Canyon Country Magazine May 2023

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Hart District Showcases Career Technical Education

The William S. Hart Union High School District showcased its Career Technical Education program at Castaic High School on Thursday, allowing its students to demonstrate the things they’ve learned to attendees in a hands-on and interactive way.

The event also coincided with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new welding center, which was built in collaboration with College of the Canyons.

In attendance were Mike Kuhlman, superintendent of the Hart District, Joe Messina, Trustee Area No. 5 representative, Omar Torres, assistant superintendent and Vice President of COC, and Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita), as well as many other prominent members of the community.

CTE as a whole is 27 different programs that are designed to give students a pathway to whichever career or interest they have by providing them with hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, as well as the skills and knowledge to land a job in their field.

Some of these programs include health science and medical technology, arts, media and entertainment, business and finance and engineering and architecture.

Kuhlman said CTE is just one of the ways the district aims to make students “opportunity ready,” meaning that

Hart Automotive student Shane Jensen showcases his remote-controlled race car during the Career Technical Education Showcase held recently at Castaic High School. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL Fire

Julian

Damian Marron and Emanuel Osorio ride in

firetruck during the showcase.

Service Dog Puppies Take On Ultimate Training Course

By Rylee Holwager Signal Staff Writer

City of Santa Clarita bus driver Oscar Magdaleno picks up people every day on his route. Throughout his years of driving, the rise of animal passengers has exponentially increased.

The Guide Dogs of America and the city of Santa Clarita Transit worked together on Saturday, May 13 to provide a bus training course for the puppies-in-training, building their confidence one bus at a time.

“It’s about the controlled setting,” said Hanna Belyea, a canine developments assistant for Guide Dogs of America. “It’s slow. We allow these puppies to really get a full experience that’s controlled and contained to help them build confidence.”

Over 25 service dog puppies and their handlers had the opportunity to train getting on, off and riding the City’s buses. Three City buses were present for the training: a 30-foot transit bus, a cut away bus and a commuter bus.

Each bus presented a unique disability entrance to get the puppies familiarized with all of the challenges they could face.

“It’s pretty good for them to get familiar with the buses,” said Magdaleno. “They’re out there, we are picking them up every day, multiple times a day.”

Puppy handler Deanna Valenzuela appreciated this opportunity to expose her dog Gretel to environments that may make her uncomfortable, as it is best to do this when the dogs are puppies so that they have no fear when they are presented.

Leaders of Guide Dogs of America walked handlers through the proper protocols to take when entering the bus, such as shortening the leash, using the handrail and allowing the puppy to take the first step.

They all also had the opportunity to take a ride on the buses around Central Park.

No matter how many mistakes or mishaps were made, each handler continued to go through the training until the puppies were consistent and confident.

The puppies present ranged from five months to 14 months old, all at different levels in their training journeys.

Valenzuela’s dog Gretel will move on to formal training on July 15.

“I’m a first-time puppy raiser, so it’s gonna probably be the hardest thing I do, but probably the most rewarding,” said Valenzuela.

Puppies-in-training prepare to take a ride on a City of Santa Clarita bus during City Transit Day Training for service dog puppies-in-training. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGANL

Puppies-in-training and handlers take turns entering and exiting City of Santa Clarita buses during City Transit Day Training.

‘Star Party’ Shines at COC Canyon Country

By Trevor Morgan Signal Staff Writer

Students, faculty and astronomy lovers gathered once again for an evening hilltop “Star Party” at College of the Canyons’ Canyon Country campus.

The semi-annual event was held for its 26th time and welcomed Jennifer Burt, an extreme precision investigative scientist for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as its guest speaker.

Burt’s presentation focused on research on exoplanets, or planets outside the solar system, and how recent advances in technology have contributed to learning more about them.

As recently as the late 1990s, scientists only knew about a handful of planets outside the solar system, but now there are over 5,000 confirmed exoplanets.

Burt said the process of learning about and studying planets in other neighborhoods came to be by first examining our own.

“So our understanding of planets, our thoughts on how they form and evolve, what makes them look and act the way they do nowadays has for decades, if not centuries, been based on the planets in our solar system,” said Burt. “We’ve worked really, really hard to understand how these planets work and from these missions, from ground-based observations, we have put together a pretty solid concept of how planets evolve.”

Burt said scientists generally classify planets into two categories: gas planets and rocky planets. The examination of small planets orbiting bright, nearby stars has shed light on interior compositions (what planets are made of) and the makeup of their atmosphere.

This is all being done in an effort to reach NASA’s eventual goal of imaging Earth-like planets orbiting the “Goldilocks zone” of sun-like stars. In

other words, planets that could potentially support life.

Humans, however, will most likely never see any of these habitable planets — the closest one is 16 light years away, meaning that even with the fastest current probe, traveling at 35,800 mph, it would take nearly 300,000 years to get there.

NASA’s goal is to simply take a photo of it one day, but until then scientists like Burt have other ways of studying these planets — such as measuring a star’s “wobbles,” or how a planet affects a star, to determine a planet’s mass.

Anthony Michaelides, dean of campus services and operations at COC, said having the community get back together to hear someone like Burt speak is always a treat.

“We’ve been doing this for years. I’ve been doing it for eight years and just excited to open up the

campus to the community, having the community on campus is exciting,” said Michaelides. “They get to see not only the new facilities, but also our students and our faculty putting on a show at the activity tables, they get to see our local astronomy clubs showing off their telescopes and showing their expertise.”

Like previous Star Parties, the event was a threein-one — part astronomy enthusiast gathering, part science fair and part lecture.

Ryan Theule, vice president of the Canyon Country campus, said while the event is designed for students, all attendees can take advantage of everything it has to offer.

“We want to shine a light on science and instructional excellence at the Canyon Country campus … and we want students to discover it can be well supported here,” said Theule. 

Left: Eyan Documet, vice president of the College of the Canyons Chemistry Club, conducts a fire demonstration with event attendees during the COC Spring 2023 Star Party. Right: Attendees had the opportunity to use a Local Group Astronomy Club telescope. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

Jennifer Burt, an extreme precision radial velocity investigation scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, discussed how science and technology has enabled the discovery of hundreds of planets in her presentation, “The Sky’s the Limit: Expanding Our Understanding of Exoplanetary Systems From the Ground Up.”

All

Your safety is paramount

City Explores Expanding Animal Services, Beyond Shelters

By Perry Smith Signal Senior Staff Writer

The Santa Clarita City Council has held off on making plans for the city to open its own animal shelter, following recommendations and discussion with staff.

On Tuesday, May 9, the council unanimously approved staff suggestions — along with council members comments — on ways the city can support the efforts of the Department of Animal Care and Control. However, officials did not seem to see the need for a city-run, no-kill shelter.

“Animals have never been the problem,” Councilwoman Laurene Weste said, calling herself a lifelong advocate for animals who also mentioned her efforts to lobby for an animal-cruelty law. “The problem is us.”

The city didn’t need to create its own services when the county was able to meet local need, she said. Weste also called for the city to expand its existing programs to support animal care services locally.

“If Castaic needs some upgrades, I’d like to see us help with that,” Weste said, calling on the city to “step up to the plate,” mentioning grants and more support for spaying and neutering programs, which were the real difference-makers.

Artist Association holds its Annual Spring Art Festival

By Trevor Morgan Signal Staff Writer

Dozens of artists displayed their work at the Santa Clarita Artists Association’s annual Spring Art Festival at Le Chene French Cuisine restaurant.

The weather and atmosphere could not have been more appropriate for the event. A warm, but not hot, temperature accompanied a bright and sunny day as artists and patrons sipped wine underneath the shade of Le Chene’s lush backyard garden.

Event organizer and member of the SCAA, Dody Rogers, said this was the ninth year the organization has held this event.

“We usually get a very good crowd and the artists love it,” said Rogers. “The people that come and visit it come up repeatedly every year, and the restaurant loves it, because we eat lunch and brunch here. So it’s a win-win for everybody.”

The event was free of charge for anyone who wished to attend, which included regulars and new faces. Proceeds from fees for the event go toward the organization’s scholarship fund, which is handed out to local art students throughout the year.

Art at the festival ranged in style, color, technique and price. Some could be purchased for as little as $50 while others cost thousands to take home.

Artist Gary Friedman, a retired junior high school band teacher, said his favorite part about being in an artistic community was the camaraderie among his contemporaries.

“We’re not always selling our pictures. But it’s the camaraderie you have. It’s the different people that

you meet … We talk about depth, we talk about perspective, I think about bringing people together from all cultures from all societies, and all beliefs, or prejudices and stuff like that, which we all have,” said Fiedman. “But, there’s a common bond.”

The bond was evident on one walk around the garden. Most artists were not at their stalls with their art, but talking to other artists and appreciating each other.

Paula Bradley, an artist with work on display at the festival and owner of Picasso’s Playmates, said

the combination between the venue and the people were some of her most favorite things about the event.

“I just love, first of all, the venue. The venue is beautiful and it’s gorgeous out here,” said Bradley. “Also the people. The Santa Clarita Artists Association is so welcoming, and so much fun and everybody’s so supportive. I just love it. Everybody’s got great work and everybody supports it.”

Music at the event was provided by classical guitarist Manak Khamvongsa. 

Vita Blumberg arranges one of her art pieces on display at the Santa Clarita Artists Association’s Spring Art Festival.

Artist Jane Mick.

Some of the paintings that were for sale by artist Jane Mick. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

CTE

Continued from page 4

it aims to prepare its students for whichever decision they make.

“We have to make sure that we are preparing the way for every one of our students, and what are we preparing them for? Whatever choice they make,” said Kuhlman. “We have equip them with the skills, the knowledge and the experiences, so that they are ready for that next opportunity, and the offerings that we have available through our career and college readiness (programs).“

CTE also creates relationships with local businesses so that a communication line is opened. If businesses can tell schools what they’re looking for, schools can provide them with students that can do it.

Messina said this partnership was critical to the program’s success and that local businesses are constantly engaged with the Hart District.

“I’m so excited about the work that has been done so far. Before the pandemic, we were on the top, we were being talked about — what great

classes we had, what great CTE programs that we had. And now we’re back at it again,” said Messina. “When you walk through these classes today. It’s all because of… the board, the staff, the teachers, and local businesses… we want to make sure all kids have all opportunities to succeed.”

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees went into several buildings on campus where students were eager to show off what they’d learned and the equipment they could use in several fields such as firefighting, robotics engineering, healthcare and culinary arts.

The ribbon was cut by Tim Baber, Welding Program Department Chair at Castaic High School. Color Guard was provided by the Golden Valley High School JROTC. 

Canyon High School freshman Delilah Campos watches as Valencia Medical Science Academy students Lauren Alangui, Hiya Kotian and Erin Kim demonstrate an EMR exercise.

ANIMAL SHELTER

Continued from page 8

“I’d like to have an off-site location, like we did at the mall,” she said, referring to the Shelter Hope Pet Shop that used to operate at the Westfield Valencia Town Center.

Councilwoman Marsha McLean said the Castaic Animal Care Center is really a county responsibility, so it shouldn’t be the city’s job to pay for needed upgrades.

“I think we need to ask the county to step up because it’s their facility, and the more money that we put into it, the less they will,” McLean said. “If the shelter needs to be expanded, they need to step up, for goodness’ sake. And so, I would be very much in favor of, a bunch of us should go down there, now that they’ve opened it up, and ask them to step up.”

She also supported looking at other ways the city could augment shelter services.

A Citygate study commissioned by the City Council found the shelter was under capacity and meeting the needs of the city of Santa Clarita, a claim that several local volunteers challenged during the public-comment portion of the meeting.

After advocates showed up at City Hall in February 2022, the City Council authorized Citygate to spend up to $40,000 to conduct a study as to whether the Castaic animal shelter was adequate to address the city’s needs.

A few of the public commenters, including three who claimed heavy involvement in the shelter as volunteers, openly questioned the accuracy of the numbers shared by the DACC.

Marcia Mayeda, director of Animal Care and Control for L.A. County since 2001, verified the data given to the consultants was accurate.

Those numbers, which were shared during Tuesday’s City Council meeting by Community Preservation Manager Tracy Sullivan, indicated the shelter’s intake for the SCV’s service area was

approximately 40 dogs and 47 cats, on average, during the times studied of the highest demand, prepandemic years of 2017-19. The shelter’s capacity for each animal is 51 and 56, respectively.

The city spends about a half-million dollars each year contracting its services with the county Department of Animal Care and Control, according to the Citygate report. The study didn’t mention what it would cost for the city to build a shelter. 

County, Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians hold event at Vasquez Rocks

By Trevor Morgan Signal Staff Writer

Storyteller and Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Elder Alan Salazar told his stories at the recent Day at the Rocks event at Vasquez Rocks.

He periodically clapped two sticks bound together by straps at points in his stories to hold the audience’s attention and let them know when to listen up. He told many stories, most about animals — their origin stories or how their spirits are inherent to our behaviors.

One was about a coyote and a woodpecker, representing the mischievous coyote spirit that lives in some. The other was about a bear and the Great Horned Owl, an origin tale about its horns.

They’re mostly children’s stories, mixed in with some jokes for the parents. But each served a purpose — to connect our existence with the land and its inhabitants, while explaining the world around us.

Salazar’s stories were among a number of activities and events for Day at the Rocks, an event organized by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Vasquez Rocks Nature Center Associates and the FTBMI.

Rudy Ortega Jr., tribal president of FTBMI, said it was exciting to see a good turnout at an event aimed at educating people on their culture and history.

“I think it’s exciting. I think more people are excited to learn more and see and, and understand the tribe’s history, the culture … so it’s great that it’s a full on engagement.”

Ortega mentioned that one person in particular

at the Parks and Rec Department, Regional Director Sarah Brewer, was key to making sure the FTBMI were included and highlighted during the event.

Brewer said the event started about 10 years ago as a celebration of the Agua Dulce community, but blossomed into a partnership with the FTBMI. Recent steps taken by the county to recognize FTBMI land have strengthened the relationship, according to Brewer.

“This is all unceded territory and it’s been really exciting to see the county taking steps to acknowledge and bring awareness to the public,” said Brewer. “Like when I was a kid growing up leading hikes with my dad who was a docent, it was such a common thought for people that there were no Tataviam descendants, that they were long gone hundreds of years ago … So it’s really important just to acknowledge that.”

Brewer said it’s important for people to know that FTBMI has over 800 current members, and that Vasquez Rocks once was home to the village of Mapipinga, a vibrant central village to the band.

“It’s an amazing place today; it was an amazing place back then,” said Brewer. “So just a really important step in the right direction, (but) we still have a long way to go.”

The opening ceremony of the event was a performance of FTBMI and Chumash songs, lead by Elder Denis Garcia, who also gave a storytelling session.

Garcia said because of his people’s connection to Vasquez Rocks, it was nice to return to it each year and help spread awareness of his culture and history.

“We don’t own the land, we just have a relationship with the land. So it’s a good feeling that we have a place to come and make people aware of who we are and that we’re still in existence,” said Garcia. “We’re not extinct. We’re here living our culture, learning, trying to revive and trying to bring back as much as we can about our culture, so that we can teach it on tour and future generations here.”

Because of the persecution of his people, Garcia said, for many years they were not allowed to practice or be proud of their culture. But pride isn’t reserved for the FTBMI. Garcia said anyone who has a culture that’s a part of them should be celebrated.

“Each and every one of you has culture and tradition, songs and stories, and that’s part of your identity,” said Garcia. “Language also is most important. So if you have a second language that you speak at home other than English, learn that language from your grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles.”

In addition to stories and songs, guided hikes, displays, animal preservation and wildlife education presentations were a part of the cultural education and preservation of the event.

Several FTBMI-affiliated pop-up tents and resources were also available including the Tataviam Land Conservancy, Haramokngna Cultural Center of the local First Nations, Native First Lending and Paseki Renewable Energy & Strategies Company. 

Members of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians told stories of their tribe and native lands to the crowd assembled at the Day at the Rocks. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

Rudy Ortega Jr. tribal president of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians performed a ceremonial dance.

Canyon High Softball Dominates West Ranch

By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

Afirst-inning two-out rally powered the Canyon Cowboys softball team to victory at home on Monday, April 24, over the West Ranch Wildcats.

The top two Cowboys were retired to start the game but Canyon’s offense erupted from there as the team went through the order in the first inning, including a base-clearing double from freshman Karina Montero.

Canyon won the game, 9-2, and was yet again led by pitcher Jessica Carr. The sophomore kept the Wildcats’ offense at bay from the circle, while going 3-for-4 with a double at the plate.

Carr went all seven innings and only allowed a pair of runs in the sixth. The ace finished with 10 strikeouts, five hits and walked just one batter.

Isabella Jimenez also stood out at the plate, going 2-of-4.

Krista Viareck and Brooke Petretti both registered multi-hit days for the Cats (4-18, 2-7).

Canyon coach Todd Wensely has been pleased to say the least with his star sophomore’s production, especially with his other pitcher out injured.

“She’s obviously having a phenomenal season,” Wensely said in a phone interview. “She’s our best player, she’s pitching great and she’s hitting about .500. She has over 100 strikeouts. She’s been a workhorse. Our other pitcher Gabby got hurt last

week, so Jess has taken on a bigger role … It’s put more pressure on Jess but with eight games in these

last two weeks, she’s really stepped up.”

Canyon’s defense has made some serious strides this season. In a sport where errors are a common occurrence in each game, the Cowboys have now gone four straight without a fielding error.

Canyon (6-13, 4-6) has a long week ahead of itself, with Monday’s Foothill League contest being the first of four games in as many days for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys will be fighting for each game in this final week of regular-season action in hopes of returning to the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Canyon is in a tight bind with West Ranch for the fourth seed in league as both teams will be clawing for wins this week.

The Wildcats will also be in for a busy week. West Ranch took down Golden Valley on Tuesday and were set to finish off the season on Thursday at home against Castaic.

Canyon returned to the field Tuesday, a home loss to Hart. The Cowboys were back in action on Wednesday for a home league matchup with Castaic, a 13-3 win for Canyon. They lost their match against Saugus on April 27. 

Canyon’s Emily Benavidez (4) and Danielle Rodriguez (21) smile while walking back to the dugout after scoring during the sixth inning of the Foothill League matchup against West Ranch at Canyon High School. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

Canyon captain Emily Benavidez (4) and West Ranch infielder Brooke Petretti (28) share a laugh after Benavidez reached base on a double during the Foothill league game against West Ranch.

Deputies Seize 2,000 Pot Plants in Canyon Country

By Perry Smith Signal Senior Staff Writer

Aspecialized team with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department seized more than 2,000 marijuana plants Friday in Canyon Country.

The illegal grow operation was targeted by detectives and investigated with help from deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station’s Crime Prevention Unit.

Deputies executed the search warrant in the 29000 block of Fitch Avenue, which is just northwest of the street’s intersection with Sierra Highway.

The suspect was arrested in suspicion of illegal cultivation of marijuana and then cited and released in the field, according to Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff’s Station.

respond and adjust resources accordingly. Arriaga declined to identify which of the department’s teams in the Narcotics Bureau assisted in the operation.

An official with the Narcotics Bureau, which led the operation, was not immediately available.

The SCV Sheriff’s Station also posted on its Facebook page Monday information on how residents can share crime tips with the station:

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Bureau encourages any information about potential, illegal marijuana cultivations be sent to MarijuanaTips@lasd.org. All tips are sent anonymously and remain confidential. Detectives will be sure to investigate.”

Anonymous tips can be reported to LA Crime Stoppers at www.LACrimeStoppers, or by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477). 

The

station’s CPU deputies collect data on crimes reported and work with department resources to

PHOTO COURTESY SANTA CLARITA VALLEY SHERIFF’S STATION

CALENDAR

Celebrate “Peru”

Canyon Country Community Center

Friday, June 8 • 6-9 p.m.

“Celebrate” brings the history and traditions of people and places from around the world to the Canyon Country Community Center every second Friday from April to September.

CANYON COUNTRY COMMUNITY CENTER

Summer Registration Day is Wednesday, May 24 at 10 a.m.

Experience Summer at the Canyon Country Community Center www.santa-clarita.com/seasons

Senior Walking Club (50+)

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

Mahjong (50+)

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!

BINGO (50+)

CCCC GYM HOURS

Tuesday and Thursday Basketball

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your own ball or check one out with a student or government-issued ID

Monday and Wednesday Table Tennis

9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your own paddles

Friday

An opportunity to socialize, play BINGO, and win prizes! Bring your friends!

May 27

June 1

Karaoke (50+)

Sing and dance with your friends! This activity is sure to bring out the star in you!

Tech Help Hour (18+)

Tech Hour is an opportunity for adults to bring in their own handheld digital devices and learn various tips, tricks and receive help on how to better operate and navigate them.

I Can Craft* (18+)

Adults with special needs and their coaches/caregivers are invited to participate in this interactive crafting program. *Coaches/Caregivers are required to supervise and participate.

CANYON COUNTRY LIBRARY PROGRAMS

10 a.m. Sit and Stitch

A dult and Senior Activities Sculpting.

June 14

9:30 a.m. Cuenta Cuentos. Bilingual Story Time

6 p.m. Club de Mujeres Latinas en Literatura

June 10

10 a.m. Sit and Stitch

June 12

1 p.m. Little Explorers

6 p.m. Worlds of Whimsy. Adult Book Club.

June 13

9:30 a.m Storytime

4:30 p.m. Afternoons at the Library: Clay

5:30 p.m. Jewelry Making for Adults

June 15

10 a.m. I Can Craft

June 20

9:30 a.m Storytime

4:30 p.m. Afternoons at the Library: DIY Musical Instruments

June 21

9:30 a.m. Cuenta Cuentos. Bilingual Story Time

June 12 through July 28 Lunch at the Library

Monday through Friday, noon - 1 p.m.

As a part of the Summer Reading Program, the Santa Clarita Public Library will offer free, healthy lunches for children and teens 18 and under. There is no sign-up, application, income verification or identification needed. Meals are served to all children on a first-come, first-served basis.