On Saturday, October 27th, Santa Clarita joined in the national Make a Difference Day.  Make a Difference Day is an event held across the country that encourages volunteers of all ages to come out and do their part.  An early morning rally was held in the Valencia Hyatt parking lot before everyone dispersed and went to their assigned events.  There were over 1500 volunteers.  Some places that recieved much needed service were; the Placerita Nature Center, New Leash on Life, Carousel Ranch, Child & Family Center, Boys & Girls Club of SCV, the Gibbon Conservation Center, Help the Children, SCV Senior Center, and numerous schools throughout the SCV.  Some of the tasks included; brush clearnce in fire break, tree trimming, painting, tree and shrub planting, weeding, table and window washing, interior repair to floors, and fence building.

On Friday, October 19th, a small group of performers from Circus Vargas visited the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center.  There were three performers; a juggler, a clown, and a hula-hooper.  The juggler was only 16 years old and was able to juggle seven balls.  Another performer was able to hula-hoop 23 hula-hoops.  Circus Vargas advertises themselves as a circus with a touch of Broadway.  This year they are putting on a new show, their most exciting ever.

On August 4, Santa Clarita’s finalists for the Texaco Country Showdown Local Contest, Jessica Marie and Poor Man’s Poison performed at Concerts in the Park at Central Park. The Showdown is a chance for undiscovered singers and bands to share their musical talent locally, regionally, and even nationally. All contestants begin the competition at a participating local radio station – one of them being Santa Clarita’s hometown station, KHTS AM 1220. Interview With Jessica Marie and Poor Man's Poison.

Relay for Life 2012 at the Central Park

(Story and Photos by Gabie Cardenas)