The 2013 “Mischief & Malarkey” Fashion Show and Boutique held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, March 17, 2013.
2013 Fashion Show “Mischief & Malarkey”
Monday, March 25, 2013
Black Bear Caught on City's 'Critter Cam'
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice, the City of Santa Clarita’s website, HikeSantaClarita.com is a “one-stop shop” with all the information you’ll need about trails and open space in our valley.
From Elsmere Canyon to Agua Dulce and everything in between, the website provides detailed trail maps that are color-coded according to difficulty, a tour event calendar, frequently asked questions and information on how residents can get involved in local preservation.
HikeSantaClarita.com has also recently updated its “Critter Cam” page. Some of the animals caught on camera include mountain lions, deer, coyotes, foxes and even a black bear, all of which live in and around local open spaces.
[Click here] to visit the website and start planning your next excursion.
Black Bear Caught on City's 'Critter Cam'
Valencia Trampoline Place Opens on The Old Road
Spring has sprung and it couldn’t have been a better time for Ron Whited, owner of the Sky High Sports of Camarillo and Woodland Hills to open his third 36,000 sq.ft. location in the heart of the Santa Clarita Valley; facing one of the most popular destinations in Greater Los Angeles — Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park. It’s truly a fun destination for the whole family. Parents can catch all the big games of their favorite teams in action on giant television screens. It features a special Kid Zone for little jumpers under 52 inches. Private Courts for up to 30 jumpers, Adult Lounge with Plasma TVs, Free Wi-Fi and a snack bar. Presenting an exceptional and convenient option for families celebrating Birthday Parties and special occasions.
Ron Whited says “the new location will definitely serve the community with great entertainment and provide much needed employment in these tough economic times. I’m excited about celebrating our new location with the community.”
The new Sky High Sports is Santa Clarita Valley’s premier Trampoline Place, located at 28656 The Old Road Valencia, CA 91355.
Valencia Trampoline Place Opens on The Old Road
Council Tuesday: Hospital Access, Railroad Ave. Fixup, River Village Park Fees, Habitat Housing, More
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion by the City Council. The items are not individually discussed by the City Council unless a request is made by a member of the public or the Council, in which case, the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Calendar and will be considered separately. |
1. | APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES - The minutes of the previous Joint City Council and Board of Library Trustees meeting is submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council and Board of Library Trustees approve the minutes of the March 12, 2013, regular meeting. |
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2. | READING OF ORDINANCE TITLES - Government Code Section 36934 requires that all ordinances be read in full prior to Council taking action on the ordinance. By listing the ordinance title on the Council agenda, Council may determine that the title has been read. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council determine that the titles to all ordinances which appear on this public agenda have been read and waive further reading. |
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3. | TAX-SHARING RESOLUTIONS FOR SANITATION DISTRICT ANNEXATIONS 1036 AND 1058 - The Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District (District) provides wastewater treatment services within the District’s service area. To provide wastewater treatment service to properties located outside the District’s service area, the boundary must be expanded through the annexation process. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council adopt the Sanitation District’s resolutions approving and accepting the negotiated exchange of property tax revenues resulting from Sanitation District Annexations 1036 and 1058. |
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4. | INTERMODAL ACCESS AT HENRY MAYO NEWHALL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, PROJECT C1006 – APPROVE THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - This project will construct a dedicated bus turnout along the west side of McBean Parkway south of Avenida Navarre and an extension of the McBean Parkway northbound left-turn pocket at Avenida Navarre. The project will improve the overall safety and traffic flow along McBean Parkway. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the plans and specifications for the Intermodal Access at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, Project C1006; award the construction contract to R.C. Becker & Son, Inc., in the amount of $174,123 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $34,823 for a total contract amount not to exceed $208,946; reduce expenditure account C1006302-5161.001 by $119,560; appropriate $89,381 from Valencia Bridge and Thoroughfare fund balance (Fund 303) to expenditure account C1006303-5161.001; appropriate $49,125 from Developer Fee fund balance (Fund 306) to expenditure account C1006306-5161.001; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, or modify the awards in the event issues of impossibility of performance arise, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for such fiscal year, and execute all documents subject to City Attorney approval. |
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5. | SIERRA HIGHWAY MEDIAN REFURBISHMENT, PROJECT B3005 – AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - This project will install landscape, hardscape, and irrigation in the existing medians along Sierra Highway, between Friendly Valley Parkway and Via Princessa. The project is part of the City’s adopted Capital Improvement Program and will help the City accomplish its beautification efforts on all major roadways.RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the plans and specifications for the Sierra Highway Median Refurbishment, Project B3005; reject the nonresponsive bid from Oakridge Landscape, Inc; award the construction contract to KASA Construction Inc. in the amount of $484,341; authorize a contingency in the amount of $72,652 for a total contract amount not to exceed $556,993; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, or modify the awards in the event issues of impossibility of performance arise, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for such fiscal year, and execute all documents subject to City Attorney approval. |
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6. | RAILROAD AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION, PROJECT B2014 – APPROVE DESIGN CONCEPT AND AWARD DESIGN CONTRACT - This project will provide a landscaped median on Railroad Avenue from 550 feet north of the Via Princessa overcrossing to 13th Street. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the median design concept; award the design contract for the Railroad Avenue Beautification, Project B2014, to Penfield & Smith, in the amount of $181,545; authorize a contingency in the amount of $18,200, for a total contract amount of $199,745; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, or modify the awards in the event issues of impossibility of performance arise, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for such fiscal year, and execute all documents subject to City Attorney approval. |
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7. | APPROVE THE USE OF A “PIGGYBACK” CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF SIGNAL MODULES, LIGHT EMITTING DIODES The City of Santa Clarita established a seven-year maintenance program for replacing LED modules at 183 signalized intersections based on manufacturer specifications and historical performance. The second phase of the program for LED modules installed in 2008, has reached its life expectancy and needs to be replaced. This contract only procures the equipment, and staff anticipates hiring a contractor for the installation of the LED modules. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the use of a “Piggyback” contract for the purchase of Signal Modules, Light Emitting Diodes using City of Los Angeles Request for Quote #EV00002810 in an amount not to exceed $115,302; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, or modify the awards in the event issues of impossibility of performance arise, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for such fiscal year, and execute all documents subject to City Attorney approval. |
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8. | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF MULTIWAY STOP CONTROL FOR THE INTERSECTION OF ISABELLA PARKWAY AND AURORA LANE - At the September 11 and December 11, 2012, City Council meetings and September 6 and 27, 2012, outreach meetings for the Via Princessa extension project, Isabella Parkway residents expressed concerns regarding vehicle speeds, traffic volumes, and collision history in their neighborhood. In addition, the City received a petition from 52 residents of the Pacific Grove Homeowners Association requesting the City to address traffic issues along Isabella Parkway. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the installation of multiway stop control for the intersection of Isabella Parkway and Aurora Lane. |
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9. | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF MULTIWAY STOP CONTROL FOR THE INTERSECTION OF ISABELLA PARKWAY AND GRATLAND DRIVE - At the September 11 and December 11, 2012, City Council meetings and September 6 and 27, 2012 outreach meetings for the Via Princessa extension project, Isabella Parkway residents expressed concerns regarding vehicle speeds, traffic volumes, and collision history in their neighborhood. In addition, the City received a petition from 52 residents of the Pacific Grove Homeowners Association requesting multiway stop control at the intersection of Isabella Parkway and Gratland Drive. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the installation of multiway stop control for the intersection of Isabella Parkway and Gratland Drive. |
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10. | APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP, ACCEPTANCE OF OFFERS OF DEDICATION, AND ABANDONMENT OF EXISTING EASEMENTS FOR TRACT NO. 62322 (VILLA METRO) - Pursuant to Section 66474.1 of the Subdivision Map Act, approve the final map for Villa Metro. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve Tract No. 62322; accept on behalf of the public, the easements, sanitary sewers, and appurtenant structures; and accept the right to restrict direct vehicular ingress and egress to Soledad Canyon Road; abandon the existing easements; make certain findings; instruct the Deputy City Manager to endorse the Special Assessment Statement on the face of Tract No. 62322; instruct the City Clerk to endorse the Statement on the face of Tract No. 62322; and instruct the City Engineer to endorse the Statement on the face of Tract No. 62322. |
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11. | APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP NO. 71384 - Pursuant to Section 66474.1 of the Subdivision Map Act, approve Parcel Map No. 71384. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve Parcel Map No. 71384; make certain findings; instruct the Deputy City Manager to endorse the Special Assessment Statement on the face of Parcel Map No. 71384; instruct the City Clerk to endorse the Statement on the face of Parcel Map No. 71384; and instruct the City Engineer to endorse the Statement on the face of Parcel Map No. 71384. |
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12. | RIVER VILLAGE QUIMBY AGREEMENT WITH NEWHALL LAND COMPANY - Newhall Land Company has requested a change to the terms of an agreement approved by City Council on July 10, 2012. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an escrow agreement to hold $1,000,000 as security for the net value Villa Metro Project Quimby obligations; and authorize staff to request distribution of escrow proceeds if River Village Park improvements are not completed in a manner consistent with the City’s agreement with the Newhall Land Company made and entered into January 2008. |
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13. | CHECK REGISTER NO. 5 - Approval of the Check Register. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No 5. |
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_________________________________________________________________________ PUBLIC HEARINGS |
14. | MASTER CASE 12-132: HABITAT FOR HEROES - The applicant, Habitat for Humanity, has proposed an 87-unit residential project. Units would be sold at below market rate to veterans of the United States military and their families. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt a Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration and approving Master Case 12-132 (General Plan Amendment 12-001, Tentative Tract Map 072039, Ridgeline Alteration Permit 12-001, Hillside Review 12-001, Conditional Use Permit 12-009, Initial Study 12-006) to change the General Plan land use designation from Business Park (BP) to a General Plan Land Use Designation of Urban Residential 3 (UR3) to allow for the construction of 87 affordable housing units located at Assessor’s Parcel Number 2836-015-029, just south of the intersection of Centre Point Parkway and Golden Triangle Road, in the City of Santa Clarita, with the Zone Change, General Plan Amendment, and Conditions of Approval; and introduce and pass to a second reading on April 9, 2013, an Ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 12-001 (MASTER CASE 12-132), TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP AND CHANGE THE ZONING OF ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER 2836-015-029 FROM BUSINESS PARK (BP) TO RESIDENTIAL MODERATE (RM) ON THE PROJECT SITE LOCATED JUST SOUTH OF THE INTERSECTION OF CENTRE POINTE PARKWAY AND GOLDEN TRIANGLE ROAD, IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA. |
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15. | MASTER CASE 12-110 FOR THE ANNEXATION (ANX 12-001), AND PREZONE (PRZ 12-001), AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AMENDMENT (SOI 12-001) FOR THE NORTH SAUGUS ANNEXATION - This is a request to Prezone 827 acres of land in the unincorporated Los Angeles County and amend the City’s Sphere of Influence to allow for the annexation of 827 acres of land known as the North Saugus Annexation. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Introduce and pass to second reading an ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, APPROVING PREZONE 12-001 (MASTER CASE 12-110) FOR THE NORTH SAUGUS ANNEXATION, AND ADOPTING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION PREPARED FOR THE PROJECT”; and adopt a resolution requesting that the Local Agency Formation Commission of Los Angeles County (LAFCO) initiate proceedings to amend the City’s Sphere of Influence and Annex the uninhabited North Saugus Annexation Area (Master Case 12-110). |
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16. | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS DISTRICT 67 REGIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE - In April 2008, Southern California Association of Governments Regional Council District 67 was created, comprised of Santa Clarita and San Fernando. City Councilmembers within each Regional Council district comprised of two or more cities select one Councilmember to represent that district on SCAG’s Regional Council. The 84 member Regional Council is the governing board for Southern California Association of Governments; the federally recognized Metropolitan Planning Organization for the six county Southern California region consisting of the counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura and the 191 cities within those counties. Pursuant to the informal agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and City of San Fernando, a Councilmember from the City of Santa Clarita should represent District 67 for the period of May 2013 to May 2015. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Mayor nominate a Councilmember and City Council approve appointment of a Member of the City Council to serve as the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) District 67 Regional Council Member for a two-year term commencing in May 2013 and concluding in May 2015. Direct the City Clerk to update Report of Public Official Appointments, Fair Political Practices Commission Form 806. |
Council Tuesday: Hospital Access, Railroad Ave. Fixup, River Village Park Fees, Habitat Housing, More
April 2: New Deadline to Enter 'Cart Art' Competition
Community members are encouraged to transform recycling carts into vibrant pieces of art using paint, art supplies, recycled items, and creativity to increase awareness of reusing and recycling household items. School groups, clubs, teams, church groups and other organizations are encouraged to participate.
All submissions will be on display at Earth Arbor Day on Saturday, April 13, 2013. Winners will receive cash prizes in the following categories: Grand Prize $200; Most Creative $100; Best Local Flare $100; Best Green Theme $100; and Fan Favorite $50.
Artists must provide everything used in the art project, with the exception of the recycling cart, which can be painted or left natural. Containers that once held hazardous waste products cannot be used in the competition, including used containers of paint, oil, pesticides, cleaning products and chemicals.
All entries must be submitted between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at the Environmental Services booth. Earth Arbor Day will be hosted at Central Park on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information on the cArt aRt Competition or to obtain an entry form, please contact Laura Jardine in the City’s Environmental Services Division at (661) 255-4376.
April 2: New Deadline to Enter 'Cart Art' Competition
Rapist Denied New Trial; 43 Year Deal Stands
Jerry Moon
Judge Lloyd Nash denied a request for a new trial Monday, holding Jerry Moon to his original plea deal at Los Angeles County Superior Court in San Fernando.
STORY March 14, 2013
A Valencia man who pleaded guilty to a brutal Stevenson Ranch kidnapping and rape will be due back in court March 25, a prosecutor for the case said Thursday.
“The defense attorney needed a little bit more time because he just came in on the case,” said Julie Kramer, deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County. “But he’ll be ready to go on (March 25).”
Judge Lloyd Nash of Department H at Los Angeles Superior Court in San Fernando will then have two options, Kramer said.
“If he grants the motion, then the case goes back through a preliminary hearing,” she said. “If he denies the motion, then he’ll proceed with sentencing on (March 25).”
Moon would still be subject to the terms of his original plea deal, if Nash denies the motion for a new trial.
“The judge is allowing the defendant to make a motion to withdraw his plea, but the defendant wanted to hire a new attorney,” said Julie Kramer, deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County. “(Judge Lloyd Nash) hasn’t ruled on the motion yet.”
In March, Nash will decide whether Moon will have to face the initial terms of the deal that he agreed to when he was due to be sentenced January 30 in Department H.
Moon may still have to face his original plea, which would place him behind bars for nearly four decades, due to California sentencing guidelines that require offenders to serve at least 85 percent of their time for violent crimes.
The judge appointed a bar panel, which is the counsel who is appointed when there is a conflict with the Public Defender’s Office. The reason for the conflict was not given in court.
Moon claimed to not have understood the initial terms of the deal that he agreed to when he was due to be sentenced January 30.
Moon was facing 43 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual penetration by foreign object by means of force, forcible oral copulation and forcible rape in December. The crime occurred in January 2011.
“(The case) was continued to give the new attorney time to make a new motion,” Kramer said.
Kramer works with the Victim Impact Program unit of the San Fernando courthouse where the case is being tried.
ORIGINAL STORY
Moon was facing 43 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual penetration by foreign object by means of force,forcible oral copulation and forcible rape in front of in December.
Today’s hearing was set for probation and sentencing in Department H.
On Feb. 28, Moon will either be sentenced or could be granted a trial date, depending on the outcome of Nash’s ruling.
Moon was initially was charged with 17 felony counts, including attempted murder, forcible rape, false imprisonment by violence, first-degree residential robbery, first-degree burglary and multiple counts of sexual assault for his Jan. 8 assault, according to Sandi Gibbons, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Moon’s sentence and restitution hearing was scheduled for Jan. 30 in Department H in San Fernando.
The agreement disposing of the case was that Moon will be sentenced to 43 years to life. He also will have to register as a sex offender.
The following details were provided by Lt. Stephen Low at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, at the time of Moon’s arrest:
“A residential robbery was reported to patrol deputies who learned that an adult female at the (Stevenson Ranch) location was sexually assaulted during the robbery. Members of the Sheriff’s Crime lab responded to the location and processed the crime scene collecting several pieces of evidence.
Detective Campbell from the Santa Clarita Valley Detective Bureau Robbery/Assault team also responded and started the investigation.
“Detective Campbell worked closely with the Stevenson Ranch Homeowner’s Association which assisted in providing video footage near the crime scene. Detectives from the Robbery/Assault team combed the neighborhood for information and witnesses.
“A series of small clues, DNA evidence, and the skilled detective work by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detective Campbell helped provide the information needed to identify the suspect responsible for this vicious attack.
“Through department resources, Detective Campbell was able to obtain a recent photo of the potential suspect and his last known address. On Feb. 16, 2012, Detectives conducted a surveillance of the suspect’s residence and saw the suspect exiting his residence. He was taken into custody without incident.
“Detectives from the Santa Clarita Robbery/Assault Team served a search warrant at the suspect’s home on Steinbeck Avenue in Stevenson Ranch. Detective Campbell recovered property that appeared to be connected to the incident at the location.”
Leon Worden of SCVNEWS.COM contributed to this report.
Rapist Denied New Trial; 43 Year Deal Stands
Roundup: 3-Way Tie for First in Foothill League Baseball
The Valencia baseball team has some unexpected company atop the Foothill League standings.
The Canyon baseball team beat Golden Valley, 8-1, and improved to 3-1 in the Foothill League standings.
The Valencia baseball team lost to Saugus, 4-3, and a created a three-way tie for first place in league.
Canyon’s Chris Serrano was 3-for-3, stole two bases and scored two runs. He knocked in two runs with a two-out single in the second inning against Golden Valley.
Sophomore Blake Leidholdt pitched a complete game, giving up one run on seven hits and striking out five.
Saugus jumped out to a 4-0 lead against Valencia and held on for the win. Nick Warren tripled in two runs in the third inning. Cade Albert drove in a run on a groundout in the fourth inning.
Hunter Holland hit a three-run home run for Valencia in the fifth inning.
Valencia, Saugus and Canyon are tied for first place in league with 3-1 records.
The West Ranch baseball team beat Hart, 3-2. Jagger Rusconi hit a two-run single in a three-run fourth inning for West Ranch.
In high school swimming, the Hart girls finished in third place at the Southern Section relays at Capistrano Valley High School.
The Hart girls were third in the 4×100 medley relay, 4×50 breaststroke relay and 4×50 butterfly relay.
In high school basketball, Golden Valley hired a new coach for the boys team according to a report in The Signal.
Dan Alon will coach the boys basketball team next season. He is the coach of the SCV Swish club team and has coached at Glendale College, Harvard-Westlake and Pacific Hills high schools.
In auto racing, Kyle Busch won the NASCAR Auto Club 400 in Fontana and became the first driver in a Toyota to win the Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway.
It was also the first Cup win at the track for Joe Gibbs Racing.
In spring training, the Dodgers lost to the Oakland A’s, 7-4. Carl Crawford had two hits including a solo home run for the Dodgers.
In hockey, the Kings are in Chicago for a game against the Blackhawks tonight. The Kings are coming off a 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night, their second loss in a row.
Listen to the game between the Kings and the Blackhawks tonight on AM 1220, KHTS. The puck drops at 5 p.m.
Roundup: 3-Way Tie for First in Foothill League Baseball
Amber Alert Issued in San Jose
An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing 12-month-old girl, Gabriela Quintero, who was inside a Jeep that was stolen in San Jose Monday morning (March 25).
The baby, whose name is Gabriela Quintero, was inside a white 2006 Jeep Liberty that was taken from a spot near Amador Court and Amador Drive, San Jose police Officer Albert Morales said.
Morales said the mother got out of the vehicle momentarily and the suspect jumped in and drove off.
The suspect, who is not known to the mother, is described as a Hispanic female in her 30s with a light complexion who was carrying a red-and-white Target bag, he said. It appears she was alone.
The car’s license plate number is 6BWK440. It has a spare tire on the back and two stickers on it related to babies, he said.
Anyone who sees the vehicle is asked to call 911.
Amber Alert Issued in San Jose
Public Hearing March 28 for Proposed I-5 Toll Lanes
The hearing will focus on the proposed project’s Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Reevaluation (SEIR/ER) to the previously approved Final Environmental Impact Report/Finding of No Significant Impact (EIR/FONSI). The document may be viewed online here: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/envdocs
About the Proposed Project: Caltrans and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) are proposing to implement HOT lanes instead of the previously proposed high occupancy vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes by widening I-5 between SR-14 and Parker Road, a distance of 13.5 miles. The HOT lanes would not change the project design components discussed in the Final EIR/FONSI.
Rather than waiting 30 years to finance the HOV lanes through the Santa Clarita area, the proposed project would be completed by 2019 by having vehicles with one (all hours) or two (peak hours only) occupants pay a toll to use the new lanes, which would be managed so that speeds do not fall below 45 miles per hour. The tolls would help raise the money needed to build the lanes immediately.
The lanes would also add capacity to I-5 through Santa Clarita, which is now the third-largest city in Los Angeles County and is expected to grow by an additional 10% by 2035. The HOT lanes are expected to ease congestion in all lanes and may result in some gas savings.
Submitting Comments: Comments on the proposed project may be submitted at the Public Hearing, emailed to carlos_montez@dot.ca.gov, or mailed to Carlos Montez, Senior Environmental Planner, California Department of Transportation, Division of Environmental Planning, 100 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Written comments on the Draft SEIR/ER must be submitted by April 15, 2013.
Public Hearing March 28 for Proposed I-5 Toll Lanes
Boutros Named Executive Director of Calif. Transportation Commission
Mr. Boutros comes to the position of Executive Director with more than 28 years of direct involvement in the development and preservation of California’s transportation infrastructure.
Prior to joining the Commission, Andre held numerous technical, management and leadership positions with the California Department of Transportation. Andre has been a staff member to the Commission since 2007, and has served as the Chief Deputy Director since 2008, where he was responsible for the day to day operations of the Commission, acting as the chief of staff and the primary policy advisor to the Executive Director and the Commission. Andre has also served as the Acting Executive Director on a couple of occasions since 2008.
The Executive Director of the California Transportation Commission reports to the 11-member Commission, and is responsible for administering the affairs of the Commission and overseeing the staff in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Commission. The Commission is responsible for programming and funding several billion dollars annually for transportation projects throughout California in partnership with regional transportation agencies and the California Department of Transportation. The Commission is also responsible for advising the California Transportation Agency and the California Legislature on key transportation policy matters.
Boutros Named Executive Director of Calif. Transportation Commission
Girls 3200m: Ortega of Saugus Preps for Another Record Run
Following a fairy tale sophomore cross country season, Ortega will try to duplicate those accomplishments, this time on the oval.
Last fall’s successes were similar to a Cinderella story. Ortega, who won the 2012 Foothill League junior varsity title over 3,200 meters, spent several weeks injured over the summer before her sophomore cross country campaign. That didn’t stop her from becoming one of Santa Clarita’s all-time greats though, as she joined a short list of legends that include Canyon High’s Lauren Fleshman and Saugus’ Shannon Murakami, Kaylin Mahoney and Karis Frankian. Ortega didn’t finish worse than third in the 10 races she competed in in California. On Nov. 1st, she demolished Golden Valley’s Chelsey Totten with an incredible final 800 meters, winning by 11 seconds in the second fastest mark in course history on Central Park’s flat three-mile layout. Two weeks later, the standout crossed second at the CIF Southern Section Division 2 Finals. Only Newport Harbor High’s Paige Tennison beat her that day. Seven days after that, Ortega made history, crossing four seconds behind winner Maggie Bell of Granite Bay High to take runner-up honors. Her finishing time of 17 minutes, 33 seconds broke Mahoney’s SCV record at Woodward Park.
The Saugus runner ended her first season of cross country with a 61st-place finish at Nike Cross Nationals, despite falling twice, and a spectacular double at the Long Beach Distance Carnival on Dec. 8th. On that cold, foggy night, Ortega won the 1,600-meter run in 5:05.30 over former Centurion Nina Moore (5:09.20), her mark #23 in SCV history. Two hours later, she finished second behind sub-17-minute 5K’er and former Long Beach State/Glendale College runner Rosa Del Toro over eight laps, her time of 10:50.90 ranks 15th in valley history.
Her tremendous speed and endurance has now brought her into unfamiliar territory as just a sophomore. Don’t expect anyone from the Foothill League to challege her over 3,200 meters this spring. In fact, Ortega’s been so impressive over the last four months, three questions merit mention heading into the new track and field season and beyond:
1. Can the SCV record-holder at Woodward Park take down Kaylin Mahoney’s 10:25.40 3200m school record (5:07/5:17 splits) this spring?
2. Can the sophomore standout graduate high school in May 2015 as the first Saugus “runner” to win a state championship in track?
3. Can Saugus’ Samantha Ortega challenge the oldest female SCV record in the books: Lauren Fleshman’s 10:18.21 3,200m (5:04/5:14 splits)?
Expect three other Lady Centurions to challenge the 11-minute barrier over eight laps as well. Seniors Heidi Hoslet and Katie Huntington, who just signed to Marymount College and San Jose State University, and junior Abigail Frankian, who helped Saugus to a record seventh consecutive state cross country championship in November, could all go under 11 minutes by season’s end. Only 20 girls have broken the coveted 11-minute barrier in SCV history. Fifteen of those 20 were from Saugus. Frankian, who’s older sister is 2012 Foothill League champion and championship record-holder Karis, has a personal best of 11:08.76, set at last year’s APU Distance Meet of Champions, while Hoslet and Huntington both just set personal records at the distance carnival in Long Beach, clocking 11:06.80 and 11:16.60.
Expect this spring’s track campaign to be a warm-up for the Saugus girls, who will chase after their eighth straight California state cross country championship later this fall. In last year’s track preview, I went into depth about how the Lady Centurions should be considered at least co-favorites to win another state title in Nov. 2012. This year is no different. Saugus has a fantastic returning five coming back (Samantha Ortega, Abigail Frankian, Darby LaPlant, Ashley Heys and Sabrina Janes) and a great group of underclassmen to replace the four seniors graduating later this spring, so expect a hard-fought battle in November. But first, the 2013 track season.
The Saugus girls have swept the podium in this event four times over the last five years and have the depth to do it again. Seniors Nina Sassano and Olivia Altieri, sophomore Darby LaPlant and freshman Ashley Heys all have the talent to dip under 11:20, which could be enough to make the podium this year. Last year, Saugus’ Karis Frankian and Jenay Jauregui produced the first and third fastest marks in championship history, while the younger Frankian sister, Abigail, put together an incredible final 400 meters to pull into third over the last 200 meters, crossing in 11:13.70. Fourth-place was Canyon’s Valeria Soto, who ran 11:18.75.
Who has the potential to spoil the party for Saugus though?
Golden Valley High duo Chelsey Totten and Bianca Tinoco lead the list of contenders after memorable cross country seasons. Totten, who recently signed to Arizona State University, faltered at the end of the season, but that didn’t take away from what she did. Her 17:18 runner-up finish to Simi Valley’s Sarah Baxter at the Mt. SAC Invitational is #4 in SCV history, only trailing Saugus’ Kaylin Mahoney, Karis Frankian and Shannon Murakami, while she earned her third straight All-Foothill League award as well. Meanwhile, Bianca Tinoco ran the second fastest marks by a freshman in valley history at Mt. SAC (17:48) and Woodward Park (18:09) and also became the first female in school history to earn All-Southern Section and All-State first team honors, quite an accomplishment for the soccer player.
The only question revolving around the two is whether or not they’ll focus on the 3,200-meter event. Totten is the defending 1,600-meter league champion and the fastest returee over 800 meters, while Tinoco’s footspeed would likely get her closer to a Foothill League championship and farther into the postseason in the shorter distances as well. That being said, only two other non-Saugus runners – Valencia’s Maddie Dignadice and Soto are capable of finishing on the podium in my eyes.
Dignadice, who will run for Academy of Art in the fall, has finished fifth in the last two finals and has a personal best of 11:07.98, the third fastest time among Foothill Leaguers, however, the standout ran that way back in May 2011. Her junior and senior cross country seasons were also cut short by injuries, so her health and fitness status remain unknown at the moment. With Tottten and Tinoco most likely focusing on the shorter distances and Dignadice a big question mark, Soto looks like the one most capable of preventing Saugus from another podium sweep. The Cowboy finished seventh at the Foothill League Cross Country Championships last November. Still, four Saugus ladies have run faster than Soto’s personal best of 11:18.75, with a fifth just two seconds back. If Soto wants to become the first Canyon runner to make the podium since Lauren Walker won the league championship in 2004, she’ll have to run as close as possible to the 11-minute barrier, if not, under.
Girls 3200m: Ortega of Saugus Preps for Another Record Run
This Week at the SCV Chamber (3-25-2013)
Unity LunchNet – Chili’s Stevenson’s Ranch Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Time: 11:30am Location: Chili’s Stevenson Ranch 25970 The Old Road North, Santa Clarita, 91381
Planet Yogurt Fund Raising Social Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Time: 4:00pm – 8:00pm Location: Planet Yogurt 27023 McBean Parkway, Valencia, 91355
Ambassador Committee Meeting Thursday, March 28, 2013 Time: 8:00am Location: Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce 27451 Tourney Road Suite #160, Santa Clarita, 91355
Lunch & Learn – Smart Irrigation Controllers: Saving Money for Your Business by Castaic Lake Water Agency Friday, March 29, 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.
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| 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 (3-25-2013)
Local Singer Wise-Hawkins Wins $25K in National Contest (Video)
CalArts grad and popular Santa Clarita Valley singer-actress-dancer Marie Wise-Hawkins has won the $25,000 grand prize in a national singing competition staged by the Dallas-based Romano’s Macaroni Grill restaurant chain. And she says it’s dramatically changed her life.
“I’m so incredibly happy,” Wise-Hawkins said back home in Canyon Country last week. “Now, I can finally finish my debut record. It’s a dream come true — I can use the money to further my career, and it’s just incredible.”
A singer and hostess at the Romano’s Macaroni Grill in Stevenson Ranch for the past year, the vocally versatile lyric soprano with a four-octave range earned her BFA in Classical Voice from California Institute of the Arts in Valencia in 2010.
Now 24, Wise-Hawkins has been singing, acting and dancing (and especially loves swing dancing) since she was a toddler, and has fronted her own bands (country, bluegrass, country-rock, Western) since her teens. Just in the last couple of years, she earned rave reviews starring in hit local Canyon Theatre Guild productions of the musicals “Always…Patsy Cline” and “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” among others.
“We had to go around to tables and pass out the ‘Opera Sing-Off’ cards,” she said. “We sang songs for our guests in the restaurant, and we also passed them out to family and friends. I basically posted it all over the Internet just to get my family and friends to vote for me, wherever I could. Even my whole church was voting for me (laughs). It was incredible.”
By the time voting ended in early February, Wise-Hawkins was the top vote-getter in the West (the largest of the chain’s six sales regions) and earned a trip to Dallas for the “Opera Sing-Off” finals on March 15.
“That wasn’t possible without all the support of Santa Clarita and all the family and friends who voted for me,” she said. “I am so grateful to everyone who voted.”
Before she left for the “Opera Sing-Off” finals, Wise-Hawkins wisely brushed up a bit back at her alma mater. to which she maintains close ties.
“I was last-minute coaching with Maria Fortuna Dean, my operatic vocal coach at CalArts, and it all paid off,” she said, “She’s an incredible soprano. Maria is one of my biggest inspirations, and she’s very proud of me. And Tali Tadmor, my accompanist, was the one really supportive of me at CalArts.”
The day of the finals at Macaroni Grill’s Dallas restaurant, Wise-Hawkins felt honored to be among other very talented singers from all over the country.
“There were singers who have performed in opera houses all around the world, and there was a girl in a doctorate program,” she said. “There were students pursuing master’s degrees — and I only have my bachelor’s degree from CalArts in classical voice. I was just honestly so honored to be there and just be working. With all these singers there, everyone was so incredibly sweet, and we were all so supportive of each other.”
The contest’s judges — including Dallas Opera Artistic Director Jonathan Pell and top-level, opera-loving Romano’s executives — watched and heard each finalist sing live, then made their final choices.
“We each sang, a 10-minute maximum time limit, and we were judged on a scale of 1-10 in three categories — for voice, audience engagement and creativity,” Wise-Hawkins said. “I sang my favorite aria, ‘O Mio Babbino Caro,’ and had a lot of fun performing it.
“Then (the judges) had the top six finalists stand in a row, and they announced the top three,” she said. “The second runner-up got $3,000, the second place winner got $5,000, and first place got $25,000. When they called me first place, my jaw dropped, completely. I was shocked I’d won, because everyone was so incredibly talented. I felt really lucky. It was an honor to perform for such an esteemed panel of judges.”
Wise-Hawkins also thought it was a privilege to meet Phil Romano, who founded the chain of restaurants that includes the Stevenson Ranch branch where she works, and Norman Abdallah, Romano’s CEO and president, top guy in Macaroni Grill’s corporate food chain.
Reflecting her eclectic musical tastes — country (as in portraying singing legend Patsy Cline), classic rock (as in The Wonderettes’ ’50s and ’60s girl-group pop), classical (her operatic training and restaurant job) — the first thing Wise-Hawkins wanted to do after returning to Canyon Country was buy tickets to see classic rock group Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in L.A. in June.
She went online the moment tickets went on sale. “But they sold out in a matter of minutes,” she said, so she missed out. That was a big disappointment to her. To paraphrase TP, she’s truly an American girl, raised on promises — in her case, though, many of them fulfilled, with more to come.
Petty disappointments aside, Wise-Hawkins’ future is very promising. This week, she’s heading to Nashville, where from early-to-mid-April she’ll star in an Actors Point Theatre production of “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” acting-singing the lead role of Betty Jean with Catherine Birdsong, Chelsea Reynolds and JJ Rodgers co-starring. “That’s going to be a blast,” she said.
Home in California in late April, “I will be back in the recording studio finishing my ‘Lovin’ in Vain’ album, my Patsy Cline tribute record, with Pete Anderson. It’s country,” she said. Anderson, and award-winning musician and producer, is perhaps best known as a guitar player on 20 Dwight Yoakam albums between 1986-2003, and as a session ace with a long list of credits ranging from Roy Orbison and Buck Owens to Asleep at the Wheel and The Meat Puppets. Anderson has also produced more than two dozen country compilations since the mid-1980s.
“I’m also going to be coming out with my own little EP of original music,” Wise-Hawkins noted.
In May, she is slated to tape a special edition of SCVTV’s “House Blend,” a local music and interview television program hosted by this writer, for broadcast and Internet streaming in June. The show will feature Wise-Hawkins singing four songs, touching on a variety of genres.
Wise-Hawkins has another goal for the summer. “I hope to be performing in my favorite musical, ‘Les Miserables,’ at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons,” she said. “I love the role of Eponine. I’ve played her before (in a production while attending Canyon High, pictured below right) and would love to play her again. Thanks to my classical vocal training I believe I could be a dynamic Cosette as well. That was actually the musical that got me started with classical singing.”
The first English-language musical stage adaptation of French poet and playwright Victor Hugo’s classic 1862 novel opened in London in 1985, and premiered on Broadway two years later. Since then, “Les Miserables” has been seen by more than 65 million people in 42 countries, has won more than 100 international awards, and is the world’s longest-running musical, according to its official website.
Wise-Hawkins said she loved the 2012 movie version.
“I’ve seen it four times and can’t wait to get my DVD,” she said. “I had the honor of attending a special screening at the (Motion Picture) Academy and was deeply inspired by the Q&A with director Tom Hooper, Hugh Jackman (who played lead character Jean Valjean) and Eddie Redmayne (Marius Pontmercy).”
On July 25, Wise-Hawkins will warble a country set as the opening act for country artist Peter Brandon at The Muck (Muckenthaler Cultural Center) in Fullerton. “He’s so talented — those tickets are going to go fast,” she said. (Call 866-411-1212.)
“It’s crazy, I know — you see me singing country music, and then you see me doing this opera thing,” Wise-Hawkins said. “It’s like I’m living (in) two different worlds, for sure. I have to say, classical voice is honestly the hardest thing you can sing, and I am so thankful I got classical training. It has helped me as an overall singer, no matter what I’m singing. I just love performing on stage, doing theater and opera and country. It’s my life. I’m incredibly happy.”
What’s her best advice for other aspiring young singers?
“I honestly feel that if you work hard enough for something, you can have anything you want,” she said. “If you just put your mind to something, then you can do it. I never in my life thought I would ever get a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance, in opera. That was actually one of the biggest challenges for me — just learning classical voice and getting through the vocal program at CalArts. That was just such an achievement for me, and I just feel like anything is possible.”
Local Singer Wise-Hawkins Wins $25K in National Contest (Video)
CougarNews.com | Old Town Newhall welcomes back the farmer's market
Food, clothes, art, and even some guilty pleasures can be found at the farmer’s market which provides shoppers with an experience unique to an event such as this.
The farmer’s market is every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is located in Old Town Newhall on Main Street between Market & 6th Street.
Old Town Newhall welcomes back the farmer's market
Terror Suspect Belongs in Civilian Court | Commentary by Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.
The recent arraignment of Sulaiman abu Ghaith in a New York courtroom was an important moment in the ongoing effort to bring senior Al Qaeda figures to justice. But that’s not how everyone saw it.
Critics complain that he should have been taken to Guantanamo to be detained and interrogated there as an enemy combatant. They object to his being tried in the United States as a “common criminal.”
I disagree; the record of our federal criminal courts is unmatched. The Abu Ghaith case is an excellent opportunity to model for the world what American justice looks like, and I have every confidence that federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York are well-qualified to achieve a conviction, which would likely carry a life sentence.
It’s not as if we lack experience criminally prosecuting terrorists in civilian courts. In fact, our criminal justice system has achieved 438 terrorism-related convictions since 9/11, according to the Department of Justice. Many of them have been in the very Manhattan courthouse where Abu Ghaith will be prosecuted. Among the international terrorists brought to justice in U.S. courtrooms are “Blind Sheik” Omar Abdel Rahman, the “20th Hijacker” Zacarias Moussaoui and “Shoe Bomber” Richard Reid, and they are serving long sentences in maximum security federal prisons.
One compelling reason to try Abu Ghaith in a civilian courtroom is that it could be extremely difficult to prosecute him for conspiracy in the military commission system at Guantanamo. In January, Army Brig. Gen. Mark Martins, the chief prosecutor for the military commissions, said he would not bring conspiracy charges as a stand-alone offense against detainees, because of an October 2012 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in the case of Salim Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden. The ruling, Martins said, created legal uncertainty about whether conspiracy can be charged as a stand-alone offense for conduct that predates 2006. By comparison, conspiracy charges are common in federal criminal courts.
Critics have also suggested that interrogators at Guantanamo might get more useful intelligence from Abu Ghaith than will come out through the criminal trial process. But in fact, the criminal justice system has been a useful intelligence collection tool. Terrorism defendants in federal court have provided extremely valuable intelligence — including telephone numbers and email addresses used by Al Qaeda; information on terrorism recruiting techniques and finances; locations of training camps, safe houses and terrorists; names of operatives involved in past and planned attacks; and details of active plots. Those sent to Guantanamo have far less incentive to talk.
In recent years, the FBI has updated its policies to allow the initial interrogations of terrorists to be conducted without Miranda warnings, under a public safety exception recognized by the courts. But even when Miranda warnings have been provided, skilled interrogators have been able to conduct interviews in ways that provide valuable intelligence. FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Intelligence Committee that reading an alleged terrorist his Miranda rights does not impede the ability of agents to collect intelligence. In fact, Mueller said, “The ability of the criminal justice system to produce intelligence is often overlooked.” He pointed to three specific terrorism cases prosecuted in federal criminal court that “were prominent in terms of providing intelligence.”
Criminal prosecutions also have been shown to be a more efficient way to bring terrorists to justice. Compare that with the military commission system, which has yet to deliver closure to families of 9/11 victims. The five 9/11 co-conspirators at Guantanamo have been arraigned, but their prosecutions have been on hold for years as motions are filed, procedures written and rewritten, and appeals made on a variety of issues.
Even when successful, military commissions have often not resulted in long sentences. Three of the seven terrorists convicted in military commissions since 9/11 have been released from Guantanamo and are free in their home countries of Yemen, Australia and Sudan. A fourth could be released from Guantanamo this year, a fifth is serving the rest of his sentence in Canada, and a sixth case is on appeal. Military commissions certainly have a role in the counter-terrorism legal system, but their use should be limited, not the default option.
Our partners and allies around the world have recognized the strength and legitimacy of the civilian criminal justice system and have cooperated with efforts to bring terrorists to justice in American courts. The same cannot be said of secret detentions or Guantanamo, both of which have sapped the international support the United States needs to continue global counter-terrorism operations.
The George W. Bush administration used federal courts extensively to prosecute terrorists, and so should the Obama administration. For Al Qaeda terrorists like Abu Ghaith, the record is clear: Our best chance at bringing this senior Al Qaeda figure to justice is the federal court system.
Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., is the chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Her commentary originally appeared in The Los Angeles Times.
Terror Suspect Belongs in Civilian Court | Commentary by Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Politicizing the Pope | Commentary by Joe Messina
Many from within the Vatican are very excited about Pope Francis. The former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is the first Pope to use the name Francis. Why? And does it really matter? No, not for this opinion piece. But it does have a bit to do with the fact that they are calling him “The Reformer.”
The mainstream media were all a-buzz, saying, “Maybe this guy will get it,” and “maybe this guy will see the light, get in line with the rest of the world, and reform the Catholic Church to accept gay marriage, abortion and women priests.”
Why stop there? How about a stance on gender neutrality, transgender lifestyles and, as far as marriage goes, how about multiple spouses – two men and three women, or two women and three men and a dog? Where does it stop?
The Catholic Church is not a democracy and it’s not a republic. It’s a dictatorship, and the dictator – not the Pope, but God Himself – holds all of the cards. The Catholic Church believes the Bible contains the infallible word of God. It doesn’t matter what you believe.
Most theist religions believe their God has given them a manual and guidelines to live by. These are not up for debate or argument about changing. The Pope is not allowed to make changes to God’s word. He doesn’t get to decide that he doesn’t like the meaning of a scripture or commandment and just change it. The Pope simply makes sure that the “church organization and flock” have the information and resources needed to follow those existing rules.
If you don’t like what he (and the church) stand for, then get out of that religion and go on your way. Really. It’s just that simple. He has the right, as he did last week, to reiterate his stance against gay marriage and abortion. That’s what he is expected to do as leader of the Catholic Church.
Based on his actions in the past, “The Reformer” will work to clean up the day-to-day organizational running of the church, the finances, the chain of authority, discipline and so on. He did this in his locality as a cardinal, and there is a great expectation that he’ll do similarly as Pope. Time will tell.
Now, back to the mainstream, liberal media. They hear “reformer” and immediately think maybe Pope Francis will be taking a new look at these social-political issues and then bring the church into the 21st Century. The liberal stations were humming and cautiously optimistic. I could have saved them many hours of speculation. This really shows just how out of touch they are with the basic foundations of religion in general.
Do they really think they know better than God? Have they even tried to grasp what the Church stands for, what scripture means, or how important God and the Pope are to Catholics? Even Bible-thumping, non-gun-toting Democrats (who are also Catholics) understand this.
Commentators like Rachel Maddow and Chris Mathews said things like: “This Pope has the opportunity to bring great change to this Church.” Hello? Jesus already did that.
The Pope’s job is to make sure the flock he has been charged to oversee has what it needs to please God based on the words in His holy book. Period. That’s it.
So to all of you liberals out there who think you have the answers and want the Catholic Church to change, do what Martin Luther did. First you’ll have to look at and study scripture, but then maybe you can start your own religious order of the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Abortive, Left-wing, Socialist Situational Catholicism.
Let me know how that works out for you.
Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also an elected member of the Hart School Board. His commentary publishes Mondays.
Politicizing the Pope | Commentary by Joe Messina
TMC Track Trio Finishes 1-2-3 in Agoura Meet
The trio placed first, second, and third out of a field of 100 runners, respectively.
Placing first overall with a time of 1 hour and 13.1 minutes was Mustang Track alumnus, Jeff Jackson (Santa Clarita, CA). Jackson, who was the 2010 NAIA national champion in the men’s marathon event, has remained active in the running world since his collegiate days by participating in an array of races such as the Surf City Half Marathon and the Santa Clarita Marathon.
In second place at 1:14.09 was Tyler Tockstein (Santa Clarita, CA). Tockstein’s time qualified him for a trip to the 2013 NAIA national championships on a provisional mark.
“I came out today knowing I was prepared, and that the months of training had set me up for a big race,” said Tockstein. “The course had some crazy hills, and I had a great time out there competing.”
Tockstein now joins a list of three other Mustang Track athletes who have qualified to compete in the NAIA national championships in the marathon event: John Gilbertson (Saugus, CA), John Hurd (Fairview, PA), and Camden McAlister (Saugus, CA).
Rearing up third place was McAlister at 1:16:29. Unfortunately, a statistician error prevented McAlister’s time from being posted on the leaderboard, but all in attendance witnessed his phenomenal performance.
“I was, for the most part, happy about the way things went,” assessed McAlister. “I’m very happy with third place, but my time wasn’t really what I wanted it to be, or what it should have been. These things happen, and it’s all part of the sport. You live and you learn! I gave my all today, and raised my efforts to the Lord. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season, and what God has in store for me.”
Last spring, McAlister competed in the 2012 NAIA national championships where he ran his first Marathon. Putting together a tremendous race, McAlister crossed the line in 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 48 seconds.
The Mustangs now set their sights on the 2013 Stanford Invitational where John Gilbertson, Matthew Crichton (Mission Viejo, CA), David Eller (Los Angeles, CA), and Jason Logan (Spartanburg, SC) have been accepted to compete against the nation’s premier collegiate and professional athletes on March 29 & 30.
TMC Track Trio Finishes 1-2-3 in Agoura Meet
TMC Topples S.D. Christian 10-0 and 5-1
Steven Karkenny
Steve Karkenny backed Andrew Klausmeier’s first-game gem with four rbi and courtesy runner Bryce Clancy scored the go-ahead run on an error in the top of the ninth inning of the nightcap as The Master’s College swept away San Diego Christian 10-0 and 5-1 Saturday afternoon.
The Mustangs’ fourth doubleheader sweep of the season, completing a weekend broom job on the Hawks, upped the clubs’ GSAC-leading (18-6) margin over Concordia to 3 1/2 games and improved their overall record to a sparkling 26-9.
In the opener, the Mustangs wasted little time in taking control, scoring once in the top of the first and four more times an inning later. Joe Riddle’s (Bakersfield, CA) groundout scored Jon Popadics(Boise, ID) with the game’s first run after the club’s leadoff hitter had singled and advanced to third base on a Karkenny (Chatsworth, CA) base hit.
An inning later, the Popadics-Karkenny duo was at it again with the former plating the frame’s first run with a sacrifice fly that scored Caleb Halverson (Temple City, CA) before Karkenny slugged a three-run homer to left field, his team-leading eighth of the season, to give his team a 5-0 cushion.
Although the Mustangs would eventually double that advantage, it was more than enough support for Klausmeier (Chatsworth, CA), who was making his third-start of the year. The junior righthander (2-1) was superb over his seven innings of shutout ball, retiring the Hawks in order twice, giving up six hits, and striking out three. Dalton Thompson (Riverside, CA) followed Klausmeier to the mound and preserved the staff’s sixth shutout of the season with two innings of scoreless work.
Continuing to pour it on, the Mustangs tallied four more runs in the fourth inning, upping the lead to 9-0. Spencer Downs’ (Kelso, WA) infield single scored Sam Robison (San Juan Capistrano, CA) with the frame’s first run, Riddle added two more rbi with a double down the right field line that plated Robison and Popadics, and Spencer Toth’s (Asheville, NC) two-out, two-bagger down the left field line brought home Riddle, capping off the four-run outburst.
The Mustangs tacked on the final run of the game in the top of the seventh when Ryan Shackelford (Murrieta, CA) drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on a groundout, and raced home on Karkenny’s two-out single to right-center field.
Karkenny’s three hits paced the club’s 13-hit attack in the opener while Popadics, Riddle, and Robison had two apiece.
The nightcap, featuring superb pitching, was a completely different story with runs coming at a premium. Mustang starter Tyler Elrod (Modesto, CA) and his Hawk counterpart Tyler Sanborn) threw zeroes at each other over the first four frames, combining for a quartet of one-two-three frames.
However, the first dent in the dominant pitching came in the fifth inning, courtesy of wildness. In the top of the frame, Shackelford raced home on a two-out wild pitch while the Hawks duplicated that in the bottom of the inning after Elrod uncorked a wild one, also with two outs, to knot the game at one.
It stayed tied at 1-1 through the regulation seventh inning and through the eighth, but in the ninth the game turned decisively to the Mustangs. Shackelford reached on a one-out fielder’s choice, advanced to second on a groundout, and was then replaced by courtesy runner Clancy (Phoenix, AZ). Moments later, he scored the tie-breaking run when Popadics’ grounder to shortstop was misplayed, putting the Mustangs ahead 2-1.
Not content with a one-run advantage, the Mustangs padded their margin with three more tallies. Downs drove in Popadics with a single to right field and Riddle finished off the scoring with a two-run single to left field.
Not to be overlooked in the extra-inning heroics was junior reliever Tommy Kister (Saugus, CA). The righthander tossed two innings of shutout ball, nailing down his third win (3-0) of the season with a one-two-three ninth, highlighted by a game-ending strikeout.
The Mustangs managed eight hits in the nightcap with Downs and Chris Talley (Simi Valley, CA) rapping out two apiece. Elrod, who wasn’t around for the decision went seven innings, allowing just one earned run on seven hits.
The Mustangs, who have played nine of their last 10 games away from Reese Field, stay on the road this week when they travel to Irvine for a crucial three-game series with second-place Concordia. The two squads meet in a single game on Wednesday and then tangle in a doubleheader on Thursday.
TMC Topples S.D. Christian 10-0 and 5-1
Sunday, March 24, 2013
3 Hikers Rescued, a 4th Dies Trying to Get to Eaton Canyon Waterfall (Video)
There is NO safe Trail to the 2nd Waterfall.
Please watch the video about the dangers of the Eaton Canyon Waterfall area north of Altadena, and share it with active people you know who may consider hiking in this area in the future.
Hiking/Camping is a fun way to get family and friends together to enjoy the outdoors and to get some physical activity. However, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. You should tell family and friends what your plans are and provide a list of who will be going with you. That’s why the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the residents of Los Angeles County that having a hiking / camping plan is crucial to survival in case of an emergency.
Before you leave, please fill out Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue – Hiking Plan sheet and provide to a loved one to hold onto just in case something happens to a member of your hiking/camping expedition. You can download the form by visiting:
If you would like more information on how to prepare for your hiking / camping trip, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s camping website at http://www.cdc.gov/family/camping/
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team members are Reserve Sheriff’s deputies who volunteer their time to help others for $1 a year, and who partner with sheriff’s civilian volunteers who volunteer for free. There are over 150 members of the eight Search and Rescue teams of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. These rescuers were activated for over 500 search and rescue missions last year, making it one of the most active counties for search and rescue missions in the nation. Reserve deputies and civilian volunteers are supervised by full-time sheriff’s deputies http://lasdreserve.org
3 Hikers Rescued, a 4th Dies Trying to Get to Eaton Canyon Waterfall (Video)
Deputies Searching for Man with Gun in Canyon Country
Gunfire was reported at or near an apartment complex in the 28000 block of Whites Canyon Road at about 9 p.m., said Lt. Tom Bryski of the SCV Sheriff’s Station.
Bryski said it was unclear whether the suspect hit anything.
The man took off running when deputies arrived and they’ve been “searching for him ever since,” Bryski said at 11:15 p.m.
Deputies Searching for Man with Gun in Canyon Country
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