English Classes/Clases de Ingles
Citizenship/Ciudadanía
High School Diploma/Diploma de Secundaria
High School Equivalency(HiSET)/Equivalencia de Secundaria(HiSET)
Medical Career Training/Entrenamiento para Carreras Medicas
Technology and Computers/Technología y Computadoras
Community Interest/ Interes de la Comunidad
By Perry Smith Signal Senior Staff Writer
The group of unpaid “high-risk civilian volunteers” bravely rappel up and down steep ravines, scale peaks and then, when necessary, haul stranded hikers or drivers back down those climbs.
The Search and Rescue Team had its busiest year ever in 2023, responding to almost 90 callouts last year, according to Justin Miyahira, a member of the SRT and head of public safety at Six Flags Magic Mountain, who attended the event hosted by the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation.
Diez was seeking support because the team’s numbers have decreased while the demand for service has only gone up, he said.
While the pandemic resulted in the lowest crime rate in modern recorded history while everything was shut down, Diez said, unique challenges sprung up in their place.
In addition to not being able to have volunteers around due to COVID restrictions at the time, during the pandemic, lots of people became hiking enthusiasts, an activity that comes with inherent risk.
SRT incidents can involve a range of activities including stranded hikers, others trapped in weather-related emergencies like floods or when a vehicle goes off-road and down a ravine.
“Most people don’t realize that No. 1, we’re all volunteers; but No. 2, that it’s a nonfunded portion that we are required to maintain — in the law, we are required to maintain a search and rescue team, but there’s absolutely no funding for it,” Miyahira said.
The team, which had 15 members recently, is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case of emergency, or whenever the team is needed.
“Being a part of the (Mountain Rescue Association), we could be called from any other team in California,” said Tony Buttitta, the team’s captain, during a March interview after the team qualified for its MRA certification at Convict Lake. “Last weekend or the weekend before, we got called up to Mount Baldy, in the middle of a high wind and snow — helicopters couldn’t get in, so they put out a countywide callout — that one was to help the San Bernardino (Sheriff’s Department) team.”
Some might have seen SRT members helping at weekend festivals, such as Boots in the Park or Tequila and Tacos — but they’re not there to enjoy the brews or the tunes.
The team members must first qualify as a certified emergency medical technician, so they can help if someone needs immediate assistance.
The preparation involved in joining the team also makes the SRT’s unfunded mandate a considerable one.
Once a prospective volunteer earns their EMT certification, and passes a thorough background check, a person is eligible to become a probation-
ary member, Miyahira said.
“Once you pass that, you attend meetings, and a few trainings,” he said, “and really, we want to see your commitment level.”
Then there is technical rope training — a class and then team test, which includes tying various knots. And of course, learning how to use the hardware, like a Stokes basket, the patient stretcher used in rescues.
“And then once you pass the test, you are part of the team,” he added.
But wait, there’s more, as they say.
“Once you’re part of the team,” Miyahira said, “you then have to commit to a certain amount of hours at least per month at the very minimum to maintain (your spot) on the team.”
While there’s a significant commitment level,
they’re also a very close-knit group, Buttitta said.
“We’re like a big family,” said Buttitta, who’s also a reserve deputy.
He’s made some of his best friends through his work with the Sheriff’s Department, he added. “We not only work together, but off-duty we hang out together, and our families do things together.”
Anyone interested in supporting or joining the Search and Rescue Team can contact Tony Buttitta at ajbuttit@lasd.org. Anyone who would like to volunteer at the station, which involves a range of duties from clerical assistance to help performing vacation checks on vacant homes, can call Sgt. Bill Edson at the SCV Sheriff’s Station at 661-287-5732, or email wredson@lasd.org.
By Katherine Quezada Signal Staff Writer
First-generation Latina Golden Valley High School senior Megan Moreno was overwhelmed with emotions as she stood before thousands of people and shared her high school graduation moment with her two immigrant parents.
“Este diploma es para ustedes, como es para mi,” she said.
“This diploma is yours, as much as it is mine.”
A loud cheer soared throughout Cougar Stadium at College of the Canyons during the 18th annual Golden Valley High School Graduation Ceremony, as many of the families and graduates share similar stories to Moreno and her parents.
Many Golden Valley High School Grizzlies were draped in flags from Mexico, Guatemala, the Philippines and other countries, embracing their heri-
See DIPLOMA, page 10
Golden Valley High School senior speaker Megan Moreno is overwhelmed with emotions as she pays homage to her immigrant parents who never had the privilege of completing high school.
PHOTO BY KATHERINE QUEZADA/THE SIGNAL
By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Staff Writer
Saugus Union School District and Skyblue Mesa Elementary School officials honored one of their own in dedicating a corner of the new library at Skyblue Mesa to former student Dominic Blackwell.
The library, which includes a science flex lab and some classrooms, opened earlier this semester, and the district held a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month for students and parents to become acquainted with the space.
Rows of books line one side of the library, with reading spaces all across the middle of the room. In one corner, a cutout of SpongeBob SquarePants is placed on the wall, with the words “Blackwell Corner” below. On the bookshelf below that is a display of Nickelodeon books, including SpongeBob, which Skyblue Principal Misty Covington said was Blackwell’s favorite TV show.
Blackwell was one of two killed by a fellow student in the Saugus High School shooting in 2019 that also left three others injured before the shooter took his own life.
“This library is more than just a collection of books,” Covington said, adding that Blackwell was the “prime example of kindness.”
The ceremony was attended by Superintendent
we wanted to make sure that everything about the library was complete and up to the dream that we have had for this library. I’m very happy for the Blackwell family to finally see the Blackwell Corner in the library that will hopefully inspire thousands of our students in the decades to come to be great readers and to be outstanding students.”
Hawkins echoed Trunkey’s words and had to pause a couple of times as she talked about the Blackwell Corner.
“I do think that the library, once you go inside, is the heart of this building and where it’s positioned in the school is the heart of the school,” Hawkins said. “We know that Dominic Blackwell had a huge heart and we hope that by dedicating this space to him, it will keep that heart remembered, memorialized in a way that honors Dominic and honors his family.”
Colleen Hawkins, Nick Heinlein, assistant superintendent of business services, and governing board members Katherine Cooper and Chris Trunkey.
“I’m very happy to be here to finally dedicate this beautiful library space,” Trunkey said. “Obviously, the building has been open for a while, but
The library was paid for using Measure EE funds. Taxpayers in the district approved a $148 million bond to improve district facilities in 2014, which has led to a new two-story building recently opening at Charles Helmers Elementary and a groundbreaking for a similar building recently being held at James Foster Elementary.
“Thank you to so many people and their collaborative efforts for putting all the work in to make this building happen,” Covington said.
By Habeba Mostafa Signal Staff Writer
Just like Ellen’s Oscar selfie in 2014, Canyon High School graduating senior Jake Dela Cruz not only started his senior speech with a selfie with the graduating class, but ended it with one, too.
In a commencement ceremony that welcomed attendees in various languages, and celebrated each of its students with applause and laughter, Canyon sent off its Cowboys to gallop into the real world.
Principal Shellie Holcombe shared a message with the Class of 2024, directly after the processional by the Canyon High School band, and the national anthem sung by graduating senior Marley Garner.
“[For] the 428 seniors tonight, somewhere along the line there was a special teacher or staff member who made a difference in their lives ...
Today marks the monumental milestone in your lives, a moment that you have been eagerly awaiting and tirelessly working towards,” Holcombe said.
Holcombe ended her speech with advice for the graduating class, including being hopeful and optimistic despite any challenges as they embark upon their own trajectories.
“Remember to hold onto your passions, and never lose sight of your goals. Embrace challenges and opportunities for growth. And always remember the lessons you learned along
the way,” Holcombe said. “Above all, cherish the friendships and memories you make as they will impact your journey, and help form your future.”
Valedictorians Josephine Regez and Jameson Roberts imparted wisdom to
their fellow seniors.
“We’ve had so many of the same experiences — it’s made me realize that achievements and milestones are worth fulfilling and gratifying when shared,” Regez said. “When you hear
your name being called tonight, take a moment to remember those moments … and hopefully those thoughts will speak to your future memories.”
“I tried to not get discouraged by the challenges that I faced, that we all faced, whether that was difficult classes, or not enough hours in the day to get everything done,” Roberts said. “I hope everyone here remembers, that we all help determine our fate, and our effort is the one control we have over it. I hope all of our hard work and determination continues to pay off.”
Senior speeches were given by Daniela Reyes and Jake Dela Cruz, before a performance of “Wherever I Go” by members of Canyon choirs and the conferring of the diplomas by William S. Hart Union High School District Superintendent Mike Kuhlman.
“Today is the final step of a chapter that is soon to close, but that leads to a new chapter that opens. We’ve gone from being on Zoom … to returning back in person and being able to share these moments with each other,” Reyes said. “We leave an important mark in the school, and our adventure does not end here.
“These four years now lead us to this day — graduation. Every single one of us will now take the next step in our lives, whether they’re going to college, career opportunities, whatever you pursue … There’s nothing stopping us from launching towards what we want to achieve,” Dela Cruz said. “Do whatever it takes to achieve your dreams. We Cowboys push forward.”
By Katherine Quezada Signal Staff Writer
Joseph Wickham-Vilaubi, Life Scout from Scouts BSA 303A, had difficulty making friends during his years at Mint Canyon Elementary School when he was growing up. As someone with autism it wasn’t easy for him to connect with other children and participate in conversation.
Despite the tough years as a young child, he didn’t let this dictate how he views life.
Now as a 16-year-old and working toward becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Scout BSA Program, he developed a project that he hopes will make an impact and help other children overcome the same challenges he once did.
On Saturday morning, Wickham-Vilaubi had the help of his parents and Scout members to install the first-ever Mint Canyon Elementary School buddy bench, a place where children can create friendships with others who may feel lonely or excluded.
“I just wanted to help the kids here that also have similar disabilities and challenges, that way they can make friends,” said Wickham-Vilaubi.
Wickham-Vilaubi began his brainstorming of
See BUDDY, page 15
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Continued from page 6
tage and paying tribute to their loved ones as they walked to their seats while simultaneously seeking out their families in the sea of a cheering audience.
Graduating students Oluwadara Falodun, Delia Manuela Villanueva Rojas, and Isabella Anber Ascasetas took the stage to give a proper welcome to those in attendance in English, Spanish and Tagalog, ensuring the ceremony could be enjoyed by the diverse Golden Valley High School community.
“I realized over the course of my four years here at Golden Valley that graduating high school is something to be proud of,” said Moreno. “My mom used to always talk to me about how she wished she was able to graduate high school because maybe then her life would be a little bit easier. My dad would always talk about how he used to bypass the schools in his home country, praying that he would be able to be a part of those kids.”
She added: “So all you other parents in the audience, applaud yourselves too because your kids could not have done it without you ... [Graduates] do not go home thinking that what you did was easy. Do not go home taking all your school years for granted. Class of 2024, take pride in how far you’ve come and have faith in how far you can go.”
The second student speaker, Michleen Tissan, congratulated her fellow classmates as they endured the unique challenge of a worldwide pandemic.
“Despite the chaos, we showed moments of connection and resilience, whether it was mastering Zoom calls in our pajamas, whipping up coffee creations in the kitchen, or conquering every TikTok trend imaginable,” Tissan said. “We found ways to brighten up our days together. We navigated through such a difficult time and gave us such a positive spin. And now as we stand on the brink of our future, let’s cherish the memories we’ve made and the challenges we’ve conquered.”
“You may think this is the end of our journey but really, it’s just the start of a whole new adventure.”
Golden Valley High School Principal Sal Frias took the stage last to congratulate his students who stood before him.
For the first time in school history, 80 students wearing a gold robe during the ceremony maintained a 4.0 GPA or higher through their seventh semester, representing 17% of the 480 students graduating, he said.
Many of the graduates also participated in multiple extracurricular activities such as performing arts and athletics, and could only do so if they met their academic requirements, which they all did, added Frias.
In an evolving world with advanced technology, Frias encouraged the graduates to not get discouraged with future opportunities and to embrace their soft skills.
“Human skills will always be in demand. Emotional Intelligence and empathy will help you remain calm under pressure, make rational decisions and handle challenging situations gracefully.
Creativity and innovation are human traits that AI cannot replicate ... Remember the importance of how we treat each other. Believe in yourself. Stand tall during your high moments and learn from your low moments,” said Frias.
By Habeba Mostafa Signal Staff Writer
In the hills and trails along Placerita Canyon Road, volunteers with SCV Trail Users gathered at the Golden Valley Ranch and East Walker Ranch open spaces to work on local trails on Saturday for National Trails Day.
According to its website, SCVTU is “comprised of passionate trail users who build, maintain and advocate for multi-use off-road trails in and around the Santa Clarita Valley area. SCVTU was formed in response to trail closures in the Santa Clarita area, and remains a strong advocate of safe and equal access for all non-motorized trail users.”
Among those who spearhead the initiative are Tony Arnold and Ken Raleigh, who focus on the removal of invasive mustard for the continuation of trail use.
“Santa Clarita owns a lot of open space around, and we’ve helped them design and put trails in these open spaces and they’re really loved by the community for hiking and biking and even equestrian,” Arnold said. “The problem is in the spring this mustard, invasive species, grows and the trails become unusable.”
According to Arnold, nearly 20 volunteers came to clear the trails, with an average of 15 to 40 vol-
See TRAILS, page 13
By Katherine Quezada Signal Staff Writer
ANavy F/A -18 Superhornet flew over hundreds of people wearing red, white and blue. The roaring sound of the aircraft as it passed over the American flag brought out loud cheers and claps from the patriotic audience.
The annual tradition honored the fallen American soldiers at the 36th annual Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial Inc. in partnership with Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary on Monday morning.
This year’s theme was “Women in the Military.” Dignitaries including Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita; Councilwoman Laurene Weste; Councilwoman Marsha McLean; and Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, were among the many people paying their respects and honoring those who lost their lives serving in the United States military.
The event began with a bagpipe-led color guard provided by the Ronald Reagan Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America No. 355, who also conducted the retiring of the colors.
An invocation was conducted by Pastor Jerry Cook from the Freedom Way Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vietnam veteran Sgt. Bob Good and the national anthem performed by the Saugus High School choir.
The ceremony honored 10,000 women who served in Vietnam; many of them as nurses. Eight of those women died during service and were honored on the front-page cover of the event’s program.
Keynote speaker Major Heidi Heinrick, a local resident and U.S Army veteran with a 13-year-long career, paid homage to the “brothers and sisters” who are no longer here and cast a light on the women and the sacrifices they made when they served in the military.
“Throughout our nation’s short history in our nation’s infancy and the days of our founding fathers, women were a lesser known but integral fight for
independence … Revolutionary War, our battle for independence, women often followed their husbands in the Continental Army and they traveled throughout the colonies fighting for freedom against the British, serving in critical roles both in garrison and on the battlefield. Though there were no formal ready for command structure, women voluntarily took on many duties, including cooking meals and laundry as they would have at home,” she said.
“In World War II, the number of women in military service grew to 350,000 at home and abroad. In May of 1942, Congress created the women’s auxiliary Army Corps, giving women full military status and noncombatant enlisted and officer posi-
tions.”
Heinrick honored Bobby Stone, a local woman who served during World War II and was present during the ceremony.
“Lastly, it is everyone’s duty to remember and promise to never forget those who gave all for everything we have,” said Heinrick.
Garcia took the podium to thank everyone in attendance and pay his respects to the military women who came before him.
“If it were not for them, we would not be here right now,” he said.
He also offered his condolences to the organization for losing two members, Bob Slocum and Jim
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unteers attending on average during the once-amonth cleanups.
“We try to do this once a month until summertime. Hikers love it because if you try to use the trails without [cleaning], you can’t see potential snakes down there, it’s really hard to see where the trail goes. This grass grows very thick, and when you get done, it’s open wider than 4 or 5 feet, and it’s really clean and easy to see where you go.”
Due to the moisture in the ground, the invasive species grow so fast from February to June that they need to be removed several times, according to Arnold.
“These trails get a lot of use. Just over the hill is the Fair Oaks Community. If you were over there you’d see a lot of hikers. The state and the Forest Service have trails over on this side,” Raleigh said.
“They all connect together. There’s 40 or 50 miles of single-track trail that connect together. They take you all the way down to [Highway] 14 and [Interstate] 5, out to Sand Canyon, over to all the neighborhoods, over to just over the hill and Target. It really makes for a great resource for the community to hike and bike on,” Arnold added.
Jim Zoller and his family have made these volunteer days an enjoyable tradition.
“It started because my son needed to get volunteer hours at school … he enjoyed it so much, we
HABEBA
just kept coming back. He went way beyond whatever volunteer hours he needed just because we’re hikers, we like to be outside. So we’re giving back to the trails that we use,” Zoller said. “It’s fulfilling being with other like-minded people in a beautiful environment.”
Joining other volunteers who appreciate Santa Clarita’s nature, Zoller encourages residents to be
mindful of the city’s trails.
“People should keep in mind to not throw their trash in a natural area. We’re so fortunate to live so close to so many trails, and get out to enjoy them, but respect nature, animals and plants,” Zoller said.
“We’re fortunate to have all these trails so close to us, and that the city takes the time to invest and make sure that they’re maintained.”
Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, hosted a reception to congratulate the U.S. military academy appointees from California’s 27th Congressional District, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley.
This year, 13 young leaders — including seven from schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District — were recognized for their achievement and appointed to military service academies.
“It’s incredibly inspiring to see so many of CA-27’s students with the desire to serve our nation,” Garcia said in a news release. “I know how difficult it can be to receive a military service academy appointment, but my proudest years were spent defending our great nation in the Navy. I’m so glad to see these young leaders put in the work to make it this far, and I look forward to watching them continue to make our communities and country proud.”
The Hart district appointees from California’s 27th District are as follows:
n Micaela Baljet - Academy of the Canyons - U.S. Air Force Academy.
n Ty DePerno - West Ranch High School - U.S. Naval Academy.
n Gabriel Fredo - Saugus High School - U.S. Naval Academy.
n Mason Ganshirt - William S. Hart
High School - U.S. Military Academy. n Isaac Kim - William S. Hart High School - U.S. Military Academy. n Liam Naylor - Golden Valley High School - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
n Tyler Roberts - Saugus High School - U.S. Military Academy.
Additional 27th Congressional
District appointees include:
n Gabriel Capilitan - Highland High School - U.S. Naval Academy.
n Brett Dawson - Vasquez High School - U.S. Naval Academy.
n Sydney Greene - De Toledo High School - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
n Seamus McCormick - Lancaster High School - U.S. Air Force Academy.
n Daniel Niednagel - Oaks Christian School - U.S. Air Force Academy.
n Danica Seager - Highland High School - U.S. Naval Academy Prep School.
The service academies include the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; and the United States Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, Rhode Island.
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
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Continued from page 12
Hogan, who recently died within a few weeks of each other. Their names were also put on the memorial wall to be read by Saugus High School students along with the hundreds of names of fallen soldiers.
Continued from page 9
the buddy bench idea last summer and pitched it to Mint Canyon Elementary School Principal Paulette Volmer in a formal presentation in December for her approval.
He held a yard and bake sale to raise money for the bench and contacted many businesses to make the idea into a reality.
Now, finally witnessing his hard work come to life, he described the feeling as strange because he anticipated this day “forever,” he said. “Now it’s finally here, and now … What do I do?” he said jokingly.
The buddy bench encapsulates the meaning of Mint Canyon Elementary School’s mission and a great addition to fostering that message, said Volmer.
“We are a Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase School here, and what that means is that we focus on kindness ... Empathy ... and a lot of other things ... and this just adds to what we already do here,” she said. “This [will be] a good place for [children] to just hang out and have a conversation.”
The bench sits next to the picnic area where there’s also some shade, so students can comfortably connect with one another and form friendships, she added.
Cynthia Wickham, mother of Joseph, was very proud of her son for creating something positive out of the challenges he faced.
“He’s had to think a little bit harder because things aren’t as the way his mind works. It takes a little bit more for him to come to the same conclusion [many of us] would. He works a little bit more for it,” she
“Let’s remind ourselves that as the painful losses of our friends and family members are real, they are in fact in defense of this great, great nation and only those troops had the strength and honor to do what they did, and only this country has the good fortune to prevail and to prosper as a result of their sacrifices,” said Garcia. “Hundreds of [veterans] have been buried in this Eternal Valley Cemetery
… May God bless our fallen heroes, our active duty, our veterans in this beautiful country called the United States.”
For the first time, Terrell Edwards performed “God Bless America” at the close of the program with the Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band, and a reading of over 900 names at the memorial wall followed.
form friendships and not let them feel excluded.
said. “I am so proud that he’s able to think outside the box and do something for the future and something that’s clearly going to be here for years to come.”
Cynthia, who also works at the school, looks forward to witnessing the bench put to use and seeing children who are having trouble making friends go to a safe place and “be able to sit without having to really say anything and to see other children understand what that means and gravitate towards those
children to be able to make those friendships and connections,” she said.
Joseph looks forward to coming to campus to help his mother and seeing children form connections. One message he wants other kids like him to know is, “Don’t give up,” he said, adding, “There are other kids on this playground that want to be on your team and want to be your friend and want to play with you.”
Report illegal fireworks anonymously by calling the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 260-4000. All fireworks are illegal including those labeled “safe and sane.”
If you light off fireworks you could suffer significant burns and injuries, spark a devastating wildfire, be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000.
If you witness someone lighting off fireworks please call the Sheriff’s Station; you could get a $500 reward.
