Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Storm Breaks Streak, Beats Boca

[FCSC] - There were six consecutive ties between the two teams going back three years. However, that streak was finally put to rest Saturday night as the Storm edged out the San Diego Boca 2-1. F.C.S.C’s leading scorer came though again for the Storm, adding 4 points to his stats as Tyler Coombes scored twice in this game;the first in the 14th minute off of a break away. Robbie Goukhad the ball at the 20 yard line doing his best to maintain possession with two defenders surrounding him. Robbie made a quick back pass to the feet of Coombes who, with the keeper coming off his line quickly, slipped the ball passed Boca ‘keeper Tad Caraway and posted the first one of  the game.


The single goal barely held up though out the first half with the Boca attacking hard and actually maintaining most control of the game.The visitors were attacking hard but it wasn’t until the 32nd minute that they broke though the Storm defense. Boca’s midfielder Alberto Lopez took a shot that was headed directly towards the inside netting of the goal, but Storm ‘keeper Steven Rodriguez came up big, as he did all night, and stretched across the mouth of the goal to push the ball out just shy of the post. Later in the half, off of a corner kick the Boca once again tried to get even when Genard Cervantes got a shot that looked at the empty side of the net but Rodriguez came up big yet again as he slid across the goal line to put himself behind the ball and collecting it for the save.  Boca had 4 other chances before the half concluded but the Storm keeper stopped each one to end the half with six saves on six shots.


fcsc062513The second half began with a couple of changes for the Storm beginning with a heavy attack. Entering the game in the 45th minute was midfielder Joel Gunterman, followed in the 53rd minute by   midfielder Alex Harlley. It took only 4 minutes after entering the game Harlley found himself in the corner of the Boca zone and covered by defenders. “I saw a black uniform at the penalty spot so I just kept ground and passed it to his feet” said Harlley on his assist. It was the feet of Coombes standing uncovered by the Boca defense as he quickly snapped off a shot that found it’s way through a defender and Boca keeper Caraway to score what ended up to be the game winner. As in the 79th minute Boca’s attack resulted in a shot about 15 yards out that rocketed in to take the clean sheet away for Rodriguez. Rodriguez was announced as player of the game.


The Storm had several opportunities that were denied by Caraway who came up with several big saves. Gouk and Coombes had five shots between them that would of been on the score board if not for the saves of Caraway.


Storm now with 20 points sit second in the N.P.S.L standings as F.C Hasental defeated the San Diego Flash by a score of 2-1in a game that seen six yellow cards and one red card. Pateadores in the mean time fell the Las Vegas 3-2 to keep them in fourth place position.Storm will travel to Orange County Orange Coast College next Saturday, June 22nd to face O.C Pateadores in another’MUST WIN’ match with only three games left in the season. As Flash will be facing Boca and Hasental will play host to Las Vegas.Storms finial home game of the regular season will be June 29th at Canyon High in a 6pm kick off. This will be a match to see as they will play host to F.C Hasental. It will be a playoff atmosphere as they will be battling for first place as well as a playoff opportunity.  This will be a must win for the Storm if they are to have a playoff opportunity and keep up with the Flash as they will be playing Las Vegas that weekend.


Game Recap:


 


Storm


Shots – 9


Saves – 9


Goals – 2 – Tyler Coombes (2)


Assist- Robbie Gouk (1), Alex Harlley (1)


Fouls – 12 (Harley: Red Card)


 


Boca


Shots – 19


Saves – 6


Goals -1


Assist – 0


Fouls – 11



Storm Breaks Streak, Beats Boca

Storm Breaks Streak, Beats Boca

[FCSC] - There were six consecutive ties between the two teams going back three years. However, that streak was finally put to rest Saturday night as the Storm edged out the San Diego Boca 2-1. F.C.S.C’s leading scorer came though again for the Storm, adding 4 points to his stats as Tyler Coombes scored twice in this game;the first in the 14th minute off of a break away. Robbie Goukhad the ball at the 20 yard line doing his best to maintain possession with two defenders surrounding him. Robbie made a quick back pass to the feet of Coombes who, with the keeper coming off his line quickly, slipped the ball passed Boca ‘keeper Tad Caraway and posted the first one of  the game.


The single goal barely held up though out the first half with the Boca attacking hard and actually maintaining most control of the game.The visitors were attacking hard but it wasn’t until the 32nd minute that they broke though the Storm defense. Boca’s midfielder Alberto Lopez took a shot that was headed directly towards the inside netting of the goal, but Storm ‘keeper Steven Rodriguez came up big, as he did all night, and stretched across the mouth of the goal to push the ball out just shy of the post. Later in the half, off of a corner kick the Boca once again tried to get even when Genard Cervantes got a shot that looked at the empty side of the net but Rodriguez came up big yet again as he slid across the goal line to put himself behind the ball and collecting it for the save.  Boca had 4 other chances before the half concluded but the Storm keeper stopped each one to end the half with six saves on six shots.


fcsc062513The second half began with a couple of changes for the Storm beginning with a heavy attack. Entering the game in the 45th minute was midfielder Joel Gunterman, followed in the 53rd minute by   midfielder Alex Harlley. It took only 4 minutes after entering the game Harlley found himself in the corner of the Boca zone and covered by defenders. “I saw a black uniform at the penalty spot so I just kept ground and passed it to his feet” said Harlley on his assist. It was the feet of Coombes standing uncovered by the Boca defense as he quickly snapped off a shot that found it’s way through a defender and Boca keeper Caraway to score what ended up to be the game winner. As in the 79th minute Boca’s attack resulted in a shot about 15 yards out that rocketed in to take the clean sheet away for Rodriguez. Rodriguez was announced as player of the game.


The Storm had several opportunities that were denied by Caraway who came up with several big saves. Gouk and Coombes had five shots between them that would of been on the score board if not for the saves of Caraway.


Storm now with 20 points sit second in the N.P.S.L standings as F.C Hasental defeated the San Diego Flash by a score of 2-1in a game that seen six yellow cards and one red card. Pateadores in the mean time fell the Las Vegas 3-2 to keep them in fourth place position.Storm will travel to Orange County Orange Coast College next Saturday, June 22nd to face O.C Pateadores in another’MUST WIN’ match with only three games left in the season. As Flash will be facing Boca and Hasental will play host to Las Vegas.Storms finial home game of the regular season will be June 29th at Canyon High in a 6pm kick off. This will be a match to see as they will play host to F.C Hasental. It will be a playoff atmosphere as they will be battling for first place as well as a playoff opportunity.  This will be a must win for the Storm if they are to have a playoff opportunity and keep up with the Flash as they will be playing Las Vegas that weekend.


Game Recap:


 


Storm


Shots – 9


Saves – 9


Goals – 2 – Tyler Coombes (2)


Assist- Robbie Gouk (1), Alex Harlley (1)


Fouls – 12 (Harley: Red Card)


 


Boca


Shots – 19


Saves – 6


Goals -1


Assist – 0


Fouls – 11



Storm Breaks Streak, Beats Boca

June 26: 'Senior Prom' at SCV Senior Center

The Silver Toned Signers opened the annual gavel-passing ceremony with Christmas carols.

File photo: Silver Toned Signers perform during a ceremony at City Hall.


The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, a nonprofit organization that services the needs of 35,000 seniors in Santa Clarita and surrounding areas, is hosting a “Senior Prom”  concert featuring a live band and dancing to romantic ballads.


Many elders were unable to attend this traditional high school event for reasons such as getting drafted to World War II to being victims of the Great Depression to having strict parents who forbid them from attending.


The Santa Clarita Senior Center wanted to provide a chance for these elderly citizens who did not have the opportunity to attend prom to have a second chance to live that traditional American experience through a live concert band playing romantic prom ballads.


It will feature live music by the Santa Clarita Senior Center’s very own Silver Toned Singers who will be dressed in prom attire and will be playing love ballads from the 1920’s to contemporary 2000’s music.


This event will have dancing and refreshments and there will even be announcement of the Santa Clarita Senior Center’s prom king and queen, according to Santa Clarita Senior Center officials.


“I just talked to an adorable senior and he just claimed he wants to bring a corsage for his girlfriend to the senior prom concert night. Many seniors are getting into the prom spirit. It will surely be a fun way for anyone to spend an afternoon in an entertaining prom atmosphere,” said Robin Clough, Santa Clarita Senior Center’s head of volunteers and recreation.


It will take place Wednesday, June 26 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. It is free of charge. The general public is invited to dress up, but it is optional.


The  Santa Clarita Senior Center is located at 22900 Market Street Santa Clarita, California 91321, adjacent to the Metrolink train station.


- Luzzei Tsuji




June 26: 'Senior Prom' at SCV Senior Center

2nd Victim Dead as Result of Wrong-Way Driver Crash

Los Angeles County prosecutors filed charges Tuesday against the alleged offender in Saturday morning’s deadly wrong-way driver crash on the 14 Freeway in Acton-Agua Dulce.


Bradford E. Pate, 38, of Burbank faces two counts of murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury.


The Rev. Manard Giles, a 77-year-old Quartz Hill minister, died at the scene.


On Monday night, a second victim – Giles’ passenger, Mattie Lee Ferguson, 60, of Lancaster – succumbed to her injuries at Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills.


Pate is expected to be arraigned Thursday at San Fernando Superior Court. He is still in the hospital.


Deputy District Attorney Karen Rizzo said prosecutors will ask that bail be set at $3 million for Pate, who was convicted of DUI in 2007 in Ventura County.


If convicted, Pate faces up to life in prison.


Pate was reportedly driving 2006 Toyota Tundra south in northbound lanes near Escondido Canyon Road at 3:28 a.m. Saturday when he collided with a 2006 Chrysler 300, which swerved and struck a rideshare van.


Giles and Ferguson were in the Chrysler.


Lennard A. Wilds, 47, of Lancaster, another passenger in Giles’s vehicle, was trapped in the car until rescuers could later free him. He sustained critical injuries, and was airlifted to Henry Mayo Hosptial in Valencia.


Juan M. Zamora, 43, of Lancaster, drove the rideshare van, a 2013 Ford Econoline Minor. Zamora was transporting nine passengers to an aerospace work site in Palmdale, CHP Officer Ed Jacobs said that morning.


Two passengers in the van sustained minor injuries. Efren Arrieta, 27, of Lancaster, and Patrick W. Glesby, 42, of Quartz Hill, was wounded with a cut to left arm.


The other passengers: David G. Moreno, 47, Palmdale; Jose Nario, 22, Palmdale; Javier Cobio, 41, Palmdale; Javier Arrieta, 25, Lancaster; and Alfonso Ramirez, 40, Palmdale were not injured.


Traffic on Saturday was tied up until 7:30 a.m.


The crash occurred less than a week after another wrong-way driver, believed to be on drugs, caused a mutli-car pileup that left three people with life-threatening injuries.



2nd Victim Dead as Result of Wrong-Way Driver Crash

Sept. 7: BBQ to Aid Fire-damaged Painted Turtle Camp

This guy made it through the Powerhouse Fire OK, but some of his friends at The Painted Turtle weren't nearly so lucky.

This guy made it through the Powerhouse Fire OK, but some of his friends at The Painted Turtle weren’t nearly so lucky.


See Powerhouse Fire photos @The Painted Turtle [HERE].


 


The Powerhouse Fire left the Painted Turtle, a camp for kids with chronic illnesses, at a substantial deficit. To ensure children and their families are still provided a camping experience they’re hosting a fundraiser.


On Sept. 7 the camp will host a California Dreaming-themed beach barbecue. Attendees will enjoy a barbecue prepared by Calabasas Custom Catering, food from the University of Antelope Valley Culinary Arts School, live music by the Hit Machine and a silent auction.


“We want to make it so you can come out in your Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops and have a good time,” said Blake Maher, executive director of the Painted Turtle.


The event is being co-hosted by the North Los Angeles County Regional Advisory Board.


“My fear would be that if we do run at a deficit it could prolong us getting back open, that’s why I’ve been so driven this year trying to make this Turtle Beach Barbecue such a huge success,” said Tom Diprima, chair for North Los Angeles County Regional Advisory Board


SeriousFund Children’s Network offered to donate $100,000 if the Painted Turtle can match that in the fundraiser.


“We’re getting Incredible support from the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley communities at the Painted Turtle,” Maher said.


Chiquita Canyon already donated $10,000 to the event, which puts the Painted Turtle one tenth of the way towards their goal.


“Painted Turtle is trying to reach out and provide alternate experiences for kids this summer,” said Maher, “It’s not camp but we want to keep the spirit of camp alive and well.”


Serving more than 5,000 children and their families each year, the Painted Turtle gives children from California, ages six-to-17, the chance to be kids and have fun in a safe camp environment, and it’s all free.


“My favorite quote that I’ve heard from a camper is that their week experience in camp is the first time in their life that they’ll forget that they’re sick,“ said Diprima, “If we can make that dream happen for one week, that’s why I’m so so focused on trying to help.”


To donate or purchase a ticket visit thepaintedturtle.org.


 


- David Mariuz


 



Sept. 7: BBQ to Aid Fire-damaged Painted Turtle Camp

Monday, June 24, 2013

Supes OK More Money, Staff to Thwart Dog Attacks

mikeantonovich[Supervisor Antonovich] - Additional staffing, new vehicles and equipment, and a new communications center in the Antelope Valley have been approved to enhance the Department of Animal Care and Control’s ability to protect the public from dangerous dogs, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.


“With additional staffing and resources, the County’s animal control officers will have the tools necessary to patrol our neighborhoods and hold irresponsible owners accountable when they allow their dogs to roam, fight, breed and attack other pets and people,” Antonovich said.


Nearly $775,000 in additional staffing and equipment were approved in the Final Recommended Budget, and an additional $2.4 million has been set aside for adoption in the Supplemental Budget.


On July 1, five additional animal control officers will be deployed and have access to six new vehicles, and protective equipment — collapsible batons, pepper spray, ballistic vests, and duty belts.  In addition, nine new positions will staff the Critical Case Processing Unit team which investigates dangerous dog cases — and the Major Cases Unit will receive three additional officers to conduct in-depth criminal investigations into animal cruelty, neglect, illegal animal fighting, and animal hoarding situations.



Supes OK More Money, Staff to Thwart Dog Attacks

Shakeup at Warner Bros. Film Group

WarnerBrosPictures[Warner Bros.] - Warner Bros. Entertainment announced a new leadership team Monday to run Warner Bros. Pictures Group, capitalizing on the proven strengths of a number of longtime Studio executives. Sue Kroll will now serve as President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures; Greg Silverman will now serve as President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures; and Toby Emmerich will continue as President and COO, New Line Cinema, while adding responsibility for Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures. The announcement was made today by Kevin Tsujihara, CEO, Warner Bros., to whom all three executives will report.


Working closely with the management team, Dan Fellman, whose contract has been extended, will continue in his role as President, Domestic Distribution, reporting directly to Tsujihara. Veronika Kwan Vandenberg will continue as President, International Distribution, and ultimately assume responsibility for worldwide distribution, taking on the domestic distribution function upon the planned retirement of Fellman. Kwan Vandenberg will report to Kroll who, in addition to her marketing and distribution responsibilities, will continue to be involved in all aspects of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and New Line Cinema’s releases.


“Warner Bros. is the world’s preeminent motion picture studio with one of the most talented executive benches in the industry,” said Tsujihara. “Collectively, this team has more than 100 years at the company and broad experience across the film business, which will ensure that Warner Bros. Pictures continues as a respected leader in production, marketing and global distribution. I have every confidence that we will continue to deliver the industry’s most compelling, popular and successful movies.”


“This marks an exciting new chapter in the storied history of Warner Bros. Pictures,” said Barry Meyer, Chairman, Warner Bros. “We are in the midst of another terrific year, and our film division will continue to thrive well into the future under this realigned organization.”


Kroll was named President, Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures in January 2008 and has led enormously successful campaigns for a broad range of motion pictures, including most recently “Man of Steel,” “The Great Gatsby” and last year’s Academy Award Best Picture winner, “Argo.” Other prominent campaigns include the billion-dollar blockbusters “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises,” as well as “Inception” and the final installments of the Harry Potter series.


Silverman has been President, Production, Warner Bros. Pictures since April 2011 and played a key role in recent box-office successes, including “The Great Gatsby,” directed by Baz Luhrmann, “Argo” from director Ben Affleck and “The Dark Knight Rises,” directed by Christopher Nolan. As a creative executive, Silverman also shepherded the commercially successful and critically acclaimed “300,” “The Dark Knight,” “The Hangover” and the global phenomenon “Inception,” among other films. As President and COO of New Line Cinema since March 2008, and President of Production for seven years prior to that, Emmerich has overseen such diverse features as the Academy Award-winning blockbuster “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and 2005′s highest-grossing comedy, “Wedding Crashers,” as well as “He’s Just Not That Into You,” “Horrible Bosses,” the “Journey” franchise and the “Final Destination” films.



Shakeup at Warner Bros. Film Group

State Should Boost Water Storage | By U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.


Flying over California recently on my way back to Washington, I was dismayed to see how bone-dry the state is so early in the summer season.


There was virtually no snowpack. Lakes and reservoirs are circled with rings of barren, dry soil. And plumes of smoke from forest fires dot the skies, something that will worsen as the fire season progresses.


The message is clear: We must do more to prepare for increasingly harmful dry years by capturing more water in wet years. In short, California needs a lot more water storage – and we need it now.


The dire state of affairs was confirmed by David Hayes, outgoing deputy secretary for the Department of the Interior, at a recent budget hearing. Despite a promising start to the water year, Hayes testified, “This is the driest January-through-April period in California’s history in the last 100 years.”


Farmers, of course, are acutely aware of the situation. Water allocations for some of the largest South-of-Delta Central Valley Project irrigation districts stand at just 20 percent of their contract amount. Declining reservoir levels suggest that next year will be even worse.


Complicating matters are pumping restrictions mandated by the Endangered Species Act. Despite being found scientifically deficient by a federal court and the National Academy of Sciences, these restrictions continue to have a negative effect on water supplies throughout the state.


The Bureau of Reclamation is putting together a plan to address this year’s water shortages based on water transfers that could increase the water supply for South-of-Delta contractors to the equivalent of a 40 percent allocation.


These one-time patches, however, are not an adequate solution. Absent state action, it is my view that we may be faced with the possibility of more far-reaching changes, such as modifications to the Endangered Species Act.


Expanding and improving California’s water storage capacity is long overdue. The last time we saw significant state and federal investments in our water storage and delivery system was in the 1960s, when the state’s population stood at 16 million. Today, that same system supports 38 million individuals and will need to support 50 million by 2050.


If we don’t take significant and rapid action, I fear California is at risk of becoming a desert state.


The need for additional storage is hardly a revelation. More than a decade ago, legislation passed that authorized the Bureau of Reclamation to do feasibility studies on expanding or building four reservoirs: Shasta, Sites, Los Vaqueros and Temperance Flat.


A draft feasibility report on raising Shasta Dam was completed last year. It found that raising Shasta Dam by 18.5 feet – at a cost of $1.1 billion – would yield up to 133,000 acre-feet of new water.


Good news, but the eight years it took to complete the draft study was entirely too long. Even worse, final feasibility studies aren’t scheduled to be completed by the Bureau of Reclamation until late 2016.


Building or expanding these four reservoirs would result in hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of additional water storage, benefit urban and rural communities and increase the pool of water available for releases that benefit fish species. Waiting a decade or more for these studies is unacceptable. The Bureau of Reclamation must complete these studies, and they must do so now.


California’s Legislature also must do its part by updating the long-anticipated water bond and ensuring that it includes adequate funding for water storage.


The current water bond, which was approved by the Legislature in 2009 and scheduled for the November 2010 ballot, has been repeatedly postponed.


The bond includes $3 billion to improve state, regional and local surface storage; groundwater storage; modernizing reservoir operations; and conveyance to improve interregional system operations. But with an overall cost of $11.14 billion, it will be difficult to win voter support.


With only three months left in the session, it is important the Legislature work to craft a scaled-back bond that provides robust water storage funding.


Because the full benefits of expanded storage capacity can’t be realized without the ability to move additional water supplies, it is also vital to complete the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. This long-term state and federal effort to restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is essential if we are to acquire the regulatory approvals necessary for new water transportation infrastructure.


As chairman of the Senate subcommittee that funds the Bureau of Reclamation, I have done what I can to address California’s water challenges.


Over the past few years, the Senate has approved bills that permit additional water transfers, authorize and expedite groundwater banking plans, require drought management plans and set a deadline to complete the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.


But there is still a lot of work to be done, particularly in the area of water storage. I will continue to urge the Bureau of Reclamation and the state to move as fast as possible to approve plans and funding to allow us to bank more water in wet years for the increasingly dry years.


Although California is getting drier, plans are in place to move us in the right direction. But it will take a commitment from federal, state and local stakeholders to get us there. There is no time to waste.


 


U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. He commentary originally appeared in the Sacramento Bee.



State Should Boost Water Storage | By U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein

SCV's Montano Wins 4th Straight 800m Title at Nationals

montano_usa_2013Days after College of the Canyons athlete Tim White won the triple jump event at the U.S. Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships, another Santa Clarita native made headlines in Track and Field.


Alysia Montaño won the Women’s 800 Meter race on Sunday at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. She became the first woman to win four straight 800 meter titles at this event.


The former Canyon High School graduate ran a blistering time of 1:58:67, edging out her closest competition by 11 milliseconds.


The next major track and field event is the IAAF world championships which take place in Moscow in August, and Montaño will likely be in attendance.


However, she has focused most of her energy on the 2016 Olympic Games which take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Montaño did not receive any medals during the 2012 London Games, so she certainly hopes to improve her performance. She chooses to not stress about winning a medal, but realizes it is an important goal to strive for.


The former Santa Clarita Valley Athlete of the Year distinguishes herself from other runners by wearing a flower in her hair during races. She typically trains with male athletes, so she uses the flower as a sign of pride in her femininity.


She has become a well-known runner not only because of the flower she wears, but for her outgoing personality as well. Her free spirit and contagious laugh make her a popular competitor on the world scene with both athletes and fans.


Despite her extremely upbeat personality, she is known as a fierce competitor with unparalleled determination. This is evidenced by her success in the 800 meters, known as one of the most difficult races since it is considered to be a long sprint.


The former Berkeley student holds several Pac-10 and regional meet records in the 800 meters, 4×400 relay, and sprint medley. In her professional career, Montaño holds the fifth-fastest American time ever in the 800-meter race with a time of 1:57:34.


At the conclusion of her track and field career, Montaño hopes to open a personal fitness studio for working mothers, fathers, or entire families. Her main goal is to educate the parents of a family, so that they can spread their knowledge to children and create a healthier future generation.


 


- Joseph Anderson


 



SCV's Montano Wins 4th Straight 800m Title at Nationals

Feds Relaunch Website with New Health Insurance Info

The Obama administration kicked off the Health Insurance Marketplace education effort Monday with a new, consumer-focused HealthCare.gov website and the 24-hours-a-day consumer call center to help Americans prepare for open enrollment and ultimately sign up for private health insurance.  The new tools will help Americans understand their choices and select the coverage that best suits their needs when open enrollment in the new Health Insurance Marketplace begins October 1.


“The new website and toll-free number have a simple mission: to make sure every American who needs health coverage has the information they need to make choices that are right for themselves and their families—or their businesses,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.


hhs062413“The re-launched Healthcare.gov and new call center will help consumers prepare for the new coverage opportunities coming later this year,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. “In October, HealthCare.gov will be the online destination for consumers to compare and enroll in affordable, qualified health plans.”


The Health Insurance Marketplace is  the destination for the Health Insurance Marketplace.  Americans may now access new educational information and learn what they can do to begin to get ready for open enrollment this fall.  The website will add functionality over the summer so that, by October, consumers will be able to create accounts, complete an online application, and shop for qualified health plans.  For Spanish speaking consumers, CuidadoDeSalud.gov will also be updated to match HealthCare.gov’s new consumer focus.


Key features of the website, based on consumer research and online commercial best practices include integration of social media, sharable content, and engagement destinations for consumers to get more information.  The site will also launch with web chat functionality to support additional consumer inquiries.


The website is built with a responsive design so that consumers may access it from their desktops, smart-phones, and other mobile devices. In addition, the website is available via an application interface at www.healthcare.gov/developers.


Between now and the start of open enrollment, the Marketplace call center will provide educational information and, beginning Oct. 1, 2013, will assist consumers with application completion and plan selection.  In addition to English and Spanish, the call center provides assistance in more than 150 languages through an interpretation and translation service.  Customer service representatives are available for assistance via a toll-free number at 1-800-318-2596 and hearing impaired callers using TTY/TDD technology can dial 1-855-889-4325 for assistance.


To view the new look and new focus of the website, visit www.HealthCare.gov.


HHS is on target for open enrollment in the Marketplace, which begins Oct. 1, 2013, and other key milestones approaching in the months ahead.  Coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2014.



Feds Relaunch Website with New Health Insurance Info

North 5 Bypass Lane Now In Effect, Pyramid to 138

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has implemented a new bypass lane on the northbound Golden State Freeway (I-5) between Vista Del Lago Road and SR-138. The bypass lane will remain in effect through August 2013, while crews pave the two right lanes and shoulder of northbound I-5.


Bypass Lane Configuration: The inside lane of southbound I-5 has temporarily become a northbound lane at all times from Vista Del Lago Road to SR-138, a distance of about 7.5 miles. A temporary concrete barrier separates the northbound and southbound lanes.


This configuration allows three traffic lanes in each direction to remain in use while work is underway on the two outside northbound lanes and will reduce the duration of the project.


Motorists traveling in the left lane of northbound I-5 should prepare for the lane shift as they approach Vista Del Lago Road.


 


caltrans053113


The bypass lane on northbound I-5 between just south of Gorman Road to just north of the Kern County line remains in effect through November 2013. The distance from the first bypass lane (Vista Del Lago to SR-138) to the second (Gorman Road to Kern County) is about three miles.


This work is part of a project that is replacing slabs in both directions of I-5 between the Vista Del Lago Road overcrossing and the Kern County Line, a distance of 15.4 miles.


This $100.1 million project, which will be completed in mid-2015, will extend the life of the pavement, reduce maintenance costs and closures, and provide a smoother ride for motorists. The contractor is Griffith/Coffman Joint Venture of Brea, Calif.


Closure information for this and other freeway projects is available on the Caltrans website: http://www.lcswebreports.dot.ca.gov/lcswebreports.



North 5 Bypass Lane Now In Effect, Pyramid to 138

This Week at the SCV Chamber (6-24-2013)

biz_scv-chamber-seal


Ambassador Committee Meeting


Thursday, June 27, 2013


Time:  8:00am


Location:  Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce


27451 Tourney Road, Suite #160, Santa Clarita, 91355


     


Lunch & Learn – Corporation & LLC Compliance Check-up by Poole & Shaffery LLP


Friday, June 28, 2013


Time:  11:45am


Location:  Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce


27451 Tourney Road, Suite #160, Santa Clarita, 91355


To RSVP contact Cheryl Ramirez at CRamirez@scvchamber.com or 661-702-6977 


 


For More Information on These


Or any other Chamber Events, please feel free to


contact the Chamber at 661.702.6977 or scvchamber.com.


 


 








As a way to introduce yourself and your company, free Lunch & Learns are available for members to present an educational seminar to the membership and the public. For more information and to reserve a date, please contact Cheryl Ramirez at 661-702-6977 or CRamirez@scvchamber.com.


 


Raffle prizes! Another great way to market your business is to donate a raffle prize for our Breakfast or Mixer. If you would like to donate something please contact Cheryl Ramirez at 661-702-6977 or CRamirez@scvchamber.com.


This Week at the SCV Chamber (6-24-2013)

June 28: Is Your Company in Compliance?

biz_scv-chamber-sealSCV Chamber of Commerce


Lunch & Learn


Friday, June 28, 2013, 11:45am


Hosted By:


Poole & Shaffery LLP


 


“Corporation & LLC Compliance Check-up”


The program will review the general on-going operating and compliance requirements for California corporations and limited liability companies, including the actions required in order to remain in good standing and to protect owners from personal liability.


 


Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce


27451 Tourney Road, Suite 160, Santa Clarita, 91355


Lunch & Learn is FREE and lunch will be provided. To attend, please RSVP toCheryl Ramirez at CRamirez@scvchamber.com  or call 661 702-6977.


 



June 28: Is Your Company in Compliance?

Princess Hires Ex-Disney Exec to Fill New SVP-Marketing Post

Gordon Ho

Gordon Ho


[Santa Clarita] -  Princess Cruises has appointed Gordon Ho as senior vice president of marketing. In this newly created position he will lead the company’s global marketing, public relations and digital activities.


Ho brings extensive marketing experience to his new role with Princess, in areas including worldwide creative development, brand management, partnership marketing, digital marketing, CRM and public relations.


“We’re delighted to welcome Gordon to Princess and look forward to his contributions supporting our expansion into new international markets as well as strengthening the Princess brand in our established markets including North America, UK and Australia,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ executive vice president. He reports directly to Swartz.


Ho previously spent 18 years at the Walt Disney Company where he last served as executive vice president of worldwide marketing for its $4 billion Disney Studios Home Entertainment division. In that position he created a highly successful global marketing team in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Most recently he served as chief marketing officer of 24/7 Card and as co-founder and president of MyMovieDeals.com.


He earned his B.S. degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University and an M.B.A. with concentrations in marketing and finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.


In related news, David deMerlier, previously vice president of marketing, has been appointed to the new role of vice president of international marketing for the line. Reporting to Ho, deMerlier now oversees Princess’ marketing efforts throughout Asia, and in the UK and Australia.


More information about Princess Cruises is available at www.princess.com.


 


About Princess Cruises


One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.4 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc



Princess Hires Ex-Disney Exec to Fill New SVP-Marketing Post

Academy Announces Submission Dates for Oscars Consideration

ampasThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced category submission deadlines Monday for 86th Academy Awards consideration.


The dates are as follows:


Scientific and Technical Awards – Friday, July 12


Documentary Short Subject – Tuesday, September 3


Documentary Feature – Monday, September 23


Live Action Short Film – Tuesday, October 1


Animated Short Film – Tuesday, October 1


Foreign Language Film – Tuesday, October 1


Animated Feature Film – Friday, November 1


Original Score – Monday, December 2


Original Song – Monday, December 2


Official Screen Credits Form – Monday, December 2


All submissions are due by 5 p.m. PT.


For the entire list of key dates and all rules, visit www.oscars.org/rules.


Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar® Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.



Academy Announces Submission Dates for Oscars Consideration

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Local Rabies Season Kicks Off in Stevenson Ranch

news_flyingbatYou’ll probably be hearing a lot about rabies and West Nile Virus in the coming months, if only because summer is here and that’s when the mosquitoes breed and the bats get sick.


The Santa Clarita Valley’s first rabid bat of the year actually beat the summer heat, showing up in Stevenson Ranch in May. It was found lying dead outside of a house.


Bats are the usual carriers of rabies, which spiked dramatically in Los Angeles County in 2011 and 2012. Public health officials don’t know why. A normal year sees just eight to 10 rabid bats across the county. Last year there were 56 – the most since anybody started counting them in 1961 – and the highest concentration, 17, were found in the SCV. No part of the valley was spared; they were spread evenly from one end to the other.


The Stevenson Ranch bat was the sixth found so far this year in the county. Another one flew around a house in Lancaster during daylight before settling down.


Distribution of rabid bats in Los Angeles County so far this year.

Distribution of rabid bats in Los Angeles County so far this year.


That’s a fairly sure sign. Bats are supposed to fly at night. If you see one flying in daytime, or flopping around on the ground, or checking out the family dog dish, or dead, don’t touch it. Instead call Animal Control.


And be sure to vaccinate your pets. If Animal Control officials suspect your pet has been bitten, they’ll quarantine it for six months. Proper vaccinations cut the time to 30 days of home detention.


If you’re bitten, call 9-1-1.


Don’t worry too much about bats that fly at night. Fewer than 1 percent of bats have rabies, and about 85 percent of those that exhibit the symptoms have something else wrong with them.


As for West Nile Virus, it’s headed this way from Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Mosquitoes carry it. There have been 13 reported cases so far in L.A. County this year, and within the last week it reached Van Nuys.


We’ll tell you more about it when it hits the SCV, which shouldn’t be take long.


For now, make sure you don’t have any standing water in your yard. If you’re outdoors where mosquitoes are biting, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants and spray yourself with bug repellant.


 



Local Rabies Season Kicks Off in Stevenson Ranch

1 Dead in 2nd Wrong-Way Driver Crash This Week, SR-14 in Agua Dulce

logo_chpAnother intoxicated wrong-way driver wreaked havoc on the 14 Freeway in the Agua Dulce area overnight – and this time, somebody died.


No names have been released.


Officer Ed Jacobs of the California Highway Patrol said a man in a black pickup truck was driving south in northbound lanes just south of Escondido Canyon Road at 3:28 a.m. Saturday when he collided with two other vehicles.


The offending driver is in critical condition at Providence Holy Cross Hospital.


A person in another vehicle was killed. He was identified only as a black male, age 60.


Two other people, apparently in the deceased man’s vehicle, were listed in critical condition.


A third vehicle was a rideshare van that was transporting nine passengers to an aerospace work site in Palmdale, likely Plant 42.


Two of the people in the van sustained minor injuries.


The offending driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Jacobs said.


The crash occurred less than a week after another wrong-way driver, believed to be on drugs, caused a mutli-car pileup that left three people with life-threatening injuries.


More information to follow.



1 Dead in 2nd Wrong-Way Driver Crash This Week, SR-14 in Agua Dulce

ABCs of the SCV: S is for Summer Meals | Commentary by Jennifer Fischer

JenniferFischerFood insecurity and hunger are big deals to me. I am one of those people who believes no one should go hungry, especially in the United States where there is so much excess and abundance all around us, and where food waste is so common.


The Santa Clarita Valley is often perceived as a well-off community, yet I am aware that way too many children in our valley go to bed hungry, and many parents struggle to find the next meal.


While summer often brings excitement and fun with trips to the local swimming hole and free time to play outside, for many children it also means reduced access to food, since they are not attending school where they receive free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch. In the United States, 21 million children receive free or reduced lunches, but only 3 million take advantage of the free summer meal programs that are available throughout the country.


Here in the SCV, there are six locations that provide healthy summer meals for children, for free. However, many people who could really benefit from these programs might not be aware of them.


Summer meals are typically distributed at noon, and parents do need to sign up their children to receive meals, but the sign-up is free and easy. The six locations are:


* Val Verde Community Center, 30300 Arlington St.


* Newhall Boys & Girls Club, 24909 Newhall Ave.


* Santa Clarita Community Center, 22421 Market Street, Newhall.


* Valley View Elementary School, 19414 Sierra Estates Drive, Canyon Country.


* Canyon Country Boys & Girls Club, 19425 Stillmore St., Canyon Country.


* Leona Cox Community School, 185642 Oakmoor St., Canyon Country.


I encourage you all to share this information with others so  they can spread the word about these resources. If you are part of a “moms” group, community organization or church, those are great places to make announcements and spread the word so individuals who truly need these resources can take advantage of them.


You can also spread the word through social media by texting FOOD to 877-877 anywhere in the United States. People will receive a text that tells them where the nearest summer meal program is located.


Letting people know about this simple way to find out what their community has to offer could really make a big difference in someone’s life.


In the SCV, Help the Children and the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry also provide free food and other key items to families and individuals in need in our communities. They can always use your support, either through monetary donations, food donations or volunteer time.


Help the Children is located at 25030 Avenue Tibbitts in Valencia, and the SCV Food Pantry is located at 24133 Railroad Ave. in Newhall. Urgent needs right now at the Food Pantry are canned tuna, boxed macaroni and cheese, diapers and shampoo.


Finally, for more ways to get involved in the fight against hunger this summer, visit www.nokidhungry.org/summer. There you will find many calls to action and resources including ideas for hosting a Cookout/BBQ to support No Kid Hungry, assistance in contacting your local congressional representatives to support food programs for children in need, and ways to make a donation to support all of the important work that No Kid Hungry does, including their Free Summer Meals program. Right now, Arby’s is matching every donation up to $100,000.


On Tuesday, June 25, I will be hosting a Very Hungry Caterpillar Virtual Food Drive on my blog (jennifischer.blogspot.com) in honor of Eric Carle’s birthday and of the 16 million children in the U.S. who do not know where their next meal is coming from. I am taking the boys on a Hungry Caterpillar scavenger hunt at the grocery store on Monday and getting items that the hungry caterpillar eats, and then donating them. (Help the Children does accept fresh produce donations.) Then, I am using my blog and other social media to spread the word and hope others will also make food or monetary donations in their communities.


I would love it if you would join my food drive by making a food donation or a monetary donation to an organization committed to helping to fight hunger. If you do, pop over to The Good Long Road in Facebookand and let me know.


 


Jennifer Fischer is co-founder of the SCV Film Festival, a mom of two, an independent filmmaker and owner of Think Ten Media Group, whose Generation Arts division offers programs for SCV youth. She writes about her parenting journey on her blog, The Good Long Road. Her commentary is published Saturdays on SCVNews.com.


 



ABCs of the SCV: S is for Summer Meals | Commentary by Jennifer Fischer

Friday, June 21, 2013

MTA Breaks Ground on Metrolink Station at Burbank Airport

Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy with Supervisor Antonovich at Friday's groundbreaking ceremony.

Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy with Supervisor Antonovich at the groundbreaking ceremony.


[Supv. Antonovich] - Along with other public officials and  community members, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, MTA Chairman and Metrolink Director, presided over the official groundbreaking ceremony of the new Metrolink station serving the Antelope Valley Line at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.


“Connecting our airports to our rail system is a top priority for the region and will increase mobility and provide faster, more seamless transit options for residents throughout Southern California,” said Antonovich who secured the funding necessary to contract the station.


“With this Bob Hope Airport Metrolink station, residents of the Santa Clarita, Antelope and North San Fernando Valleys will have convenient and economical Metrolink rail service to the national air travel and local employment opportunities available at, and around this regional airport.”


Also in attendance were: Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Glendale City Councilmen Ara Najarian and Frank Quintero, MTA and Metrolink Director Richard Katz, Pasadena City Mayor Bill Bogaard, Highland City Mayor Larry McCallon, Huntington Park Mayor Rosa Perez, Burbank City Councilmen Gary Bric and Jess Talamantes, Santa Clarita City Councilmember Marsha McLean, and Downey City Councilman Luis Marquez.



MTA Breaks Ground on Metrolink Station at Burbank Airport

ARTree News (6-21-2013): Hart Documentary Debuts

News






Teens Complete and Premiere

Hart Documentary


For weeks, a small group of teens from the Newhall Community Center have been putting effort into their “William S. Hart, Silent Screen Hero” documentary. The film covers Hart’s life from his early years through his film career, and premiered Wednesday night at the ARTree General Meeting. The filmmakers, who all attend Hart High School, had the rare opportunity of filming inside the Hart Mansion, and received generous cooperation from the staff. The project was funded by a grant from The City of Santa Clarita. Additional screenings are planned for future dates.




The Ever-Changing Wall Kicks It!


The ARTree’s Kickstarter campaign to fund the next version of The Ever-Changing Wall will launch later this month. ARTree buttons, magnets, and t-shirts are just some of the rewards offered to backers of The Wall for as little as a $5 pledge. Watch your e-mail for the official launch of the campaign and how to find us on the Kickstarter site. The Wall cannot return without your support, as well as the support of friends from around the country who believe in community art and arts education.




Brighton Collectibles Support ARTree Again


Brighton Collectibles on The Patios at the Valencia Westfield Center is again supporting The ARTree’s efforts to bring art education to young people. A newly-designed “Americana” bracelet will be sold, with 50% of the proceeds going to non-profit programs in Santa Clarita. Last year, thanks to your support, Brighton awarded The ARTree nearly $3,000 to be used for materials. The bracelet is available while supplies last, and all of us thank Brighton Collectibles for their generous support.




Summer Classes Branch Out in Canyon Country & Newhall


Classes are in full swing at the Canyon Country and Newhall Community Centers. Both sessions began June 18 and continue through July 23. This is The ARTree’s first class in Canyon Country, teaching the “Arts Sampler” program. Offered in Newhall will be a new program involving teens building unique “bots” from Styrofoam, creating a story for these characters, and writing a script to be performed at the end of the class. Each class will build on the previous one, helping students to create a presentation from concept to completion over the six-week period.




Old Tiles Will Find New Home on South Fork Trail


Make a permanent contribution to public art by donating your surplus or broken tile for the new ARTree mosaic mural on the South Fork Trail. Work begins this fall and we need an abundance of tiles to cover the large sections of wall on the trail behind Auto Row. Tile of any type or size can be used, and you can look forward to seeing your contribution to the mural as you bike or run by.  Contact the ARTree at theartree@gmail.com to arrange for a pickup before September.




A Special Note


The entire ARTree community sends our condolences to former board member Paula Dwyer, whose bother, Chuck, died suddenly early this month. We request you to keep Paula and her family in your thoughts.




ARTree News (6-21-2013): Hart Documentary Debuts