To prepare for the 2010 fire season, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Los Angeles County Fire Department has renewed a contract to lease two CL-415 SuperScoopers fire-fighting aircraft from the Government of Quebec.

“To ensure that we are prepared for fire season, these vital aircraft have been requested to supplement our Fire Department’s water-dropping helicopters,” said Antonovich.

There will be no shortage of events dedicated to Independence Day in Santa Clarita this Sunday. From firework shows to Fourth of July parades, SCV is sure to be overflowing with fun inviting events that you and your family can enjoy. If you are looking to take part in a patriotic atmosphere take a look at this list of local events and make note of any that spark your interest.

The West Ranch baseball team suffered its first loss in the Valley Invitational Baseball League, 7-5, to Quartz Hill.

Down four runs in the seventh inning, West Ranch rallied and scored two runs. Justin Hovis knocked in both runs with a one-out single. With the bases loaded and two outs, Aaron Smirnoff flew out to end the game.

Josh Heinz drove in two runs, scored one and was 1-for-3 with a double.

As the finances for the state of California seem to get bleaker, the state has chosen to use revenue from cities to fill the gap, but a new ballot measure aims to put a stop to that practice.

The League of California Cities needed over 600,000 valid signatures and was able to get over a million to put a proposition on the November ballot to eliminate the states practice of taking local funds to cover budget gaps.