Next Week's 5/14 Lane Closure Schedule

The California Department of Transportation plans to close the lanes listed below as part of a $72 million project that is constructing a truck lane on southbound I-5 between Pico Canyon Road/Lyons Avenue and the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). Ramp closures will be staggered. Detours will be signed. No unusual levels of dust, noise or vibration are expected. Closures are subject to change.

 

For the safety of the construction crew and motorists, please be attentive to closures, slow for the cone zone, and move over one lane where possible.

 

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

 

Golden State Freeway (I-5) Closures

 

Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8

 

• Up to three lanes of northbound I-5 between the end of the existing truck lane and Lyons Ave.

TIME: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

 

Note: At least one lane will be open at all times. The most restrictive closures (i.e., the most lanes closed) will occur between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.

 

• Up to three lanes of southbound I-5 between Lyons Ave. and the end of the existing truck lane

TIME: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

 

Note: At least one lane will be open at all times. The most restrictive closures (i.e., the most lanes closed) will occur between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.

 

• Southbound I-5 connector to northbound SR-14

TIME: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

• Southbound I-5 off-ramp to Calgrove Blvd.

TIME: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

• Calgrove Blvd. on-ramp to southbound I-5

TIME: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

 

About the Project

 

The project is adding a truck lane to the outside of southbound I-5 by paving the median area and outside shoulder, and shifting the mixed-flow lanes inward. Median retaining walls and two short sections of outside retaining walls will be built to accommodate this widening.

The truck lane will extend from Pico Canyon Road/Lyons Avenue to SR-14, a distance of 3.7 miles.

 

This project will ease traffic delays, improve goods movement, absorb traffic growth due to population increase (both residential and commercial), and enhance safety by separating truck traffic from passenger vehicles.

 

Construction began in May 2012 and will be completed in 2014.

 

For more information, visit www.I-5info.com.

Next Week's 5/14 Lane Closure Schedule

SR126 Detour Continues in Fillmore Due to Sink Hole

The California Department of Transportation continues to keep eastbound lanes of Telegraph Road (SR-126) closed due to a sinkhole. Crews poured three trucks worth of concrete slurry into a void under the intersection of SR-126 and Central Avenue.

The cause remains unknown.  The highway will remain closed into the weekend.

Once the eastbound lanes are stabilized after the slurry hardens, steel plates will be placed on top of the repaired lanes and westbound traffic will be shifted onto the eastbound lanes.  Crews will begin excavating the westbound lanes to pour slurry into any additional voids that may be present.

 

Detour

Eastbound traffic will be detoured at A Street (SR-23) onto River Street and back onto SR-126 at Mountain View Street.

Signed detours are in place.  Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes around the area.

Eastbound SR-126 was closed at Central Avenue after the pavement gave way at approximately 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 30.

SR126 Detour Continues in Fillmore Due to Sink Hole

Southbound Lane to Become Northbound Bypass in Gorman

The California Department of Transportation will implement a bypass lane on the northbound Golden State Freeway (I-5) just south of the Gorman Road overcrossing beginning June 3, 2013, at 5 a.m. through November 2013 while crews pave the two right lanes of northbound I-5. The two right lanes will be closed to traffic.

 

When the bypass lane is implemented, the inside lane of southbound I-5 will temporarily become a northbound lane at all times from just south of the Gorman Road overcrossing to just north of the Kern County line, a distance of about three miles. Northbound motorists using the bypass lane will be driving to the left of the existing median. A concrete barrier will separate the northbound and southbound lanes.

This configuration will allow three traffic lanes in each direction to remain open while work is underway on the two outside northbound lanes of I-5 and will reduce the duration of the project.

Motorists traveling in the left lane of northbound I-5 should prepare to shift to the bypass lane as they near the Gorman Road overcrossing.

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.

Southbound Lane to Become Northbound Bypass in Gorman

Fire Reported in Newhall Pass Area

A brush fire has been reported along Interstate 5 near the the Newhall Pass area. Check here for further updates.

Fire Reported in Newhall Pass Area

Powerhouse Fire Spurs New Evacuation Orders

The 1,500-acre Powerhouse Fire is now 15 percent contained as more than 600 firefighters make their way north to begin more evacuations as the fire singes more brush in Lake Hughes, Calif.

The fire began Thursday as temperatures climb into the upper 90s and near the century mark in some parts of the Santa Clarita Valley’s northern edge.

Now new evacuation orders have been ordered. Camp Mendenhall, a probation facility, is in the process of vacating their campus on Lake Hughes Road.

Authorities have ordered additional areas to leave as the fire moves swiftly through the mountains north of Santa Clarita, according to a press release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Areas north of South Portal Road and West of San Francisquito Canyon Road are in the net of the evacuation zone.

A Red Cross Center has been set up at Marie Kerr Park in Palmdale and is accepting displaced families. Authorities are asking that large animals are brought to the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.

Powerhouse Fire Spurs New Evacuation Orders

June 6: Newhall School District Art Show

Thousands of pieces of student art from across the Newhall School District will be on display for public viewing Tuesday, June 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Valencia Valley School, 23601 Carrizo Drive, Valencia.

NSD’s Visual Arts Program reaches two thousand fourth and fifth grade students in more than seventy-five classes at ten different schools in intensive six week cycles of instruction to train them in a standards-based approach. A hallmark is the emphasis on integrating the arts with language arts, mathematics, science, and history social science standards. Visual arts in every medium, style and subject has been submitted for the show.

John Fossa, the district’s visual arts teacher delivers a sequential, skills-based visual arts program and he assists regular classroom teachers in supplementing the visual arts program by providing training, materials, and sample lessons.

“While our students certainly produce some spectacular artwork, our program is not about teaching every student to be the next Picasso,” said Fossa. “It’s about helping students develop the skills to express ideas and understand their world through the arts. When you see this work from across the district all collected in one place you can’t help but be impressed by what these children can do.”

In each of Fossa’s lessons students are introduced to a specific art concept, taught to recognize and analyze it, and then given an opportunity to apply the concept in an independent project. Each lesson includes an art history link, with the introduction of works by certain artists or a discussion of historical or cultural context. Each lesson contains a creative component where students develop a piece of artwork of their own. Students critique and evaluate their own and each others’ artwork during an aesthetic valuing component. Classroom teachers are provided with suggestions for lessons and activities they can use to reinforce art concept after the visual arts teacher moves on.

Budget cuts have forced school districts throughout California to reduce or eliminate arts programs. But in Newhall the arts have been a priority and they have thrived, in spite of budget woes. In Newhall’s visual arts program, and in its 35+ year old music program, art has become something more than just an activity in which students participate – it is a field of expression and skill development within which students grow.

“Parents are grateful that the district has organized a fine arts program, and they want to see it succeed, so their support for our program has been strong,” said Marc Winger, superintendent. “We expect hundreds of proud artists and thousands of parents to walk through this one-night art show.”

June 6: Newhall School District Art Show

Quon, Saugus Grad, Wins $180K Scholarship to USC

Cameron Quon

Saugus High School graduate Cameron Quon has learned he is one of 170 students out of more than half a million applicants nationally to be named a Stamps Leadership Scholar.

The Stamps Family Charitable Foundation  – started in 1993 by south Florida equity investors Penny and Roe Stamps – will provide Quon with a four-year scholarship to the University of Southern California valued at approximately $180,000.

Quon scored 2230 on the SAT and maintained a 4.67 GPA at Saugus.

“Cameron was chosen for his leadership, scholarship, perseverance, service and innovation,” according  to a statement from Stamps.

Quon plans to study journalism at USC’s Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, with a pre-professional emphasis in medicine. His father is a doctor.

Quon was already headed to USC, having won a free first-year ride as a USC Trusteee Scholar for the fall of 2013.

National Science Video Competition: From left: Bill Nye , Julia Kudryashev (2nd Place), Cameron Quon (1st Place), Rachit Agarwal (Peoples Choice)

A talented broadcast journalist at Saugus High, Quon has racked up numerous awards during his time there. Most recently he won first prize in the national Student Television Network competition for his school promo, “The Home of the Champions,” which he co-produced with fellow student Justin Ramer.  Read more about it here.

In May 2012, as a junior, Quon won first prize in a national science-themed video competition in Washington, D.C., where students were invited to submit innovative solutions for new sources of energy, access to clean water, robotics, biotechnology, urban planning and transportation. Watch Qyon’s winning entry here.

Quon, Saugus Grad, Wins $180K Scholarship to USC

June 14: Trish Lester to Perform in Newhall

Trish Lester

Local singer/songwriter Trish Lester will present an evening of acoustic music on Friday, June 14, at The Chalice Center in Newhall, sharing  her heartfelt and humorous original songs along with folk favorites from such legendary artists as John Denver and Bob Dylan. The show starts at 7:30 PM, doors open at 7 PM. A donation of $12 is suggested.

The Chalice Center, operated by the Unitarian Universalists of Santa Clarita, is at 22916 Lyons Ave., Suite 2B, Newhall, CA 91321. Seating is extremely limited in this small, intimate venue, so advance tickets are recommended. Tickets are available at two Newhall locations — Lowe’s Music, 22932½  Lyons Ave., and Outwest Boutique, 24265 Main St.

With a style likened to Mary Chapin Carpenter and Kate Wolf, Lester is a contemporary folk artist with a comfortable style, whose original songs have played on radio stations worldwide. The title song on her CD, “Plymouth Belvedere,” is included on a compliation CD produced by the National Public Radio’s “Car Talk” show, and her original tune, “Thank a Soldier” is featured on more than a half-dozen patriotic Websites.

June 14: Trish Lester to Perform in Newhall

Castaic Aquatic Center Opens to Large Crowd

The Castaic Aquatic Center opened to a large crowd looking to make a splash Friday morning at the Castaic Sports Complex.

“The new recreational center this project was a great success,” said Los Angeles County Director of Parks and Recreation Russ Guiney.

The center brings the county’s number of pool facilities to 28.

“Today we could have a future Olympian getting into this pool today,” Guiney said.

The new facility offers a number of amenities including parent and tot classes, swim team training, water polo, aquatic aerobic and more.

“This is a work class project,” said County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

The 13 million dollar project yields a 6,245 square foot pool inside of a 12,500 square foot building.

The center also features a 4,435 square foot aerobics unit with a splash pad.

“We’ve worked with the community to seek there needs and make sure they were included,” Antonovich said.

Swim lessons begin Monday.

 

Installation of “Bbubbles” by Bob Zoell at the new Castaic Aquatic Center; photos from Vourvoulis Architectural Glass Consulting

Castaic Aquatic Center Opens to Large Crowd

Castaic Sports Complex Opens to Large Crowd

The Castaic Sports Complex opened to a large crowd Friday morning.

“The new recreational center this project was a great success,” said Los Angeles County Director of Parks and Recreation Russ Guiney.

The center brings the county’s number of pool facilities to 28.

“Today we could have a future Olympian getting into this pool today,” Guiney said.

The new facility offers a number of amenities including parent and tot classes, swim team training, water polo, aquatic aerobic and more.

“This is a work class project,” said County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

The 13 million dollar project yields a 6,245 square foot pool inside of a 12,500 square foot building.

The center also features a 4,435 square foot aerobics unit with a splash pad.

“We’ve worked with the community to seek there needs and make sure they were included,” Antonovich said.

Swim lessons begin on Monday.

This story is developing, check back for more updates.

Castaic Sports Complex Opens to Large Crowd

Senate OK's Pavley-Gorell Bill Targeting Kiddie Porn

Assemblyman Jeff Gorell

In a bipartisan decision to address one of the nation’s fastest-growing crimes, the California State Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to approve tougher penalties for possession of child pornography through Senate Bill 145 by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) and Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo).

California has the nation’s weakest laws in this area, and SB 145 would change that by raising the maximum penalty for possession of child pornography.  The bill focuses on the worst of the worst offenders: those with huge collections of child pornography, those with images of children forced to endure sexual sadism or masochism, and those who use images to groom children to participate in this horrible crime.

Sen. Fran Pavley

The bill is sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten and strongly supported by the California District Attorneys Association.

“This legislation aligns California’s penalties more closely with those of other states,” Pavley said.  “Victims of child pornography suffer lifelong consequences from this tragic crime.  This bill focuses on the most extreme cases and targets predators who fuel further sexual abuse with images of their crimes.”

Pavley represents California’s 27th Senate District, which includes about half of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Senate OK's Pavley-Gorell Bill Targeting Kiddie Porn

Learn to Be a Geek at June 7 Chamber Luncheon

Lunch & Learn

 

Friday, June 7, 2013, 11:45am

Hosted By: 

It’s a Geek

 

“Web & Mobile Security – Advice & Best Practices to Secure Your Internet Browsing“

 

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 to

Cheryl Ramirez at CRamirez@scvchamber.com  or call 661 702-6977 

 

Learn to Be a Geek at June 7 Chamber Luncheon

Assembly OK's Overhaul of Public School Testing

Tom Torlakson

Legislation sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson to create a new statewide assessment system using computer-based exams that would measure and promote student progress toward career and college readiness was approved today by the state Assembly.

Assembly Bill 484 (Bonilla) would limit the use of outdated Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) system tests for the 2013-14 school year and begin statewide use of new assessments aligned to California’s Common Core State Standards in 2014-15.

“I’m gratified that the Assembly agrees that California’s students deserve new assessments that gauge their knowledge of the real-world skills that open the door to success in a career and in college,” Torlakson said. “These new assessments will ask students to reason through complex problems and think in-depth, giving teachers new insights and new tools to improve learning.”

Torlakson’s proposal would retain assessments required to meet federal mandates or those administered under the Early Assessment Program, as the state moves to put in place tests developed by the Smarter Balanced consortium. California serves as one of the governing states in the consortium.

AB 484 would establish the California Measurement of Academic Performance and Progress for the 21st Century (CALMAPP21), including the use of the Smarter Balanced assessments, to replace the existing STAR program.

The legislation is based on Torlakson’s recommendations contained in his

Recommendations for Transitioning California to a Future Assessment System released in January to guide the process of reauthorizing and revamping California’s statewide assessment system, which currently sunsets on July 1, 2014.

Assembly OK's Overhaul of Public School Testing

Pavley's Fracking Bill Clears Senate

Fran Pavley

The California State Senate voted 27-11 Wednesday to regulate hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.”

The Senate approved SB 4 by Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, which would require public noticing before fracking can take place, permits, disclosure of chemicals and an independent scientific study of fracking and its risks to California, among other provisions.

“I am pleased my colleagues want to hold oil well operators accountable and answer critical questions about groundwater quality, water supply, earthquakes and air quality,” Pavley said. “We must protect California from risks to our economy, public health and safety and environment.”

Fracking is the injection of water, chemicals and sand deep underground to crack rock formations and free up oil and gas.  In California, the target is mostly oil.  Fracking has opened new areas to potential extraction but also raised questions about impacts on groundwater quality, local water supplies and seismic activity.

California has thus far lagged behind states such as Texas and Wyoming in its failure to monitor or regulate fracking within its borders. The oil industry has argued that fracking has occurred in California for decades without incident, but few records exist that could verify or refute such a claim.

Sen. Pavley’s bill would usher in a new era of accountability and transparency, providing critical data that would enable California to adjust its policies in the future, if necessary.

 

Pavley represents California’s 27th Senate District, which includes about half of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Pavley's Fracking Bill Clears Senate

City, County Required to Monitor Bacteria in Dry River

It’s not just chloride.

The Regional Water Quality Control Board – the same folks who say Santa Clarita discharges too much salt into the local river – has ruled that the City of Santa Clarita and County of Los Angeles need to start monitoring bacteria levels in the Santa Clara River on a daily basis, even though it’s dry most days of the year.

To that end, on Tuesday the county Board of Supervisors will consider putting about $40,000 toward a monitoring plan.

Under an agreement between the city and county, Santa Clarita would put up the other $20,000 of the total $60,000 cost of hiring a consultant to draft the “in-stream bacteria water quality monitoring plan.”

After it’s drawn up, the plan would go before the Regional Water Quality Control Board for acceptance, and then the city and county would start monitoring bacteria levels.

City, County Required to Monitor Bacteria in Dry River

June 15: Bring the Kids to Touch a Truck

Admission to the SCV Senor Center’s family-friendly Touch-A-Truck event just became even more affordable for guests who pre-register online at www.SCVTouchATruck.org.

Guests at the local Touch-A-Truck, coming Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Park, will have an opportunity to get “up close and personal” with emergency vehicles, construction equipment, movie vehicles and more.

Day-of-event admission will be a family-friendly $5 per person, but those who register online using Pay Pal or a credit card can sign up for just $4. Either way, fathers who accompany their children are admitted free in honor of the Fathers’ Day weekend.

Kid-friendly activities such as face painting, roving magicians, costumed characters, model building and more will be free with event admission. Food trucks will offer meals and delicious treats to purchase. The event is sponsored by the SCV Senior Center and its proceeds will help support such senior services as home delivered meals, respite day care and senior supportive services.

Further information and pre-registration is available at www.SCVTouchATruck.org.

 

June 15: Bring the Kids to Touch a Truck

SCV Today, May 30th

It’s a miracle!  Sara from Newhall Ice Company teaches us how to keep our wet ice from melting in our coolers for up to four days!  With the heat wave approaching, this is need to know information.  Visit Newhall Ice’s website at: www.newhallicecompany.com

 

 

 

 

One of our favorite people here at SCV Today, Rachelle Dardeau from the SCV Senior Center, joins us to talk about two AMAZING events coming up in June. For more information on the events discussed visit:  http://www.scv-seniorcenter.org/Events.html

 

 

 

 

Coming off of Memorial Day it came to our attention that many people have no idea what Memorial Day is all about.  Joe Messina joins us to educate us all we need to know about Memorial Day. This is great stuff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCV Today, May 30th

LASD Honors Officer Who Was Shot to Death in Newhall - in 1909

A deputy constable with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who was shot and killed in Newhall in 1909 is one of four fallen officers honored Wednesday by Sheriff Lee Baca.

Historical research determined that the four Southland officers who were killed in the line of duty between 1909 and 1919 – three with the Sheriff’s Department and one with Pomona PD – were worthy of inclusion on the Memorial Wall at the Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services Center in Whittier, where Wednesday’s ceremony was held.

In attendance were numerous federal, state and local dignitaries, in addition to family members, friends and co-workers of the fallen officers.

“Bronze plaques with the names of the four peace officers now join the other 479 law enforcement officers whose names are inscribed on the Memorial Wall to honor their dedication to duty and the ultimate sacrifice they made,” a Sheriff’s statement said. The Memorial FLame was lit in their honor.

The four newly honored officers are:

 

Deputy Constable Charles A. De Moranville

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

EOW January 4, 1909

On January 4, 1909, Deputy Constable De Moranville responded to a Newhall saloon in search of a suspect who had been involved in a fight. He discovered the suspect was no longer at that location. Deputy Constable De Moranville suddenly heard gunshots. He ran toward the direction of the shots and encountered the suspect near some railroad tracks. A gunfight ensued and Deputy Constable De Moranville was shot. The bullet entered under his arm and lodged in his heart. He was killed instantly. The suspect was captured a short time later. The Sheriff at the time of his death was William A. Hammell.

 

Deputies Harry S. Guard & Emma Benson

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

EOW March 20, 1919

On March 20, 1919, Deputies Guard and Benson had just transported a mentally ill patient to an asylum in Norwalk in heavy rain when they came upon a railroad crossing in (now) Pico Rivera. Believing he could safely cross the tracks prior to a street car’s arrival, Deputy Guard accelerated through the crossing. The street car and sheriff’s car collided, dragging the car several hundred feet. Both deputies were killed instantly.

Recent research revealed that Deputy Emma Benson was the first female deputy sheriff killed in the line of duty in the United States. Deputy Benson was the sister-in-law of (then) Sheriff John C. Cline.

 

Chief Henry P. Tracy

Pomona Police Department

EOW May 3, 1915

On May 3, 1915, Chief Tracy was on duty and riding as a passenger on a police motorcycle with another officer when they were struck by a truck. Chief Tracy was thrown from the motorcycle, landing 15 feet ahead of the truck. He was transported to a local hospital and died a few hours later.

 

LASD Honors Officer Who Was Shot to Death in Newhall - in 1909

CalArts Grad's Gripping 9/11 Film Wins Student Academy Award (Watch It)

Eusong Lee, a 2013 graduate of California Institute of the Arts in Valencia (Film/Video BFA), is one of 13 students from nine U.S. colleges and universities – plus three students from foreign universities – to win a Student Academy Award in this year’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences competition.

Lee is one of three winners in the animation category.

Overall, three of the 38 nominees this year were CalArts students.

Lee won for his powerful short  film, “Will,” which tackles issues of love and loss in the shadow of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City.

The 2013 Student Academy Awards ceremony will be held Saturday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m., at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

Student Academy Awards are not called Oscars, and winners receive a medal instead of a statuette.

CalArts was equally well represented in 2012 when a Student Academy Award went to Santa Clarita resident and CalArts alum David Wolter. (Check it out here.)

 

The following is an e-mail interview with Lee, conducted by CalArts media relations staff.

 

Q: What inspired you to create the storyline that’s depicted in Will?

Unlike my other films, this film started with the music. There was already music, composed by the super talented and amazing Julian Kleiss, and then I made a film for it. This movie was going to be a music video, so I started with Julian’s initial inspiration and themes. Then I researched and added story elements such as character and metaphor, also drawing inspiration from a page of Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Q: Can you talk a little bit about the technique(s) you used to create the animation for the film?

I did all the background work in Photoshop and the animation in Flash.

Q: Who are the filmmakers that inspire you?

The only filmmaker who comes to mind is David Fincher. He is my favorite director, but I don’t know if I can say I am inspired nor influenced, since I am quite scared of being influenced or inspired too much.

Q: Why do you feel that being influenced or inspired too much is scary?

Nowadays, people have access to a lot of information, so it’s not hard to be influenced or be inspired. That’s why it’s important to focus on oneself. It’s inevitable that my thoughts are already biased and influenced but it’s better than knowing where my thoughts are directly coming from. I guess I wish to be unique.

One article once described my style of illustration and animation as trendy minimalism, which I feel is quite true. However, the reason why my animation is minimalist and geometric is because I couldn’t get used to drawing on a tablet, so I ended up using the lasso tool a lot when drawing and the art ended up being geometric (laughs). It’s silly, but I like those kinds of situations wherein I can come up with something or solve a problem by thinking alone for a long time.

Q: What is your next project?

My next film is about a princess and a robot. Typical princess films might soon disappear, for good or bad, but I think there are still untapped possibilities for them, and I am working on one.

Q: Can you tell me your favorite CalArts moment or experience?

I have a lot of favorite moments. All the nights spent working late and the sunrises. Also, dreaming about a promising future and being angry about my work was fun, in retrospect. I had an unusual college life with my friends at CalArts and it was amazing.

 

AMPAS Press Release:

Thirteen students from nine U.S. colleges and universities as well as three students from foreign universities have been selected as winners in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Student Academy Awards competition.  They will be brought to Los Angeles for a week of industry activities that will culminate in the awards ceremony, hosted by 1978 Student Academy Award winner and comedian Bob Saget, on Saturday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

This year saw first-time honors go to Elon University, Occidental College and the University of Michigan in the U.S. competition, as well as to Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland, and RITS School of Arts, Belgium, in the foreign competition. The medal placements – gold, silver and bronze – in each of the award categories will be announced at the June 8 ceremony.

The winners are (listed alphabetically by film title):

 

Alternative

“Bottled Up,” Rafael Cortina, Occidental College

“The Compositor,” John Mattiuzzi, School of Visual Arts

“Zug,” Perry Janes, University of Michigan

 

Animation

“Dia de los Muertos,” Lindsey St. Pierre and Ashley Graham, Ringling College of Art and Design

“Peck Pocketed,” Kevin Herron, Ringling College of Art and Design

“Will,” Eusong Lee, California Institute of the Arts

 

Documentary

“Every Tuesday: A Portrait of The New Yorker Cartoonists,” Rachel Loube, School of Visual Arts

“A Second Chance,” David Aristizabal, University of Southern California

“Win or Lose,” Daniel Koehler, Elon University

 

Narrative

“Josephine and the Roach,” Jonathan Langager, University of Southern California

“Ol’ Daddy,” Brian Schwarz, University of Texas at Austin

“Un Mundo para Raúl (A World for Raúl),” Mauro Mueller, Columbia University

 

Foreign Film

“Miss Todd,” Kristina Yee, National Film and Television School, United Kingdom

“Parvaneh,” Talkhon Hamzavi, Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland

“Tweesprong (Crossroads),” Wouter Bouvijn, RITS School of Arts, Erasmus College Brussels, Belgium

 

To reach this stage, U.S. students competed in one of three regional competitions.  Each region is permitted to send up to three finalists in each of the four categories.  The Student Academy Awards Executive Committee screened and voted on the finalists in the Foreign Film category.

The Student Academy Awards were established in 1972 to support and encourage excellence in filmmaking at the collegiate level.  Past Student Academy Award® winners have gone on to receive 46 Oscar® nominations and have won or shared eight awards.  The roster includes such distinguished filmmakers as John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Robert Zemeckis, Trey Parker and Spike Lee.

The 40th Student Academy Awards ceremony on June 8 is free and open to the public, but advance tickets are required.  Tickets are available online at www.oscars.org, in person at the Academy box office, or by mail.  The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.  For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

CalArts Grad's Gripping 9/11 Film Wins Student Academy Award (Watch It)

SCV Home Prices Noticeably Higher Than Last Year

Prices of “used” single-family homes across the Santa Clarita Valley were up nearly 11 percent over year-ago levels in April, while condominium prices hit their highest mark in four years.

According to the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, the typical previously owned single-family home changed hands for $415,000 in April, roughly even with the March level of $420,000 but significantly better than the $375,000 median of April 2012.

The typical used condo sold for $241,000 in April. That compares to $220,000 in March and $195,000 in April 2012. The last month to see a higher median price was April 2009 ($250,000).

Sales volume wasn’t half bad, either. Some sellers might still be waiting on the sidelines, but 209 single-family homeowners and 108 condominium owners signed on the bottom line in April. That compares to 200 and 95 escrow closings, respectively, in March.

Year-over-year, single-family escrow closings were up 18.8 percent.

“This activity comes as no surprise,” siad Bob Khalsa, president of SRAR’s Santa Clarita Division. “It was expected, simply because some families have been unable to buy for years and Santa Clarita, more than ever, remains a popular place to live.”

Yet, he cautioned, “we’re far from a normal market, which won’t appear until more current owners are above water and home buyers are not pushed out by investors, especially in homes priced under $450,000.”

Just 338 properties were listed for sale on SRAR’s Multiple Listing Service at the end of April – down 49.9 percent on the year – representing a 1.1-month inventory of homes. A six-month supply is indicative of a healthy market.

SCV Home Prices Noticeably Higher Than Last Year

Aquatic Center Opens Friday at Castaic Sports Complex

What:  Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation celebrate the grand opening of the new Castaic Sports Complex Aquatic Center. The $13 million facility features a competition-size pool, splash pad with integrated recreation pool and energy-efficient design up for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver Certification. Entrance to center is marked with “Bbubbles,” a civic art installation by visual artist Bob Zoell.

 

When: Friday, May 31, at 11 a.m.

 

READ ABOUT IT [HERE].

 

Where: Castaic Sports Complex Aquatic Center

31350 N. Castaic Rd.

Castaic, CA 91384

 

“Bbubbles” by Bob Zoell (Pre-installation)

Featuring:

* State-of-the-art aquatic center, featuring 6,425-square-foot pool and splash pad

* Children from local schools and other members of Castaic community enjoying new facility

* “Bbubbles” art installation by renowned visual artist Bob Zoell

* Ceremonial ribbon-cutting

 

With:

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich

County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation Director Russ Guiney

Members of Castaic community

Aquatic Center Opens Friday at Castaic Sports Complex

GO Jazz Presents Musical Prelude to Summer

Usher in the summer with some big band jazz.

The Golden Oak Jazz Big Band, under the direction of Bob Babko, will present “A Jazz Prelude to Summer” on Friday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the West Ranch High School theater.

Tickets are $10 for general admission or $5 for students and seniors. They can be purchased in advance by calling 259-0033 ext. 444, or at the door.

Proceeds help GO Jazz continue to provide a quality entertainment option for the community.

West Ranch High is located at  26255 W. Valencia Blvd.

 

GO Jazz Presents Musical Prelude to Summer

New Vasquez Rocks Center to Open Its Doors

What: Open house at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park featuring special presentations, wildlife and artifact displays, facility tours and more.

 

When: Thursday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m.

 

READ ALL ABOUT IT [HERE].

 

Where: Vasquez Rocks Interpretive Center

10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road

Agua Dulce, CA 91350

 

Featuring:

* Wildlife displays and presentations

* Displays of historical artifacts

 

With:

* Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich

* Department of Parks and Recreation Director Russ Guiney

 

 

 

New Vasquez Rocks Center to Open Its Doors

SCV NewsBreak for Tuesday, May 28, 2013

In this episode:

Predictions of a busy fire season seem to be holding up as firefighters have already battled at least a half-dozen significant multi-acre incidents this season.

A suspected drunk driver ran a red light and struck two vehicles Saturday night in Santa Clarita, sending a girl to the hospital.

Also:

The Boys and Girls club is gearing up to raise funds for the new year.

Two ceremonies celebrated the efforts of the men and women who have lost their lives serving in the United States armed services.

Finally:

Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian and more of your favorite underwater characters are taking the stage this week at Rosedell Elementary.

SCV NewsBreak is a co-presentation of KHTS AM-1220 and SCVTV. It can be viewed on both organizations’ websites – HomeTownStation.com, SCVTV.com and SCVNews.com.

Television viewers can catch it on SCVTV at the top of every hour from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., repeating the following morning at 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. SCVTV runs on Time Warner Cable Channel 20 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and streaming on SCVTV.com.

SCV NewsBreak for Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Antonovich Pet of the Week (5-28-2013): Summer

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presented Summer, a 3-month old Maltepoo, as his pet of the week.

Summer is one of many pets available for adoption at a county animal shelter near you.

For information about adopting a pet, call the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4644 or the Castaic Animal Shelter at 661-257-3191.

Antonovich Pet of the Week (5-28-2013): Summer

Gorman On-Ramp to North 5 Shut Till Mid-June

The California Department of Transportation will close the Gorman Road on-ramp to northbound I-5 from May 28, 2013, through June 17, 2013, while crews place new concrete pavement. Detour signs direct motorists to access northbound I-5 at the Frazier Mountain Park Road on-ramp.

The 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/lcswebreport.

 

Gorman On-Ramp to North 5 Shut Till Mid-June

DUI Checkpoint Inside City Limits Thursday Night

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station / Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Thursday, May 30,  at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. DUI Checkpoints along with regularly scheduled high visibility DUI enforcement serves as a proven deterrent with the goal of removing impaired drivers and heightened awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The crime of impaired driving is a serious one. In 2010 alone, 791 died in California DUI crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider was at or above the legal limit. The age group with the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes was the 21-to-24 age group.

Over the past three years, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s has investigated 212 fatal and injury DUI collision; countywide – 730 individuals were killed in drunk-driving wrecks.

The objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs: if you drive buzzed, drunk, or impaired by drugs you will go to jail. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.

Those arrested for DUI will face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Their insurance rates go up. Other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DUI Checkpoint Inside City Limits Thursday Night

June 8: SCV Historical Society Hosts Flea Market

Come join the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society for a massive flea market on Saturday, June 8, in Newhall.

There will be MANY different items  for sale, including authentic historical artifacts from the SCV. There are also non-SCV related items to appease all ages from 1-100.

All sales proceeds go to the Historical Society, a nonprofit 501c3 organization.

The sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Heritage Junction-Hart Park.

Afterward, join Historical Society members inside the Saugus Train Station to see the museum and gift shop. Docents will be on hand to tell you about the Santa Clarita Valley’s fascinating history – for free.

June 8: SCV Historical Society Hosts Flea Market

Knight Requests 4-Year Extension for Santa Clarita to Meet Chloride Limits

Sen. Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, on SCVTV’s “Newsmaker of the Week” show.

Sen. Steve Knight, R-Antelope Valley, has sent a letter to the Regional Water Quality Control Board asking for the Compliance and Interim Limits deadline to be extended to September of 2019.

This issue has a long and complicated history in the Santa Clarita Valley and the compliance measures outlined in the draft EIR will negatively impact local ratepayers. It is important that the state, county and city work together to find an effective and affordable solution to reducing chloride levels in the Santa Clara River. The current deadline of May 4, 2015, does not provide enough time to develop a solution that meets these qualifications.

“The City of Santa Clarita has already done a great deal to lower chloride levels in an effort to meet the State standards,” said Senator Knight, “But we’re not done yet. My goal is to find a cost effective solution that does not overload the already over-taxed ratepayer.”

With the recent letter sent to the Quality Control Board, Senator Knight is confident that if an extension is granted to both the State chloride standards compliance deadline and the interim limits set to monitor progress towards this goal, then the most affordable and effective solution will be found.

If constituents have comments or concerns about what Senator Knight has been doing regarding the chloride issue in the Santa Clarita Valley, please call the Santa Clarita Valley district office at 661-286-1471.

 

Steve Knight represents California’s 17th Senate District, which includes about half of the Santa Clarita Valley.

 

 

Knight Requests 4-Year Extension for Santa Clarita to Meet Chloride Limits

'Exotic' 2014-15 Princess Cruises Now On Sale

[Santa Clarita] - Just open for sale today, Princess Cruises’ 2014-15 Exotics program offers a world of options for globetrotting travelers. The line’s global itineraries will take passengers to the colorful ports of Asia & Africa, Australia & New Zealand, Tahiti & the South Pacific, and South America – plus even a special connoisseur itinerary in the Caribbean.

The lineup also includes Princess’ first-ever World Cruise sailing roundtrip from North America and additional capacity in Tahiti & the South Pacific. In Australia, Princess will continue to offer the biggest choice of ships, homeports and itineraries with four ships deployed in the region. The West Africa itinerary, returning to the lineup due to popular demand, will add a new port to Princess’ roster of more than 300 around the world, with a maiden call to the island nation of São Tomé.

In total, the fall 2014 to spring 2015 program spans six continents and calls to more than 145 worldwide destinations. Eight ships will cover the globe with 114 departures of 37 itinerary options.

“Worldwide cruising has long been a Princess specialty,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Our expertise in these exciting destinations offers passengers the perfect way to check that ‘must-see’ place off their bucket list.”

Princess’ 2014-15 Exotics program includes:

 

Asia & Africa

* Sapphire Princess in Asia – Sailing between Beijing and Bangkok or Singapore, the 17-day Grand Asia itinerary is the line’s most popular Asia cruise. Sapphire Princess will offer three departures in fall 2014 – each including an overnight stay in spectacular Hong Kong as well as calls to Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Busan, and Nagasaki. Cruise departures run from October 7 to November 10, 2014.

* Ocean Princess to Asia and Africa – Small ship Ocean Princess sails through the Indian Ocean along the coast of West Africa in spring 2015. The ship’s 32-day Singapore to Cape Town voyage is followed by a 30-day Cape Town to London (Dover) voyage featuring visits to a number of intriguing destinations in West Africa. True world travelers can combine these voyages for a 62-day cruise to a variety of exotic calls such as Ghana, Togo, Namibia, Senegal, and Princess’ maiden call to the island nation of São Tomé. Sailings depart April 3 and May 5, 2015.

* Land & Sea Vacations – In Asia, passengers can add to their cruise with a land tour to the top attractions in China – including UNESCO sites like Beijing’s Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, The Great Wall, Xian and the Terra Cotta Warriors – as well as three nights on a Yangtze River cruise.

 

Australia & New Zealand

* Diamond Princess in Australia & New Zealand – The ship once again sails on this favorite itinerary between Sydney and Auckland. The 12- or 13-day voyages include calls in both countries, and spectacular cruising through the dramatic Fiordland National Park. Departures run from December 16, 2014 through February 15, 2015.

* Diamond Princess Round Australia – For the first time, Diamond Princess offer a full 28-day circumnavigation of the Australian continent. Featuring Princess’ largest ship ever on this route, the Sydney to Sydney voyage offers two departures – November 18, 2014 and February 27, 2015.

* Australia Homeport Cruising – Sun Princess, Sea Princess and Dawn Princess will offer sailings from three homeports – Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne – on a series of New Zealand, Fiji, South Pacific and Tasmania cruises geared especially for local tastes.

* Australia & Asia – Diamond Princess and Ocean Princess offer Australia & Asia departures between Sydney and Singapore featuring the Northern Territory, Queensland as well as ports in Vietnam and Indonesia.

* Land & Sea Vacations – Travelers can add more of the wonders of Australia with land tours that visit iconic UNESCO sites such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park in the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, and cosmopolitan Sydney.

 

Tahiti & South Pacific

* Small Ship Cruising in French Polynesia – Princess returns to the blue waters of Tahiti & Polynesia with two ships for increased capacity in to this beautiful destination. Intimate sister ships Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess offer the small ship cruising experience in fall and spring on a 10-day Tahiti & French Polynesia itinerary roundtrip from Tahiti (Papeete). Each departure includes two full days in Bora Bora as well as Moorea, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Huahine – all selected in Condé Nast Traveler’s 10 best islands in the South Pacific. Sailings depart between October 9, 2014 and February 16, 2015.

* Pacific Princess to Marquesas & Polynesia – Pacific Princess will also feature three departures of a 10-day Marquesas & Polynesia itinerary featuring the remote island of Nuku Hiva – famed as the island where Herman Melville penned his first book, Typee, about life on a Polynesian island. Departures are offered on October 29, November 28 and December 28, 2014.

 

South America & the Caribbean

* Golden Princess in South America – Two itineraries aboard Golden Princess offer passengers the best of Southern Hemisphere cruising. Sailing between Santiago (Valparaiso) and either Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, the Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan or Route to Rio itineraries each include the dramatic cruising of the southernmost tip of South America and the Chilean Fjords. Sailings depart between December 20, 2014 and February 28, 2015.

* Golden Princess Andes & South America – At the beginning and end of the season, Golden Princess will also sail between two continents and cross the Equator on two departures of a Andes & South America itinerary between Los Angeles and Santiago, featuring calls in Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica and an optional overland tour to magnificent Machu Picchu. Departures are offered on December 3, 2014 and March 14, 2015.

* Ocean Princess Caribbean Connoisseur – A special 14-day Caribbean Connoisseur voyage aboard Ocean Princess over the holidays adds a new sailing choice from Ft. Lauderdale. A unique opportunity to enjoy small ship-cruising in the Caribbean, this voyage includes calls at small gems such as St. Barts, Martinique and Virgin Gorda. Ocean Princess departs on December 19, 2014.

* Land & Sea Vacations – Land tour options offer the opportunity to explore dramatic UNESCO sites like Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian-Argentine border or mysterious Machu Picchu in the Andes in addition to a South America cruise.

 

World Cruise

* World Cruise on Pacific Princess – For the first time, Princess’ World Cruise will depart and return from North America. The 111-day voyage aboard Pacific Princess sails roundtrip from Los Angeles, with an option for a 94-day itinerary from Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale. Spanning six continents and featuring more than 34 destinations to 25 countries, this unique World Cruise includes four overnight calls in Sydney, Hong Kong, Dubai and Barcelona. Overland excursions and day excursions will be available to see some of the most iconic destinations such as Sydney Harbour, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal and Mexico’s Copper Canyon. Pacific Princess sets sail on January 23, 2015.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

'Exotic' 2014-15 Princess Cruises Now On Sale

COC Small Business Development Center Training Sched. (5-28-2013)

2013 Export Workshop Series Comes to the SFV!

The SBDC, the Port of Los Angeles, and its’ industry partners are bringing the 2013 Export Workshop Series to the San Fernando Valley.  This highly touted eight part series, beginning May 1 and running through August 7, includes:

• International Business Culture - May 1


• Is Exporting for Me? - May 15


• Finding & Entering New Export Markets/International Matchmaking - May 29


• Internet Export Marketing - June 5


• Export Sales Techniques - June 19


• Export Trade Finance & Insurance – Getting Paid - July 10


• Legal Do’s & Don’ts for Exporters - July 24


• Freight & Logistics – Delivering Export Goods - August 7

For more information about a particular session or to register for a specific training, click on the name of the class above.  To register for the entire series click here:  http://tinyurl.com/ExportUSFValley2013

  

Date:  As shown above

Time:  9 am - 12 pm

Cost:  FREE

Location: ITT Technical Institute

12669 Encinitas Ave., Sylmar  91342  – 5 Freeway at Roxford exit

QuickBooks Boot Camp In this day long workshop, participants will learn how to set up their company file from scratch; how to create a quality chart of accounts; how to create new vendors, customer, items and accounts. You will also learn how to pay bills, invoice customers, receive payments, make deposits and reconcile bank accounts. An introduction to the report center will be covered, including how to create a Profit & Loss Statement and a Balance Sheet. Ideal for business owners, office managers, and bookkeepers who are brand new to QuickBooks, as well as, existing users who would like some formal education in one of these QuickBooks features. Training held in a computer lab with limited seating. Please note that there will be a one-hour lunch break, lunch not provided. Date:  Friday, May 31 Time:  10 am - 4:30 pm Cost:  $99 + $2 parking fee (kiosk located in lot 14) Location:  University Center at College of the Canyons, Room 309   26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita  91355

Accessing Maket Research Data – NEW! Detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing data from the U.S. Census Bureau empower planners in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to make decisions for their communities, businesses, and organizations. The College of the Canyons Small Business Development Center is pleased to announce a partnership with the Census Bureau’s Los Angeles Regional Office in providing hands-on training on accessing data. Learn how to use demographic and economic census data for your business plans, market research, site location, marketing strategies, community analysis and planning, grant proposals, and general decision making which involves the use of statistical information. Learn how to access data from the Census Bureau’s website, www.census.gov, in an intensive 3-hour workshop in our computer lab. Register online at: http://tinyurl.com/Accessing-Mkt-Data-060413 Date:  Tuesday, June 4 Time:  9 am – 12 pm Cost:  FREE + $2 parking fee (kiosk located in lot 14) Location:  University Center at College of the Canyons, Room 309   26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita  91355

Social Media Marketing In this fun and interactive workshop, you will learn to write an effective online business social networking profile to build your connections and grow your client base. Lead by an expert strategist with more than 20 years in successful relationship marketing, public relations and sales experience, this powerful three hour workshop will cover introduction to social media and online business social networking; basic marketing and sales principles; four simple steps to writing your profile; growing your online network and much more! Register online at: http://tinyurl.com/Social-Media-Mkt-060413 Date:  Tuesday, June 4 Time:  9 am – 12 pm Cost:  FREE + $2 parking fee (kiosk located in lot 14) Location:  University Center at College of the Canyons, Room 222   26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita  91355

2013 Export Workshop Series Comes to the SFV! The SBDC, the Port of Los Angeles, and its’ industry partners are bringing the 2013 Export Workshop Series to the San Fernando Valley.  This highly touted eight part series, beginning May 1 and running through August 7, includes: International Business Culture - May 1 Is Exporting for Me? - May 15 Finding & Entering New Export Markets/International Matchmaking - May 29 Internet Export Marketing - June 5 Export Sales Techniques - June 19 Export Trade Finance & Insurance – Getting Paid - July 10 Legal Do’s & Don’ts for Exporters - July 24 Freight & Logistics – Delivering Export Goods - August 7 For more information about a particular session or to register for a specific training, click on the name of the class above.  To register for the entire series click here:  http://tinyurl.com/ExportUSFValley2013    Date:  As shown above Time:  9 am - 12 pm Cost:  FREE Location: ITT Technical Institute 12669 Encinitas Ave., Sylmar  91342  – 5 Freeway at Roxford exit

10 Ways to Effective Marketing  Come prepared to listen, learn and discuss how Marketing is like washing dishes!  This energetic workshop will help you review what you have been doing; analyze what is working and what has not and what to do about it.  Learn proven ways to grow your business with low cost, targeted advertising and marketing that works from a marketing and sales expert with more than 35 years of successful business experience.  We begin with a presentation of how to create and execute a marketing and selling program and then it is your turn – you ask the questions about your business situation and get answers that are customized to your business situation.  Ideal for both existing business owners and those just getting started.   Date:  Tuesday, June 8 Time:  9:30 am – 12:30 pm Cost:  $35 Location:  Build WorkSource Center   9207 Eton Ave., Chatsworth  91311

Essential Steps for Writing a Business Plan A business plan is a necessity for the success of your business! This workshop will cover all aspects of creating a business plan, as well as emphasize the importance of goals and outline methods to achieve these goals. Critical topics such as business development, marketing plans, advertising strategies, financial analysis & budgeting will be covered. Attendees may bring a laptop to work on their business plan during the training.   Register online at:  http://tinyurl.com/Business-Plan-060713 Date:  Friday, June 7 Time:  10 am – 1 pm Cost:  FREE Location:  University of Antelope Valley   44055 North Sierra Highway, Lancaster 93534

Linked-In 101

Are you using LinkedIn actively? Effectively? Do you know that LinkedIn is more than a “social media” site to connect with people you know? In fact, LinkedIn is a professional networking site with which you can search for and connect with potential clients, strategic referral partners, service providers and vendors, and industry peers.

 

In this hands-on workshop in the computer lab, you’ll learn how to effectively use LinkedIn to increase and leverage your existing professional network and grow your business. You’ll receive in-depth guidance on improving your LinkedIn profile, building a useful network, prospecting for new contacts, making new connections and building professional business relationships. Please come with a free LinkedIn account and profile already created. Held in a computer lab with limited seating.

Date:  Friday, June 7

Time:  9:00 am – 11:00 am

Cost:  $35 + $2 parking fee (kiosk located in lot 14)

Location:  University Center at College of the Canyons, Room 309

  26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita  91355

COC Small Business Development Center Training Sched. (5-28-2013)

This Week at the SCV Chamber (5-28-2013)

	Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Huntington Learning Center  View Flyer Friday, May 31, 2013 Time:  5:30pm / 6:00pm Ribbon Cutting Location:  Huntington Learning Center 28132 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia, 91355        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 (5-28-2013)

June 9: WRHS Food Truck Invasion Includes Sushi Challenge

Second Sundays is a monthly event bringing gourmet food trucks and fun to the community here in Santa Clarita.

The event is held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month through December. Second Sundays is held in the spacious and beautiful Gateway Promenade on The Old Road in Valencia where Interstate 5 and the 126 come together.

Second Sundays Food Truck Invasion is supported by boutique vendors, raffles, a DJ and more.

June 9th’s truck lineup includes from Shark Tank, Cousins Maine Lobster and Babys Badass Burgers. Also, The Fry Girl, Vizzy Truck, Belly Bombz, Meet the Greek, Trailer Park Truck Canvas Food Truck, Uncle Laus Barbeque, Rice Balls of Fire and A RockIn Ice-Hawaiian Ice.

The Second Sundays “Man vs Food” is a Killer Whale Sushi Roll from Rice Balls of Fire. Not made from “whale meat,” this 4-pound sushi roll must be finished in 30 minutes. There is room for two challengers. It is $40 to participate. More than 2000 have attempted the challenge only 19 have completed. The winner will get their $40, a photo and placement on the Wall of Fame.

For more information call Sabina Fetter, Second Sundays Event Chair, at 661-212-8158.

June 9: WRHS Food Truck Invasion Includes Sushi Challenge

Trash Rates in City Likely to Rise by 4.31%

City residents will pay 4.31 percent more and businesses will pay 4.4 percent more for trash service beginning July 1 – mostly to pay for new waste diversion programs – if the Santa Clarita City Council OK’s new trash rates Tuesday.

State law requires municipalities to divert trash from landfills, and the City Council authorized some new programs in 2011 – including a Super Saver Program that provides financial incentives for increased recycling, smaller trash bins for homes and recycling carts for businesses, and abandoned-item removal from public rights of way.

The new programs add up to a 2.5-percent increase over the current rates charged by Waste Management (aka USA Waste of California Inc.) for residential customers and by Burrtec for commercial accounts.

The remaining 1.81 percent for Waste Management and 1.925 percent for Burrtec reflect standard cost increases that city staffers deem acceptable.

Under the exclusive hauling contracts originally signed in November 2003, trash rates can’t go up more than 6 percent per year.

Trash Rates in City Likely to Rise by 4.31%

County Set to Adopt Historic Preservation Ordinance

Owners of historic properties  in unincorporated Los Angeles County would be eligible for property tax breaks if they agree to maintain the historic character of their buildings, under an ordinance the Board of Supervisors will consider Tuesday.

The ordinance would set up a Mills Act program, which “authorizes a reduction in real property taxes to private property owners who enter into a contract with a local jurisdiction for the preservation, restoration and maintenance of eligible landmark properties,” according to a board report.

The county Planning Commission OK’d the plan earlier this year.

Because the ordinance would reduce the flow of property taxes to the county – building owners who sign a 10-year deal wouldn’t be paying as much – county staffers are asking the supervisors to limit enrollment to six contracts per year for the first three years, with an annual cap of $300,000 and a total cap of $3 million in unrealized taxes.

As proposed by staff, eligible properties would include single-family homes valued under $1 million, two-family homes valued under $1.5 million and commercial buildings valued under $3 million. Commercial buildings wouldn’t be eligible until  year 3 if the supervisors adopt the caps.

A $982 application fee and a $543 contract execution fee apply.

The Mills Act, established by the Legislature in 1972, “is considered the single most important economic incentive program in California for the restoration and preservation of historic buildings by private property owners,” the staff report states.

County Set to Adopt Historic Preservation Ordinance