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  • Residents take to the streets at the ‘Stop The Cuts Rally’

    Residents take to the streets at the ‘Stop The Cuts Rally’

    Demonstrators lined the sidewalks of the Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway intersection, holding signs and chanting, accompanied by the honking of car horns, the blaring of bullhorns, and even the sound of French horns.

    “I’m gonna sound the battle cry,” said David Kaufman, a protester at the Stop the Cuts rally.

    Santa Clarita residents utilized these tools to express their displeasure with many of President Donald Trump’s policies, including immigration tariffs and government cuts.

    “You know, old people whose Medicare and Medicaid are going to be cut,” said Jocelyn Bullock, a Santa Clarita resident who attended the protest.”It’s going to impact all of us because I believe that our lives are interdependent. We live together.”

    Those who attended the rally believe the Trump administration is abusing its executive power over U.S. citizens.

    “We gotta save democracy today, if possible,” said Kaufman.

    Thousands of protests have been held across the country in recent weeks, all calling for the government to hear their concerns.

  • Mother battles for truth with Eternal Valley Cemetery

    Mother battles for truth with Eternal Valley Cemetery

    At Newhall’s Eternal Valley cemetery, one mother keeps a special promise, rain or shine.

    “I try to be here every day. Even when it’s raining. I even have a rain suit in the back of my truck,” said Marisel Rams, mother of Gabriel Quintas, who is buried at Eternal Valley Cemetery.

    Rams makes the drive from Palmdale to Eternal Valley every day, because this is where he was buried. Gabriel passed away when he was 17 years old, in December of 2023.

    “I’m just completely devastated, Gabriel my son, was my everything. I feel a bunch of mixed emotions. Sometimes I’m angry. It just hurts,” said Rams.

    In her grief, she clings to the only thing she can still care for: her son’s resting place. But what she found one day left her in shock.

    Before his headstone arrived, Gabriel’s photo, temporarily marking his plot, was found in a dumpster. On another occasion, his decorations were found discarded on top of another person’s grave. When Marisel emotionally reacted and demanded answers from the cemetery’s general manager, Noelia Marin, she was met with a restraining order.

    Her pain is shared by other families who have also voiced concerns, like mishandled decorations and dead grass due to watering system issues.

    Despite the pain, Rams still shows up. She polishes Gabriel’s name, not just with care, but with love.

    We reached out to General Manager Noelia Marin for a statement but did not receive a response.

  • Residents near Chiquita Canyon Landfill raise concerns over toxic gas emissions across the valley

    Residents near Chiquita Canyon Landfill raise concerns over toxic gas emissions across the valley

    Since 2022, a burning underground fire at the Chiquita Canyon landfill has released toxic gas, threatening residents in Val Verde, Castaic, and throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

    What residents initially described as a foul odor has progressively led to more severe symptoms. Nosebleeds, nausea, and respiratory issues are just some ailments that residents have begun to recognize.

    Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo recently held a Facebook Live press conference to address residents’ concerns and urge Gov. Gavin Newsom once again to declare a state of emergency in the area, which could facilitate quicker action in providing aid and resources.

    Schiavo has also submitted several budget proposals to offer relief and assistance to local families to help cover relocation costs. One proposal provides a tax exemption on the financial compensation received from the landfill.

  • The Senses Block Party brings the community together with a night of free entertainment

    The Senses Block Party brings the community together with a night of free entertainment

    Every third Thursday of the month, Old Town Newhall transforms into a vibrant celebration of food, music, and local culture.

    The SENSES block party isn’t just an event; it’s a chance for the Santa Clarita community to support local businesses and enjoy a night of free activities and entertainment.

    “You’ve got a diverse group, you’ve got people walking around by themselves, you’ve got families, you’ve got couples,” said Mehrdad Sarlak, a resident at the event.

    “I love seeing people happy; that’s definitely my favorite part,” said Sarlk.

    With live music, interactive games, and delicious food, there’s something for everyone. Locals are having a great time, and this month’s “Alley-Oop” theme delivers a slam dunk of excitement to Old Town Newhall.

    “I think this is something that brings the community together,” said Jacie Bomar, an event attendee.

    “I was talking to a mom, and she was like, ‘I love that the city plans all these events and that it really just brings the community together,’” said Bomar

    Newhall Senses Block Party brings the community together with a night of free entertainment

  • Student-run journal Cul-de-sac gears up for spring edition

    Student-run journal Cul-de-sac gears up for spring edition

    Cul-Da-Sac makes an appearance when they publish the Creative Literary Arts magazine every spring. This is not your ordinary magazine of top trends or celebrity business stories. It is a work of art from our students at COC.

    Cul-de-sac has been around since 2007, created by Kim Gurnee, Aline Terzian-zeitounian, and Mary Peterson. As Kim Gurnee, who passed away in 2017, Terzian has continued to honor her through each magazine as a tribute to her legacy as one of the founding members of cul-da-sac and the creative writing program.

    Cul-de-sac is an English class here at COC.

    “Students learn about inception, marketing, and understanding how to work within the budget…culminating into the actual product, released at a party in May,” said Terzian.

    Beginner editor Jacobi Brown, “[wants] to find the best fiction and nonfiction that the COC student embodies has to offer”

    As a reminder, this magazine showcases what our coc students are capable of, giving them recognition through their work in the literary magazine awards.

    If you are ever interested in joining the team of Cul-Da-Sac, sign up for English 122.

    Creative Literary Arts magazine The Cul-Da-Sac is getting for spring

  • The 9th Annual Youth Arts Showcase invited the community to explore their artistic side

    The 9th Annual Youth Arts Showcase invited the community to explore their artistic side

    Communities are built on strong relationships that allow one another to seek stability, growth and opportunity. Santa Clarita offers events such as a Youth Art showcase to help kids bond and explore.

    “This is the Youth Art showcase, this is our ninth annual event… all about celebrating the creativity of the youth here in Santa Clarita,” said Casey Miller, one of Santa Clarita’s event coordinators.

    “There’s a ton of different activities and features for people to enjoy, from a Youth Art Gallery to interactive hands-on craft stations where kids can come and make and take something away,” said Miller.

    From live music to chalk art, the Community Center is a buzzing hot spot that brings art to life.

    Events like these strive to inspire the community and keep art alive. Through captivating people of all ages, there will always be the opportunity to unleash creativity.

  • The Blue Carpet is rolled out as COC athletics honors Cougar legends of the past

    The Blue Carpet is rolled out as COC athletics honors Cougar legends of the past

    Dedication, hard work, and perseverance are some qualities the new Hall of Fame inductees share. These athletes, coaches, and teams’ legacies will have a place forever at this school.

    Honorees signed memorabilia, reminisced on their past, and felt joy to be recognized for their passion.

    “When I finally got here and really worked as hard as I have, and now that it’s being recognized,” said Ruby Herrera, Hall of Fame honoree.

    “I think it’s a surreal moment where you realize the hours, the time, and the play that you have and set for yourself, it ends up being worth it in the end,” said Herrera.

    The inductees believe they could not have accomplished this honor without the help of their loved ones.

    “It means a lot to me, but not only me, everybody who’s helped me get to this point,” said Carlton Spencer, former College of the Canyons Basketball player and Hall of Fame honoree.

    “My mother, my father, my grandparents, my aunties and uncles, my kids, my sister, the coaches, the players,” said Spencer. “This means a lot.”

    Student-athletes helped present the awards to the honorees, showing them that this could be them one day.

    The honorees urge students, whether athletes or not, to try their best to accomplish their dreams and remember that everyone has a different life path.

    “I think looking at the bigger picture is not about the title, program, or what it sets out to be,” said Herrera. “I think it’s more of the kind of person that it turns out to be or it makes you be or make you want to become.”

  • A student author looks to inspire others with his latest book ‘Transform’

    A student author looks to inspire others with his latest book ‘Transform’

    They say you don’t judge a book by its cover. Mark Jonathan Romero is a full-time student at the College of the Canyons. Not just reading books but writing them himself.

    “It is 33 lessons for young adults,” said Romero. “I wanted to do a self-help project, to be something I could leave behind.”

    His new book, ‘Transform’, is his latest project, which you can find on Amazon and in the Barnes and Noble bookstore.

    “If you can be entertained while you’re kind of being helped, it’s a win-win,” said Romero. “It gives you that sort of sense of entertainment.”

    An F-student turned author, Romero wrote, designed, and illustrated this self-help book, which took over a year to complete.

    “I have a little cousin. I have a little primo. He doesn’t even know how to read, but he, still flipping at it because he was looking at the photos,” said Romero.

    “It’s good to see it because it’s like if somebody doesn’t even know how to read, they can just look at this and be like, wow, like a nice drawing,” said Romero.

    Now that Romero has sold out of all copies of the book, he ends the chapter on this one, but the stories are sure to continue.

    A student author looks to inspire others with his latest book ‘Transform’

  • The annual ‘Bloom Fest’ welcomes spring the Santa Clarita Valley

    The annual ‘Bloom Fest’ welcomes spring the Santa Clarita Valley

    On April 6th, the Santa Clarita community came together for a lively Easter celebration known as Bloom Fest. The event featured a variety of local vendors and entertainment for all ages.

    Over 200 vendors attended, showcasing unique creations ranging from clothing and art to delicious food.

    While each vendor brought something different to the table, they all shared a common goal: to connect with the community and share a vital part of themselves.

    One of those vendors is Suzanne Bohamed from ‘Susie B’s Kitchen,’ whose delicious treats have become a staple at local events.

    For Susie, this business is not just about food; it reflects her passion and love for bringing people together through culinary delights.

    “Growing up with my grandparents, she was always making some type of cultural cookie or bread, and we got used to having something with our morning coffee,” said Bohamed. “That’s just what inspired me to do it.”

    “After the COVID shutdown, nobody could get bread or the ingredients for bread. I started making bread for everybody, and we started getting really busy,” said Bohamed.

    Bohamed’s story is just one of many that highlight the creativity and passion of the vendors at Bloom Fest.

    Each vendor brings unique backgrounds and experiences, weaving a tapestry of flavors, styles, and stories that enrich our community.

    Through their unique creations, these local artisans connect with neighbors and share a piece of their heart.

    Bloom Fest highlights their talents and strengthens the bonds that make Santa Clarita vibrant.

  • The Castaic Animal Care Center is making an effort for animals in need of a home

    The Castaic Animal Care Center is making an effort for animals in need of a home

    Last weekend, the Animal Care Center in Castaic hosted its spring fling adoption event. Community members and SCV residents could enjoy company food and adopt pets for a discount.

    The care center hopes to give homes to as many animals as possible, as dogs of all different sizes and personalities sit patiently waiting for that new someone to call family.

    The care center manager, Paul Maradiaga, has adopted pets and wants to give back to the community and its animals.

    “We encourage people to come to the care centers, not just Castaic but all our other care centers as well,” said Paul Maradiaga, care center manager, who has adopted pets and wants to give back to the community and its animals.

    The event was also filled with volunteers, whether they were vendors promoting their own work or just helping around the center.

    Volunteers would take the dogs out of the kennels so potential owners could get some outside playtime with their new family members.

    Last year, the number of sheltered animals getting homes in California increased compared to previous years, meaning that the support for adoption is only growing.

    But adopting doesn’t always mean bringing home a puppy or a kitten; it can also be an opportunity for older dogs to get the care and love that animals deserve, no matter their age.

    “I came to the shelter, and I saw Tico, and he’s a lot older than the other dogs, and so I just thought he needed a home more,” said Annabelle Barnes, a resident who adopted a dog during the event.