and helped us with our homework … even though she didn’t know English! What a gal! Although Mamita’s early years and last years were extremely tough, she had a good life overall. I honor her on Mothers’ Day for being a great mother and I salute her on Memorial Day as she lies in rest at a Veterans Cemetery waiting for her husband to join her. God bless you Mamita!

OUR COMMUNITY

Ken Striplin City Manager

ver the last 26 years, our City has successfully developed top-notch sports and recreation programs and facilities that thousands enjoy. Our goal with these programs and facilities is to encourage and contribute to a healthy and high quality of life for our residents. As we approach the warm summer months, I hope that you and your family will take advantage of these healthy offerings. The City’s Aquatic calendar is jam-packed with great swim programs including group and private swim lessons, lap and recreational swim, water exercise, adult swim, and even stand up paddle boarding classes. Special aquatics introductory programs include diving, water polo and synchronized swim clinics. Whichever class or program you and your family choose, you will

enjoy it in one of the City’s well-maintained and supervised pools located at Newhall Park, North Oaks Park, Santa Clarita Park, Valencia Glen Park, Valencia Meadows Park and the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center. Check it all out at: www.santa-clarita.com/ seasons. In anticipation of the AMGEN Tour of California coming to Santa Clarita (May 16 and 17), the City will be hosting Hit the Trail Community bike ride. The family-oriented bike ride will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10 from Bridgeport Park (23520 Bridgeport Lane). In addition, ROAD Magazine, a local company, is hosting a charity event, where the public can mingle with pro cyclists, get autographs and enjoy guided bicycle rides (under 18 free, otherwise $10/person), plus there will be food trucks and a raﬄe. It will commence on Friday, May 16 from 4 to 9 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday May 17 at the ROAD Magazine office at: 25006 Ave. Kearny, Santa Clarita. (Call for details at: 661-362-1250). ROAD is proud to offer this partner event to celebrate the growing cycling culture in Santa Clarita. Come on down and be a part of it. For more information about the Hit the Trail Community bike ride or about the AMGEN Tour of California, log on to www.santa-clarita.com/tourofca. If you are looking for something for your children to do this summer, I encourage you to check out Camp Clarita. This City-run day camp program, held at city parks, provides a safe, fun environment that serves the recreational needs of youth in Santa Clarita. For more information or to sign up for day camp, visit www.santa-clarita.com/ seasons. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to email me directly at: kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. Thank you for helping to make Santa Clarita one of the best communities in California.

The Status of Boys and Men of Color and the Local Control Funding Formula

Scott Wilk

California state Assemblyman

he quality education a student receives is the best indicator of success. I’ve been critical of the K-12 system because, in my view, it has not been effective in preparing our minority and under-served communities with the tools they need to be successful. The funding formula for California’s public school system has seen a change recently with the development of the Local Control Funding Formula. Prior to the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), school districts received a certain amount per child and Sacramento administrators controlled how the money was spent. Now local school boards are given greater ﬂexibility on how they spend their money and school districts with large populations of students who are English as a Second Language (ESL) learners or on the federal lunch program are provided with additional resources. As a member of the Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color in California, I recently attended a hearing in Los Angeles on the implementation of the LCFF to examine how the new funding changes will impact our local community. Joining me was Assemblymembers Bradford, Jones-Sawyer, Brown and RidleyThomas. The Select Committee’s main focus is to work on improving the outcomes for young African American, Latino, and Asian-Pacific Islander youth and help them be as successful as possible. Given the Select Committee’s focus on improving the outcomes for the students, the committee thought it would be beneficial to take an in-depth look at the proposed LCFF plan and to identify ways that school districts and community leaders can improve education, graduation rates, and access to jobs while improving the standard of living. The hearing consisted of three panels including testimonies from school district Superintendents from the Los Angeles area and community groups that have a vested role in our education system. The stakeholder groups expressed their concerns about the accountability side of the LCFF and encouraged school districts to spend their money based on the needs of their students. It’s apparent that due to the quality of instruction, health, social services, and weak accountability system, our entire education system is in need of reform. With the work of this committee and others in Sacramento we are finally moving towards the right path. Our children are our future and we must ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve.

Clean-up on aisles 35, 30 and 8!

Steve Knight

California State Senator

e are often told that the public has a less-thanfavorable opinion of its government representatives. Recent scandalous behavior by several California senators has only emboldened that sentiment. Earlier this year, the Senate was rocked when a member was convicted of eight felony counts, including voter fraud and perjury stemming from the senator — Wright, 35th District — violating the requirement of living in the district represented. Although the senator was indicted four years earlier on these charges, many in the Senate believed a conviction was improbable based on previous accusations of other members. Rather than asking for his resignation or voting to expel this senator, effectively stopping his paycheck, the Senate leadership has only allowed what amounts to an administrative slap on the wrist for a sitting member who is now a felon. The Senate should be afforded the opportunity to expel a member who has violated legal and ethical boundaries because anything else is a disservice to California voters. Once the jury verdict was announced, as a former Los Angeles police officer and Army veteran, my public safety background took over and I authored a letter to the senator pro tem demanding action. The letter asked for the expulsion of this senator, who has not only lied under oath and disgraced the Legislature, but has brought embarrassment upon the constituents of the district he represents but does not live in. After my plea was not addressed, I took the next logical step and authored Senate Resolution 29, a measure to expel the senator. That, too, was summarily dismissed by Senate leadership using procedural motions on the senate ﬂoor, effectively killing the effort. Weeks later another senator — Calderon, 30th District — was indicted by the FBI on fraud and bribery charges. With the Senate unwilling to take action on a member previously convicted of felonies, it is no surprise that accusations resulted in the suspect senator being allowed to take a leave of absence, with pay. Most recently, the FBI indicted and then publicly arrested another senator — Yee, 8th District — on a multitude of charges including corruption and suspected arms dealing. This time the Senate leadership finally chose to act, but went only so far as to suspend all three senators, again with pay. Because the Constitution requires that legislators receive pay unless expelled, the taxpayers will foot the bill for these disgraced members if or until they are removed from office. Moreover, their constituents will not receive the representation they voted for. Although separate, these three legislators accused and/or convicted of egregious ethical and legal violations further validates the public’s opinion of elected officials as a whole. As a proud member of the California Senate, I am appalled at my colleagues’ ﬂagrant abuse of the public’s trust. Those who call for “reforms” are missing the point; lying under oath, bribery, corruption, and gun-running are already classified as serious crimes. We should start by fully punishing those who violate these laws if we are to begin cleaning up the mess in Sacramento. It is my hope that we can then regain some of the confidence and honor befitting a representative of the people. Senator Steve Knight, R-Lancaster, represents the 21st Senate District which includes the communities throughout the Antelope, Victor, and Santa Clarita valleys. 7

Sydney Smith Testimonial for Santa Clarita School of the Performing Arts Shauna Smith

Do not drive all the way to LA for acting classes!! Agents come every week to SCSOPA. Why go any further to meet them? Your kid could be auditioning for commercials within weeks of beginning their training. The opportunities are endless!! Mike knows his stuff. I trusted in his guidance and I’m very happy that I did. See Sydney in the national commercial for “Annie” as it tours the states this year!

Thanks, Mike!!

Movers & Shakers Curtis Woods

urtis was born in Los Angeles in 1973. His father worked in restaurant management and taught him the value of hard work. His mother was an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District and taught him the value of education. Both of those values came in handy growing up in the Crenshaw area of Los Angeles. He was a good boy, except that he was always getting in trouble for “talking in class.”

When he wasn’t talking he was getting very good grades. He was admitted to one of the nation’s most challenging high schools, the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies. After graduating, he attended California State University Northridge where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in business. He worked at the university after graduation for three years in Community Partnerships making student placements, then went on to the Pepsi Bottling Group to work in distribution and merchandising. One year later Curtis found his unexpected calling. He listed his resume on Monster.Com and got a response from Service Corporation International. They were looking for a financial person. Curtis was interested until he discovered the interview was being held at a mortuary while an actual funeral was being held! He said to himself, “This isn’t me. But I don’t want to embarrass anyone

so I’ll go through with it anyhow”. When it was over I knew the job was everything I wanted. It had financial work, career opportunities and best of all, a compassionate, caring team. Curtis worked in an office his first three years. He learned the mortuary business well. When it was time to take a field assignment he was ready. “Field assignments required business skills as well as social skills. Since I was a kid I had no problem with talking so I knew I would fit right in. Working in this environment, folks do not expect us to be fun people. But we can be if the environment calls for it.” Curtis spent three years in Lancaster and one in Bakersfield before settling here at Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary in 2012. He is a great addition to our community. He has two children, Christopher 7 ½ and Vanessa 5 ½. Curtis advises young people to, “Go as far with education as possible before the real world kicks in. Don’t be overly focused on career aspirations, but instead do what you enjoy doing.”

half full or half empty. I said half full and was hired immediately! My first project was to get free immunization shots for children. We got hospital volunteers and the on-campus nursing college to help. We even got the local instant print shop to provide free ﬂyers. It was exciting to see so many volunteers help.” Gail moved to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank where public relations became her specialty and she loved it. One day she applied for the job of Public Information Officer in the newly formed City of Santa Clarita. At age 28, and still learning the intricacies of the public relations world, Gail beat out 24 ail was born in Inglewood, CA. Her contenders to become Santa Clarita’s mother was a homemaker and her father first Public Information Officer. “We was in real estate. Her grandfather were writing the operations manual as owned a menswear store which is probably we were performing the operations. where she got her elegance. When she Everything was new and no one was was nine, her family moved to Reseda. She absolutely sure how to do everything. attended Cleveland High School where she But again, it was exciting. We were was on the swim team, a yell leader and senior helping to create a great city.” class vice president. She then graduated from California State University Northridge. Now after 23 years on the job, Gail is still helping to create a great city. “We Her first job after graduation was at a small have taken great strides, but we have a hospital in Pacoima. “The interviewer put a lot to do yet. We are working to build a glass of water in front of me and asked if it was Canyon Country Community Center. We

Gail Ortiz Morgan

are implementing Friday Night Lights for middle school kids so they have a place to go and just have fun. We need a new Senior Center for our growing population of seniors and a new library in Saugus.” Gail is confident it will all get done. “Ken Striplin is a great City Manager. The City Council is really energized. We got the Old Town Newhall Library done during very tough economic times so imagine what we can do with a strong economy.” On January 1st of this year Gail married Joe Morgan. He’s a math teacher at Reseda High School. They met online via a dating service. They dated for two years before tying the knot. Gail has a son, David, in the Army stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and twins attending Golden Valley High School. She inherited Joe’s twin girls too. What does the future hold for them? “I am a born again Christian and thank God everyday for His amazing grace. I want to devote my future to glorify God in any way I can.” If she does half as good a job at that as she has as our city’s PIO, God’s glory will be in good hands.

Money Matters Even More When Your Income is Reduced Byron Alvarado industry research firm, LIMRA, he are some myths vs. facts about disabilities:

ay is disability awareness month. Whether you are a business owner or employee a disability in your working years could have a devastating effect on your future income, assets and wealth accumulation. Ask yourself this question. If you are seriously hurt or acquire an illness that impedes your ability to go to work or open your business doors, how would that affect your family’s future? Your ability to earn a living is your biggest asset. Your income maintains your lifestyle and, allows you to save and invest for your future. According to the well known

Myth: My chances of becoming disabled are slim, around 1 in 100 chance. Fact: The Social Security Administration estimates that 1 out of 3 Americans entering the workforce today will become disabled before they retire. While wage earners think the odds are small, a sudden interruption of income could have serious financial consequences. Myth: Most disabilities are work-related and covered by workers’ compensation benefits. Fact: Nearly 90% of disabilities are not work related and therefore are not covered by workers’ compensation. Also illness, not accident, is responsible for most of the disabilities people suffer.

Myth: If suffering from a permanent disability, just enroll with Social Security Disability Insurance. Fact: Currently 65% of applications for SSI benefits are initially denied. Plus the average SSDI monthly benefit at the end of 2011 was $1,111. All of you reading this article couldn’t or wouldn’t want to live on this amount to meet your day-today living expenses much less save for your children’s higher education, your retirement and your legacy. Myth: Sick leave and vacation time can be used to cover expenses during a disability. Fact: While sick leave and vacation time are certainly helpful, the benefits from them usually run out in matter of weeks at the time when expenses are often increasing. Regardless of what the odds are that you will become disabled, you must ask yourself what if it happens how will my financial life move forward and what are the financial consequences for the next 15, 20 or 30 years to my family. Working with a financial strategist who understands and can explain how disability protection can be integrated with your other financial decisions, in order to show you how to finance the premiums, is the key. If there was no out-of-pocket outlay required to add this protection, why wouldn’t you? Disclaimer: This column does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice; the information provided is intended to be general in nature; and readers are strongly encouraged to consult their own professional tax, accounting and legal advisors on individual tax matters.

Why Bring My Spouse to a Hearing Screening?

Jennifer Ramos Marketing Director

’m asked several times a day, “Why should I bring my spouse to a hearing screening?” The answer is simple. People with hearing loss are not the only ones affected by it. It’s frustrating to have a conversation when the other person can’t hear you or when you can’t hear them? I know first-hand it can cause a rift in any relationship. Your Advanced Audiology Hearing Care Professional will educate you and your spouse on communication strategies that will help you both hear.

If loss is indicated during your testing process, the Hearing Care Professional will have you try the latest digital hearing devices in our office. Your spouse’s voice can be used to help adjust

the sound quality to your exact needs. I recall a patient leaving elated because his wife sounded like his young bride once again after years of not hearing her voice well. Hearing loss is a family matter and it’s a good idea to bring a friend or family member for moral support, to cheer you on through the process, and to help you remember all the information you will be given during your visit. If you suspect you or anyone you know has an issue with hearing, they might qualify for a FREE screening. Find out once and for all if you really can’t hear or if you just have a blockage. We will help you settle the age old debate of whether you or your spouse has selective hearing. Nola Aronson of Advanced Audiology has been helping people hear better since 1987. We are located at 23822 Valencia Blvd #103 in Valencia. For more information or to see if you qualify for a FREE exam, give us a call at 661-505-1135.

Aggie (661) 752-5479 Email: lotuspartyrentals@gmail.com For Spanish Speaking Services Contact Martha (661)262-9180 lotuspartyrentals@yahoo.com

Memorial Day By Michele E. Buttelman

emorial Day is a day of honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The tradition began after the Civil War. The first “official” Memorial Day, then known as “Decoration Day,” was in 1868. It was a common practice at that time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. This year it will be celebrated on Monday, May 26. For our local Gold Star parents, Memorial Day is very personal to them. Each of them has lost a child in service to our country. “We have to show our children what Memorial Day stands for,” said Duane Harte, president of Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc. “It’s not just a day off of work, it’s not just a day off of school. It’s to honor those veterans who have lost their lives.” The list of the Santa Clarita Valley’s fallen since the Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks includes: U.S. Army PFC Robert Michael Wilson (died Aug. 13, 2002); U.S. Army SGT Dean Glen Todd, Jr.

(Aug. 21, 2004); U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl Richard P. “Ricky” Slocum (Oct. 24, 2004); U.S. Army PFC Cole W. Larsen (Nov. 13, 2004); U.S. Army PFC Jose Ricardo “Ricky” Flores-Mejia (Nov. 16, 2004); U.S. Army SGT Dennis L. Sellen Jr. (Feb. 11, 2007); U.S. Army SPC Stephen E. Colley (May 16, 2007); U.S. Army SGT John Michael Conant (April 10, 2008; U.S. Army SGT Ian Timothy D. Gelig (March 1, 2010); U.S. Marine Corps PFC Jake W. Suter (May 29, 2010) and U.S. Army SPC Rudy A. Acosta (March 19, 2011). The SCV’s last fallen solider, Acosta, was killed in Afghanistan. Acosta, a combat medic, was shot by small arms fire by an employee with an Afghani security company hired by the U.S. government. He died in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Rudy Acosta wanted to become a doctor. “His buddies left behind tell us all the time, ‘Your son inspired me because he was so dedicated,’” Dante Acosta, Rudy’s father, said. To honor all veterans, the Scouts will place more than 5,000 U.S.

flags on the graves of veterans buried at Eternal Valley Memorial Park beginning at 9 a.m. on the Saturday before Memorial Day. “The Elks Club also volunteers each year to help feed all our volunteers who place those flags,” said Harte. “Typically they provide food for more than 1,000 kids who are out there placing the flags.”

A Memorial Day service will be held Monday, May 26 atop the hill at Eternal Valley, 23287 Sierra Highway, Newhall, beginning at 10 a.m. Theme of this year’s event will be “Old Glory”. The program will include a flyover by the Condor Squadron and include readings from Betsy Ross, credited with designing the American flag. “We will depict changes in the American flag over time,” said Harte. The SCV Concert Band and the Santa Clarita Master Chorale will also perform. Golf carts will be available to transport guests to the top of the hill, said Harte, who will serve as event emcee. In 1950 Congress passed a resolution for a “National Moment of Remembrance” asking the President to remind all Americans each year “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.’” The National Moment of Remembrance is held at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day.

Meet Dante Acosta Up Close and Personal with Santa Clarita’s Newest Council Person By Bill Miranda

ante Acosta stood in the middle of the room where there were over 75 avid supporters on election night at the Backwoods Inn in Santa Clarita. They waited for the City Council votes to be counted and announced. The numbers came in slowly. They were projected on the big screen by Tami Edwards, Dave Caldwell and the staff at SCVTV. On the radio, some were getting their vote tally from KHTS AM1220 our Hometown Station. Others were on their smart phones, tablets or laptops signed on to either The Signal or City of Santa Clarita websites. It was number crunching time and as the numbers came in two things were almost immediately evident: incumbents Laurene Weste and Marsha McLean had won reelection. That meant only one seat was available to win and there were still eleven other candidates vying for it. “I was very optimistic and hopeful I could win,” said Dante. “Our team, early on led by the very talented and experienced Sharon Bronson, ran a truly grass roots campaign. We knew we couldn’t raise the kind of money others were raising so we had to outsmart and outwork our competition. I don’t know if we outsmarted anyone, but we sure as heck outworked them. We walked key precincts on many a day. We participated in almost all the events where we could do meet and greet or hand out brochures to voters. We put banners and signs in key locations where we had great visibility. We held numerous phone banks and listened to voters tell us what they want for our city. Last, but not least, we stood on street corners and waved signs right up to the end reminding voters to vote for me.” I asked Dante where he got his drive, determination and energy. He told me, “My mother raised five kids by herself. She worked three jobs to feed us and put clothes on our bodies. When I was a kid I wanted to help. I had a paper route then worked as a box boy and later became a gas station attendant. I learned that in life the very first thing you have to do is to show up. Next, outwork everybody else. Lastly, do the things others won’t do.” Back at the Backwoods Inn the first vote count came in. Dante was in third place! “Yes!” shouted Dante. Whoever comes in third wins the third and last seat on the council. And the crowd responded with a loud roar. Dante looked at his wife, Carolyn, and at his son, DJ, and smiled confidently at them. “My wife and kids have been my biggest fans. Without their support I never could have run for office,” he told me. “My daughter Allie is a student at Biola University in La Mirada and couldn’t make it to the rally, but she has been great in her support and love.”

The next vote count was announced. Oh, oh, Dante dropped to fifth! The room got quiet. “One never knows what the voters will do until they have actually done it. I was still confident, but I would be fibbing if I said I wasn’t a little concerned at that

point,” said Dante. “I kept walking around rallying my supporters half the time and being rallied by them the other half.” And then it happened. The next vote count had Dante back in third place! BAM! There was the loudest roar of the night. When the last vote of the night was counted, Dante was still in third place only 46 votes ahead of Alan Ferdman and there were still 965 absentee ballots to be verified and counted. The night was over, but the suspense would last another week. On April 15th the final count, including the absentee ballots, was made and the election results were certified. By 104 votes Dante Acosta won the third and last available seat on the City Council. He will be the first Latino ever to serve in that position. “I’m very proud of my heritage and I plan to represent all of our citizens to the best of my ability,” he said. “I am proud to be able to serve our great city. It is a great place to live and I will fight to keep it great and make it better.” So what do you see for Santa Clarita in the next 10 years? “I see a large growth in our population. I see a need for more and better schools, improved entertainment sector and more better paying jobs.” Dante’s family has already contributed enormously to our community. His father was honored with a saddle plaque on our Western Walk of Fame on Main Street in Newhall. And Carolyn and he are Gold Star parents having lost their oldest son, Rudy, in the war in Afghanistan. Congratulations to Laurene Weste and Marsha McLean on their well deserved victories! And congratulations to Dante Acosta, the first Latino elected to our City Council!

OUR MOTHER’s stories I

n our February issue we collected and shared stories of couples in love. It was fun to include them in that Valentine’s Day issue. In this issue, our Mothers Day issue, we collected and are sharing stories of the love of mothers. One can’t help but to be touched by children, young and old, expressing deep love for a mother. These stories will make you laugh and they will make you cry, but most of all they will make you proud to know that mothers, who have the hardest jobs in the entire world, are appreciated.

Pumpkin Pie, Mom and Me By Bianca Bracero

I am so blessed to have such an amazing woman for my mom. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up with Mom. It was hard to pick just one, but I chose one I hold closest to my heart. It is a story about Mom, me, COSTCO and pumpkin pie. Yes, pumpkin pie.

y Mom, Lori, and I have a lot in common. Our family often refers to me as “Mini Lori”. One of the many things we share is our love for pumpkin pie! Whenever we felt a craving we took a trip down to Costco to get one. This all started years ago. After a day shopping at COSTCO, we put all the items in the car, and I put the pie on my lap. It looked good and smelled even better. I wanted to have a piece right then and there. But we had to slice it. We looked in the glove box and in Mom’s purse for anything that resembled a knife, fork or spoon, but we couldn’t find anything. Then, Mom’s creative juices began to ﬂow. She said, “I have an idea! Let’s use my American Express card to slice the pie!” There was no waiting until we arrived home. We wanted it now! Mom pulled out the credit card, which just so happens to be the perfect pie slicer, and sliced a sliver for me and sliver for her. We munched away on our pumpkin pie and savored every bite as we laughed all the way home! Every time I see a pumpkin pie, at a holiday party or at the grocery store, I think of Mom and our trips to COSCTO, and to this day I truly believe pumpkin pie sliced with a credit card is so much yummier! I will forever remember my Mom and our pumpkin pie trips to Costco.

GROWING UP WITH MOM I By Linda Pippin

n 1949, at age 18, Mom was married. By age 21, she had three little ones, me being the oldest. Those first six years were not good ones for my mom, physically and emotionally. The few memories I have of those days are not pleasant ones. I never knew the complete story until I was an adult. She carried the burden of an extremely difficult situation all by herself. I admire her wisdom in not burdening us with the truth. This is where the respect and love for my mom begins. Mom was a very shy and reserved woman by nature. Thankfully, she had the forethought of knowing that was not the life that she wanted for herself, but especially not for my brothers and me. She was in such a dark place at the time that she could have easily given up. But, she didn’t give up. Having virtually no work experience, and a shy nature, she set out to find work that would allow her to leave behind our unhealthy life. With the help of her sister, who had a family of her own, Mom was able to gain strength and move forward. Our lives changed again, for the good, when my mom met the man I would call my dad and married him in 1959. Now my best memories of growing up with mom begin. Security and stability began to set in for us. We went family camping and took road trips with just a loaf of bread and jar of peanut butter in our station wagon.

I cannot express how happy and lucky I am that mom mustered up what was needed in order to change our lives for the good. Many times I reﬂect on how our lives would have been. Thank you, Mom, for thinking of our future and making the many sacrifices so that we could have many happy memories and a happy life.

The Best Mom W

By Elena (age 9) and Cristian Martinez (age 12) ho has the best mom? We do! Our names are Elena and Cristian Martinez and our mom is Amber Martinez. OUR mommy reminds us all the time that she is not our friend, she is our mommy. We are so proud of her.

Our mommy has taken the best care of me and brother Cristian for all of our lives, alone. Mom has shown me how to be a strong young lady. She is my real life hero. She never asks us to do anything she can’t do herself. But it’s true, she asks us to do well in school. School is very important. She went to nursing school and did homework with us. Most parents are supposed to know everything but mom always tells us, that she doesn’t know everything. She doesn’t try to know everything, but everyday every moment is a learning lesson and she’s the student.

But, she would ask us for help with her homework. Not only does she love us and take care of us, she is a nurse and works right down the hill from our school. We know we can always depend on her to take care of us when we are sick but also our friends and their families. Our mom is our teacher. She teaches us life lessons all the time. I think if she didn’t we wouldn’t appreciate the

ability to see and experience the things that she has shown us. Our mom has worked 7 days a week to take care of us. There is nothing we wouldn’t do for our mom. In addition to being our life teacher she is also a life teacher to lots of our friends and their parents. Mom never has time alone and I know she loves us and we love her too.

Why My Mom is the Best By Moises (15), Morelia (12) and Mariposa (7)

very kid probably thinks that their mom is the best mom ever and they’re probably the best mom … to them. There are reasons why we kids think our mother is the best. The first is she motivates and inspires us. Every morning when we are leaving to go to class she tells us to, “Make good choices.” Those three words mean a lot to us. She doesn’t just mean make good choices in school. She means to apply it in everything we do. My Mother also inspires us to always stay on top of our game and be productive. She’s always having us make a schedule and do activities to keep us busy and organized. She gives us responsibility and trust that we will do all of these things. When we need help she is there to help us. When we fall she is there to pick us up again. Next, our mom is selﬂess and caring. She is always volunteering and helping around the community. She wants to help make the world a better place. Even though she volunteers, she is also a full time mom. She is always there for us. Whether we are injured or have a presentation for school or an activity, she finds time out of her busy day to be with us.

Another way I think she is caring is that she pays attention to our nutrition. She feeds us what is good for our health. She enrolls us in music and life guarding classes to keep us active and not become couch potatoes.

She has all these gifts and talents and shares them with others. I think that she is great role model to the community and my family, leaving tons of good memories for us to have. She is the best Friend, Sibling, Wife, and most of all, the best Mom..

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Mothers in the military He was beautiful, stood erect, and had a commanding presence in his Marine uniform. I was hooked. I wanted to be a Marine. In January of 1994 I entered basic training at Parris Island, SC. I had three strikes against me. I was a woman, still learning English and Latina. Somehow I was able to overcome it all and enjoy a great six years in the Marines. I served three years at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, one year in Okinawa and two years in a reserve unit near Boca Raton, FL. While there I became a certified personal trainer and aerobics instructor. I also met my future husband. When we left the Marines we moved to his hometown, San Fernando, CA. I gave birth to our two boys, Eddie in 2000 and Andy two years later. Having gained over 46 pounds while pregnant, I went to a gym to work it off. I met the owner and told him I was a fitness instructor. He looked at me and said, “Really?” It was obvious he didn’t want a “fatty” teaching his fitness classes. Then one day he came running up to me, “Julia, my best instructor just left! I need you to take her place immediately. Please say yes!” I said YES!

Julia Chaidez A

lthough I was born in New York City, I grew up in a small town in Colombia. After high school, I went to live with my uncle in Miami, which was very exciting for me. I got to see the ocean and I loved it. But I had some challenges. I didn’t speak English, didn’t have a job and had to deal with an overprotective uncle. So, I learned English, found two jobs, but couldn’t deal with the overprotective uncle. I wanted to get out, be free and take the world by storm. Enter the recruiter.

Not much later, my husband and I started, Elite Body and Mind. Our business and our family grew. Elizabeth was born in 2006. Today I have my own company: Live Inspire Train Bootcamp. It is not a weight loss program but a way of life; we are the experts in women. We teach women to live healthy, inspire others and train with passion. My advice to women is that beauty comes from within.

Stop being “little girls.” Don’t be victims. Be the best you can be. Go for it!

Heather Hoffner I

was born in Auburn, NY and when I was nine my mother, who was a dancer and very impulsive, took my twin sister and I to Los Angeles leaving my father behind. We lived in Santa Clarita where I attended Sierra Vista before going back to live with my father and attended Auburn High School. After a year I came back and attended Canyon High School for two years then transferred to Hart High School where I graduated.

I worked at Magic Mountain and at a shoe store in the mall while attending the College of the Canyons. It was a Veterans Day and I happened to be watching television and totally bored when a commercial for the Navy caught my attention. Good pay, world travel, and money for school! I was hooked. The next day I walked into the recruitment office and committed to the Navy. And even though I had a boy friend, Charlie, I left. I took basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and then became part of the first integrated (male and female) division. Although we had separate quarters, we all trained together. After “A” school Charlie and I got married. I got assigned to a beach master unit in Coronado, CA. I then got to travel and went to Australia where I worked with both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Australian Navy. Then I went to Kenya in Africa where we did a lot of humanitarian work. When I returned home I got pregnant and had my daughter, Ella. I was on leave in Newhall when 9/11 hit and I was immediately recalled. It was a tense time for

our country, but especially for the military. I was discharged into the reserves in 2002 and Charlie and I split up in 2004. I held a number of jobs and wandered around a lot before impulsively going to Madison, WI where I knew no one. In two days I had a home and two jobs. I spent two and a half years there before returning to Santa Clarita in 2011. Now I enjoy heading to the beach in Ventura, swimming and biking on the paseos. My advice to young people is to figure out what you want to do then just do it. If you don’t know what you want to do, try the military. I guarantee it will change your life. If you really want to make the most of your opportunities learn as much as you can.

Robi Ramos Matheny I was born in El Monte, CA and raised by a single mom. She did a good job as I was the first in the family to graduate from high school. But then I hung out with the wrong crowd. I argued with my mom, missed days at work and just got to the point where I had to get out of El Monte. So I joined the Navy.

I wanted to become a medical corpsman, but it was not available so I became an aviation mechanic. Though not what I wanted, I became the very best aviation mechanic I could be. I became the only female Plane Captain and winner of “Junior Sailor of the Year” in my outfit. I was assigned to the carrier USS Harry S. Truman. We sailed the Mediterranean for six months stopping in Greece, Dubai and Italy. Living on a ship was extremely challenging especially when you have 250 women living in very close quarters in one room. Ouch! After spending time on the USS George Washington, it was time for me to go to Iraq. I worked on S-3 aircraft that refueled our fighters over the war zone. We could hear and see the battles going on near our base. It was an interesting time. Five months later I was in Jacksonville, FL where I met my husband who was also in the Navy. We both got reassigned to Coronado, CA, but he got to ﬂy there and I had to drive cross country in an old car alone while pregnant with my first child. It was the longest, scariest trip of my life.

Nathan was born in July of 2009. My husband, Justin, worked day and I worked nights in order to do our jobs and care for our child. It was difficult, but we got it done. In 2012, after 9 years, the Navy downsized me out of a job. I was not happy as I wanted to make the Navy a career. That’s when I discovered Charter College. Working hard while taking care of my son and being pregnant again, I earned an Associate’s degree in Nursing. Now I’m working on a Bachelor’s degree toward becoming a registered nurse. Charter College has been a blessing to me. I can’t say enough good things about them. My advice to young women is to take your education seriously. All good jobs require education. Thanks to the Navy I have learned so much, seen the world and had so many life experiences. I could never have done that without the Navy.

The Arts in My Opinion

By Laurie Morgan – Visual and Performing Artist

get the impression that most Los Angeles residents don’t come to Santa Clarita for entertainment. After all it’s so far away. When I first moved here in 1988, my mother, who lives in West LA, thought I had moved to Siberia! I kept telling her that I’m 30 minutes from any audition in Hollywood, WLA or even closer in the San Fernando Valley. I can understand when people from other parts of California or the country don’t know where Santa Clarita is. But if you say, “Magic Mountain”, they know. So what’s the excuse for those living nearby? Here’s a typical conversation. “Where do you live?” “Newhall” “Where’s that?” “Near Magic Mountain” “Oh, you live in Valencia?” “No, I live in the community of Newhall. Valencia is another community in the city of Santa Clarita”. “I thought Valencia was the city”. “No, the city is Santa Clarita and it consists of the following communities: Newhall, Valencia, Saugus and Canyon Country. The Santa Clarita Valley Wilk_Ad_OurValley_color.qxp_Layout 1 4/25/14 1:52 PM Page 1 includes the communities of Castaic, Val Verde,

Stevenson Ranch, Agua Dulce and Acton”. I’m sure you recognize that dialogue. And if you live in any of those communities, you should be aware of what our great valley has to offer in the way of entertainment and the arts. For example, those new to our valley might not know about all the fun activities in Downtown Newhall. We have two live theaters, several restaurants and the monthly “Art Slam” and “Senses”, put on by the city’s Arts and Events department. Add to that, Concerts in the Park in Central Park and the Fine Craft Show at Old Orchard Park. There is always something going on in the City of Santa Clarita, whether it’s music or a unique art exhibit. Check out what’s happening each month: http://arts. santa-clarita.com/events/. Since I’m an actor and a visual artist, I’m always on the alert for art shows to enter, or for any plays to which I can audition. I just finished a fabulous 5-week performance in “Damn Yankees” at the Canyon Theatre Guild and had several pieces of my art exhibited in the “Boots, Spurs and Brushes” show at the Gallery of Santa Clarita, OutWest’s “Where the Dickens R U?”, as well as the Spring Art Festival at Le Chene. As a patron of the arts, you have so many choices. Those are but a few!

EDUCATION FIRST

Scott voted to increase funding and local control for K-12 and higher education without raising taxes.

JOBS and the ECONOMY

Scott supports workers compensation reform and the Film Tax Credit to spur job growth.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Scott is opposed to the governor’s so-called prison re-alignment plan.

Please visit gotwilk.net Paid Political Advertisement • Paid by Wilk for Assembly 2014, 28060 Caraway Lane, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, ID #1353998

Now when your LA/SFV friends and family are looking for something to do, you can suggest events right here in our own backyard - in my opinion! For Your Viewing Pleasure: Canyon Theatre Guild 24242 Main St. Newhall May 24 – June 28, 2014: Singing in the Rain 661.799.2702 www.canyontheatre.org Repertory East Playhouse 24266 Main St. Newhall May 16 – June 14, 2014: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 661.288.0000 www.repeastplayhouse.org Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Various Performances and Events www3.canyons.edu/Offices/PIO/CanyonsPAC/ The Gallery of SCAA 24251 Town Center Drive #155 Valencia May 2 – June 29, 2014: “Zing to Spring” Wine Reception on Friday June 6, 6-9pm www.santaclaritaartists.org OutWest Western Boutique and Cultural Center 22508 6th Street, Newhall (661) 255-7087 www.outwestmktg.com/events/live-music.cfm

Restaurants & cafes

in our valley 23

Suzette Martinez for State Assembly

JUNE 3, 2014

suzettemartinez.com

New & Bold Leadership Educational Opportunity Sacramento is full of corrupt career politicians that have failed us. We deserve better. I have spent the last decade advocating for women, children, education and business. My time working for Congressman Buck McKeon, in the education industry, and with the SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce has quipped me with the skills, ideas and drive that will lead to bold reform for our community.

New Jobs My father is a small business owner. I have seen how over-regulation hurts economic growth. I support allowing businesses that relocate to California & create at least 50 new jobs long term tax breaks. I support a moratorium on new regulations that target small businesses

NO New Taxes My answer to new taxes is simple. NO.

I support keeping property taxes low by supporting proposition 30 I’ll oppose a “split roll tax” which will raise taxes on commercial property and cause people to lose jobs.

Children & students deserve an educational foundation that allows them to pursue their own success. My education plan will: Give early learners greater access to quality preschool Reduces class sizes for the formative grades of k-3 Expand learning opportunities for STEM education pathways. Gives parents that send their children to private school a full income tax credit. Provide greater online education resources for home school students

Endorsements

Republican Party San Bernardino County Assemblywoman Shannon Grove Assemblyman Rocky Chavez Senator Tony Strickland

Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris Lt Governor Abel Maldonado

Paid for by Martinez for Assembly 2014 FPPC ID #1363594

When Does it Make Sense to Roll Over Your 401k? By Arif Halaby If you left a company where you had a retirement plan, say a 401k, and you left it behind when you moved on, what are your options? Should you leave it, cash it out, roll it over to your own Individual Retirement Account, or maybe even put it into your “new” 401k plan? These are important questions to ask, yet making the best choice for you is even more important.

this account is a risky thing to do because the future of some pensions and social security is uncertain. As more and more of your retirement security is being impacted by the government’s decisions, responsibility has been transferred to you.

Just leaving the account with the old company certainly is the easiest, but is it the best option? Have you taken out a loan against your old account? If you did, you may have to pay taxes when you move the assets to another account. For most, chances of having the money to pay that off are slim. If instead the account is left behind because you are happy with the investment choices and their performance, then it may make sense for you to keep it there. That’s especially if you are able to continue to move your money around inside that old 401k. But you must know of any hidden fees and risk that may also exist with this account.

With less than 20% of Americans having a pension when they retire, you are going to have to take a greater role in the decision making process regarding your retirement. How and when you retire is now in your hands. Making decisions about an old 401k is an important part of this process.

Taking the money out of one account and transferring it to another is called a rollover. “Rolling” it to your own Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a popular option. This allows you to have a very wide range of account options. It can also allow you to control the fees you pay, the risk you have (or don’t have) and the potential upside of the new account. Generally speaking, this may be the best option for most people. If you transfer your old 401k to the new one, there are a few things to consider. First of all, your employer may require you to be employed for a year in order to qualify to open the new account. If you transfer the old account over you may be eligible to borrow from it at a later date. This is a popular option if you use your 401k as an emergency account. Experts will tell you this is also a dangerous thing to do. Borrowing from