Canyons News

Canyons News Canyons News is the official student news agency of College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita Valley.

10/09/2025

Recent months have seen College of the Canyons (COC) thrust into the spotlight, following contentious board meetings and a significant leadership shift involving former President David Andrus.

In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Canyons News, new Acting President Dr. Jasmine Ruys shares why she felt a "sense of duty" to step up. She explains how the entire college is focusing on its core mission,“putting students first”, amid the transition. Beyond the serious work of campus leadership, Dr. Ruys also reveals how family, fantasy football, and her four-legged friends play an important role in keeping her grounded.

10/09/2025

Recent months have seen College of the Canyons (COC) thrust into the spotlight, following contentious board meetings and a significant leadership shift involving former President David Andrus.

In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Canyons News, new Acting President Dr. Jasmine Ruys shares why she felt a "sense of duty" to step up. She explains how the entire college is focusing on its core mission,“ putting students first”, amid the transition.

Beyond the serious work of campus leadership, Dr. Ruys also reveals how family, fantasy football, and her four-legged friends play an important role in keeping her grounded.

10/08/2025

For years, College of the Canyons has welcomed students and community members to Friday Night Film screenings at Halsey Hall. It has become a tradition to showcase films that bring people together and share the joy of watching stories unfold on the big screen.

"I’ve been coming to this event for several years," said Jean Miller, a College of the Canyons Media Arts Professor.

"I love the fact that a lot of movies are being shown that we wouldn't see anywhere else, or there are very few times theaters in the area that would carry them."

This week's screenings paired 'The Ballad of Wallis Island', a heartfelt musical comedy, with 'A Different Man', a darker exploration of identity. Together, they reflect the kind of discovery this series is known for, introducing fresh, original, and often overlooked films.

"The hope is that if we bring more people to campus with our program, not only will they hopefully come back, but also make them think about what else they offer," said Max Keller, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Cinema Department.

For Keller, hosting the event carries a personal meaning that goes back nearly a decade.

"I have gone from hosting it as a student, hosting it as an adjunct, to hosting it as a full-time. And now, a person who runs this department. This is a part of my life. It's a huge part of my life," said Keller.

For viewers, the screening uncovered hidden gems. For Keller, they mark a lifelong commitment to cinema and sustain a vibrant culture at College of the Canyons

10/08/2025

Just past all the storefronts, on the corner of Main and 6th, sits a pillar of the local art community. The Santa Clarita Artists' Association gallery is a place where artists of all skill levels can showcase their works.

The SCAA hosts a variety of exhibits throughout the year, and entry is free to the public. If you've ever wanted to see what the Santa Clarita Valley's local talent has to offer, this is the place to be.

“I think it's fantastic,” said Kristen Baladi, a local Santa Clarita Artist. “There are lots of associations around, and this one is so representative of the area.”

The SCAA showcases artists from around the Santa Clarita Valley, providing them with a platform to showcase their skill set, display their work, and even find clients.

“One of my paintings was chosen to be the postcard, and also for the posters and magnets and stuff for the cowboy festival,” said Laura Ledesma, a local artist who has work featured at the showcase.

“You never know what's going to happen with each show.”

The SCA accepts applications from artists of all skill levels and offers scholarships to high school students interested in pursuing a career in the arts.

“They do a scholarship for high schoolers…we have a big art classic coming up, which is a competition,” said Baladi.

The art classic was held last Saturday, but the next gallery will run from October 3rd to November 2nd, and admission is free.

10/07/2025

For thousands of veterans, finding the right resources is a long and arduous fight. On September 20th, veterans and families attended the third Veterans Resource and Job Fair.

Veterans find help from the Junior Chamber International, many community organizers, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, and the College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center.

Held in the Honor Grove, located in front of the Central Commons building on campus, JCI co-chair Jimmy McCoy explains how navigating the VA system is not an easy road.

“When I discovered, when I got out, you really have to sort of become a private investigator to figure out what benefits or entitlements you might have access to…and you don’t know what you don’t know,” said McCoy.

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, representing District 40, shares her story.

“I work a lot on veteran issues and am the daughter of a Vietnam veteran who is disabled, a sister of a veteran who was in the Iraq war and a, and so personally veteran issues are really important to me,” said Schiavo.

“Our office does a lot of work to support veterans, to make sure they know what resources are out there, what their rights are.”

“Since I’m transitioning out of the reserves, I’ve been trying to get in contact with a VSO, preferably one local, because I live here in Santa Clarita,” said Kayden Mendez, a Marine Veteran.

“I wanted to bring him out here because he just explained his challenges,” said Shaun Mendez, a Marine Veteran.

10/07/2025

Here at College of the Canyons, providing students with the best on-campus experience does not just apply to education. It’s not all about textbooks and good grades; it’s also about basic needs.

"Students, if they’re having external stressors that are coming from being housing insecure, food insecure, maybe they don’t understand what resources they have for them that are gonna help through their academic journey. We’re here to assist with all of that," said Sarah Cox, Director of Student Resources and Basic Needs.

Students seeking vital resources can find them here at the Basic Needs Center or The BaNC. The program provides food, snacks, but that’s not all.

"It started with just giving grab-and-go foods, snacks and some meals,” said Cox.

“Since then, we’ve expanded to emergency grants. We have CalFresh assistance, where we help students sign up for CalFresh and help navigate the renewal process.”

“We help students with our clothing closet, whether it’s everyday clothing that they need or interview clothing," says Cox.

Some students share their experience reaching out for these resources with no cost and full welcoming.

"I pop in and I take some bread sometimes, and I just bring it home to my family," says Nicole Lillingston, COC student.

Other students see how this program supports their peers.

"The basic needs center, I usually see it around. It has stuff that everyone needs. I have not used it yet, but I’ve seen and heard other people use it," Carson Kratzberg, COC student.

Embarrassment or shame will only lead you to fall through the cracks, so here is some advice.

"I would say to not be ashamed because, honestly, everyone goes through a lot of things, and it’s not something to be ashamed of," Lillingston says.

The BaNC is more than just food and clothing, but also a path for students to succeed and a reminder that you have support.

10/06/2025

One thousand one hundred empty chairs filled the Honor Grove - each one symbolizing a college student lost to su***de every year across the country.

"The chairs are to represent the students who are no longer here,” said Priscilla Benites, Student Health and Wellness supervisor.

“That's how many students die by su***de across the U.S.," said Benites.

The display is part of the annual 'Shine a Light on Su***de' event, hosted by the Student Health and Wellness Center. Alongside the display, community providers set up booths on campus.

From mental health support to family planning services, organizations are working to make sure students know where to turn for help.

"We provide behavioral services throughout our clinic. We have two different sites that only provide behavioral services for those who may need the services for su***de prevention, especially, you know, or any other behavioral health services they may need," says Jacqueline Marin, Samuel Dizon Family Health Center Employee.

September is a time for reflection and action. Organizers hope the event will start conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage students to reach out when they need help.

"If you call our number 661-362-3259, and dial 9, it will take you to protocols, and they have therapists that will help you at any hour of the night until we come back at 8:30 in the morning,” said Benites.

“Su***de is permanent, and tomorrow is a different day, and there's a solution for everything,” said Benites. “If you are having suicidal thoughts, I would recommend that you call professional help.”

10/06/2025

Chakra flow is centered around seven energy points, ranging from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, each associated with stability, creativity, and self-expression.

"We basically work through the seven main energy centers of the body from root to crown with movement, sound, breathwork, and affirmations… to feel more balanced in our bodies," said Dee Rowe, a women's circle facilitator, sacred ceremonies leader, and chakra flow practitioner

For Dee, the practice is more than exercise. She calls it her passion.

"Oh gosh, I love this stuff. This fills my cup up. This is like my passion project,” said Rowe.

The opportunity to share work like this exists because of studio founder Michelina Payetta, who left behind a secure career to take a risk.

"I quit my career job that was very stable, though I was very unhappy, and I decided to open doors,” said Payetta.

“I went from looking to telling the real estate agent to write up the proposal. And then I was signing lease papers, and I am now here four years later," said Payetta.

"There are tons of hippie yoga studios all over the place, and when I first came here, I was having a really hard time finding that. When I connected with Michelina, the studio owner, and talked to her about how I wanted to bring stuff like that to the community, and she was so supportive. It meant a lot to me,” said Rowe.

Now, Michaelina says the space has become more than a business.

"Yes, we are a yoga studio, but we are also a place that can be home."

And for many who step inside, that sense of home may be the most important discovery of all.

10/05/2025

The Hart Hawks look to continue their Foothill League dominance over the West Ranch Wildcats in a windy Friday night lights showdown.

The Wildcats were looking for their first win in league play this season, as Hart looked for their 4th win in a row.

The Hawks' offense starts to get rolling as this 23-yard pass from Jacob Pisano to Silas Tucker gets hard on the board halfway through the opening stanza.

Hart will then score on another touchdown, making it 14-0, and with the ball in the Wildcats’ possession, when the weirdest fumble on a failed handoff you'll ever see was recovered by number 33, Caden Kraft.

The Hawks will then score on that drive, as Matix Frithsmith, who was just on fire tonight. He takes it in for Hart's 3rd touchdown of the 1st quarter.

Then, with 10 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter, Hart had extended their lead to 28-0 at this point, and West Ranch would fumble the ball again, only this time recovered by defensive tackle Grayson Rivera.

On that turnover, the Hawks will keep piling on as Paisano mails one to Joshua Wagner, who joins the party.

The Wildcats, who managed to get downfield, claw one through as QB Blake Johnson rushes one in for a score.

It is 35-7 at the half.

We jump to the middle of the 3rd quarter. The score reads 42 to 13 now, and as West Ranch kicks off to Hart, Matix Frithsmith picks it up, gets some support around him, and he will take it all the way.

Touchdown Hart, and it is 49 to 13 Hawks. He shows no mercy as they win it 63 to 21, and it was the Matix Frithsmith show tonight as he had 3 touchdowns.

"My coach just sets me up in great positions to give me the ball and put me in the best spot," said Frithsmith.

"I like to credit my offensive line, Jared Trujillo, and Andrew Webster. They lead the way out there for me, just putting me in spots where I can read and make the right decisions."

The Hart Hawks have averaged, get this, 49.5 points in their last 4 wins, including this one. The offensive powerhouse will now turn to Castaic on October 10th.

West Ranch will still be looking for its first Foothill League win as it heads to play Saugus on the same night.

10/05/2025

For 50 years, Soroptimist International of Valencia has supported women and families in need. For the past 22 years, their mission has focused on raising money for breast cancer patients.

"We wanted to raise funds for women with breast cancer, whether that would be either a screening mammogram or support while they're going through treatment," said Laura Chelser, President of Soroptmist International of Valencia.

“A lot of us have mothers, sisters and some of us have had breast cancer, so it’s really near and dear to all of our hearts," said Chelser.

Funds raised go to local nonprofits, including the Sheila Veloz Breast Cancer and the Circle Of Hope Cancer Center.

"Whether that cost is something that you're gonna need to make a medical co-pay or you just found out you have cancer and you don’t know what the next steps are, Circle of Hope is there for you," said Debbie Holbrook, Circle of Hope Board Member.

What makes this fundraiser stand out? A fashion show with live models, many of them cancer survivors who walk the runway to raise awareness and money.

"One in every eight women will get breast cancer. Even if it’s not affecting you directly now, it might in the future, and we are here for you," said Chelser.

In the city known for its generosity, tonight’s event brought hundreds together, showing that in Santa Clarita, no one fights breast cancer alone.

Organizers say their already planning next year’s event and hope to raise even more money for local families battling breast cancer.

10/05/2025

"In the sixties, not only was it harsh for gay and trans people, just being an African American in that time was very, very hard," says Christy Henderson-Jenkin, Stonewall Veteran.

But on June 28, 1969, a police raid on the Stonewall Inn - a popular gay bar in New York City - became the breaking point.

"Stonewall is an example of the civil rights movement. We got tired, we stood up, and we fought," said Jenkins.

The Stonewall riots lasted for six days, sparking the modern LGBTQ+ movement - but how far have we really come?

"I truly believe we’re going backwards, not forwards," says Jenkins.

However, while the current administration continues to divide, the SCV LGBTQ Center is working to unite — spending the last five years fundraising for a building to support the community better.

"I want us to get a building so we can offer even more, so I know the Los Angeles LGBT Center offers medical care, that is something that would be great because that’s gone out here. And my goal is to fill in the gaps that are missing on top of being the resource hub," Bryce Jepsen, President of the SCV LGBTQ Center.

10/04/2025

Volunteers, young and old, come together to make a lasting effort to keep the Santa Clara River clean. With community leaders and residents joining to keep the environment safe, and goals clear.

"The collective effort today it's really a big community effort. And the way that it contributes to our overall goals for sustainability with the Santa Clara River, really, it's just working together as a community to pick up the trash to keep our river clean. You look at other rivers, you might see notice more trash, but we as a community we work really hard, and it's something that's really important to us," Haley Lawton said.

This year, volunteers tackled everything from old furniture, harmful plastics and even shopping carts.

Making efforts like today is critical to the ecosystem of the Santa Clara River as many species live in the riverbed.

"I just want you to know when you're cleaning out debris, you're helping save endangered species because they reside in our tributaries and our river. It's really an important part of the whole ecosystem of Santa Clarita and we're kind of unusual that in this community we do that," said Laurene Weste.

llegal dumping has turned parts of the river into an eye sore. The City of Santa Clarita has partnered with groups like the Santa Clara River Watershed Conservancy to monitor the river’s health year-round, but events like this rely on volunteer power.

"I always wanted to find something similar to doing something for the community, whether it's picking up trash or going to school and clean up. So these are the things that I look forward to and that way I can encourage my kids to do the same," Marlon Tolentino said.

As the day was wrapping up, there were plenty of community activities and exhibits to help spread awareness and information about the Santa Clara River. The clean riverbed at the end of the day is a testament to what teamwork can achieve.

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