Canyons News

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

12/20/2025

College of the Canyons is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Mesa, which held a celebration honoring students, alumni, and the program.

12/19/2025

Two strangers—a man visiting home for the holidays and a very young local bargain shopper—walked into a large room in Newhall, all attracted by the opportunity to see what they could find.

12/19/2025

People work for various reasons: some aim to improve their lives, while others seek to make the world a better place.

Meet Edgar Gomez, a Recycler at Sierra Recycling Center in Canyons Country.

"I like to help out people and recycle,” said Gomez.

It’s a job, he says, he loves and has been doing for quite some time.

"I've been working here for 10 years," said Gomez.

Besides getting a biweekly paycheck, the most rewarding thing for Gomez, he says, is helping protect the environment from pollution.

“We can collect all the recycle and help out the ocean from all the plastic getting there,” said Gomez. “We recycle all kinds of plastic, glass and aluminum.”

His recycling center is open seven days a week and closes during major holidays. While open, families always show up trying to do their part, too, to help out the environment and why not, getting a little monetary reward.

"For aluminum, we pay $1.60 per pound...for plastic we pay $1.47...and for glass we only pay 10 cents per bottle,” said Gomez. “We collect about 600 pounds in plastic, around 400 pounds in aluminum, sometimes more. And in glass, we collect around 1.000 pounds a day.”

That's roughly 15,000 pounds per week, a vital number that helps reduce pollution.

According to Pacific Environment, plastic pollution is the most threatening to the environment, human health, and the climate. They say every day, 2,000 garbage trucks' worth of plastic pollutes our oceans, rivers and lakes, endangering marine life and ecosystems.

Gomez believes that if every person did their part to protect our planet, we would have a cleaner, safer home.

12/18/2025

A Santa Clarita family is raising $3 million to treat their son, Damian Markham, who has ASMD, a rare genetic disease with a life expectancy of 2-5 years, often called baby Alzheimer's.

Damian’s parents, Brittany and Brock Markham, work hard to raise awareness.

The Markham family has promoted Damian’s causes through the local SCV Fourth of July Parade and by printing informational flyers on T-shirts and poster boards.

Their most recent event, Damian’s Not-so-Haunted House, featured a treat sale and a child-friendly Halloween walk-through.

In October, they raised over $17,000. This year, the Markham family is doing Damian’s Christmas Village for a second year, featuring a Christmas version of Damian’s Not-So-Haunted House.

To support Damian, visit social media, GoFundMe (), or the PleaseSaveDamian website.

12/18/2025

At Saugus High School, the girls’ basketball team is off to a strong start, and their success is built on experience and trust from years of working together.

“A lot of us have been playing together since we were young, like, fourth or fifth grade,” said Eve Maria Rios, senior point guard on the Saugus Girls Basketball team.

“We're just really trying to soak everything in.”

That chemistry shows up on the floor, especially in how confident they are with their offense.

“We emphasize so much on our plays during practice. I feel like I always go into every game just very confident in what we run, especially as a point guard,” said Rios.

“I really do not worry about if everyone on the team knows where we're running. I feel like our plays are very, they're like, drilled into us, that takes off a lot of pressure during the game.”

The coach says that mindset and work ethic set the group apart, and with a strong start to the season, including wins over top teams, Saugus is aiming high.

“We expect to win League. We expect to go 12-0, and we expect to make the playoffs,” said Anthony Flasaca, Head coach of the Saugus girls basketball team.

“I don't care what division they put us in. We expect to compete in that division.”

For the seniors, this final season is about much more than basketball. It's about appreciating every moment.

“I think what I'm going to take for the rest of my life is just to really be present in the moment of every blessing that you have. Because this team really is that for me, it really takes a village,” said Rios.

Through their chemistry, leadership, and drive, the girls’ Saugus basketball team says they're ready for whatever comes next.

12/17/2025

Senior guard Isaac Yuhico has stepped into one of the most demanding roles on his team, scoring, passing, defending and leading. He says his motivation comes from more than just the scoreboard.

“I need to go to a good college..I want to win this year as a senior,” said Yuhico.

He's not shy about his goals for the rest of the season, aiming both high individually and for the team.

“This season, I want to be first-team all-league,” said Yuhico.

“I want to average as many points as I can get, to 1000 points, and most importantly, win.”

His coaches say his role has expanded since last year, adding responsibilities for scoring, creating shots, and defense.

“Isaac is a do-it-all player for us; he has to bring the ball up, and he has to score for us,” said Ali Monfarene, Head Coach for Canyons High School Boys Basketball.

“He's leading our team in scoring. He's leading our team in assists. And he's also doing a lot of things defensively this year.”

“He was a huge part of our CIF championship team last year; this year, he's taking even a larger load, and that really incorporates rebounding and defense.”

His experience provides structure for the team and supports younger players as they adjust to varsity competition.

“He's been a leader in my program ever since he got there. And I can't say it enough. I'm really lucky to coach him,” said Monfarene.

“He's even a better person than he is a player, and he's a fantastic player.”

Isaac's senior season, built on leadership, hard work, and a commitment to winning, will be evident throughout the season.

12/17/2025

Growing up in a sporty family, Craig Irons always had an instinct for basketball, and with a seven-foot frame, he was born with a gift most players only dream about, but early on, height alone wasn't enough

“Outside of sports, it makes a lot of things harder, but for sports, it's awesome,” said Irons.there the whole game.’ It worked until I got to high school, then I actually learn to play a game,” said Irons.

“It kind of hurt me in the long run, but I'm getting better at it.”

Here at COC, Craig's game has changed. He's learning the details, reading the floor and becoming a vocal presence on defense.

“Craig has an incredible work ethic,” said Howard Fisher, COC Head Basketball Coach.

“He's done a great job with our strength and conditioning program, and he's really starting to grow as a player.”

His progress comes from consistency, the drive that helps him push through tough practices and refine his game.

“What motivates me when I'm having a bad practice is that even though it sucks now, if I keep doing it, it won't suck in the future. So as long as I'm consistent, I can fix whatever problem that I have in my game,” said Irons.

That mindset has helped him become a leader on the court, someone who communicates, corrects and guides.

“He calls out some of his teammates, he understands where everybody's supposed to be, and he communicates very well, and that stands out,” said Fisher.

Standing out is something he's used to at his height; blending in was never optional, but he doesn't see it as a challenge.

“I don't know it any other way, so it's just normal to me,” said Irons.

And while his height can make everyday life tricky on the court. It's a major advantage.

“Outside of sports, it makes a lot of things harder, but for sports, is awesome,” said Irons.

“I'd rather be really tall than really short.”

12/16/2025

There was some incredible holiday spirit at the Cube this past Friday, all excited to see their fifth annual Christmas tree lighting.

Santa Clarita residents and children waited eagerly to see the Christmas tree light up and to participate in the Christmas activities.

"Again, just a place to come down, meet people, and a great place for everybody to socialize, and they can come with their families," said Daryl Evans, Broadcaster for L.A. Kings.

"It's age-appropriate for everybody, there's something here for everybody to do, and again at this time of the season, it's always special, so come on out and visit and have yourself a good old time," said Evans.

With a sea of excited faces and bundled-up kids, a sneak peek into the ice show, The Nutcracker, followed the Christmas tree lighting. It's all beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

"We're excited because it brings the community together, it brings the people who may not know what the Cube is and what we do here, it brings people to come see what the Cube is, and before you know it, people start liking it and coming here," said Bill Miranda, former Mayor of Santa Clarita.

To top it all off, West Ranch Junior Varsity hosted its game last night.

They had a teddy bear toss, following their first score; all teddy bears thrown into the ring were collected and donated to the RISE Foundation, which helps support children in the foster care system.

"My favorite time of the year is the holidays, I love Christmas, I love Christmas trees, I love all the lights, I love the festive feeling, and for the city of Santa Clarita, we have some incredible holiday events," said Carrie Lujan, Communication Manager for Santa Clarita.

With plenty of entertainment and community focus, stop by the Cube in Santa Clarita if you want to feel the Christmas spirit and enjoy ice skating, or attend any of their upcoming events.

12/16/2025

The holidays are here, and Wakefield Winter Wonderland is back, lighting up the Christmas spirit.

Here at Winter Wonderland, located at Wakefield Court in Santa Clarita, families come together to explore all things Christmas before the day arrives.

Winter Wonderland opens every year on the very first day of December, and before then, they always get prepared to showcase their festive lights.

And you are free to choose how to enjoy these sights, from walking around to driving by.

For some, it's their first time visiting, but for others, it's become a tradition.

"It is a tradition. We live down the street, and coming here every year is a tradition after the family," said Handric Encarnacion, attendee.

For the families who are a part of the reason this takes place, they know what it means for them to give to the community.

"So happy that the community likes to come out and see the decorations, but now that I see people come up and get like that holiday cheer and they're smiling and they're having a good time, and just seeing all the lights its magical and it makes me, you know, people thank me and thank my family for doing all this, and it's really great to have that," said Bill Mehlem, Wonderland participant.

Wakefield Winter Wonderland continues to strive to make it the most magical place in Santa Clarita to make memories, express joy, and family fun.

"Love being out every night that this is going on, and just wishing people a ‘Merry Christmas’, see the kids all excited for the decorations and the lights," said Mehlem.

"It’s one of those things, you know, never thought you would be a part of or do, but once you’re there, it’s like yeah, I'm never leaving it," Mehlem said.

12/15/2025

Aubrey Parks spent years helping others find direction as a life coach, but after COVID-19 hit, her own life was thrown off course, leaving her without stable housing.

“I was losing a lot of my income and really struggling. I had no place to go, and I had no money,” said Parks.

For months on the East Coast, she couch-surfed and stayed in motels, Airbnbs, and short-term housing.

“I had to stay at the motel, and then from there I was bouncing around different places. I was staying in an Airbnb. I was staying at people’s places for a short period of time,” Parks said.

She survived it, but it changed her.

“There have been super, super dark days where I didn’t want to keep going, but I have people that love me. I have a son. I have my two cats. I know if something had happened to me, they wouldn’t be happy,” said Parks.

Now, she says she’s finally in a place where she feels a bit more grounded and able to think about the future instead of just the next place to sleep.

“I’m a little bit more stable now. This is giving me the opportunity to try to start focusing on my goals and try to rebuild. I would love to get a car. It’s really hard to get around,” said Parks.

Still, rebuilding hasn’t shielded her from the criticism she faces simply for asking for help.

“When I have shared my story, you see people firing back, like ‘get a job,' which is unfair because they don’t know people’s stories. They don’t know how hard we’ve worked and that there are situations beyond our control,” Parks said.

She’s rebuilding piece by piece. But she hopes her story prompts us to consider: how different would things look if we chose empathy first?

12/15/2025

Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary sits on 2.5 acres in Acton, offering a safe home to animals who were once unwanted, abused, or neglected.

"First of all, our sanctuary is about the animals. So it's not about us. We don't live off the animals. We live for the animals," said Erich Lange, owner of Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary.

"We've never taken a penny of compensation for doing this in 14 years, and we're actually one of the major donors for our sanctuary. So if donations run out, we're there to help out," said Lange.

The sanctuary cares for more than 30 rescued animals, offering safety and healing to those who once had nowhere else to go.

"This is April. She came to us, I believe, around nine years ago. She was being trained to become a police horse, and the trainer used some unconventional methods to discipline her, which included hitting her over the head with a two-by-four when she misbehaved," said Lange.

"Well, apparently, she got hit a little too hard, and it caused her to go blind. Then she was dumped at a high kill shelter, and we were the only sanctuary that would take her," said Lange.

An unlikely pair — a tortoise and a pig — have formed a bond that stands out at the sanctuary.

"These guys got taken to our Lancaster Animal Control, and people wanted to either take in the pig or the tortoise, but they wanted to keep them together because they were a bonded pair. Well, we were the only sanctuary that would take them both," said Lange.

For Erich and Kathy, caring for rescued animals makes vegan living a natural next step.

"So when people come here, we find out where they are on their journey, and everyone's in a different place. So we don't judge, we just try to educate," said Lange.

"And one of the ways we educate is for people to meet their food. Most people have never brushed a cow or held a lamb in their lap and or met a turkey," said Lange.

At Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary, the mission is the same for every animal: safety, compassion, and a second chance.

12/14/2025

Beyond the cows, alpacas, miniature horses, and many other barnyard animals, there are the mighty Disney bison. The City of Santa Clarita has recently taken ownership of the William S. Hart Park in Newhall.

Animal Care Specialist, Rachel Komulainen, is in charge of the barnyard, and yes, the giant buffalo.

"All our animals are very spoiled. They get along very well. We have great staff and great volunteers here," said Rachel Komulainen, animal care specialist.

The bison and their descendants have lived on this 26-acre hillside since 1962. Part of the Disney movie ranch, these massive animals, along with their barnyard neighbors, eat only the best.

"Our animals also get fresh produce a couple of times a day, besides their hay and their and their pelleted diets. We have amazing vets that we use, and again, everybody's regularly vaccinated and dewormed," said Komalainen.

"And we also have different types of hay that we feed. We feed a three-way hay to our bison, which is oat, wheat, and barley," said Komulainen.

"I'm a big animal advocate and I always like to make sure people understand that that little hatchingling tortoise that's this big is really cute until it gets to be, ya know, three hundred, four hundred pounds and lives to be a hundred fifty, right, so, or a Burmese python's again very cute and they get to be twenty feet as a female," said Komulainen.

At the amazing Hart Park exhibit, the equine and bovine pen...

"We actually have two large cows. This is Clarabelle, Miss Clarabelle. She's sharing the screen with me. So Clarabelle is a cross between a longhorn and a highland. We have two mini-horses, Summer and Winter," said Komulainen.

Yet another fantastic and fascinating venue in our hometown of Santa Clarita.

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