Canyon Country Magazine November 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023

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GOOD KARMA COMES TO SANTA CLARITA

N O V E M B E R 2023

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N O V E M B E R 2023

TA B L E O F CONTENTS

5 Good Karma Brings Music and Careers to the Santa Clarita Valley 5 City Expected to OK Canyon Country Subdivision

7 AID FOR SCHOOLS

6 GoFundMe Set Up for Slain 12-Year-Old Boy 7 Aid For Schools Donates to Canyon Springs Elementary 8 Canyon Country Boys and Girls Basketball Preview 10 SCV Blues Society Hosts Battle of the Bands 13 DA Files Charge in Hash Brown Robbery 14 Golden Valley JROTC Presents Colors at the

8 BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Salute to Patriots Event 15 Calendar — Canyon Country Community Center and Library Events

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N O V E M B E R 2023

C A N YO N CO U N T R Y M AG A Z I N E · 5

Good Karma Brings Music and Careers to the SCV

By Habeba Mostafa Signal Staff Writer

M

usic could be heard nearly a mile away, as the Santa Clarita Skate Park hosted the annual Good Karma Music & Arts Festival on Saturday, attended by over 3,000 guests.

Put together for nearly a year by The Yes I Can Unity Through Music & Education, a Santa Clarita nonprofit, the festival was run primarily by creatives with disabilities who benefit from mentorship and hands-on experience to work in the entertainment industry.

Yes I Can is a 12-month program consisting of two on-site 21st-century career skill courses, two days per week for two hours per day, community-based training and career exploration three days per week for up to six hours per day through a variety of industry corporate partners, according to the organization’s website.

To qualify for the year-long program, individuals had to be found eligible through the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, as well as completing high school. A new cohort is formed every July, adding to existing members — the program is just shy of 100 people, 12 of whom oversaw the production of Good Karma.

Concert goers enjoyed a hip hop setlist, with Berner as a headliner, as well as food trucks, a beer garden, local vendors and skateboarding exhibitions.

Deputy Director Kirsten Fitzpatrick said the program helps many of the college students and older who may attempt to land a job in the entertainment industry without prior experience.

“I’ve found that individuals with disabilities, who have done their schooling, have gotten everything they needed, but they didn’t have any work experience yet, and were having trouble getting internships because of that,” Fitzpatrick said. “So it’s like a Catch-22.”

In addition to the challenges any new graduate would face, young adults who are disabled have the added pressure of defying stereotypes to employers.

“A lot of employers think people with disabilities

Rapper Too Short performs on stage during Yes I Can’s Good Karma Music & Arts Festival held on Saturday at the Santa Clarita Skate Park. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

can’t work in these types of jobs, but that’s absolutely not true,” Fitzpatrick said. “The whole point of this program is so that those individuals can use their skills and everything they’ve learned in their schooling program, but also they get a year of experience working on the production, so that also goes on to their resume.”

Joshua Cajulis, who was a part of Yes I Can while transferring to a four-year university in 2019, reflected on his experience as an aspiring voice actor.

“I’ve been involved with Yes I Can since 2019.

It’s a really great program. It does teach you a lot of good skills. When I first came in, they taught classes on basic job skills and they had you go through a whole curriculum. Once you graduate, they pri-

marily focus on getting you through internships,” Cajulis said.

Bret Lieberman, founder and executive director of Yes I Can, began this program in 2009, when “a group of [his] students [at Golden Valley High School] asked if they could produce a music event for the school to bring neurodiverse students and typical students together for a social event,” according to the Yes I Can website.

“In 2009, the nonprofit was created and at the time, we were really working with high school students. We shifted to working with young adults once they graduate high school,” Lieberman said.

“That’s really been the mission for the last five See KARMA, page 9

City Expected to OK Subdivision in Canyon Country

By Perry Smith Signal Senior Writer

T

he Santa Clarita City Council is expected to sign off on a plan to subdivide a property for commercial units in Canyon Country.

The owner of a 20,000-square-foot commercial building at 17909 Soledad Canyon Road, about a block east of Galeton Road, is requesting per-

mission to subdivide his building.

The change, which was requested by local contractor Intertex, was first approved by the city’s Planning Commission in May. “The project would allow the property owner to have the option to sell each individual condominium/airspace unit, as opposed to leasing each unit,” according to an agenda report for the project by city Case Planner Marlene Mancia created in May when

it was approved by the city’s Planning Commission.

The applicant is not proposing any alteration or construction as a part of this application, according to city officials.

During the Planning Commission hearing in May, a neighbor on nearby Nearbrook Street mentioned a concern about the lights from the current medical office building and expressed concern about having to contact up to

10 different people if there’s an issue.

In response, planning chair Renee Berlin confirmed with staff the conversion would require the creation of a property owners association, which would have publicly posted contact information. An agenda item for the project also discusses city approval of covenants, conditions and restrictions “to ensure continued maintenance of all common areas and drainage devices within the project site.” 

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N O V E M B E R 2023

Gofundme for Funeral of Slain 12-Year-Old Boy

By Rylee Kelemen Signal Staff Writer

A

GoFundMe has been established for the funeral expenses of the 12-yearold boy who was found dead in Canyon Country on Monday, Nov. 6. Medical examiner has identified the boy as 12-year-old Willians Lemus Ayala of Canyon Country.

The GoFundMe has a set goal of

PHOTO COURTESY AYALA FAMILY GOFUNDME

$25,000. A family member, who asked not to be identified, detailed that the money raised would go toward Ayala’s funeral expenses as well as generally supporting the family in their time of grief.

Ayala’s mother is a single mother with three children and has recently lost her job, the family member said.

“She’s not able to make her ends meet. There’s no rent money. There’s no grocery money, there’s nothing to help support these kids,” said the family member. “It’s the brother’s birthday today (Wednesday, Nov. 8) and in the midst of all this grief, he can’t even put a smile on his face for

his own birthday. We are definitely just trying to get her to a place of stability so that she can grieve her son and there’s just so much that comes with that.”

The family member relayed that the expenses for a “decent burial” were quoted at $15,000 to $30,000.

Thus far, $18,271 has been raised.

The family wanted to thank the community and express their gratitude for every dollar donated.

“I think emotionally it’s encouraging that there is still a lot of kindness in this crazy, hurting world,” said the family member. “It’s just encouraging to know that people still have big hearts to just to bless a stranger and to just be able to give to somebody who’s in need without any strings attached.”

The family member wanted to clarify that although GoFundMe shows a service date for the funeral, one has not been set yet.

Those who wish to donate to Ayala’s GoFundMe can do so at tinyurl. com/2vdwxp5m.

Background

Homicide detectives have confirmed that the death of the boy, whose body was found on the side of Sand Canyon Road with gunshot wounds, is being investigated for possible connections to gang activity.

Anyone who might have been in the area — on Sand Canyon Road, south of Placerita Canyon Road, on the morning of Monday, Nov. 6, is encouraged to reach out to help detectives, even if they’re not sure if it’s important. The Homicide Bureau’s number is (323) 890-5500.

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station deputies initially discovered the body following a medical call the station received at 6:31 a.m., said Lt. Arturo Spencer, who is in charge of the investigation.

Anyone who would like to provide information anonymously can call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222TIPS (8477), use a smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website lacrime stoppers.org. 

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C A N YO N CO U N T R Y M AG A Z I N E · 7

Aid for Schools Donates to Canyon Springs Elementary

By Habeba Mostafa Signal Staff Writer

S

tudents in Carolyn Davenport’s second-grade class at Canyon Springs Community School received visitors recently: Aid for Schools, Valencia High School’s club comprised of 16-year-old juniors Symone Adams, and twins, Nicole and Noor Haddad.

“We started this club last year. We thought of the idea because we realized the privilege we have to have a big library in our schools,” Adams said. “So we want to give students a lot of books so they can better their reading skills and love reading as much as we did when we were younger.”

Canyon Springs, which is a Title I school, caught the eyes of the Valencia students, who wanted to ensure that the second-grade students had the same resources they received when they were younger.

Not only did Aid for Schools donate two new books to each student in the classroom on Friday, but also gave the remaining books to the school library.

In addition, the morning in the classroom consisted of students creating their own books with the assistance of the club, to later share with the rest of their classmates.

“We knew we wanted to help our community first — the community we’ve grown up in,” Nicole said.

Nicole Haddad, 16, helps the students at Canyon Springs Community Elementary School create their books on Friday. PHOTO BY HABEBA MOSTAFA / THE SIGNAL

With the advancement of technology, Aid for Schools aims to bring a strong reading presence to the students who may prefer to be on their electronic devices, such as tablets.

“I also think we wanted to get kids excited about reading again, because with social media, kids may

be more on electronics. At least for me, my favorite memory as a kid was reading a book on the couch on a Saturday morning,” Noor said.

In addition to a Chipotle fundraiser, book drive and selling baked goods, the club received donaSee BOOKS, page 9

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N O V E M B E R 2023

Canyon Country Girls and Boys Basketball Preview

Left: The Canyon girls basketball team lifts a celebratory banner for becoming Foothill league co-champions after their 58-45 win over Saugus at Canyon High School on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO. Right: Golden Valley Head Coach Chris Printz last year PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL.

By Justin Vigil-Zuniga and Tyler Wainfeld Signal Staff Writers

L

ocal teams begin their seasons this week with tournament and non-league action all over the board.

Foothill League play begins Nov. 28, when the local squads can start laying the groundwork for a potential postseason berth and run.

For the boys, Canyon will look to return to the playoffs but watch for Golden Valley that is on the rise.

For the girls, Canyon returns as league champion with challenges and Golden Valley looks to get back into the playoffs.

Boys Basketball

Cowboys are Trying to Mix Youth with Experience

The Canyon Cowboys are set to embark on a season in which fourth-year head coach Ali Monfared

has just two seniors at his disposal after having seven on the roster last year.

He doesn’t mind that one bit.

“For being a young team, they are doing a really good job of learning on the fly,” Monfared said.

“They’re a fun group to be around. They really work hard. And honestly, we’re gonna surprise some people, like we do every year.”

Monfared has two returning seniors who are both set to start in Collin Kusumi and Steven Sorrow. Neither received a ton of playing time last season but got plenty of experience in practice and in a few games.

“Those two should have really big roles this year,” Monfared said.

Elsewhere, returners Evan Watts and Eric Kubel, both juniors, are set to start, as is junior Noah Madrigal, who is coming up from the JV team.

The latter is set to be the main ball handler for the Cowboys after impressing Monfared with his allaround game.

“He’s really good at everything,” Monfared said. “Very versatile player. He can do everything on the court.

He can dribble, he can shoot, he can pass. He plays his role really well.”

Kubel, a sharpshooter with some skills to work elsewhere on the Canyon Cowboys guard Tyler Miller (3) matches up with Lincoln Phillips (2) during a team practice in the Canyon High School on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

court, and Watts, who can be hard to guard down low with his 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame, come back with the most playing time from last year, and Monfared is excited to see how they’ve grown.

“I’m a big believer that you kind of have to get the reps and go play in a league game and just be in that environment,” Monfared said. “Those guys have been through that and so I’m really looking to them for leadership.”

Monfared knows the battle in front of the Cowboys in the Foothill League won’t be an easy one, but his goal is still to compete for a league title.

But even if things don’t work out exactly as he’d like, Monfared knows that with potentially 10 players from this year set to return next season, this group has a chance to gain some valuable experience for the future.

“I think we can be really special next year,” Monfared said. “But I think we could be really special this year, too. I’m not really looking towards next year … but when you have 10 returners, you get pretty excited about that.”

Young Grizzlies Boys Aim for Postseason

Golden Valley head coach Chris Printz doesn’t have a ton of experience returning to his team this year, but he expects his Grizzlies to put up a fight.

The Grizzlies will have five seniors, four of whom return with varsity experience, to go along with some younger players who are still trying to etch their names into Printz’s rotation.

“We’re going to compete,” Printz said. “It doesn’t change our expectations. I think for a coach, you just kind of understand there’s gonna be some bumps in the road.”

Seniors Tristan Tiu and Angelo Samson are set to handle the ball the most, while fellow seniors Kaleb Melara and Brad Christoffersen will welcome junior Kenyen Andrews, last year’s JV Player of the Year, to the starting rotation.

“There’s gonna be some flexibility based on See BASKETBALL, page 12

N O V E M B E R 2023

C A N YO N CO U N T R Y M AG A Z I N E · 9

BOOKS

Continued from page 7

tions to their GoFundMe page, while also promoting events on their social media. The total amounted to $750.

“The first thing we did was start a GoFundMe, where a lot of our family members donated, because we come from pretty big families,” Nicole said. “Then we spread the information around on Instagram, and to our neighbors. We also had a couple of school fundraisers.”

The budget earned is for buying books and supplies to donate. Each book is purchased purposefully and with the mindset of what the Valencia students would’ve wanted themselves when they were the elementary students’ age.

“We knew the last couple of years have been hard with COVID, and we wanted a balance in books because we know that with some kids, reading comes really easy to them and that there are different levels,” Noor said. “We wanted a balance between chapter books and picture books, so that each kid can find their own level and set goals with what books they want to read.”

To encourage this endeavor, the Valencia students spent time looking for a diverse collection of books so that every student can benefit, in addition to doing their research about the demographic.

“We really wanted to have a diverse collection of books so kids can have access and are not limited in any way. We also had some Spanish books in there, because we know it’s a Spanish-speaking school. We wanted to find books for bilingual students. That’s what we found really important,” Adams said.

Friday’s visit is the first of the many visits Aid for Schools hopes to accomplish in spreading the positive message of reading.

“Our next school is actually going to be here,

KARMA

Continued from page 5

years — focusing on students who, once given the opportunity and exposure, would be able to find jobs.”

The main mission of Yes I Can is to ensure that individuals with disabilities can self-sustain a career and live independently.

“Our main mission is to help individuals with disabilities free at cost to them and their families, to provide them with the career training and 21st-century career skills that are needed to find jobs in the entertainment industry,” Lieberman said. “The reason why we focus on the entertainment industry is because they are such lucrative jobs that pay extremely well. We want our individuals to be able to, at some point, live their own

The students read aloud their books to the rest of the class with the help of the Valencia High School volunteers.

PHOTO BY HABEBA MOSTAFA/ THE SIGNAL

just because we were only able to visit one class so we’re coming back for first grade, but in the future, we want to help like the school more as a whole by holding assemblies, getting more resources and helping bring more of an impact and resources,” Nicole said. “But today, our point was to get the students excited to read.”

While the Valencia students are directing their attention to Canyon Springs for the time being, they are hopeful to expand as much as they can in the future.

“For the next couple of schools we visit, our goal is to reach these underprivileged children and benefit their education more by giving them the sup-

lives, not be dependent on their parents, be able to purchase a house and provide for their own families.”

In addition to learning the proper techniques to adjust in the real world, Yes I Can offers a paid internship with one of its industry partners.

“What’s really unique with Yes I Can is we have a paid internship program and we fine tune and try to match the individual with the right job so that they’ll flourish,” Lieberman said. “They get hired when they are done with their internship, sometimes even before the internship is set to expire. We found that the companies hire our students because they do not want to lose them.”

Since its inception, Lieberman has cultivated a program with an active waitlist, and has worked closely with Fitzpatrick to teach and bring am-

plies they may not already have,” Noor said.

While Aids for Schools has big goals, the steps to expand will include building a website, continuing to spread the word and staying true to their incentive, where every student should have the same access and balance to resources.

“We just want people to know how much we want to help our schools, especially in the community, and how we believe that education should not be considered a privilege,” Nicole said.

Ensuring that reading, and education overall, is a right, all three concurred with Adams’ statement: “We don’t want to limit kids’ education by their economic status.” 

ple opportunities to the people who are a part of Yes I Can. Due to their efforts, alumni have found jobs in the industry.

“We have students that are running lights and sound, traveling with bands and artists. We have students that are working with Ten Fifty Entertainment that are handling all the accessibility for events like Coachella and Stagecoach. We have students that are composers and provide music to video games, movies and TV and film,” Lieberman said.

Lieberman’s advice for anyone interested in the heavily sought-out program, particularly for those still in high school, is to start early.

“Eleventh and 12th graders should start the process by making sure they’re with the Regional Center, and let them know that they want to be

part of the program. As soon as they graduate in June, it’s a seamless transition to start with us in July, and that helps with a smooth transition to college and career,” Lieberman said. 

1 0 · C A N YO N CO U N T R Y M AG A Z I N E

N O V E M B E R 2023

SCV Blues Society Hosts Battle Of The Bands

By Katherine Quezada Signal Staff Writer

T

he SCV Blues Society held a “Battle of the Bands” competition in which musicians competed to win $2,500 and represent the Santa Clarita Valley at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee early next year.

The Bootleggers will represent the SCV Blues Society at the competition early next year.

Four bands performed at the American Legion post in Newhall and competed in front of a live audience to win a monetary prize and represent the SCV at the International Blues Challenge, “The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians,” states the official website.

Toni Dodd, a veteran musician, opened the show with her band Toni Dodd and the Southbound Blues.

Dodd described her deep appreciation for blues music: “It comes from your heart, and you feel it in your See BLUES, page 14

The SCV Blues Society recently held its annual “Battle of the Bands” at American Legion Post 507 in Newhall, with the winner representing the Santa Clarita Valley at next year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis. PHOTOS BY Katherine Quezada / THE SIGNAL

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BASKETBALL

Continued from page 8

matchups and what we have to do, but I always like leaning on my seniors,” Printz said.

Looking down the roster, Printz is excited for sophomores Alex Villejo and Zach Christoffersen to show that they belong in the Foothill League.

“Alex Villejo has a chance to maybe be one of the best shooters in our league, and Zack is just kind of a freak athlete,” Printz said. “So, we’re really excited about them.”

The Grizzlies will be looking to improve on their 3-9 showing in the league last season and, if things go right, grab a spot in the Division 4AA playoffs.

The Grizzlies missed out last season after there were “no openings” in their division, Printz said.

“That’s always part of the goal,” Printz said. “We got to get through the Football League first, and we want to compete there. If we can do our job in the Foothill League, then making the playoffs takes care of itself.”

Girls Basketball

Canyon Loads Up for a Strong Season

The season will be full of challenges for the league champion Canyon Cowboys. However, overcoming adversity is all the team and coach Jessica Haayer know.

Haayer was diagnosed last year with brain cancer. The coach was still there for the team throughout the busy summer during radiation treatments and had her final treatments during the first week of school.

“I think it’s shown the kids what true toughness is, true grit,” Haayer said.

Haayer can now focus on the team that has a steep mountain to climb in the Foothill League and potentially the Division 1 playoffs.

Canyon seniors Koko Booker and Josie Regez return to the Cowboys and will be starters for the fourth consecutive year. Booker has been a force in the paint since day one, while Regez has shined as a three-level scorer.

Aneesa Sayan also returns for her senior season and brings strong perimeter shooting.

Haayer has also brought on freshman sensation Isabella Escribano, a talented local guard who played for the Mexican National 15U team.

The Canyon coach believes Regez and Escribano will be elite scorers in the Southern Section. “(Escribano’s) incredible, she plays both sides of the court and she can score at will,” Haayer said.

“Josie has taken her game to another level this season. She can score at all three levels and right now she’s pretty incredible.”

Taylor Ford will also be a new face to keep an eye on. Ford is a strong center with an outside shot.

The basketball IQ also stands out to Haayer as the team is picking up new things quicker and progressing at a fast rate.

“I feel like we’re ahead of the game,” Haayer said.

“I’m talking about things that I didn’t talk about ’til December last year. They’re coming along. They’re

Akina Ma’at, left, and Aly Taufaasau during a practice at Golden Valley, PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

gritty, they’re on it and diving for the 50/50 balls and thinking all of them are ours. Defense is the name of our game for sure.”

The Cowboys will be in tough games all year with stops at the Nike Tournament of Champions at Arizona, the Bishop Gorman Thanksgiving showcase in Las Vegas and the West Coast Elite tournament in San Francisco.

Canyon has the pieces but will have plenty of obstacles in front of the team as it strives for the program’s third straight league championship.

Golden Valley Striving for Playoffs

The Grizzlies are aching to get back into the playoffs for the first time in six years.

Head coach Charise Hall returns to lead the team with the postseason on the team’s radar. Hall’s team has never shown signs of backing down from a challenge, something that she knows will be vital this season.

“Their work ethic and resilience, they don’t back down,” Hall said. “I’ve got some real fighters on here. We’re definitely going to need that come league.”

The Grizzlies will be led by their backcourt, which features Akina Ma’at and Jaia Bryant. The two can score but also add tough defense. Janice Orantes also returns to the team and has stepped up a ton in Hall’s eyes, as the junior is becoming more aggressive and confident in her game.

The front court will showcase some newer and younger but taller Grizzlies.

Sophomore Lainey Connington and freshman

Canyon guard Josie Regez (23) breaks the full court press in the fourth quarter of a CIF Southern Section tournament game on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Krysta Ezenwa will be athletic players for Hall down low.

Golden Valley may have the pieces to finally return to the playoffs but the team has a long road ahead of it. 

N O V E M B E R 2023

C A N YO N CO U N T R Y M AG A Z I N E · 1 3

DA Files Charge in Hash Brown Robbery

By Perry Smith Senior Signal Writer

A

35-year-old Canyon Country man is being charged with one count of robbery after being accused of brandishing a black metal “Glock 19” model BB gun at a fastfood restaurant and demanding a free hash brown, according to court records obtained by The Signal.

The suspect purchased breakfast at the McDonald’s on the corner of Sierra Highway and Via Princessa at 5:30 a.m. Oct. 1, and after leaving the location, returned and walked up to the victim, who was working at the third window of the drive-thru line at the time, according to a written report of the incident.

“The victim was met with a customer demanding a third hash brown,” according to a detective’s recounting of the incident in a court document. “The victim checked the suspect’s receipt and advised the suspect he had only paid for two hash browns and not a third. The suspect

repeatedly told the victim, ‘Don’t (expletive) with me, (victim’s name clearly visible on this name tag),’ before retrieving a firearm from the vehicle and pointing it at the victim’s chest area,” according to the detective’s statement in the report.

“The victim, being in fear for his life and believing the suspect would shoot him … provided the suspect and (sic) additional hash brown,” according to the detective’s statement of probable cause. The cost of a single hash brown is $2.99, according to a store employee reached by phone Wednesday at the McDonald’s on Decoro Drive.

Sheriff ’s officials, using security footage, tracked the suspect to his home after investigators identified his vehicle, which was registered to the suspect’s wife, according to the court records.

The suspect’s home and vehicle were then searched, which led to detectives recovering an air-powered pellet gun as evidence on Oct. 18, according to court records.

He was arrested at 10:33 a.m. Oct.

18, according to the Sheriff ’s Department arrest records available online.

He was held in custody until Oct. 24, when he was released on his own recognizance.

Prosecutors with the DA’s office filed one count of Penal Code 211, “the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will,

accomplished by means of force or fear,” against the Canyon Country resident on Oct. 20.

He pleaded not guilty at his Oct. 23 arraignment at the L.A. County Superior Court in San Fernando.

Online records indicate he’s expected in court Nov. 29 to set a future date for a preliminary hearing, when the evidence is presented to a judge who decides whether there’s enough for trial. 

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1 4 · C A N YO N CO U N T R Y M AG A Z I N E

N O V E M B E R 2023

Golden Valley Presents Colors at the Salute to Patriots Event

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Captain Justin Diez leads the flag salute during the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce’s13th Annual Salute to Patriots event held at the SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The Golden Valley JROTC Color Guard presented the flag and the national anthem was sung by a Golden Valley student. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

I want to share my experience with the Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts.

My daughter, Michela, is 12 years old.

She found an announcement for the Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts Fashion Show at Macy’s and begged me to apply. We live in Washington, DC, so I thought she was joking at first.

Flying out to California for a fashion show? Then I got a call from the owner of SCSOPA, Mike. His enthusiasm and passion for his school was so evident that he inspired us to take the plunge and book a flight. Mike allowed Michela to take several free classes when we visited. From learning how to walk in a fashion show from a real pageant winner, to Improv and Acting classes, she threw herself in and everyone made her feel at home. It is clear that the Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts is a family with everyone rooting for each other. It is a true melting pot with actors of all shapes, sizes, ages, ethnicities, colors and creeds. We signed up for their unlimited package so she can take as many classes as she wants. Best of all, whenever she has an audition, we are able to work with the school and arrange for a fantastic acting coach to run lines with her and give her feedback. The very first audition we worked on, she booked! The staff is super responsive, professional and a joy to work with. Thank you, Mike and SCSOPA, for helping launch Michela’s career! – SCSOPA 23502 Lyons Ave Suite 105, Santa Clarita, CA 91321 (661) 222-7910 -Paid Advertisement-

BLUES

Continued from page 10

soul. It’s not just crying in your beer can kind of music. It’s uplifting.”

Dodd added that she has competed every year for the chance to return to the biggest stage for blues music lovers. Her first time at the IBC was over a decade ago. She said she looked forward to experiencing the bands’ camaraderie and witnessing new artists and bands put themselves out there and make a name for themselves.

All four acts had their own unique presence, allowing the audience and judges to enjoy a variety of the genre.

The music ranged from upbeat to mellow. The four bands competing were: Toni Dodd and the Southbound Blues, Serge the Power & Charlie D, The Bootleggers, and the Bill Grisolia Band.

“I enjoy performing for a variety of reasons. It lets me explore my creative muse. One of the things that we’re being evaluated on today is originality and so we will be presenting some of our original material,” said Bill Grisolia. “The Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society cannot be overstated because … in the year in which we competed (previously) the person that won and went to Memphis … has (become) a very important artist nationally and did very well in Memphis for the society. It reflected Santa Clarita.”

Grisolia closed the show with his band The Bill Grisolia Band and was the runner-up after The Bootleggers were declared the winners.

“We’re helping to provide a platform for the continuation of honoring the past and the evolution of the art form as well. This is an important part of the American experience.

Blues helped launch a number of other musical art forms and so it continues to be an important part of our United States of America fabric,” said Grisolia.

He also added that he has never had the opportunity to compete at IBC, but if his band won, “It would be an honor.”

Chuck Strong, the previous vice president of the SCV Blues Society and now treasurer, has experienced performing and competing at the IBC in 2015 and 2016. “I know how incredible it is. I’ve gone back over the years just to support our band that we (Santa Clarita) have (compete) and it’s just a great week. A couple hundred bands from all over the world do this.”

The SCV Blues Society is one of hundreds of blues societies throughout the country. They’re part of the umbrella organization, The Blues Foundation. The Blues Foundation hosts the IBC and the Blues Music Awards every year along with other events that focus on the appreciation of blues music.

The IBC is a four-day event that will take place from Jan. 16 to 20 on Beale Street in Memphis, a historical location for blues music.

For more information, visit blues. org/international-blues-challenge. 

N O V E M B E R 2023

C A N YO N CO U N T R Y M AG A Z I N E · 1 5

CALENDAR

Canyon Country Community Center 18410 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita 91350 (661) 290-2266

CANYON COUNTRY COMMUNITY CENTER REGISTRATION FOR WINTER PROGRAMS OPENS NOV. 28 https://santaclarita.civicrec.com/CA/city-santa-clarita/catalog CCCC New Website https://santaclarita.gov/canyon-country-community-center

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

Canyon Country Community Center Hours of Operation Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sundays: CLOSED The Canyon Country Community Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Adult and Senior Activities Senior Walking Club (55+)

A moderate to fast-paced walking group, which meets each week and walks the around the exterior of the facility.

Bunco (55+)

Come out and play this classic dice game that’s sure to keep the competition rolling!

Mahjong (55+)

An opportunity to socialize, play Mahjong, and meet new friends! Bring your own Mahjong card.

Senior Makers Club (50+) Senior Makers Club is a monthly DIY project class that’s sure to inspire creativity and fun!

Low Impact Outdoor Games (18+) Have some fun in the sun while having friendly competition with these outdoor games!

Line Dancing (18+) This choreographed line dancing class is a great way to meet new friends and get your groove on!

CANYON COUNTRY LIBRARY PROGRAMS Nov. 23-24 LIBRARY CLOSED

Dec. 13

Nov. 25

Dec. 14

10 a.m.

Sit and Stitch

Dec. 1

4:30 p.m. Teen Advisory Board

Dec. 5

3:30 p.m. Winter Snowball Science Party 4:30 p.m. Holiday Wreaths

Dec. 7

9:30 a.m. Storytime 3:30 p.m. Teen Crafts and Stuff: Popsicle Stick Gingerbread House Ornaments 6:30 p.m. Club de Mujeres Latinas en Literatura

Dec. 9 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 6 p.m.

Dec. 12 10 a.m.

Sit and Stitch

10 a.m.

9:30 a.m. Cuenta Cuentos 3:30 p.m. Teen Crafts and Stuff: Winter Paper Crafts

Dec. 22-25 LIBRARY CLOSED Dec. 29 - Jan 1 LIBRARY CLOSED Jan. 4

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

Jan. 5

Teen Advisory Board

Jan. 8 Worlds of Whimsy Cookies and Gingerbread Houses

Winter Sensory Room

6 p.m.

Jan. 11

Worlds of Whimsy

9:30 a.m. Cuenta Cuentos