Canyon Country Magazine January 2023

Ex-Gang Member

Helping Others Start Over Page 6

Cleaning Up, Helping Others Break Away from Gang Life

By Michael Picarella Signal Staff Writer

He said he was always on time for class and never had issues doing his school work. But, almost immediately upon his arrival in 2007 at a local high school, he was expelled.

Having been involved in gangs at a young age — shot in the stomach due to gang violence and quite the rap sheet — Santa Clarita resident Ramses Mayorga said his past wouldn’t let him get ahead.

“They kicked me out for nothing,” Mayorga said of the school. “And when I say nothing, they kicked me out for nothing.”

Mayorga’s story is complicated with its ups and downs, twists and turns. It includes falling in with local Santa Clarita gangs when he was 13, suffering from a .22-caliber bullet wound in the stomach about a year later and a 14-year prison stint.

Originally from Atwater Village in Los Angeles, Mayorga came to Canyon Country when he was just a child.

“I came up here because my mom went to prison when I was about 5 years old,” Mayorga said. “I was put in the custody of my grandmother and my aunt, and my aunt lived out here.”

Mayorga would move again soon after that. His grandmother took him to Ecuador to live for about two years, but he’d return to Canyon Country and get involved in sports — almost every sport, including soccer, baseball and football. Asked when the trouble began, he said it wasn’t necessarily one thing or another, rather something that bothered him in general.

“I’m not a fan of bullies,” Mayorga said. “I hate

bullies. I hate people that prey on people just because they’re weaker or they don’t look the part of being cool. Even when I was living in the gang life, I didn’t act like that. I wouldn’t do things to people that had nothing to do with the gang life.”

His daughter was among the positive influences that gave him reason enough to escape the gang life. While in prison, Mayorga received two degrees — one in business and one in social behavioral sciences.

When he was young he wanted to be either a lawyer to defend people or a psychologiest to help those with mental issues. Today, at 30 years old, he is kind of doing both by starting a nonprofit in the Santa Clarita Valley where he’s working with kids battling gangs and drugs.

During his incarceration, his mother committed suicide and his younger brother found her when it was too late to do anything about it. Last May, that same brother died from a fentanyl overdose.

Turning Things Around

Determined to wipe his slate clean, Mayorga came out of prison — about a year ago — and got to work. He became a youth advocate for the Bresee Foundation, which is a nonprofit community center that offers after-school programs, family services and gang prevention outreach to low-income youth, adults and families in central Los Angeles.

Mayorga said Bresee was his saving grace, with staff members showing him he could make a difference. However, Mayorga wants to helps kids in the Santa Clarita Valley and is currently in the process of creating his own nonprofit in the SCV called Not Another Statistic_Y.E.S., which stands for Youth Enrichment Services.

Making a Difference

“Honestly, there are hardly any resources out here for people getting into gangs,” he said. “These gangs out here are destroying kids’ lives … We live in a very calm, peaceful place, but violence has risen.”

Mayorga added that gangs are preying on area youth, and he wants to help these kids from folding against the pressure.

He contacted a Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station detective, who arrested him on several occasions when he was living the gang life, and he asked if this detective could help him identify youth in the area going down similarly destructive paths.

Detective Mark Barretto, who’s been with the SCV Sheriff’s Station for 23 years and a gang detective since 2008, said he still remembers Mayorga.

“I don’t forget gang members’ names when I deal with them,” Barretto said. “He told me a little bit about how he was young and made bad choices, running with the gangs, and how he did things he shouldn’t have done, how going to prison helped rehabilitate him and make him understand and recognize his mistakes in the past, and how he wanted to somehow try to be a better contributor to society and try to help be a solution for gangs instead of problem with gangs.”

Barretto said he was more than happy to help Mayorga. He added that he’s seen more criminals go back to crime than become rehabilitated, so he was ultimately pleased to hear from Mayorga and learn about his plan to help troubled youth.

“That encourages me,” Barretto said. “I will say I have a responsibility to protect the community

PHOTO BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

Canyon Girls’ Basketball

Holds Off Saugus, 62-55

By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

Saugus Centurion girls’ basketball fell just short of a comeback in Jan. 10 Foothill league home battle with the Canyon Cowboys.

Canyon was up nearly 20 but held off the Centurions’ late surge to win the game, 62-55.

The Cowboys were led by senior point guard Aaliyah Garcia, who flirted with a triple-double with 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

The Cowboys never trailed in the game as they overcame athletic interior play and some sharpshooting from Saugus.

Junior Destiny Onovo was a difference maker in the paint, leading Saugus with 19 points, 13 rebounds and three steals.

First-year head coach Anthony Falasca was pleased with his forward’s energy and performance.

“[Destiny’s] that person that you don’t ever have to tell to play harder,” Falasca said. “She makes me coach better. She energizes me, the girls, she’s that Energizer Bunny.”

Canyon jumped all over Saugus early and was off to a quick 8-0 lead. The Centurions have struggled to start hot this season but settled in and managed to tie the score at 14-14 to end the first quarter.

The Cowboys pulled away in the second, outscoring the young Saugus team by eight in the quarter.

The Centurions never recovered enough to get back in striking distance, but showed poise hanging in there with one of the top teams in the CIF.

Senior Kristin Kai and freshmen star players Shannen Wilson and EvaMarie Rios were also crucial in the comeback, adding buckets throughout the final quarter.

Wilson finished with just six points but brought down 13 rebounds while Rios tallied up 12 points, five boards and five rebounds.

Canyon head coach Jessica Haayer knows the future is bright at Saugus but still felt her team was in control the whole way.

“I think we made some little mistakes as a program we have to get bet ter at, but I felt comfortable the whole game,” Haayer said. “Our kids knew what they were doing.”

Saugus threw numerous different defensive schemes at Canyon. The veteran Cowboys, and veteran Haayer were able to adapt in time and held off the Centurions enough to pull away with the win.

“Our goal is to have you wonder what we’re playing [defensively] at all times,” Falasca said. “And because we’re young, we’re really not great at

Canyon’s Aaliyah Garcia (2) drives to the basket at the Jan. 10 Foothill League matchup at Saugus High School. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Fentanyl Town Hall Brings Community Together

By Doña Uhrig Sunday Signal Editor

The statistics are astounding, especially for Santa Clarita.

“Last month, in a 24-hour period, there were six overdoses and one fatality from fentanyl right here in Santa Clarita,” said Signal Publisher Richard Budman.

“Fentanyl has become a nationwide problem, but it has become especially prevalent here in Santa Clarita. City officials say there were at least 31 overdose deaths last year in Santa Clarita.”

The Signal hosted a Fentanyl Town Hall on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Canyon Country Community Center. Its purpose was to bring the community together to learn about the local fentanyl crisis.

Joining The Signal were L.A. County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger; City of Santa Clarita Mayor Jason Gibbs; LASD Captain Justin Diez; LASD Captain Brandon Dean, Narcotics Bureau; Hart District Superintendent Mike Kuhlman; Henry

Mayo Newhall Hospital Dr. Darrin Privett; Action Rehab Cary Quashan; L.A. County Deputy DA Jon Hatami; L.A. County Associate Medical Director of Prevention Substance Abuse and Prevention Control Dr. Siddarth Puri; Los Angeles County Department of Health, Medical Director for Santa Clarita, San Fernando and Antelope

valleys Dr. Eric El-Tobgy; and LACOFD Assistant Chief Pat Sprengel.

One of the largest impact on the audience was listening to Olivia Flores, who shared how much she misses the hugs from her baby brother. He took just one ecstasy pill that was laced with fentanyl. That’s all it took for the 18-year-old to become another fentanyl statistic.

According to Narcotics Bureau Capt. Dean, as little as 0.02 milligrams of the opiate fentanyl is enough to make a fatal dose. That is about the size of a grain of salt.

Mayor Gibbs noted that 25% of all street drugs are laced with the opiate. It is estimated that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.

Beyond hearing the panel members acknowledge the local fentanyl crisis, attendees learned how to recognize drug use and talk with family members about drugs. They also learned how local law enforcement and community hospitals are responding, and received insights as to tools that can help parents fight the crisis.

One of those tools included how to administer Naloxone, which is known by the brand name Narcan. Narcan, of which 150 doses were distributed at the event, is a nasal spray that can rapidly reduce an overdose if given properly and promptly.

Budman emphasized, “I want to make it clear that the distribution of the Narcan is not a get out of jail free card. This is a last resort effort to save lives. A last resort.

“Narcan is by no means an answer to

the fentanyl crisis,” he continued. “It is NOT a preventative medicine, taking it in advance of consuming something laced with fentanyl will not work.”

However, administering it to someone suspected of taking a drug laced with fentanyl could save their life.

“We are distributing the Narcan to you as a tool; a tool that we hope you will never use. Just like the spare tire in your car, this tool will be there if you need to use it to save the lives of your kids or your neighbors’ kids in the event of an overdose emergency.”

A demonstration on how to properly administer Narcan was given by Dr. Puri.

“The risk is real,” said Supervisor Barger. She noted that she personally knows two people who have lost a child to fentanyl.

“This is not an overdose. … This is a poisoning death.”

There were many things learned at the town hall from all the panelists. Those included the following:

• Parents understand the importance of talking to our kids about drugs. But that timeline needs to be sped up. From a young age, we should lead our kids to be “hard-wired” against taking drugs from any source other than a doctor’s prescription or an over-thecounter medicine under parental supervision. Any drug distributed “on the street” can be laced with fentanyl. And it can kill you.

• If you think your kids won’t fall victim to fentanyl poisoning, remember the harsh reality that the vast majority

A panel of experts discussed the dangers and suggested solutions during The Signal’s Fentanyl Town Hall Meeting. Right: L.A. County Associate Medical Director of Prevention Substance Abuse and Prevention Control Dr. Siddarth Puri gave a demonstration on how to administer Narcan. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Canyon Country Couple’s Beloved Tree Felled by Rains

By Jose Herrera Signal Staff Writer

Abeloved 50-foot California pepper tree fell in the backyard of a Canyon Country home, and the owners said they will miss their tree, which has been part of their lives for about 40 years.

“It was a beautiful tree. It covered the whole entire corner of our property,” said Beth Metcalf, who owns the property where the tree fell. “It was so vast and they put houses up the re on a [nearby] hill. Now we can see the south ridge.”

According to Metcalf, a few days ago she and her husband were in their living room when they heard a thunderous sound. At the time, they didn’t think much because of the massive storm that just passed by.

The next morning, they awoke to find their tree fallen. The tree had caused damage to portions of their backyard and a shed.

“It’s in the back part of the property, so it just took out the fences. If it went the other way, come this way, it would have been a disaster. It would have destroyed our bedroom, patio and everything,” Metcalf said.

They never thought they’d see the tree coming down. But in part, Metcalf said they feel lucky that the tree fell the way it did.

The 50-foot tree lies there. Metcalf said they called a landscaping company and hopefully they’ll be able to take out the tree in few days.

According to Metcalf, the estimate to remove the large tree from her backyard will be approximately $6,000 to $7,000. The challenge will be how she and her husband will be able to pay it.

Metcalf said she was dropped by her insurance company due to her home being in a “high-risk” fire area. She’s hoping to find a new insurance company that will help offset some of the cost.

“It’s just kind of heartbreaking to look out there because we worked so hard all these years getting our yard all done,” Metcalf said.

Beth Metcalf stands next to a 50-foot tree from her backyard that fell and damaged her property due to one of the recent heavy rain storms. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

Late Goal Powers Saugus Girls’ Soccer Over Canyon

By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

Saugus Centurions girls soccer dominated possession in the Jan. 10 home league battle with the Canyon Cowboys, but it would still take almost all 80 minutes to decide a winner.

Junior Sophia Ruys fired in the golden goal in stoppage time to lead Saugus to victory over the short-handed Cowboys.

Ruys scored the Olympico goal off a corner kick that swung in and just bounced off the hands of Canyon goalkeeper Makayla Charles. The junior was just looking to put the ball in play but ended up netting the sole goal in the 1-0 win for Saugus.

“I was not expecting to get it out of that cross,” Ruys said. “I was really looking for someone else but it worked out. I guess the winds helped me and were in my favor.”

Canyon (5-4-1, 3-3) was forced to play a fragment of the game down a player after forward Bailey Williamson picked up a pair of yellow cards.

Saugus (4-3-2, 4-0-2) controlled the game from the opening touch with a lopsided discrepancy in the possession battle.

However, Canyon had quick counters that led to numerous shots in the first half. The Cowboys couldn’t generate any quality looks to start the game but their midfielders made a ton of accurate passes to lead fast attacks.

The Centurions continuously worked the ball down the sidelines. Saugus’ quality looks increased as the half went on as the forwards kept piling on pressure.

Canyon made a goalkeeper substitution after 29 minutes. Cowboys’ goalie Debbie Roman entered the game for Charles and was tested immediately.

Saugus freshman Makea Leonard stole the ball after a sloppy goal kick from Roman. Leonard worked the ball up and fed a wide-open Aneesa Bolanos, who fired in a shot to the top right corner, but Roman was there for the save.

The keeper was tested again minutes later in the exact same spot but registered her second save on a shot from Centurion senior Bella Durazo.

Saugus was forced to finish the game without starting sophomore Emily Thompson, who exited the match early with a knee injury. Thompson was down for a few moments but as soon as the whistle blew, Canyon coach Leonardo Neveleff rushed out to assist the opposing player.

“Half of the soccer players here, I’m

their coach for club,” Neveleff said. “Even if I’m not the coach of the club, all I care about is the athlete. I just want the best for the players and to have fun and learn more every game. I hate losing like everybody else, but at the same time I just want these girls to develop and reach their goals.”

Centurions midfielder Ashley Striegel nearly put her team up several times with a handful of deep shots just missing the net.

Canyon had nearly no chances in the second half. Saugus was determined to score and kept forcing the ball into the Cowboys’ territory.

“We try to keep the ball as much as we can but with the good players they have on top, we started to panic and the game plan changed,” Neveleff said.

Neveleff made the swap again to put Charles back in the game between the posts. The goalie didn’t need to make any saves in the first half but came alive for Canyon in the second.

Charles racked up three saves in the second half, including one on a relentless, late Saugus attack. The Centurions took three shots in one quick possession but deflections by the Canyon back line and Charles held Saugus scoreless.

Williamson picked up her second yellow card midway through the second half after a collision with Ruys. The two had plenty to say, whether it was to the referee or to one another. Ruys was also awarded a yellow card alongside her competitor Williamson, who exited the game.

“[Williamson is] really good,” Ruys said. “She’s always been a big threat playing against us. So I usually play forward but coach had me dropped back to play three to go against her. And I felt like I really shut her down and was able to basically get her out of the game because she got a red card. But she did play amazing and it was really tough going against her. But we really wanted to win.”

Ruys is normally on the attacking side but started the game at left back to slow down Williamson. Once her assignment was forced to exit, the junior was moved back into the attack and scored the game-winner.

The Centurions were in danger of finishing in their second consecutive scoreless draw. Ruys’ late goal kept her team unbeaten in league play and

See SOCCER, page 12

Sienna Salas (22) of Canyon and Audrey Smith (0) of Saugus fight for the ball at Saugus on Jan. 10. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

and do everything I can as a detective to make sure that those who are dangerous to the public get off the street and stay locked up, incarcerated or away from the public until they’re rehabilitated. I’m also in the business of looking at people’s lives and allowing them to make changes, and encouraging them to make changes.”

Barretto got Mayorga in touch with the station’s crime prevention unit and others who could help.

One individual connecting Mayorga with troubled gang members is L.A. County Sheriff’s Department juvenile intervention specialist Robby Robinson at the SCV Sheriff’s Station. Robinson said that he deals with many kids in gangs on a regular basis. There is one particular 11-year-old boy who’s consistently having trouble. Robinson said he has been struggling to connect with him and Mayorga helped.

“Ramses and I chatted,” Robinson said, “and I brought to his attention my issue. He was willing, at any cost, to come meet with me, to go to court with me because (this kid’s) mother only speaks Spanish and (Mayorga) speaks Spanish, and he said that he was a former gang member, so he understood the life.”

Mayorga went to court with Robinson and the 11-year-old, and he’s been talking with the kid

about his own gang experiences, troubles and tragedies.

“His dedication,” Robinson said, “and undying willingness to help me was very crucial.”

Robinson added that Mayorga calls him once a week to check on the 11-year-old and his family.

Mayorga has recently filed the paperwork for his nonprofit and is awaiting approval to get going. While he still works with Bresee, once he gets Not Another Statistic Youth Enrichment Services up and running, he’ll eventually commit to that full time.

And while the former gang member’s troubled past has haunted him and hurt him in his life, it’s now the tool he’s using to help others.

Barretto told Mayorga that he’s very happy for him and glad for what he’s doing.

“I don’t know what his changes have been,” the detective said. “I can only trust that he’s being honest with me. But if that’s certainly the situation, then power to him, and I hope he can be a liaison to other people who are joining gangs and maybe help deter younger kids from making choices that he made as a kid. I’m all for that.”

For more information, Mayorga asked that, until he gets a website, those interested go to his Instagram page, @NotAnotherStatistic_Y.E.S, or email him at RamsesMayorgaii@gmail.com. 

Ramses Mayorga received a scholarship from the City of Los Angeles and the Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund, which he is currently using while attending California State University, Northridge. PHOTO COURTESY RAMSES MAYORGA

CHS GIRLS

Continued from page 7

any of them yet. So, I’m still trying to figure it out. That’s kind of what’s our M.O. is, and until I figure that out, we’ll continue to throw everything at you. And if you beat us in this, we’ll try that and if you beat us in that we’ll try this. And so far that’s been working.”

The Centurions have played solid defense this season but Canyon has numerous options on the floor at all times. Junior Josie Regez led all scorers with 21 points while posting five rebounds and three steals for the Cowboys. Senior Jade Sims finished with 17 points and seven boards.

Canyon Schedule

Canyon will return home Friday to host West Ranch at 5 p.m. Saugus will head to Valencia on Friday at 5 p.m. but the team is already looking forward to another shot at the Cowboys.

“I still don’t know what we’re great at yet,” Falasca said. “And I’m not ashamed to say that. I think as we’ve gone throughout the season, I’m finding things that we do well and what we don’t like doing. And I love adapting. I love teaching. They’re teaching me a lot about myself and about them. I think these next two or three games we’ve got Hart. That’ll be a good one for us. And I can’t wait to get Canyon on their senior night at their place.” 

Continued

led to Saugus’ first win of the new year.

Saugus had a sloppy performance in its last outing but head coach Kai English was pleased with the group’s bounce-back performance on Tuesday.

“The game against Castaic,” English said, “we watched it over again and it was bad. Pretty much no way to describe it. So, we worked on passing a lot. And we know how good we are and how good we can play when we knock the ball around. So, it was it was good to play like we know how to play.”

Both teams are now at the halfway mark of league play. Saugus has aspirations of finishing at the summit of a top-heavy Foothill League. The Centurions will be back in action on Thursday at 3:15 p.m. when they host Valencia.

“I want us to move on and become first place because we definitely have a shot and can do it,” Ruys said. “And just be a great team and push forward.”

Canyon also has the pieces to finish near the top of league but will be without one of its star players in its next match. The Williamson-less Cowboys head to West Ranch at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. 

Jade Sims (11) of Canyon and Saugus defender Kristen Kai (23) go up for a rebound.

FENTANYL

Continued from page 8

of parents who have lost children to fentanyl had thought the very same thing.

It was emphasized that the town hall wasn’t the end of the conversation.

Panelists acknowledged that more dialogue and action was needed to defend the community against the fentanyl crisis.

To view the video The Signal’s Fentanyl Town Hall meeting, visit tinyurl.com/4mwvxypm. 

Know the Drug Emojis Kids Are Using

This is a sample of some of the emojis the DEA has identified that kids and dealers are using. To download a copy of the pdf, visit bit.ly/3iNUvab. 

EMOJI DRUG CODE |

Olivia Flores hugged her Winnie the Pooh bear for comfort as she recounted how much she misses her baby brother who died from an ectasy pill that was laced with fentanyl.

CALENDAR

January 2023

February 2023

Every Wednesday, Year-round 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

CCCC HOLIDAY GYM HOURS

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the following days:

Monday, February 20 Table Tennis

REGISTER FOR WINTER PROGRAM AT WWW.SANTA-CLARITA.COM/ SEASONS

BACHATA LATIN DANCE

Jan. 23 - Feb. 13

Mondays 7:45 - 8:45 p.m. $42

CAKE DECORATING — CUPCAKE

Ages 18+

Jan. 23 6-8 p.m. $40 + $20 Fee

CAKE DECORATING — VALENTINE’S DAY

Ages 6-12

Jan. 23 4-5:15 p.m. $25 + $10 Fee

OPEN GYM AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER

Open gym activities are available to people of all skill levels. GYM FEES Junior (12-17) Adult Senior Day Use FREE $3 $2 15-Visit Pass $34 $12

After-School Program 2022-2023 — Session 2

January - June 2023

Ages: 5-12

Monday-Friday 2:30 - 6 p.m.

This program is for youth ages 5-12.

It includes Homework assistance, enrichment activities, arts and crafts, games, and more!

Teen Program 2022 - 23

August 2022 - June 2023

Ages 13 - 17

Monday - Friday 3 - 6 p.m.

Visit santa-clarita.com/seasons. Click on the “Browse Activities and Register” icon to view and sign up for various programs and offerings at the Canyon Country Community Center and throughout the City.

Club 50 CCCC Senior Programming

Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 - 11 a.m. Mahjong is Mondays 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This structured program offers mature adults with new experiences and opportunities that support social interaction, arts and culture, physical fitness and more. Includes Bingo, Pokeno, Walking Club, Makers Club and Mahjong.

CANYON COUNTRY LIBRARY PROGRAMS

January 14 10 a.m. Sit and Stitch

January 15

1 p.m. Gaming Meetup (Adults 18+)

January 25

4:30 p.m. Glass Stein Etching

January 28 10 a.m. Sit and Stitch

February 2 6:30 p.m. Club de Mujeres Latinas en Literatura

February 6

1 p.m. Little Explorers

February 7 9:30 a.m. Storytime 10 a.m. Tech Hour

3:30 p.m. LEGO® Block Party

February 8

9:30 a.m. Cuenta Cuentos

1 p.m. Lifeskills - Gale Courses Computer Classes

3:30 p.m. Teen Library Eats

February 9

9:30 a.m. Storytime

3:30 p.m. Teen Crafts & Stuff

February 11 10 a.m. Sit and Stitch

Canyon Country Community Center • 18410 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita 91350 • (661)

BIG I D Event The

Say "I Do" at the “BIG I DO”

Couples Can Sign Up Now for a Valentine’s Day Ceremony

The City of Santa Clarita’s City Hall Ceremonies presents The Big I Do event, an all-inclusive wedding ceremony, where 15 (or more!) couples will say “I do” at the same time! This inaugural event is part of the international award-winning City Hall Ceremonies program, which has married 186 couples since its inception in 2020.

Save the Date! Valentine’s Day, 2023!

Couples can now sign up to tie the knot at The Big I Do, which will take place on Valentine's Day, Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at one of the City’s amazing facilities. Loving couples will be able to skip the stress of wedding planning and leave all the details to our wedding experts. Each couple can invite up to six guests for a one-of-a-kind celebration which will include a marriage license and certificate, a private table for the couple and guests, brunch, a wedding cake, champagne toasts, a professional photographer, a dance floor, DJ and memories that will last a lifetime. The wedding price is all-inclusive, so couples can focus on each other and the love they share.

For more information or to sign up, scan the code or visit santa-clarita.com/Weddings.

Brought to you by Mayor Jason Gibbs, Mayor Pro Tem Cameron Smyth, Councilwoman Marsha McLean, Councilmember Bill Miranda and Councilmember Laurene Weste.