Tickets Still Available for 2012 SCV Dodger Day

A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits one lucky Santa Clarita baseball fan. This month, community members who purchase a ticket to the 35th Annual Santa Clarita Dodger Day on Saturday, May 19, 2012, will be entered into a drawing to pitch the first baseball during the game at Dodger Stadium.

Tickets are still available now through noon on Thursday, May 10, and can be purchased online or at the City of Santa Clarita’s Aquatic Center, located at 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway.

“Santa Clarita residents are huge baseball fans. Local baseball diamonds and fields are filled with community members of all ages throughout the year,” commented Mayor Frank Ferry. “The Santa Clarita Valley Dodger Day event guarantees fun for the whole family at an affordable price, as well as a fantastic way to show support for local school and non-profit organizations."

The 2012 Santa Clarita Valley Dodger Day will be held on Saturday, May 19, and features Major League baseball players like center fielder Matt Kemp battling it out against the defending World Series Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals. Game time is at 7:10 p.m., with pre-game festivities, including a youth parade and the National Anthem performance, set to begin at 7:00 p.m.

Discount prices are available to all Santa Clarita Valley residents, including: Preferred Field VIP and Infield Loge Box $45, Preferred Field Box $35, Infield Reserve $25, Lower Reserve $15, and all you can eat tickets in the Right Field Pavilion $29. Each School and non-profit group that sells over 25 tickets will receive a rebate.

For additional information about the 2012 Santa Clarita Dodger Day, visit SCVDodgerDay.com or contact City Arts and Events Supervisor Patrick Downing at (661) 250-3783. Read more!

Public Comment Open for Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Grant Application

The City of Santa Clarita, in collaboration with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station, is inviting the public to provide comments on a grant proposal that will provide $31,168 to fund the Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Unit. Feedback for the City’s application for the 2012 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program must be submitted by Friday, May 11.

Justice Assistance Grant funds allow the Sheriff’s Department to conduct operations beyond normal duties, and augment community policing and law enforcement efforts in the City of Santa Clarita. JAG funding also supports operations to help reduce crime, protect Santa Clarita youth from drugs and gangs, and safeguard public safety in Santa Clarita.

Future grant funding will help outfit the Sheriff’s Crime Research and Assessment Center with geo-mapping systems, software, and equipment so Santa Clarita zone leaders and crime analysts can effectively evaluate local crime data and identify enforcement operation areas.

To provide feedback on the 2012 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Proposal, visit the Fire & Sheriff Services tab on Santa-Clarita.com.

For more information about the JAG Program, contact Tess Simgen, Administrative Analyst, at (661) 286-4157 or at tsimgen@santa-clarita.com Read more!

Registration For City's Summer SEASONS Classes Began this Week

Registration for the City of Santa Clarita’s summer art, education, sports, recreation, excursions and day camp classes began this week, online registration opened for aquatics classes at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Online registration for all other classes started at 8:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, May 9. Community members interested in enrolling in a class are encouraged to use the City’s online system, which offers a fast and convenient registration process.

SEASONS was mailed to Santa Clarita residents in April, and community members are encouraged to register online, as summer classes fill up fast. New users must create a customer account to register for classes online, but the process is simple and only takes a few minutes.

SEASONS magazine is always filled with affordably priced recreational, art and educational classes, but the summer edition also includes great excursions, summer camps, aquatic activities, and more for every member of the family. This summer’s aquatic offerings include classes ranging from swimming lessons and stand-up paddle boarding, to kayaking and pool maintenance.

To view an online copy of SEASONS magazine, visit Santa-Clarita.com/Seasons. Hardcopies are also available at the Santa Clarita Public Libraries, City Hall and the Santa Clarita Sports Complex.

For more information, please call (661) 250-3700 or visit Santa-Clarita.com/Seasons Read more!

City Launches Community Transit Survey

The City of Santa Clarita is encouraging community members to participate in a 20 question survey to help shape the future of public transit services in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Community Transit Survey is available online now through May 16, 2012 at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZGQ3W7M, and in Spanish at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/59KZCKW.

Survey results will be used to update the Transportation Development Plan (TDP), which projects future needs and costs of transit services in the Santa Clarita Valley for 2013 through 2023. The City will also use the Transportation Development Plan to communicate service plans and financial needs to various funding partners for Santa Clarita Transit activities.

Updates to the transit plan will include: evaluating transit needs in Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia; in addition to rapidly developing, unincorporated areas such as Sunset Pointe, Southern Oaks, Stevenson Ranch, Westridge, Newhall Ranch, Val Verde, Castaic, and Tesoro Del Valle.

For more information on the Transportation Development Plan or to participate in the Community Transit Survey, contact Santa Clarita Transit at (661) 295-6300. Read more!

McGrath School Named California Title I Achieving School for Fourth Year in a Row

Dr. J. Michael McGrath Elementary School, in the Newhall School District, has been recognized by the State of California as one of only one hundred-seventeen 2012 Title 1 Academic Achievement Award winners. The school has received this recognition for the last four years and is the only school in the Santa Clarita Valley to be recognized with the award this year. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Torlakson announced the winners today.

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) requires all states receiving Title I funds to establish a program that recognizes Title I schools that exceed Adequate Yearly Progress for two or more years or significantly close the achievement gap among numerically significant subgroups. In addition to these federal law requirements, California’s program has been designed to identify and honor Title I schools that have also doubled their Academic Performance Index (API) growth target for two consecutive years, and that meet a designated median API score in both English-language arts and mathematics.

McGrath School’s API has grown steadily since its opening seven years ago and is now 883 – far above the state goal of 800 and far beyond the API of schools with like populations throughout the state. The school has made Adequate Yearly Progress every year – a rarity under NCLB. Dr. J. Michael McGrath Elementary School, in the Newhall School District, has been recognized by the State of California as one of only one hundred-seventeen 2012 Title 1 Academic Achievement Award winners. The school has received this recognition for the last four years and is the only school in the Santa Clarita Valley to be recognized with the award this year. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Torlakson announced the winners today.

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) requires all states receiving Title I funds to establish a program that recognizes Title I schools that exceed Adequate Yearly Progress for two or more years or significantly close the achievement gap among numerically significant subgroups. In addition to these federal law requirements, California’s program has been designed to identify and honor Title I schools that have also doubled their Academic Performance Index (API) growth target for two consecutive years, and that meet a designated median API score in both English-language arts and mathematics.

McGrath School’s API has grown steadily since its opening seven years ago and is now 883 – far above the state goal of 800 and far beyond the API of schools with like populations throughout the state. The school has made Adequate Yearly Progress every year – a rarity under NCLB. Read more!

Santa Clarita City Councilmember Laurene Weste Recognized by LAC as “Volunteer of the Year”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky presented City of Santa Clarita Councilmember Laurene Weste with the prestigious “Volunteer of the Year” award for the Fifth District at the County’s annual Volunteer Program event hosted earlier this month.

Councilmember Weste was recognized alongside Corrina Serrano as “Volunteers of the Year” from the Fifth District.

Laurene Weste has served as a member of the Santa Clarita City Council since 1998. For more than 30 years, she has dedicated her time and strengths to the betterment of the Santa Clarita Valley through her service on numerous non-profit boards. Supervisors Antonovich and Yaroslavsky commended her efforts in spearheading of transformational legislation and her work on behalf of abused and abandoned animals.

“I am honored and humbled by this award,” commented Weste. “There are so many wonderful people in Los Angeles County who continually give of their time, resources, and spirit to make our County one of the best in the United States. I am passionate about our region and believe every resident has the power to make a difference in their community, which is exactly what I plan to do for decades to come.”

Since 1981, Los Angeles County has hosted its Volunteer Program to recognize the vital contributions of volunteers who have played a key role in enriching the lives of Los Angeles County residents. This year’s theme, “Volunteer: America’s Heroes,” underscored the County’s diverse volunteers who range in age from 14 to 94. In 2011, 49,663 volunteers donated 2.2 million hours, saving $47 million to taxpayers. Read more!

Art Walk Continues to Celebrate Art and Beauty, May 3

Join the City of Santa Clarita for an “art and beauty” at the beach themed Art Walk event this Thursday, May 3 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Main Street, between 6th and 8th Streets in Old Town Newhall. The event will feature free art demonstrations, a fashion show, photo shoots, gourmet good trucks, and live acoustic music – all in time for the upcoming beach season.

Art Walk’s experiences include live art demonstrations, like a model painting demo by artists Melanie Florio and Evie Cook and a live photo shoot with a pin-up model, in addition to a beach art display by Ron Regalado. Main Street businesses are a big part of the Art Walk experience and this months’ participants include: FRESH Lifestyle Boutique, which will host a fashion show; Canyon Theatre Guild, Newhall Bicycle and Egg Plantation, which will feature art exhibits; the Repertory East Playhouse, which will host a bar/lounge for the evening; Pulchella Winery, which will feature a live art demonstration by artists Zach Hill and actress Madeline Zima; and OutWest Western Boutique, which will host an art reception.

The evening is complemented by live acoustic music by The Alternate Side (Jazz/Funk/R&B) and DJ Justin Cornwall, who will be spinning tunes all evening. Surfer Taco will be on the street serving up “Real, Fresh Mexican Food” and all restaurants on Main Street are open for business. In addition, the weekly Farmer’s Market will take place from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., where attendees can grab a quick bite or pick up supplies for meals at home.

Art Walk is a self-directed evening, with arrows placed on the street leading to a variety of art experiences – “follow the arrows to Fun” is the concept.

For more information on Art Walk and Thursdays at Newhall events in Old Town Newhall, visit Santa-Clarita.com/Arts or contact the City of Santa Clarita’s Arts and Events Office at (661) 250-3787. Read more!

39th Annual "Drive Save" Golf Classic, May 19

The 39th Annual Frontier Toyota/Henry Mayo Newhall
Memorial Hospital "Drive Safe" Golf Classic will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the beautiful Valencia Country Club.

Last year over $325,000 was raised from the annual Frontier Toyota/Henry Mayo “Drive Safe” Golf Classic to support emergency and trauma services in our valley - a vital, life saving service for our residents. The tournament, its message, and its contribution to benefit emergency care are stronger because of the generosity of our sponsors.

Our sponsors and players are the life blood of this event, and we honor them with recognition on the golf course, in the printed program and in our local media. We hope you will consider participating this year.

Imagine the feeling of knowing you helped fund a crucial service that stands ready to provide trauma care - perhaps for someone you know and love. We look forward to your joining us for a great day of golf while supporting life saving services for those who live, work and travel in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Please contact the Foundation office at 661-200-1200 if we can provide more information or answer any questions you may have.

This information originally posted at: http://www.henrymayogiving.com/programs-and-events/our-events/frontier-toyotahenry-mayo-drive-safe-golf-classic
Read more!

1st Annual Angel Haven Ranch & Rescue Fundraising Event, May 12

Angel Haven Ranch & Rescue is very excited to hold their 1st Annual Non-Profit Fundraising Dinner and Poker Tournament on Saturday, May 12. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. and will consist of dinner, a poker tournament, raffles, a silent auction, an award ceremony, dancing, and more.

Major items at the silent auction will be autographed guitars from Taylor Swift and Van Halen as well as a NASCAR driving experience with a four night stay and airfare for two.

The event will be held at 20560 Holt Ave, Covina, Ca 91724 and the non-profit charity event tickets cost $55.00 when purchased on-line or $60.00 at door - dinner will be provided at the event.

To order tickets online visit www.wix.com/angelhavenranch/1st-annual-fundraiser

This information originally posted at http://www.wix.com/angelhavenranch/1st-annual-fundraiser#!where-&-when -or- http://www.eventective.com/eventsites/AngelHavenRanchRescues1stFundraiserDinner/ Read more!

Patricia McKeon Steps Away from Public Speaking

Assembly candidate Patricia McKeon is not likely to speak at any more public forums in the Santa Clarita Valley, her campaign spokesman said Tuesday.

“I think we’re done with public forums,” Joe Justin said before a forum scheduled Tuesday evening by the League of Women Voters and the 34th District Parent-Teacher Association.

Her campaign strategy hinges now on meeting voters directly, he said.

“There are no undecided voters in this area,” Justin said, referring to the Santa Clarita Valley. “We’re now going to be talking to real voters.”

“We may do a forum in Simi Valley,” Justin said.

McKeon has appeared only once at a public forum with her Democrat opponent, Edward Headington, and in front of at least three Republican-only events.

McKeon, wife of Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, told a luncheon forum at the Lincoln Club last month that she would not shy away from public debates and forums, but was not about to give the same talk to the same audience over and over.

McKeon, school board member Paul Strickland and college Trustee Scott Wilk are seeking the Republican nomination for 38th Assembly District in the June primary. The lone Democrat in the race is Headington.

McKeon did not attend the Tuesday night forum that drew Wilk, Strickland and Headington.

Education topped the list of issues discussed at the forum hosted by the 34th District Parent Teachers Association and the League of Women Voters.

About 40 people showed up at Wiley Canyon Elementary School Tuesday night to hear how candidates would deal with issues impacting how our children are taught.

After delivering their two-minute opening statements, candidates were immediately asked about cuts to education.

Specifically, they were asked to define adequate funding.

Each candidate began his response saying the state should honor Proposition 98, which calls for a minimum percentage of the state budget to be spent on kindergarten to age 14 education.

Strickland said: “We have to honor Proposition 98. We have not been doing that. What they’ve been doing lately is lowering the mix by not including enough of the revenue that was initially scheduled to go to 98.

“The state is taking this money and moving it elsewhere,” he said. “That’s what they’re doing with a lot of things. We can’t have that happen. All the schools will be in a terrible, terrible situation if we do.”

Headington said: “If we’re going to have Prop 98 as the will of the voters, then it has to be fully funded. Legislature needs to stop borrowing about $1 million a year. We also have to give the districts flexibility.

“All four of us — the Fab Four — I think the only time all of us were together, was at a private meeting with the five superintendents here in Santa Clarita Valley,” he said referring to the himself and his three opponents. “And one of the key questions they asked all us was ‘Would you be willing to lower the threshold from super majority to simple majority?’ I think you have to give local control back to local government.”

Wilk said: “We need to move to a two-year budget cycle. And when we do that, we need to move to performance-based budgeting. Right now, it’s baseline budgeting which means we take last year’s budget and add 7 percent. That’s the new budget. That’s not how you do it in your household. That’s not how we do it at College of the Canyons. What we want to do is go in and set proper priorities.

“We’re going to grow the economy by holding the line on new taxes, reforming regulations through eliminating them or streamlining them,” he said.

An all-candidate forum is still scheduled to take place at the Hyatt Regency Valencia hotel on May 7, hosted by the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industry Association and Valley Industry and Commerce Association.

This article originally posted at http://www.the-signal.com/section/36/article/64275/ Read more!