Diploma de Secundaria y equivalencia
English Second Language
InglÉs como segundo idioma
Workforce Preparation
PreparaciÓn Laboral
Career Training
Entrenamiento Profesional
Computer & Technology
Computadoras y Tecnologia
Community Interest
InterÉs Comunitario
By Katherine Quezada Signal Staff Writer
The Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library transformed into a fantasy-land of sorts for the 2024 Teen FanFest on a recent Friday, an event aimed at fostering connections among teenagers who have common interests.
The 2024 Teen FanFest was held as part of “TeenTober,” a nationwide celebration focusing on adolescents created to “promote year-round teen services and the innovative ways teen services help teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library,” according to the American Library Association.
Alyssa Holzschuh, the librarian for the Canyon Country location, began planning the event four months ago with the help of the teen advisory board, which helps give insight to library staff with programming that will help them get more foot traffic
with others their age.
This year’s theme focused on fantasy-related comics and books such as “Lord of the Rings” and “Dungeons and Dragons,” Holzschuh said. Attendees had the chance to tap into their creativity and craft magical moss wands, crowns, and jewelry
supporting the event.
The city libraries focus on creating enrichment and cultural programs for all ages, but it can be difficult to bring in more teens, said Itzel Moreno, a Canyon County Community Center staff member who works closely with adolescents. She brought a few of her students to the FanFest to support the library programming since they often visit the center for library drop-in, she added.
“It’s important to bring the teens into these different activities, because, some of them learn new things,” Moreno said. “We need to learn and grow with each other.”
pendants, among other activities.
“We strive to create a space where the teens can feel comfortable outside of the home, outside of school, and possibly connect with folks they don’t encounter in those areas already,” said Gina Roberson, the Valencia library administrator who was in attendance
Twelve-year-old John Salazar has been participating in the library’s programming for a year and enjoys the cooking classes. He believes it’s important to provide spaces where kids can come to the library to meet, collaborate and form new friendships, adding that he’s made two new friends at the Canyon Country branch.
By Michael Picarella Signal Staff Writer
Thomas and Erika Orozco of Canyon Country were waiting for their two sons to come out of what was called the skeleton run. They were spending Saturday afternoon at the Canyon Country Community Center for the city of Santa Clarita’s Día de Muertos event.
The family usually goes to the Día de los Muertos celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. They were thrilled to be able to take in a holiday they honor in their hometown.
“This is a great event for the community,” Thomas said. “It’s fun, it’s interactive, it’s multicultural. And then you’ve got the mariachi.”
Erika added that the family had attended the second annual celebration last year and had a good time. When she saw this year’s event announced in the paper, the family jumped at the chance to go again.
The Orozco kids’ screams coming from the indoor basketball courts seemed to indicate that they were enjoying the skeleton run. Skeletons were chasing them through an obstacle course, trying to pull flags from the flag-football belts they wore. The kids and their parents had previously checked out the haunted house down the hall. Asked if it was scary, Erika said there were some surprises.
Día de los Muertos, which is Spanish for the Day of the Dead, is a holiday tradition that people of Mexican heritage celebrate on Nov. 1 and 2. Family and friends gather to remember and pay their re-
spects to loved ones who have died. They often do so by building home altars, or ofrendas (offerings), to deceased loved ones with pictures of them, gifts to them and their favorite foods and beverages.
A common symbol of the holiday is the skull, or calavera, which was on full display at the event on Saturday with skull decorations and artwork, and with people in skull makeup. The event also offered Día de Muertos-themed games for kids like bowling, skee-ball and a ring toss.
According to Daniel Talamantes, recreation and community services coordinator for the city, the Día de Muertos event was intended to be both fun and educational.
“We’ve really done our research,” he said. “We’ve looked into the importance of every symbol, from the marigolds to the monarch butterfly.”
The marigolds, for example, are significant because of their strong scent, which is thought to lead spirits back to their families during the holiday. Outside behind the community center, guests could wander through a field of marigolds. Many people posed for pictures out there among the orange daisies. Some people made their own marigolds at a nearby crafts table.
“To celebrate a cultural event such as Día de los Muertos is really important to a lot of people,” Talamantes said. “We want to make sure that we’re treating this beautiful culture — this beautiful holiday — with the respect it deserves.”
Part of recognizing the culture was a slideshow
presentation that played in the lobby of the community center. Both in English and in Spanish, the slides shared details about the holiday and the cultural significance of it.
And then there were the dances, ballet folklórico. Octavio Barba is a dance trainer for the city, and he worked with many young students to perform the traditional cultural dances on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s about the storytelling,” he said. “We’re bringing the community together through the stories. It educates the community about our traditions and our culture. It connects all of us.”
Genevieve Garrido was one of the dancers who took part in the presentation. She said she also did the event last year. According to her dad, John Garrido, his daughter and the others did great.
“The beauty about Santa Clarita is that they have many different programs that bring people together,” he said after the performance. “They celebrate many cultures. And that’s a beautiful way to bring people together.”
Toward the end of the Día de Muertos celebration, guests participated in a La Catrina, or dapper skull, parade around the community center park with the mariachi band. According to Gabriela Martinez, a communications specialist for the city of Santa Clarita, that kind of parade is also traditional.
“In Mexico,” she said, “they always do this, where
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By Perry Smith Signal Senior Staff Writer
An L.A. County Superior Court judge sentenced a 24-year-old serial burglar from Canyon Country to three years in an L.A. County jail after he pleaded no contest to charges stemming from a series of July 27 break-ins, according to court records online.
Alex Macias pleaded guilty Oct. 9 to two counts of second-degree commercial burglary in exchange for five of the charges being dropped, according to L.A. County Superior Court records online.
Each of the seven charges came with a special allegation the crimes were committed while Macias was free on his own recognizance after being suspected in several incidents that happened months earlier.
Court records detailed efforts by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station’s Detective Bureau, who tracked down Macias using several observations from the security footage they
Some locations approximate.
Map: The Signal
• Source: SCV Sheriff’s Station
• Created with Datawrapper.
obtained, including his unique “intoeing” walk and the clothing he wore in all the incidents.
When a detective spoke with other deputies at the station, one remembered Macias from his investigation into a series of thefts in March, in which Macias was identified as a suspect, found to be in possession of the mask and walked in the same unique manner.
Based on the evidence, deputies obtained a warrant for his arrest in
August and he was arrested two days later.
Court records indicated Macias made two stops that night on Sierra Highway: Crazy Hot Chicken and Sierra Meat and BBQ.
Security cameras captured “a male adult wearing a full head costume mask resembling a male white adult with gray hair and receding hairline, wearing a short-sleeve shirt and pants,” shattering a glass door and then entering the business through
the shattered door.
Detectives then obtained footage showing the same old-man costume mask on a suspect breaking into the Girl Scouts of America in the 18300 block of Soledad Canyon Road, about 30 minutes later.
Across the street, next to the Canyon Country Community Center, Casa Vieja was targeted next.
The suspect then headed west, matching up with the next reported burglary that deputies investigated — Oh Bella Cafe in the 18500 block of Soledad Canyon Road.
A sushi restaurant on Shangri-La Drive, Ichiban Sushi, also was hit, and then finally Route 66, a popular bar and grill on Soledad Canyon Road.
A restitution hearing is being scheduled to determine Macias’ financial liability to the victims once he’s released from custody.
Macias received three years for the first burglary charge and eight months for the second, which are to be served concurrently, for a total of three years in custody.
By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Staff Writer
The William S. Hart Union High School District released some of its state test results from the spring testing period in a news release, highlighting the district outperforming both the state and L.A. County on average.
According to the release, 63% of Hart district students met or exceeded the standard in English, while 47% did so in math and 44% did so in science.
Statewide, 47% of students did so in English, compared to 33% in math and 29% in science. At the county level, the number of students meeting or exceeding expectations in English was also 47%, while that number was 33% in math and 28% in science.
“The test scores reflect the academic performance of students for a third consecutive year following the significant challenges posed by the pandemic,” the release states.
Hart district students in grades seven, eight and 11 take the California Smarter Balanced Assessments in English and math. Students take the California Science Test once while in high school after previously taking it in fifth grade.
These tests, taken in the spring each year, are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress.
“We are pleased to see some promising improvements at many of our schools and several student subgroups in our statewide assessment data,” interim Superintendent Michael Vierra said in the release.
“While our English language arts and math scores generally maintained or saw some slight overall declines, the students of the Hart district continue to significantly outperform county and state averages. These assessment results continue to highlight the outstanding instruction and support provided to our students by our exceptional staff. Additionally, these results help to identify critical target areas for future instruction that will continue to increase student learning.”
In English, the release stated that West Ranch, Bowman, Castaic and Saugus high schools saw increases or maintained the percentage of students meeting or exceeding state standards.
At the junior high level, Arroyo Seco, La Mesa, Placerita, Rancho Pico, Rio Norte and Sierra Vista were part of that group, meaning all six junior highs in the district saw increases or maintained the number of students who met or exceeded the standard.
According to the California School Dashboard, the Hart district average in English in 2023 was 44.4 points above the standard, a slight dip from the average of 46.2 points above in 2022. In terms of a percentage of students, the district had 68.5% of students do so in 2023 compared to 69.24% in 2022. In 2019, the last year that state testing was held prior to the pandemic, that number was at 73.21%.
The state Department of Education has yet to release the full numbers for the 2024 testing period.
In math, three high schools — Castaic, Hart and West Ranch — saw increases or maintained in the number of students meeting or exceeding the standard. Five junior highs — Arroyo Seco, La Mesa, Placerita, Rio Norte and Rancho Pico — did the same.
The Hart district’s average in 2023 was 14.8 points below the standard compared to 24 points below in 2022. Looking at things from a broad perspective, 44.68% of students at least met the standard in 2023, a nearly three-point improvement from 2022’s number of 41.96%.
Compared to this year, the district had another three-point percentage increase in 2024, but still short of the nearly 53% of students who at least met the standard in 2019.
“Through the ongoing work implementing our strategic plan and with collaboration among staff, the Hart district continues to provide exceptional instruction to all students,” the release states. “This is complemented by ensuring a rigorous curriculum for all, in addition to support structures, so that every student graduates opportunity ready.”
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond commended students across California for improving the average score statewide, with 0.4% more students at least meeting the standard in English, followed by 0.9% in math and 0.5% in science.
Looking at science, four high schools — Castaic, Hart, Saugus and Valencia — saw increases in the number of students at least meeting the standard. Three junior highs — Placerita, Rancho Pico and Sierra Vista — saw similar increases.
“We know the high potential of all California’s students, and we still have a ways to go to ensure that every child is supported to build strong academic skills and access a bright future,” Thurmond said in a news release.
“We are providing key resources for all schools to get there, including providing funding for reading coaches, high-dose tutoring programs, extended school days, and professional learning for educators.”
By Michael Picarella Signal Staff Writer
Raymond Youbert of Chatsworth had struggled to find parking out in the gravel lot Sunday morning alongside Soledad Canyon Road in Saugus. He was making quite the trek from his car to the Santa Clarita Swap Meet at the Saugus Speedway when he saw the long line of people waiting to go in and shop.
Youbert said he’d been coming to the twice-weekly market regularly for over 30 years. He didn’t know Sunday was the last time vendors would be selling goods there.
“That’s the line?” he asked when he saw how many people were waiting to get in. “Holy moly. I’ve never seen any big lines like this before.”
He’d enjoyed coming to the swap meet over the years to buy fishing gear, Christmas decorations and other rare finds, all at great prices, and now that the swap meet is finished, he said, he doesn’t know where he’s going to go.
Last Tuesday, the Santa Clarita City Council struck a bargain with the Integral Communities regarding a plan to build 318 homes and more than 100,000 square feet of warehouse space on the speedway site. Sunday was the last day of the swap meet and, according to Doug Bonelli, who’s one of the longtime owner/managers of the place with seven other cousins, it was the busiest he’d seen it.
“I’m really sad for all the people I’ve worked with for years and years,” he said. “I have a lot of fond relationships here.”
According to Bonelli, the Santa Clarita Swap Meet goes back to 1964. He said that, at one time, people used to park their cars in the old Kmart lot
where Soledad Canyon Road meets Valencia Boulevard, and they’d take a bus to the speedway.
Asked what he was going to do once the swap meet closed for good, Bonelli said, “I’m 70 years old. I’ve got grandkids. I sold my other business, so, I guess I’m going to sleep. People don’t understand how much goes into this.”
On Sunday, Bonelli had 37 employees working at the event, about 600 vendors he’d brought in, and so much paperwork to complete.
“The state’s after us, the feds are after us,” he said. “There are a lot of people here, and everyone has to sign everything.”
As for the vendors and what they’ll do next, Bonelli said most of them are selling their goods at other swap meets and other venues. He expected that most of them would be fine.
“But as the owner — I’ve been doing this for 18 years — I don’t think I ever met a vendor who makes money,” Bonelli said with a chuckle. “I say to them, ‘You’re here every Sunday, and
Steve Schlund works his final day at the Saugus Swap Meet as a security guard on Sunday, Oct. 27. In the 1980s, his mom was a vendor and she would drag him to the swap meet to help her. Over the years, he said he has met so many nice people and will miss seeing them on Sundays.
you’ve never made a dime, huh?’”
Many swap-meet regulars were taking advantage of the one last time they’d be able to enjoy what they called a “Santa Clarita Valley institution.”
Saugus resident Bob Bence said he’d been going to the swap meet for 20 years, sometimes just to take a stroll through the place with a cup of coffee and not really any intentions to buy. He was there on Sunday with his two sons.
“These guys,” he said, referring to his boys, “don’t ever come. They said, ‘Hey Dad, I’m going to go with you because it’s the last day.’ I’ve never seen the parking like this.”
Bence and his sons were coming out of the swap meet with the day’s haul: some shirts, plastic bags and soap. Now that the Santa Clarita Swap Meet was closing, Bence said he’d have to find another swap meet to visit, perhaps in the San Fernando Valley, Ventura or in Palmdale.
Security guard Steve Schlund, who grew up in the SCV, said the last time he saw the place so full was when he was a kid in the 1980s. His mom was a vendor at the time.
“She’d drag us here on our Sundays to help her work,” Schlund said. “I mean, we were kids. She’d wake us up at 4 in the morning. I’d say, ‘I don’t want to go.’ We’d help her set up. It was cold.”
Schlund, a retired department of corrections worker, picked up the security job at the swap meet about a year ago. He said he met so many nice people and was going to miss seeing them every Sunday. Now that his swap meet gig was ending, he was hoping to pick up security guard work with the Los Angeles Dodgers and maybe some other odd
jobs on the side.
He said he was also going to miss the Saugus Speedway, which, as a racetrack, closed in the summer of 1995. He went to track to see races all the time, and he even went there for his younger brother’s high school graduation. Saugus High School normally held graduation ceremonies at the College of the Canyons, he said, but after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the stadium, he added, had been deemed unsafe and so, they did it at the track.
And then there was the time in August 1985 when Schlund was at the track.
“Remember the Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez?” he asked. “The night he was caught — I was here with my dad. We were in the stands, and in between the races, they stopped, and they said, ‘We want to tell everybody that they caught the Night Stalker, and they beat him in the head with a pole.’ We were all cheering.”
Others with fond memories of the place included Joe Howell of Foothill Nursery, who’d been a vendor at the Santa Clarita Swap Meet for 32 years. He was saddened when he learned the property would be sold.
“It’s unfortunate,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed the people here. And I’ve had a lot of customers. A lot of repeat customers.”
One repeat customer there on Sunday was Pinky Biondo. She was looking at various plants to buy.
“How much is this?” she asked Howell, to which he responded with the price of $20. “Can I keep it alive indoors or does it have to be outside?”
“No,” Howell told her. “Indoors, good light.”
Biondo held onto the plant to purchase and continued browsing.
Vendors at the swap meet were selling everything from clothing, auto parts and audio equipment, to antiques, power tools and groceries. Century 21 had a booth with pictures
of homes for sale. Guests could also look into purchasing funeral insurance at another booth. And then there was fresh produce, Italian ice and so much more.
By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Staff Writer
Despite a drop in enrollment of nearly 200 students, William S. Hart Union High School District officials said at Wednesday’s governing board meeting that the projected drop actually had predicted it would be worse than it turned out.
According to Collyn Nielsen, assistant superintendent of human resources, the district’s consultants had projected a drop of 400 students from last year’s number of 20,653. Instead, enrollment dropped only 194 to 20,459, including every junior and senior high school as well as all three alternative schools.
In terms of funding for the district, the 200 fewer students represents about $2.8 million less from the state this year, according to Jon Carrino, assistant superintendent of business services.
At the seven high schools, enrollment is down 75 students, with three of them — Hart, Saugus and Valencia — seeing slight jumps. Hart is up 10 students, Saugus is up 17 and Valencia is up 26.
At the six junior highs, two of them — Placerita and Rio Norte — saw increases, leading to an overall increase of five students.
day was Oct. 4.
The enrollment numbers are the number of students enrolled with the district, not the number of students who attended school that day, according to Nielsen.
Board member Cherise Moore said that with multiple new housing developments either currently in or set for construction, it only makes sense for enrollment to spike in the near future.
Nielsen said those homes, many on the west side of the Santa Clarita Valley, wouldn’t be described as “starter homes,” and therefore the people moving into those wouldn’t have school-aged children.
“There are high costs associated with housing all over California and Los Angeles, including Santa
Clarita, and so a lot of those places, we do not have young families moving in with school-aged children,” Nielsen said.
Board member Joe Messina expanded on that, saying that in his conversations with the developers he has learned that there are fewer homes being sold, and that homes that are sold are actually going to families already living the SCV.
District staff was requested to look at the enrollment numbers for the elementary districts in the area to see if they could lead to a hope for future spikes. Board member Bob Jensen said he had heard of increases in the local feeder districts, “which would be a good sign.”
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By Michael Picarella Signal Staff Writer
The city of Santa Clarita hosted its 18th annual Veterans Day Ceremony to honor local veterans, those currently serving in the military and their families on Monday morning at a packed Veterans Historical Plaza in Old Town Newhall.
Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth and City Council members spoke at the event, stating that those who served and continue to serve in the United States military have sacrificed to safeguard the values, the way of life and the freedoms that all Americans enjoy.
“Veterans Day serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring respect and gratitude we hold for all those who step forward to protect the freedoms that we all enjoy and hold dear here in this country,” Smyth said in his opening remarks. “Our veterans and active-duty military are the backbone of our community, and it is essential to recognize that without their courage, dedication, steadfast determina-
tion, the United States of America as we know it would not exist.”
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Miranda, a U.S. Air Force veteran, spoke of his military roots, opening with words from former President Ronald Reagan
about American freedom.
‘“The only way they (our children) can inherit freedom — the freedom we have known — is if we fight for it, if we protect it, if we defend it, and then hand it to them with the well-
fought lessons of how they, in their lifetime, must do the same,’” Miranda quoted Reagan. ‘“And if you don’t do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our grandchildren what it once was like when American men and women were free.’”
U.S. Navy veteran and Santa Clarita resident Terrell Edwards of Tower of Power’s East Bay Soul fame, who was an opening artist for Jay Leno and an international award-winning jazz and soul recording artist, sang the national anthem and later “God Bless America.”
During the event, the Knights of Columbus Santa Clarita Assembly, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 355, and Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines performed a changing of the flags at the plaza.
The Rev. Alice McDermott of the Royal Air Force was a special guest speaker at the event. According to Smyth, she served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force for 23 years, and
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soon after became a Baptist pastor who served a church on the outskirts of London and is currently on active duty in the U.S. living in Santa Clarita.
McDermott spoke about the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, when, as a Royal Air Force pilot at the time, she and her squadron had been watching the TV coverage as the events unfolded that day.
“Within moments of realizing something was going to change,” she said, “we made sure that we were operationally ready, and a few months later, I found myself once more in the Middle East, this time flying into Afghanistan.”
She talked about how those moments led her to go to seminary and train for ministry – and how she would eventually go back to the Royal Air Force.
“I’m honored to stand here alongside you today,” she said to the hundreds of people in the plaza, “a British veteran, but also active duty, living in Santa Clarita whilst posted here in the U.S. as a chaplain to look after all our British Forces and their families stationed across the United States. It is an honor to be here today to remember all those — British and American — who paid the ultimate price, and to honor the veterans of the United States and the veterans of the United Kingdom.”
Jerry Rhodes of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 355, recognized prisoners of war and those missing in action. He opened with remarks about McDermott.
“It’s an honor to follow one of Great Britain’s finest,” he said. “They’ve been one of our best allies for a long time, yes. Well, there was that little misunderstanding with King George a couple of hundred years ago.”
He went on to wish the U.S. Marine Corps a happy 249th birthday, which was Sunday. And then he spoke about the nation’s veterans.
“Today, veterans make up about 6% of the U.S. adult population,” he said. “Only 1% of those are World War II veterans. Good to see you guys here this morning. And our Korean War veterans make up about 4%. And over 30% are Vietnam veterans. Almost 40% are post-Vietnam veterans — Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, 9/11. This may be the new generation of forgotten veterans.”
Rhodes said that Vietnam War vets weren’t welcomed when they came home from the war. They couldn’t join the Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion, so, they banded together to help one another.
“We formed the Vietnam Veterans of America Inc., and it received a congressional charter,” he said. “We insisted this country recognize that returning from war requires healing — not only of our warriors, but of our nation. We demanded the V.A. acknowledge that PTSD is real, that Agent Orange is harmful to us and to our children, and that we must make a full accounting of our brothers in arms who are not able to come home. The families
of those missing joined us in demanding full accountability from our government.”
The Missing Man table, which was set up in the plaza, stood as a symbol of the Vietnam Veterans of America’s obligation to leave no man behind.
“Every bit of freedom you enjoy today is brought to you by the person not sitting at that table,” Rhodes said.
All veterans, he added, should be able to receive the healing they deserve, and veterans must teach patriotism and love of country to the next generation.
“An America that no longer believes they are the greatest nation on Earth,” he said, “will likely have a very different future.”
During the event, Santa Clarita Councilwoman Laurene Weste named Gold Star families whose loved ones died in service to the nation.
“Today, we extend heartfelt gratitude to those who may not be with us here in person,” Weste said, “but who forever will reside in our hearts, those who gave their lives to protect America’s safety and freedom never will be forgotten.”
She named Rudy Acosta, Stephen Colley, Alan Colley, John Conant, Stephen Del Bagno, Jose Flores, Sean Gallagher, Ian Gelig, Cole Larson, Joshua Mai-Reynoza, Richard Nordland, Christopher Pentecostes, Brian Prosser, Joseph Salcido, Dennis Sellen Jr., Richard Slocum, Jake Solley, Jake Suter, Dean Todd Jr. and Robert Wilson.
Councilwoman Marsha McLean asked veterans to stand as she called out the individual branches in
which they served. Councilman Jason Gibbs asked the crowd to recognize the families of the area’s military heroes.
After the main ceremony, veterans talked with each other, and guests thanked them for their service.
The family of one Iraq War veteran, Josette Tolentino of Santa Clarita, who joined the U.S. Army following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, was not there as she usually is each year. According to her sister-in-law Maria Tolentino, Josette died on Sept. 13 with a rare Stage 4 cancer, which she said, was related to exposure to burn pits when she was overseas.
The Toletino family just purchased a brick in the plaza with Josette’s name engraved into it, and they honored her following the city ceremony. Josette was 46 years old.
American Legion Post 507 in Newhall hosted a Veterans Day Reception Monday afternoon following the city’s morning event.
According to Bruce Geiger, Post 507’s second vice commander and a United States Navy veteran, the event was meant to connect fellow veterans with each other and showcase the organization and what they do for vets and the community.
Tom Lamog, a guitar instructor for the newly founded Guitars for Vets chapter in Newhall, was at the event with other guitarists playing music, sharing information about the program and enrolling new students.
By Maya Morales Signal Staff Writer
Dogs and dog owners were invited to the American Cancer Society’s “Bark for Life,” fundraiser on Sunday morning at the Canyon Country Community Center put on by Relay for Life.
Local resident Claribel Diaz said she and her partner were taking their usual morning walk with their two dogs, Simon and Theodore, when they noticed the setup for the fundraiser. She said they asked if they could join in and were welcomed immediately.
“We just lingered around and we’re enjoying events here,” said Diaz.
Kathleen Pavard, event organizer, said that the American Cancer Society hosts two big local events in the year. The organization’s biggest local fundraiser, Relay for Life, is held in May at Central Park to honor and remember cancer survivors, but unfortunately, they cannot allow pets to come because some attendees are immunocompromised and still going through treatment.
So, the organization hosts the “Bark for Life” fundraiser in October – dogs are allowed and attendees can dress up in costume in the spirit of Halloween.
“We do recognize the important fact that dogs are definitely caregivers at heart,” said Pavard. “There’s nothing like when you don’t feel good, you sit down in a big chair at home, and your dog comes up and snuggles up to you, and it just brings you comfort. So we consider them to be our caregivers as well.”
Pavard added that in May, the Santa Clarita Relay for Life raised over $300,000 and all of that money goes toward cancer research and prevention.
The event included several games and activities for both canines and owners to participate in. They had a human barking contest, a peanut butter lick-off and treat hunting for the dogs, musical hula hoops and a costume contest for the dogs and owners.
There were many booths set up at the fundraiser featuring healthy treats, collars, clothing, dog therapy and some rescue shelters.
Sharon Campas, founder of Sandy and the Crew
Animal Rescue, had a booth at the fundraiser with some of its rescue dogs.
“All of these dogs are dogs that we’ve saved from euthanasia in local Southern California shelters, and they are all looking for homes,” said Campas.
Her rescue is a predominantly small dog rescue with a few big dog exceptions. This was Campas’ first time setting up a booth at a “Bark for Life” fundraiser and she said she believed it would be a great space for people to come and meet the dogs.
“It’s an opportunity for people to come and personally interact with the dogs, and it is also good socialization for our dogs,” said Campas.
Diaz said she was enjoying the booths and activities so much she asked for more information about the organization and plans on attending the next few events.
“I think that the actual purpose behind it, not just for families and dogs to have a good time, but helping patients going through cancer,” said Diaz, “it is always nice to help out to be able to help out.”
By Perry Smith Signal Senior Staff Writer
The annual State of the City for Santa Clarita — a public meeting/pep rally to celebrate the previous year’s growth and achievement — began with a laugh Thursday.
Fittingly, Councilman Bill Miranda struck triumphant poses as he carried a gold plastic torch into Canyon Country Community Center with “Eye of the Tiger” blaring through the speakers and the city celebrated its “gold medal” qualities, which was the theme of the event.
The event also acted as one of several anticipated tributes for Mayor Cameron Smyth, whose term ends in December.
“We really are a unique and wonderful city, and are a ‘gold medal’ city in every sense of the word, and we couldn’t do it alone,” Smyth said Thursday, before thanking first responders and some of the agencies and organizations that partner with the city.
Smyth was credited Thursday for over 25 years of community service in the Santa Clarita Valley, dating back to his constituency work for former state Sen. Pete Knight.
Smyth first joined the Santa Clarita City Council in 2000 before leaving for the state Legislature in 2006 for six years.
He rejoined the council in 2016 and has remained since. However, the city’s recent electoral change to districts left one of the city’s most wellliked officials unable to seek re-election.
But Smyth sought to keep the focus on the city Thursday, with each of the four council members present sharing a video that shared a different focus that explained why the city felt Santa Clarita deserved the gold.
Councilwoman Laurene Weste said she had to leave the event prior to her presentation due to a family medical emergency.
However, Smyth introduced her video about the 38 parks and miles of trails that crisscross the city, including the pending addition of William S. Hart Park, the last L.A. County park within city limits. Weste has been an outspoken proponent of its addition, which was announced as being finalized by the summer of next year.
Smyth touted accomplishments that included the city’s balanced budget, which it achieved on top of a number of public works projects, such as Skyline Ranch Park, the Valencia Town Center Plan and the Valencia Community Center, which promises to bring the city’s first indoor pool soon.
Miranda recognized the city’s numerous efforts to enhance local arts, from displays like the digital app that creates an interactive walking tour to the art galleries, and filming efforts that help the city brandish its Hollywood North title as a film-friendly locale.
“The arts are part of what makes a community a real community, a real civilization,” Miranda said
in his comments Thursday before his video testimonial on the city’s achievements in the arts was played.
“Santa Clarita epitomized cultural richness and community spirit,” Miranda said. “Our city continues to innovate its approach to showcasing art through a flourishing art scene.”
The event also provided plenty of levity, with Councilman Jason Gibbs hamming it up during a skit by the council members that played on the gold medal theme and the recent Olympics.
At one point, Gibbs recreated moments from an Olympic routine by an Australian breakdancer and a pole vaulter’s not-safe-for-work blooper that went viral during the recent Summer Games. Gibbs and City Manager Ken Striplin both made playful jokes at Striplin’s proclivity for the weight room, with Gibbs at one point thanking the city staff leader for showing him the benefit of skipping a “leg day,” a reference to his upper-body size.
But Gibbs struck a serious note as well.
“We have faced challenges with a rising crime, perhaps largely due directed from our current L.A. County district attorney,” Gibbs said, taking a shot at George Gascón. “We remain grateful for the steadfast commitment of our community, especially our first responders, in keeping our city safe and strong.”
Councilwoman Marsha McLean’s focus was on economic development, as well as some of the ways the city is positioned for smart growth with a number of projects.
“Whether you’re exploring one of the thousands of locally owned businesses, enjoying our various transit options for appreciating Santa Clarita, commitment to a sustainable future, our city continues to take home the gold,” McLean said. “Together, we are building a community that not only meets the challenges of today but shines brightly into the future.”
By Trisha Anas Signal Staff Writer
College of the Canyons hosted its 29th semi-annual Star Party and Science Showcase on a recent Friday night at the Canyon Country campus, which featured demonstrations of student-built projects.
Anthony Michaelides, dean of Campus Services & Operations, said it was great to see not only students come to the event, but other community members, too. The intricate science work the students do at the campus is not well-known to the public, he said.
“I think a lot of our communities don’t realize the levels of knowledge and experience these students have and what they’ve done, and this event gives them a chance to learn about what we’re doing here at the college,” Michaelides said.
“The students are running the tables, representing the department or their club. It’s a community college. We’re an educational facility. We’re here to educate students. We’re here for the community.”
The Star Party Committee, which planned and organized the event, is made up of five members, including Michaelides, Teresa Ciardi, Jamie Page, Maria Sanchez and Paul Wickline.
Some of the projects displayed were part of the college’s NASA Student Engagement program, including improvements on a sun-tracking telescope that captures photos and a capsule release system that was selected for use on a NASA rocket.
Guest speaker Jason Wright, an astronomy and astrophysics professor at Penn State University, gave a presentation about the science behind searching for extraterrestrials. Wright went over portrayals of extraterrestrials in pop culture and how his work involves looking for signs of life in space by monitoring waste heat.
The event is held twice a year, during the spring and fall semesters, and partners with the Local Group Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley Astronomy Club, whose members volunteer their telescopes for attendees to gaze at the stars.
Glenn Basore, who previously served as the Local Group president, often brings his telescope along with other members of the club to the semi-annual Star Party for attendees to use, and he said it is rewarding to see people in awe of what they see.
“They look through it and you start hearing ‘Wow’ or ‘That’s cool’ or something like that. That’s our reward,” Basore said. “For us to be able to be able to share [the telescopes] with somebody and hear their reactions is really kind of neat.”
From Top: College of the Canyons student Brandon Chang with the Astronomy & Physics Club shows off a sun-tracking telescope that club members built in partnership with NASA. Middle: Robi Mukherjee looks through one of the Local Group Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita Valley’s telescopes. Bottom: Members of the Local Group Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita set up their telescopes on the College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus on Nov. 1 for the semi-annual Star Party. SIGNAL FILE PHOTOS
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you walk with the mariachi, or la banda — the live band — and you’re celebrating life.”
Martinez added that she’s proud to be a part of a city that reaches out to and recognizes all of its citizens and their cultures.
“We have this celebration because almost 40% of our population is Hispanic,” she said. “Being able to cater to this community is so beautiful. And now we have a Spanish page on social media. We have our Ciudad de Santa Clarita social media pages on Instagram and Facebook. I feel like it’s a beautiful moment that people are now finding out about what’s going on in our community in their language — in Spanish.”
The event on Saturday also included trick-or-treating, Día de Muertos arts and crafts, and caricature artists. Guests enjoyed the goings-on right up until about 4:45 p.m. or so, just before Game 2 of the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
provided
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• Starting at $44 One Way, roundtrip and multiple passenger discounts
• Reservations required
Continued from page 11
Main,” or the main walkway of the swap meet. And there were food trucks so people could eat during their time there.
Carlos Baraona had been parking his “La Diabla” truck at the swap meet for 11 years, serving up tacos, burgers and what some guests called his “classic asada fries.”
“We were supposed to be in that spot for just a little bit,” Baraona said, pointing to where his truck was parked. “And then they just left us right there. It’s a great spot and it’s been amazing. Beautiful memories.”
Then there was Victor Torres Jr. with his Gray Skull Vinyl booth. His vinyl records store is located just down the street on Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country, but it all began at the swap meet.
“We’ve been at the swap meet for 14 years now,” he said, adding that he was sad it would be ending. “This is what helped us to start the record store. We started here at the swap meet with three little boxes. And then throughout the years, we just started getting more and more records.”
Eventually, Torres Jr. was able to open his store. On Sunday morning, he said he’d had the store for the past three years, six months and 27 days.
“We built rapport here with people who have been buying records from us throughout the years,” he said.
“And then they started buying records from us over at the store. But we still get a lot of traffic here. Now, we’re going to try to concentrate on that (the store) on Sundays. But yeah, it’s sad to see this go.”
All morning, people kept pouring into the Santa Clarita Swap Meet, taking in the experience one last time. To so many folks in the community, it was more than just a place to find good buys. In the end, it was the inevitable goodbye from them to a dear tradition they’d kept for years.
November 29
S.C.O.R.E.
Scholarship Program
For youth who do not have the financial means to participate in fee-based recreational programs and activities.
Call (661) 250-3700
Open gym activities are available to people of all skill levels. Gym Fees Day Use
Juniors (12-17) Free
15 Visit Pass
Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Bring your own ball or check one out with a student I.D./Government issued I.D. Pickleball
Friday, 9:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Bring your own paddles Table Tennis
Monday and Wednesday, 9:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Toddler Program is for children ageds 2-5. The programs include adventrues with food, fitness fun, sensory activities and crafts and water play days.
The Afterschool Program is a structured program for the school year which offers children ages 5 to 11 an opportunity to participate in homework help, reading time, enrichment activites, arts & crafts, games, and sports.
This program is available for those aged 12-17.The daily schedule includes Peer Tutors (2:30 - 3:25 p.m.), Gym Time (3:25-4:25 p.m.), Activity/Craft (4:30-5:30 p.m.) and Teen Choice (5:30-6 p.m.)
Mahjong Mondays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Table Tennis Wednesdays 9:45 a.m. 2 2 p.m.
Line Dancing Thursdays 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Dec. 31 - Jan. 1 Closed for New Year’s Canyon Country Community Center Open Gym Schedule
Bring your own paddles
BINGO Fridays 9:30 - 10:30 a.m
For more information, visit santaclarita.gov/canyon-country-community-center
Nov. 28-29 Closed for Thanksgiving
December 4
4:30 p.m. Teen Advisory Board
6 p.m. Thrilled to Read Book Club (Adults/Seniors)
December 5
6:30 p.m. Club de Mujeres Latinas en Literatura
December 10
3:30 p.m. Cookie Decorating
3:30 p.m. Teen Library Eats: Gingerbread Decorating
December 11
9:30 a.m. Cuenta Cuentos
5:30 p.m. Papier Mache Snowman
December 12
9:30 a.m. Storytime
noon Homeschool Resource Support Room
3:30 p.m. Teen Crafts and Stuff: DIY French Macaron Tags
December 14
10 a.m. Sit and Stitch
Dec. 24-25 Closed for Christmas
December 28
10 a.m. Sit and Stich