Canyon Country Magazine December 2023 by Signal

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MAKING MERRY MEMORIES WITH SANTA

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D E C E M B E R 2023

TA B L E O F CONTENTS 5 Making Merry Memories

6 Gang Activity in Canyon Country and Newhall 8 Canyon Girls Hoops Beats Saugus

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11 Hart District Budget Forecast Could Lead to Tough Talks in 2024

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15 Calendar — Canyon Country Community Center and Library Events

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DECEMBER 2023 | Vol. 2 | No. 12

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25060 AVENUE STANFORD, STE 141 VALENCIA CA 91355 The entire content of the Canyon Country Magazine is copyrighted 2023 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

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

Making Merry Memories at

Cookies with Santa Events

Children wrote letters to soldiers and visited with Santa at the Northpark Community Church’s Cookies with Santa. PHOTOS BY KATHERINE QUEZADA / THE SIGNAL By Katherine Quezada Signal Staff Writer

Children wrote letters to Santa at the Canyon Country Community Center event.

he Canyon Country Community Center culminated its year of festivities with its last recreational family event for the holidays with over 430 people in attendance and tons of fun for children. A long line was forming in the middle of the hallway where parents and children stood patiently to get a photo with Santa Claus. Around the perimeter of the basketball gymnasium different activities were available for children to participate in. Every table was crowded with kids eager to get their hands on arts and crafts materials and let their creative minds take over. Approximately 430 people were already present with an estimated 100 more community members to show up throughout the event’s scheduled time. Cookies with Santa, hosted by the Canyon Country Community Center earlier this month, was geared to close out the center’s year of activities and enrichment programs, and also reach new community members so they could learn about the center’s

services. “There’s a lot of programming that happens here throughout the year and this event brings families that are not participating in the programs,” said Community Services Supervisor Julie Calderon. “We have our after-school program and senior programming but this event is for people who maybe haven’t seen … our programs, and it’s a way to also promote all the other programs the city has. It’s just a festive way to bring the community together.”

One of a Series of Events

Every year during the fall season, the Canyon Country Community Center hosts a series of celebrations that are free and open to the public. Earlier this year the center had the Halloween “Dia de Muertos” event, a Thanksgiving community dinner, and ended it with the Cookies with Santa. Children had the chance to decorate cookies, write letters to Santa, play Skee-Ball and bowling, while simultaneously creating fun memories with their families. The cookie decorating table had sprinkles and frosting spilling over onto the surface and some even falling on the floor. See SANTA, page 12

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D E C E M B E R 2023

Detectives: Gang Activity in Canyon Country, Newhall By Perry Smith Senior Staff Writer

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Station deputies remain on scene of a double fatal shooting that occurred at the community pool at The Village Apartments on March 18, 2023. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

The suspects in the Chevez and Stokes murders include Anthony Ernesto Martinez Ortiz, who’s facing two counts of murder and due back in court Jan. 8, and a juvenile whom the L.A. County District Attorney’s office declined to identify. Martinez Ortiz, 18, was arrested the same day as the shooting. He’s being held without bail at Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles. The DA’s office declined to release any information regarding any possible charges presented against the juvenile suspect in the murders.

September Shootings

eral recent incidents involving the two rival gangs, which The Signal is choosing not to name at the request of law enforcement officials. They have repeatedly stated identifying the gangs by name acts as a recruitment tool and encourages further crime. Detectives believe one of the more recent shootings in Santa Clarita, a Sept. 30 incident in the 24900 block of Newhall Avenue, involves a 15-yearold suspected gang member who walked up to a group outside an apartment complex around 11:42 p.m. and, after exchanging words, fired multiple rounds, according to court documents.

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anta Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station detectives’ efforts to solve another shooting with a teenage suspect is part of an escalating rivalry between gangs fighting over turf in Canyon Country and Newhall, according to investigators’ sworn statements. Evidence submitted in courthouse records describes “intimidation tactics,” graffiti and violence that followed a double murder in March that’s part of a decades-long fight between two gangs. Investigators are remaining tightlipped about the status of their work and any possible connections the juveniles might have because at least one of the recent shootings — the deaths of Brian Chevez, 25, and Cameron Stokes, 16, at The Village Apartments on March 18 — is part of a pending murder trial. But much of the ramp-up discussed by detectives is described in statements from witnesses and corroborated by evidence found in the social media accounts of documented local gang members who speak in codes but also share pictures of themselves holding their firearms. The court records also share insights into the work that led to arrests within hours of the murders back in March.

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D E C E M B E R 2023

Canyon High Girls’ Basketball Beats Saugus By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

Canyon power forward Koko Booker (21) passes the ball at the Footbhall League opener. PHOTOS BY HABEBA MOSTAFA / THE SIGNAL

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anyon Cowboys girls’ basketball had a tremendous start and finish to its Foothill League opener on Tuesday, Dec. 1. The Cowboys exploded early and took over the game late to win, 58-36, over the hosting Saugus Centurions. Canyon (3-2, 1-0) exploded early after hitting shot after shot from behind the 3-point line. The Cowboys made just one basket inside in the arc, compared to seven 3-pointers, with scoring coming from all over the starting lineup. “We set the tone,” said Canyon head coach Jessica Haayer. “We have a really hard schedule and it only prepares us for things like this. I mean, we had 23 points in the first quarter. That’s insane. We shot the ball well, but we knew we were gonna do that because we always come out shooting. They know what’s expected. They know that I only take hard work, discipline and dedication.” Three Cowboys starters hit multiple 3-point baskets but one of the league’s top scorers, Josie Regez, did most of her scoring in the interior. Regez, a two-time first-team allleaguer, led Canyon with 19 points.

Saugus (4-2, 0-1) managed to slow the game down and kept the scoring even in the middle quarters of the game. However, Canyon was able to pull away in the fourth quarter with two freshmen playing the near entirety of the game. Freshman Taylor Ford has proven she’s a scorer this season but shined in other areas on Tuesday. The scoreless Ford led the Cowboys with nine rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. Also making her Foothill League debut was Isabella Escribano, who added 12 points and a handful of assists. “I start two freshmen and those two did amazing,” Haayer said. “They did everything I asked of them: rebounds, box out, they took their roles and executed. They can score. You haven’t even seen Taylor score yet. She’s a regular like 15-point girl in the game. They’re only gonna get better. It’s gonna be fun to watch.” Cowboys forward Koko Booker added 13 points and seven rebounds, while senior Aneesa Sayan punched in four 3-pointers for a career-high 12 points in the win. The Centurions were getting close looks around the basket but Canyon’s defense had Saugus rattled on most of its first-half shots.

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Canyon shooting guard Josie Regez (23) goes up for a jump shot against Saugus center Destiny Onovo (22).

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

Top: Canyon shooting guard Josie Regez (23) makes her way to the net. Right: Canyon point guard Isabella Escribano (25) maneuvers against Saugus point guard Samantha Cortez.

“Today was probably our worst shooting field goal percentage of the season,” said Cents coach Anthony Falasca. “It reminds me of last year; we made a huge focus on trying to make those easy shots and today we missed them. There’s a lot of positives because that means our offense works. Our offense gets us the shots that we want. We put our players in opportunities to be able to succeed and that gives me a lot of hope that all we need to do to win is make shots, right? I wish it was that easy.” Senior Destiny Onovo added a double-double for the Cents with 11 points and 10 rebounds along with two blocks. Sophomore point guard EvaMarie Rios matched her teammate with 11 points. Saugus is optimistic for its rematch with Canyon as well as its other 10 league games that lie ahead. There are still parts of the Centurions’ game to iron out as Falasca looks to lead his team back into the postseason. “I hate that it’s gonna take us a

HOLIDAY SPECIAL month and a half to see them again, but then again, I like that because then we get a chance to work on some stuff,” Falasca said. “Playing in a league game within five games of the season is tough. We’re still learning plays and I’m still learning some of what the girls can do in a game.” The Cowboys have high hopes this season. They’re looking for a threepeat Foothill League championship as well as another deep CIF run. Canyon’s potential playoff run will be another brutal road now that the team moved into Division 1. However, if Haayer’s team continues to grow and stays healthy, more wins are likely to come. “We have to keep growing,” Haayer said. “We have to keep getting better each day. This is the first time I’ve had a full healthy squad so that’s why we probably lost our first two games. They weren’t healthy, but they’re ready to go now.” 

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D E C E M B E R 2023

GANGS

Continued from page 6

In that incident, a man who was struck twice by gunfire was driven to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital by his friends and ultimately survived. Court reports stated the detectives already had a photo of the teen they believe is their suspect, indicating he was known to local law enforcement. Detectives arrested a suspect in November, but the DA’s office said as of Thursday no case had been presented. Ten days prior, deputies received a report of violence in the same neighborhood: a person was shot in Newhall in the early morning hours of Sept. 20 and dropped off at a local hospital due to their injuries, according to SCV Sheriff ’s Station officials. An SCV Sheriff ’s Station official said that, prior to learning about the person being taken to the hospital, the station received several calls around 12:45 a.m. Sept. 20, reporting gunfire near 14th and Walnut streets in Newhall.

Battles Count Another Fatality

In between the March murders and September’s attempted murders, there were two shootings involving gang members on July 4, according to detectives: During deputies’ investigation of a shooting with two victims in Canyon Country that evening, they caught up to two suspects across town. Following the first shooting of that night on Fahren Court in Canyon Country, the suspects were reportedly seen in Newhall, according to homicide investigators. After a traffic stop, one of the suspects ran from the car and ultimately was shot and killed by station deputies during a foot pursuit, according to Homicide Bureau Lt. Art Spencer shortly after the incident. Deputies said they recovered a gun that belonged to one of the suspects at the scene of the shooting. In connection with the Canyon Country shooting, which was not fatal, Angel Aguero, 19, and Jaime Gutierrez, 33, were arrested the following day. Each faces one count of attempted murder and they are both being held without bail at North County Correctional Facility in Castaic. They’re due back in court in February. Neither has faced a preliminary hearing, a date when the evidence is presented, and a judge decides whether there’s enough for a trial. The deputy-involved shooting is also under investigation by the DA’s office, which “conducts reviews of the evidence in most officer-involved shootings in the county,” according to its website. “If an officer’s use of force is determined to be within the law, a detailed memorandum is prepared.”

Guns and Posts

The Sheriff ’s Department’s High Tech Task Force provides crucial bits of evidence for investigators, some of which can be seen on social media, showing the “ramp-up” detectives detail in statements to the court.

It begins shortly after the March 18 shooting: Detectives tracked down a March 20 post on social media with a juvenile gang member flashing multiple firearms, the court records stated. An inventory of evidence found during the search of a juvenile suspect for a Sand Canyon incident reflected the age and the seriousness of the allegations: Detectives reported retrieving a 9 mm handgun, a .40-caliber handgun and a general science school workbook. Detectives believe Covey, 24, and another juvenile were part of an incident in which a firearm was brandished at a 7-Eleven on March 24. Detectives stated he and another teen were trying to intimidate another Hispanic man who denied being a gang member two separate times during the confrontation, according to court records. In April and May, a Hart High School student allegedly is seen showing off a black semi-automatic handgun in a selfie taken in what appears to be a train bathroom, according to court documents, and then broadcasting a video of himself pointing a weapon at the camera. On May 3, station deputies responded to a noninjury shooting near downtown Newhall after multiple witnesses reported gunshots being fired from a silver sedan and a report that a vehicle was struck. Later that month, the same juvenile observed on social media was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm. Two weeks before the July 4 shooting, two other underage gang members posted pictures of themselves posing with firearms, according to investigators.

Shootings in Sand Canyon

A Homicide Bureau official this week also dismissed rumors that continued to linger around a Nov. 6 shooting death that happened in a remote part of Sand Canyon. Detectives wrapped up their investigation this week and submitted their report of the incident to the District Attorney’s Office. Lt. Arturo Spencer described the incident as a fatal shooting that occurred as the result of a negligent discharge, adding any charges would be a decision now in the hands of the DA’s office. The death of 12-year-old Willians Lemus Ayala, who was found by the side of the road on a remote stretch of Sand Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest, was initially being investigated for any potential connections to local gang activity.

Two people console each other at the scene of a double fatal shooting that occurred in Newhall, Calif. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

It’s the second incident of a “negligent discharge” involving children in that same area, according to detectives. And it’s not the first time they heard about a shooting in that area that was not as it first seemed, or as they were told. Investigative records at the Santa Clarita Courthouse detailed how a pair of teens were playing with a gun in the Angeles National Forest on July 16, when the gun went off and a 14-year-old ended up trying to drive his also-14-year-old friend to the hospital. At some point during the drive, the pain became too much, and someone called 911, resulting in law enforcement and paramedics catching up with the car and taking the pair to Henry Mayo. Initially, the incident was reported as two teens who were shot at while parked near the In-N-Out. After confronting the two over the inconsistencies in the teens’ stories, investigators learned one of the 14-year-olds removed the magazine from the firearm and pulled back the slide, according to court documents. Investigators believe the subject then released the slide with his finger on the trigger, resulting in a discharge that struck the victim. The court record also reported detectives later obtained social media evidence of one of the teens wielding the gun believed to have been used in the July shooting. In the second shooting, detectives said they ultimately were able to find another juvenile who said he was with Ayala at the time of the shooting and indicated the discharge was an accident. Spencer said he did not want to detail the circumstances in the November shooting, which was in the same part of Sand Canyon as the July incident was, until the DA’s office made its determination on any possible charges. 

D E C 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 1

Hart District: Budget Forecast Could Lead to Tough Talks in the New Year District officials referenced “internal discussions” regarding deficit spending. By Perry Smith Signal Senior Staff Writer

ue to align our staffing with current enrollment on an annual basis.” Ralph Peschek, CFO for the area’s junior high and high school district, spent more than an hour explaining and answering questions about “significant developments” in the state’s

fiscal forecast that could impact just about every program the state funds, including academic ones. While the process for review was part of normal district procedures, the budget talk was longer than normal at this stage because the state’s

See HART, page 13

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illiam S. Hart Union High School District officials took a long, hard look at their spending plan for the fiscal year Wednesday following the state’s issuance of its updated budget picture. Barring improvement, the district is looking to deficit-spend from its reserves over the next five years to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. While staffing reductions were not part of Wednesday’s public budget discussion, officials referred to difficult “internal discussions” under way intended to avoid any difficult cuts and avoid future plans with deficit spending. One slide about halfway through the presentation portended an ominous message about classrooms to the nearly empty boardroom: In a slightly larger font on the bottom of one slide, the text read: “We will need to contin-

revenue picture is nothing like the status quo of the last few years — largely because there’s no boost from federal COVID-19 funding. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reported recently the 2022-23 fiscal year ended $26 billion below projections, and that the three-year picture ending in 2024-25 could have the state in a $68 billion hole, which would have widespread ramifications for money the district would get from the state. Statewide, Proposition 98 money, which is supposed to guarantee an allocation for educational spending, could decrease by $19 billion, Peschek said. A strong stock performance could provide some relief, but that’s where the state’s next budget revision might provide some clarity. But based on the current forecast, it would likely take extraordinary measures from state lawmakers to avoid schools making cuts.

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D E C E M B E R 2023

SANTA

Continued from page 5

Children were running around deciding which activity would be their next destination to continue the fun.

Took ‘Elves’ to Make it Happen

Calderon said she had a total of 24 employees running the event and each one of them had joyful looks while leading a table, giving children prizes, and providing and being a part of the fun. Nancy Castañeda, a longtime Santa Clarita resident, has been a part of the Canyon Country Community Center staff since it first opened its doors in 2021. “I like the involvement and also see [Santa Clarita] grow a lot, especially from when I was younger. It was very small, like the community centers were never promoted when I was younger until I started working in them,” said Castañeda. “My favorite part about this is working with the kids, actually working with the community. We get to see a lot of people, a lot of ages and so it just feels really nice when they ask questions and they need help, we can help them in some way or some sort.” Minerva Nevarez brought her 7-year-old daughter to the Cookies with Santa event and said that she was having a fun time. Her daughter was participating in decorating a tote bag with markers where children could store their decorated cookies and other prizes and craft projects they worked on during the event. “I was going through the Seasons magazine, and this came up. And then I called, and they told me … they were having this event Dec. 2,” said Nevarez. 

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

HART

Continued from page 11

During the talk, board members also asked about everything from “revenue reminders,” or notes sent out by the Franchise Tax Board on the school district’s behalf about the importance of paying a property tax bill on time to various attendance programs. Both provided funding sources that can have significant impacts for local campuses. Property tax revenues support local schools and the state funds school districts’ funding formula based on how many students are in class, which is calculated as average daily attendance, or ADA. Oluwadara Falodun, the governing board’s student member, said at Golden Valley High a campuswide challenge that rewards the winning student with a Chick-Fil-A lunch for avoiding absences has become a popular and strong motivator. The district also has seen the anticipated cost-of-living-adjustment the state is expecting to be able to provide decrease from 4% to about 1%, which

Peschek referred to as a significant problem for school districts statewide. That would equal a reduction of about $7 million for the district. The recently passed Proposition 28, which guarantees a percentage of the budget for arts and music education, didn’t also come with a funding mechanism, Peschek said, meaning it’s likely that school districts will receive less than their budgeted amounts. While the school celebrated attendance gains, which can generate real revenue, the district’s student population forecast, which is an even more significant figure, continues to be one of several areas of concern, according to district officials. The district’s data projects fewer students for at least the next four years. When asked to go back and review the accuracy of the district’s historical projections, Peschek said analysts found their forecasts on student population data were generally accurate within about 1% of variance. The current picture includes Castaic High at half enrollment and three of the district’s feeder middle schools

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A school official familiar with the situation, speaking on background, said the district was already looking at ways it might be able to avoid staffing reductions if the deficit picture doesn’t improve. One idea that’s already been floated to teachers includes a cash incentive if any of them notify the district early of a pending retirement plan, among other ideas. There could be adjustments to class sizes, and program evaluations, too. 

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have enrollments below 1,000. Declining enrollment numbers, which are a big part of a school district’s funding, are a problem for every local district. The district’s current forecast calls for its reserves, much of which comes from restricted funding sources earmarked for specific programs, and deficit spending to the tune of $26 million to $30 million each year over the next five years, unless the picture improves.

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D E C E M B E R 2023

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-

BE AN ACTOR, MODEL, SINGER OR DANCER! CALL: 661.222.7910 or EMAIL: info@SCSOPA.com

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23502 Lyons Ave. Suite 105 Santa Clarita, CA 91321

JAILEN BATES

• Superior Donuts • Teachers • Walk the Prank • Kids After Dark • Dr. Ken • OMG! • The Classiest President WITS Academy

MATTHEW JOSTEN

• Young Sheldon (Bobby) • House Arrest (Brodie) • Sneakerheads (Stuey) • The Haunted Hathaways (Buddy) • Rodney (Bo Hamilton) • October Road • Meet the Robinsons “Goob” (voice) • Chicken Little Kirby (voice)

PARKER BOLEK

• The Middle - (Brooke Shields) Guest Star - TV • Microsoft Bing Santa National Commercial • First National Bank of Washington - Commercial • Funniest Moments with Arsenio Hall - TV

ALEXA ARCHER

• GMC Auto Commercial • Burger King Commercial • My Little Pony • Hasbro Commercial • Smores for Real Friends • Microsoft Commercials • My little mommy voiceover • Jif Peanut Butter Commercial • Hasbro Commercial - So Soft

D E C 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 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 6 p.m.

Worlds of Whimsy

Jan. 11

9:30 a.m. Cuenta Cuentos 11 a.m. Homeschool Room Resource Support

Jan. 13 10 a.m.

Sit and Stitch

Jan. 14-15 LIBRARY CLOSED JAN. 16

3:30 p.m. Stuffed Animal Sleepover Party. Children and Family. A fun-filled afternoon with your stuffed animal bestie.

Jan. 18

9:30 a.m. Storytime 3:30 p.m. Teen Crafts and Stuff: New Year New Journal 4:30 p.m. Bullet Journaling 101

Jan. 24

4:30 p.m. Technology Petting Zoo

Jan. 25

9:30 a.m. Cuenta Cuestos 12 p.m. Homeschool Room Resource Support 3:30 p.m. Teen Crafts and Stuff: Needle Punch Patches 4 p.m. Read to a Dog

Jan. 27 10 a.m.

Jan. 28 2 p.m.

Jan 30

Sit and Stitch Let’s Paint Acrylic Artwork

3:30 p.m. Wintercrafternoon

BIG

INVITES YOU TO

S AV E T H E DATE! 2/14/24!

The Big I Do event is back! Sign up for your exclusive spot in the next group wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day! Couples can enjoy a stress free experience that is planned by the experts at City Hall Ceremonies. This all-inclusive event will feature a champagne toast, wedding cake, dancing, photobooth and other exclusive offers only available to these couples. To find out how you can get married at The Big I Do, please visit SantaClarita.gov/Weddings. For sponsorship opportunities, please call (661) 286-4073.

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