Canyon Country Magazine November 2022

Gazing Into the Cosmos

Sonja Leahy, FNP-C Nurse Practitioner

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STAR GAZING AT CANYON COUNTRY COC

By Trevor Morgan Signal Staff Writer

Students, faculty and astronomy lovers gath ered once again atop the hills for an eve ning “Star Party” at College of the Can yons’ Canyon Country campus.

The semi-annual event was held for its 25th time and welcomed Albion H. Bowers, former chief sci entists at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Cen ter, as its guest speaker.

Bowers’ presentation focused on the advances of fast interplanetary flight and aero gravity assist, technologies used on spacecrafts and projects such as Voyager, Pioneer and New Horizons.

Bowers is also an expert in most things having to do with aeronautical engineering and phys ics, something that Ryan Theule, vice president at COC’s Canyon Country Campus, said was valuable

knowledge to be shared amongst the young scien tists there.

“As he shared a little bit tonight, bringing that aeronautical and aerospace expertise to both do mestic flight — in terms of how planes fly from city to city — but also interstellar travel and what those principles are and how they can kind of work to gether,” said Theule. “So he can think big, interstel larly and he can also think locally. Like, what it’s like to fly between cities and how to make that faster.”

Theule said having guest speakers such as Bow ers, who can explain things in specific scientific terms or layman’s terms, is encouraging – since the event draws a wide spectrum of attendees.

“What we love about our Science Talks events like the Star Party, is that you have that spectrum of students all the way from an elementary school kid, who wants to ask the speakers if the moon made of cheese to, the very technical, scientifically-sav

vy student who’s close to transfer and heading off or maybe already working in an internship and is asking a really specific question and the event ac commodates all of that,” said Theule. “The touch and feel tables and displays that you’ve seen around kind of bring that science fair vibe that really makes it engaging and I think that’s why the speak ers like coming here because they know that there’s an audience that wants to engage and ask questions and touch and feel their way to what their next journey in science education might look like”

Like Star Parties of the past, COC students had their various projects on display, as Theule said in a “science fair vibe,” with some taking up the man tle from last semester when a team of COC sci ence students were able to compete against univer sity-level students for spots on NASA platforms,

Attendees were able to gaze into the cosmos by peering through high-powered telescopes provided by local astronomy clubs at College of the Canyons’ Star Party.

PHOTOS BY TREVOR MORGAN / THE SIGNAL

Golden Valley on to CIF SemiFinals This Friday

By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

Grizzlies football (8-4) is on to the CIF Division 7 semifinals after a 42-28 win over the hosting Paloma Valley (9-3) on Friday.

Golden Valley’s defense was stellar against the balanced Wildcat attack. Grizzly cornerback Dallas Landry led the defense with a huge three-pick night.

The offense was also sensational, posting a season-high 42 points. Quarterback Chris Mel konian and wide receiver Ajani Smith had three total touchdowns each.

Paloma Valley struck first on a Stephen Gallegos 17-yard rushing score. Gallegos has been a wreck ing ball at running back for the Wildcats. The senior has racked up over 1,300 yards on the ground this season but the Grizzlies managed to slow him down just enough to win.

“We knew we had to stop their run,” said Gold en Valley head coach Dan Kelley. “They have a running back like that and a quarterback that can throw, we had our hands full but we got out of here with the W.”

The Grizzlies managed to consistently find the end zone through a balanced attack. “We ran the ball better than we have in the last

GOLDEN VALLEY GRIZZLIES

MAYFAIR MOONSOONS

8-4 8-4

Bellflower High School.

few weeks,” said Kelley. “We threw the ball well. I’m happy with the way we played.”

Golden Valley would find points from their trick plays as well. Wide receiver William Hake found receiver Jameson Torres on a double pass for six.

Running backs Isaiah Orozco and Julian Rios also ran the ball well. Orozco would score through the air on a TD reception from Melkonian.

“The kids are excited, it’s a huge win,” said Kel ley. “They were focused all week and did what they needed to do. They did a good job.”

The Grizzlies will now move on to the CIF semifinals to face the Mayfair Monsoons (8-4) for Kelley’s third trip to the CIF semis in his Golden Valley tenure.

“If you want to win in the playoffs, you gotta take it one game at a time and stay healthy,” said Kelley. “So, that’s our plan.” 

The neutral game playoff will be held Friday, November 18, 7 p.m. at

Grizzlies Head Coach Dan Kelley during a team scrimmage. PHOTO BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

By Rylee Holwager Signal Staff Writer

Residents of Santa Clarita paid tribute to the veteran community under the seven flags of the armed forces and the POW/ MIA flag in the Newhall Veterans His torical Plaza on Friday.

The 16th annual Veterans Day Ceremony was perfectly accompanied by winds that kept the flags flowing for all to witness.

The opening of the ceremony included a minute of silence, an invocation, the recital of the pledge of allegiance, a performance of the national anthem by Virginia Shemanski and a welcome speech given by Mayor Laurene Weste.

“We also want to take special time to hon or those in Santa Clarita, who are residents who both known and unknown, who have served our country,” said Weste. “Additionally, we thank our current service personnel and their family, for con tinuing to sacrifice through courage.”

A unique aspect of the Veterans Historical Pla za is the flying of the POW/MIA flag to honor the Vietnam veterans. This singular flag in the plaza is what, as Weste shared, made one veteran walk from Sylmar to Santa Clarita to witness years ago.

“He said it was the first time since he came home

from Vietnam, that he felt accepted in his country,” said Weste.

Weste said this is a story she will never forget: Santa Clarita is a place that is dedicated to making people feel at home.

“We want you to know that you are loved, and that you are appreciated by your country, and es pecially here at home in Santa Clarita,” said Weste. “So to our Vietnam veterans, welcome home.”

Weste’s speech was followed by a performance and the ceremony’s tributes showcasing two generations of veterans — Wayne Messick and Colin Shemanski. Messick served in the Korean War and Shemanski spent his time serving in Alaska.

In addition to the mayor and members of the City Council, the ceremony was attended by Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, and Assemblywoman Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Santa Clarita.

As the “Song of the Patriot” faded out into si lence, the Knights of Columbus Santa Clarita As sembly 2421, Vietnam Veterans of America Chap ter 355 and Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines changed the flags of the plaza.

Robert Ortiz, a Vietnam veteran, was presented with the previous American flag from the plaza as a complete surprise. “I was shocked,” said Ortiz. “It reminds me of the history of my service and the service of my father and grandfather.”

David R. Essex, founder of Ray’s Hope, was the featured veteran speaker of the event. Essex’s grand father served in the Navy during World War II.

“I used to hear all those stories and I was in awe of what he had accomplished,” said Essex.

His grandfather’s tremendous service and how he used it to build a family inspired Essex to enlist himself.

“Maybe I can make a difference,” he recalled thinking. Essex’s service and the service of his fam ily members is what now inspires him to cherish every moment that life can give. “Please live in the moment because it’s days like today that are spe cial,” said Essex.

Mayor Pro Tem Jason Gibbs presented the recog nition of Gold Star Families.

“Additionally, we give our unending gratitude and respect to those who aren’t physically with us anymore today, but who will remain in our hearts and our minds forever,” said Gibbs.

Patsy Ayala, presenting in the place of Council man Cameron Smyth, invited all members of each branch of service, both veterans and currently serv ing, to stand and be celebrated through applause and the songs of the military service.

Councilwoman Marsha McLean recognized the families of service members.

“These military families are the lifeblood of our

LEFT: World War II U.S. Navy Veteran Dick Ramsey (left) and U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran Robert Scobie salute during the Pledge of Allegiance. RIGHT: Vietnam veterans received a “Welcome Home” dog tag from the City of Santa Clarita as a 50-year remembrance of the Vietnam War PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

“Veterans Day may take place just once each year, but in the City of Santa Clarita, Veterans Day takes place every day, 365 days a year.” — Councilman Bill Miranda

community and Santa Clarita is a stronger, more supportive place because of all of you,” said McLean. Councilman Bill Miranda concluded the cere

mony by saying that Santa Clarita’s appreciation for the veteran community is not something extended purely one day a year:

“Veterans Day may take place just once each year, but in the City of Santa Clarita, Veterans Day takes place every day, 365 days a year.”

LEFT: Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines Sergeant Brandon Schreiner retires last year’s flag during the Changing of the Flag ceremony. RIGHT: A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter at the fly-over performance.

SCCS Girls Volleyball Sweeps Verdugo Hills, Falls to Palisades

By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer

The Santa Clarita Christian School student section be gan Thursday, Nov. 10 with some rousing cheers for the Cardinals girls’ volleyball team.

At the end of the night, the two groups joined together to celebrate, bringing the loudest cheers of the night to the small gym at SCCS.

The No. 2 Cardinals (26-3) swept the visiting No. 10 Verdugo Hills Dons (35-7) at home, 25-17, 25-17, 25-14, to advance to the regional semifinals in the CIF Division 4 state tournament.

“I feel like when people walk in here and they see the tiny gym, they sort of get a little offset and they’re like, ‘Oh, great,’” SCCS senior Hannah Shaffer said. “But we come in here, we’re like, ‘Oh, this is our home.’ And we love the loudness. We feed off of it, for sure. It definitely helps us so much. I love our fans so much. They’re the best.”

Shaffer had a team-high 10 kills, making just one error on her 30 at

tempted hits. SCCS senior Kaysa Brown pitched in with eight kills, giv ing those two a combined 18 of the 20 kills for the Cardinals.

“When she’s [Shaffer] got an open lane, hats off to the teams that are playing good defense against her and digging those things up,” SCCS head coach Darcy Brown said. “Between her and Kaysa with our weapons, they’re a dominant duo, for sure.”

Kaysa Brown added a team-high 10 assists, while junior Evie Frields helped out with nine assists. Brown also had 10 digs to give her a tri ple-double for the second straight match in the CIF playoffs.

SCCS senior Clara Ayer had a teamhigh 12 digs and four aces, including three in the first set. Fellow senior Bethany Wilson had a team-high five blocks.

The final score may indicate a sweep, but the Cardinals had anything but an easy road to victory. The Dons came out swinging, leading early in each of the three sets. But each time, the Cardinals found a way to bring it

SCCS senior Bethany Wilson (58) and junior London Steele (19) go up for a block during the CIF Division 4 state second-round matchup against Verdugo Hills at SCCS. PHOTO BY TYLER WAINFELD See SCCS, page 16

City Leaders Lay Out the State of the City

By Trevor Morgan Signal Staff Writer

The City of Santa Clarita hosted its 35th annual State of the City, which was at tended by almost all of the most prominent dignitaries in the valley.

In attendance were all five City Council members: Mayor Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tem Jason Gibbs, Cameron Smyth, Marsha McLean and Bill Miranda.

Also in attendance were SCV Sher iff’s Station Capt. Justin Diez, state Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, state Assemblywoman Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, and other prominent dignitaries.

Each City Council member had a prepared video with themselves nar rating, similar to years past. Weste was the first speaker.

As part of the theme of the event, Weste congratulated those who

helped preserve the vast records of lo cal events and history on scvhistory. com and took steps to transfer its contents into the city’s library data base.

“I am so proud to have been able to advocate to save SCV history and I am thrilled that the 100,000 archival items will be turned over to the city of Santa Clarita for future generations to enjoy through our library system,” said Weste. “That means crucial sto ries and information will never be lost. Santa Clarita residents will al ways be able to read about local resi dents who lived through such monu mental events as the St. Francis Dam disaster, the earliest gold discovery in California, the launch of the first commercial oil production … and the beginning of our film industry with silent movie star William S. Hart.”

Weste’s video highlighted some of the accomplishments the city has made since its inception, a large

See THE CITY, page 14

Mayor Pro Tem Jason Gibbs speaks during the City of Santa Clarita State of the City event celebrating 35 years of cityhood. The event was held at the Canyon Country Community Center. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

GV Track Coach Lonnie Davis Heads to Cathedral

and into title town, announced his departure from the program on Tuesday as the CIF champion coach now heads to Cathedral.

He helped build one of the stron gest track and field programs in the state and was grateful for everything at Golden Valley, where he’ll remain on staff.

“I was spoiled to have such a great group of dedicated coaches surround ing me,” said Davis. “I appreciate the heck out of them. I’m also grateful for the opportunity that my principal Mr. (Sal) Frias and Mr. (Robert) Fisher [former Golden Valley athletic direc tor] gave me when they hired me in 2016.”

Golden Valley built a chokehold on the Foothill League under Davis. The Grizzly girls won three straight league titles while the boys won their second consecutive this past season.

the past few days.

“I’m thankful for all of the current and former athletes, families, friends and colleagues that have reached out to me over the past few days,” said Davis. “We’ll always have the mem ories and I will always consider you family.”

The head coach went on to lead the team to win individual CIF champi onships this past year with five re turning for the 2023 season.

Davis will bring a ton of experience to a great program at Cathedral but will remain on Golden Valley’s cam pus during the day as an instructional assistant.

By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

The team featured 16 individual league champions in 2022, winning half of the meet’s events. The majority of those athletes shared their appre ciation and congratulated Davis over

Golden Valley is yet to announce a new track and field head coach with the season still months away. The var sity team is filled with CIF champions ready to defend their titles as well as new players ready to extend the Griz zly dominance. 

Lonnie Davis, who has led the Golden Valley track and field team for the past seven years

Golden Valley Track and Field Coach Lonnie Davis led the team to the 2022 CIF Southern Sectional championship. Davis and the team received their championship rings at a ceremony in September.

PHOTO

which sent four of their experiments to space.

The guest speaker seemed to have a lasting im pression on some of the students — some were even star-struck.

“It’s surreal to be in the same presence,” said COC science student Arely Castillo. “Coming from my background, I’ve never met anyone who’s a NASA scientist. So I guess it’s almost like impos tor syndrome being in the same area as them. So it’s really cool, and seeing that there are people out there, it’s almost like a fairy tale that there’s NASA scientists like there. They actually exist and they’re here.”

“It’s rewarding, that’s why we did it,” said Antho ny Michaelides, dean of COC’s Canyon Country Campus. “We’re bringing speakers, you get stu dents who are coming that are excited. The com munity probably is the one who benefits the most because they’re sitting there listening to this talk and they’re going, ‘How did they get this guy to come to a community college?’”

In addition to the clubs’ showcases and Bowers’ presentation, there were once again a variety of telescopes — further away from all the light pol lution in the heart of the SCV — brought by local amateur astronomy groups for attendees to look through.

Guest speaker Albion H. Bowers, former chief scientist at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center discussed the advances of fast interplanetary flight and aero gravity assist, technologies used on spacecrafts and projects such as Voyager, Pioneer and New Horizons.

The Local Group can be reached at www.lgscv. org or (661) 857-7838. The group meets the second

Friday of each month at Barnes and Noble Book store in Valencia at 7 p.m. 

section of which was devoted the amount of open space that had been dedicated, parks that were created, and trails that were paved — which Weste said amounted to 13,000 acres, 29 parks, and 100 miles of off-street trails.

“One of my personal passions has been the creation and success of our Open Space Preservation district. Since voters overwhelmingly ap proved the district in 2007, we have added 13,000 acres of open space to the greenbelt surrounding our city. This year alone, we added more than 450 acres … This natural land is pre served for the benefit of our require ment, wildlife health and the enjoy ment of generations to come.”

Weste also noted this was all possi ble due to the city’s conservative bud geting strategy, which allowed several action items from its 2025 strategic plan to come to fruition. Weste also expressed her strong opposition to the reopening of Camp Scott as a housing

location for violent youth offenders.

Mayor Pro Tem Gibbs highlighted economic development, public safety, and a salute to military members and veterans.

“Over the past three and a half de cades, the city of Santa Clarita has de veloped a strong reputation as a place

where families come to set down roots and their dreams become a real ity,” said Gibbs. “My family is another example of this reputation and action and a demonstration of the possibil ities that Santa Clarita provides to all of our residents. Our community is built on the bedrock foundation laid

by dedicated public servants, includ ing first responders, your City Coun cil and city staff.”

Gibbs then noted that Santa Clarita was the first city to have a vote of no confidence against current Los Ange les County District Attorney George Gascón, which drew a round of ap plause from the audience.

“We did not take this action light ly. But we all agreed that Gascón’s directives and ideologies would set the stage for increased crime and decreased justice for victims,” said Gibbs. “Eighteen months later, crime county-wide is at historic levels, with murders from gun violence alone hit ting a 15-year high.”

Gibbs said that, unfortunately, the city was not immune to the rise in crime, saying that burglary and grand theft auto had increased by more than 30% through the first five months of this year — compared to the same time frame as last year — and that ag gravated assault is up more than 40% compared to last year.

However, Gibbs said crime was lower in other metrics and thanked

Prosecutor Jonathan Hatami, center, chats with California Highway Patrol Captain Ed Krusey, left, and Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Captain Justin Diez after the State of the City event.

It’s never fun to be sick, but the flu is more serious than the common cold. Unfortunately, studies show there are signif icant health-related inequities in flu vaccination rates and flu-relat ed complications, particularly in the African American community.

According to the Centers for Dis ease Control and Prevention, African Americans experience disproportion ately higher rates of chronic health conditions. With only approximate ly 40% of African Americans get ting vaccinated, these chronic health conditions place them at a higher risk of severe flu complications. The most effective strategy for reducing the effect of the flu within the African American community is to get vacci nated.

“It is so important for us as African Americans to get an annual influ enza vaccine because of increased health risk factors,” said Dr. Okonk wo-Holmes. “Getting vaccinated can reduce flu-related illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed school and work days. Influenza vaccination in high-

risk individuals has also been linked to favorable health outcomes, includ ing fewer flu-related hospitalizations and death. High-risk individuals in clude children, the elderly, immune compromised individuals and those with severe chronic conditions.”

Protect yourself and the people you

care about against the flu with these simple tips: Get your flu shot It’s your best de fense. The vaccination can’t give you the flu — but it can help protect you against this year’s most common strains and prevent spreading the flu to others. Don’t get the flu — get the flu shot!

Boost immunity with healthy hab its Simple things that support overall health can also help you fight the flu. Wash your hands often, and keep

hand sanitizer handy. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat lots of fruits and veggies, and drink plenty of water. Keep your germs to yourself If you do get the flu, do yourself and your co-workers a favor and stay home. You need rest, fluids, and time to re cover — and going to work sick can make symptoms worse and spread the illness around your workplace.

For more information about the flu, visit the Kaiser Permanente website at kp.org/flu. 

back to even before finishing each set off with a dominant run.

“They’re fighters,” coach Brown said. “Aggressive serving, smart, really keep ing the ball in play, and I feel like if we can get up a couple of points, it gives them just a confidence. They fight.

They don’t give up easy. That was one thing that people said about us last year, too.”

This is the second straight year that the Cardinals have advanced this far into the state tournament after they won the CIF Division 5 title last year. And with many of the same faces still on the team, Shaffer doesn’t see any reason for her and her teammates not to make another run at the state title, especially with where the team was placed as the second-seed ed squad.

“I was definitely happy with the division that we were put in, and our rank ing. It definitely gave me a lot of hope,” Shaffer said. “But honestly, this team is great. It’s almost the same team as last year. We’re missing a few key players, but I totally thought we could do it again.”

Falls to Palisades

Unfortunately the team saw its season end at the hands of the Palisades

Dolphins (34-10) via a sweep, 29-31, 23-25, 15-25, in the regional semifi nal round of the CIF state Division 4 playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 12.

“I’m so proud of them. What they’ve accomplished has been abso lutely amazing,” Brown said. “I’ve told them I was so, obviously, extreme ly proud of them last year, but then getting moved up two divisions this year in CIF-Southern Section and then getting moved up a division in state and still being as successful as we were, I couldn’t be more proud of them for what they did and their fight, their tenacity on the court, their camaraderie, their teamwork.”

The third-seeded Dolphins came out swinging, running out to a 7-3 lead early in the first set. The Cardi nals would go on to tie it at 10-10, the first of 12 ties in the set to take it to 25-25. The two teams then battled it out for 10 extra points, with the Car dinals eventually succumbing, 31-29.

It was again tight in the second set, with the Dolphins jumping out early, 4-0, before the Cardinals brought it back to even a short time later. Anoth er back-and-forth set that saw five lead changes came down to the wire, with Palisades coming out on top, 25-23.

“After you lose, what, 31-29, in that first set, it’s a little bit deflat ing,” Brown said. “And so, coming back, it took us a few points, but we regained it and we were neck and neck with them the whole game that second set. Just little things. I think our girls, I think they were so nervous not to lose, you know, just silly little errors got us.”

The Dolphins were riding a wave after that second set, and while the Cardinals were able to keep it close for a short time, the Dolphins used a 15-5 run to close out the set and

complete the sweep. A few of those points that went the Dolphins’ way were the product of some lucky bounces off the net or the fingertips of the Cardinals’ players, though Brown admitted that, in the end, her team was beaten by another quality opponent.

“You can’t give errors to a team that’s this good,” Brown said. “Hats off to them, they’ve got girls that could swing, they played solid de fense and, you know they played well. I’m super proud of our girls for hang ing the way they did with them.

The Cardinals were led by senior Brown (six kills, nine assists, 11 digs, two blocks), senior Shaffer (four kills, 2 digs, four blocks) and senior Wilson (10 blocks). Frields helped out with four kills and six digs, while senior Clara Ayer had 14 digs and two aces.

It’s the end of the road for the SCCS seniors, who put their name in Cardi nal lore by winning the CIF state title as juniors. They came a win away from playing in the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 championship match and were just two wins away from play ing in a second consecutive state title match despite being moved up a divi sion from last year’s title run.

“It’s always hard when you come off a season like last year to hold that fight and be successful again, but these girls found a way to do it again,” Brown said. “And they’re not a team that likes to lose. They’re not a team that likes to give up easily, and so we knew these last couple games would be tough no matter what. So as I look to the banners that we have from last year, I told the se niors, I can’t be more proud of them, just everything that they’ve accom plished.”

local law enforcement for those drops.

“In comparing our part one crimes this year to five years ago, I’m proud to highlight that these crimes have been reduced by more than 15%. I’d like to take this moment to recognize the men and women who serve at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station for all of their hard work, as well as Capt. Justin Diez for his tremendous leadership during these challenging few years. Oftentimes, public safety is a thankless career, but not here in Santa Clarita — where supporting our law enforce ment is of the utmost priority.”

Gibbs also took the time to thank L.A. County Fire Department firefighters and paramedics for their work during events such as the Route Fire. Gibbs also put a spotlight on the economic devel opment of Old Town Newhall.

McLean took her time to highlight how much the city has grown in terms of its business, transit and public works sectors.

“Now as we reflect on 35 years of cityhood, we also look back on the past year of successes and steps forward for our city. Our business communi ty has been realized and continues to grow. Transit operations are advancing, library programming is flourishing, and road maintenance continues to be a priority. I am so proud of what our city has ac complished and I am so proud to have been a part of it through all those years and I know that our city will continue to thrive as we progress into the new year.”

During McLean’s presentation, she continued to highlight the city’s expansion of its public transit system — saying that when the city was founded, it only had 13 buses and eight fixed local routes. Now it has a fleet of 108 buses on more than 50 routes, many of which are now transitioning into being hy drogen fueled.

“As the city continues its transition to a ze ro-emission bus fleet, the current focus is on de veloping needed infrastructure. Designs are in the works for a new hydrogen fueling station at the city’s transit maintenance facility, which will be ac cessible to the public in the future,” said McLean. “This year, your City Council approved funding for the purchase of two hydrogen fuel cell electric bus es. These buses use hydrogen to generate electricity and have a range of 300 miles, making them ideal for the type of service we operate in Santa Clarita.”

McLean noted the progress made in terms of its Metrolink access, by expanding the number of stations within the SCV from one to three, with a fourth on the way — which will connect the SCV to Metrolink’s Antelope Valley line, part of a proj ect that would drastically reduce the transit time from Santa Clarita to Union Station in downtown L.A. in half.

McLean also highlighted the progress made in public works, such as filling potholes, and new pro grams offered by the city’s libraries such as admin

istering passports.

Miranda’s time was focused on the arts and cul ture of the city, saying it had a vibrant history in these departments.

“Though the city itself celebrates 35 years, the history of the Santa Clarita Valley goes hundreds of years. And this is a very historic valley in the state of California and throughout the country and we’re very proud to be part of it,” said Miranda. “Our sto ry has been told through the art and culture of our diverse community and it continues to be written each day as we grow with and learn from one an other. We are a very diverse city right now. We have become extremely diverse over the last 10 years and I have to tell you what Santa Clarita has done to ac cept diversity and inclusion, and to work together to do things, is absolutely amazing.”

Miranda highlighted the many public arts proj ects that have recently been put into place, which included statues, murals, paintings and the new poems being immortalized on the city’s sidewalks – saying that 10 new poems dedicated brought the total number up to 40.

Miranda also commended the Celebrate series and its devotion to celebrating the diversity of cul tures that exist within the SCV, and noted the many films and TV shows that have been filmed in the area, which contributed to approximately $43 mil lion in economic impact.

“As we reflect on 35 years of cityhood, we cele brate the invaluable contributions of each and ev ery one of our residents. Here’s to the next 35 years of art, entertainment and endless opportunities here in Santa Clarita,” said Miranda.

Smyth was the final council member to speak at the event and took his time to highlight the city’s

“We take great pride in the quality of life our res idents enjoy, and continue to strive to enhance ser vices and amenities for the community to enjoy for generations to come,” said Smyth.

Smyth made an effort to point out the many civic sports and health-promoting complexes the city has developed including its skate park, aquatic cen ter, recreational center, and sports fields.

“Since our city was formed back in 1987, our residents and city leaders have made it a priority to preserve open space, create parks and provide other amenities for recreation and activity,” said Smyth. “From swimming at one of our eight pools to playing a game of pickleball or taking it to the end zone and flag football, the city has created a ro bust range of recreational opportunities.”

Smyth also highlighted the city’s efforts to com bat homelessness and stated that the city’s partner ship with Bridge to Home has been able to provide $4 million toward the creation of permanent hous ing that will offer up to 60 beds. Smyth also show cased several other projects that would provide both permanent and temporary housing.

“This facility will provide affordable housing units for low-income and homeless families with children along with an emergency overnight unit,” said Smyth. “Looking from where we were 35 years ago to now I could not be prouder to live, work and represent such a wonderful city and I look forward to all the future holds for Santa Clarita.”

The speeches and videos were followed by a light-hearted video in which council members joked around and poked fun at one another.

efforts in recreation programs, community service offerings and most notably its homeless services.

Original City County member Dennis Koontz, left, and Mayor Pro Tem Jason Gibbs.

CALENDAR

Canyon Country Community Center

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

FREE

Thanksgiving Community Dinner

Tuesday, Nov. 22 5-7 p.m.

Canyon Country Community Center

Cookies with Santa Family Event

Saturday, Dec 3, noon - 3 p.m.

Canyon Country Community Center

18410 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita 91350 (661) 290-2266 | santa-clarita.com/CCCC

WINTER REGISTRATION DAY

TUESDAY, NOV. 29 10 A.M. Walk-In and Online

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

ADULTS 18+

TABLE TENNIS

Mondays and Wednesdays

9:45 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bring your own paddles.

PICKLEBALL

Fridays

9:45 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bring your own paddles.

CANYON COUNTRY LIBRARY PROGRAMS

November 17

9:30 a.m. Storytime (Baby/Toddler, Family, Preschool)

3:30 p.m. Teen Crafts & Stuff

3:30 p.m. Teen Crafts & Stuff

November 24 LIBRARY CLOSED

November 25 LIBRARY CLOSED

November 26

10 a.m. Sit and Stitch

December 1

6:30 p.m. Club de Mujeres Latinas en Literatura December 5-11

Friends of the Library Library Book Auction

December 10

10 a.m. Sit and Stitch

December 12

5:30 p.m. DIY Resin Jewelry (Adults/Seniors)

December 13

3:30 p.m. Yummy Holiday Crafternoon (Family) December 14

4:30 p.m. Let’s Learn Ancestry Library Edition (Adults/Seniors December 18

1 p.m. Gaming Meetup (Adults 18+) December 23-26 LIBRARY CLOSED