Archive By Author - Jim Holt
Lifeguards wanted for summer staff
One local agency is bucking the unemployment trend by hiring about a dozen people who can swim a 1,000 meters in less than 18 minutes.
Jessica’s Law challenged
State Senator George Runner defended Jessica's Law Wednesday in response to a report that claims the proposition is ineffective, expensive and leaves sex offenders homeless.
Stimulus package infrastructure funds may not reach SCV
Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon doubts any of the economic stimulus package proposed by President-elect Barak Obama will find its way to Santa Clarita Valley.
Saugus wells to pump clean water
The two formerly perchlorate-tainted Saugus wells shut down for more than a decade should be pumping fresh, clean drinking water for more than 30,000 customers of the Newhall County Water District by April, said the newly elected president of the water district that owns them.
Owner fights for county approval to build Castaic hotel
County officials extended a permit Tuesday for a Bakersfield woman who continues her struggle to build a hotel on the main road to Castaic Lake despite the county's ongoing road repairs and a sagging economy.
High hopes for an auto tax credit
Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon wants to jump-start the economy by supporting a tax credit for new-car buyers.
Water board honors outgoing president
R.J. Kelly and Peter Kavounas hold the two top posts at the Castaic Lake Water Agency after its board of directors named them president and vice-president respectively Monday night.
Few surprises for CLWA election
Santa Clarita Valley residents overwhelmingly returned sitting board members to the Castaic Lake Water Agency during Tuesday's election, early returns indicated.
County specific measures
A local measure on water softeners and a county measure on a utility tax appeared headed for victory in Tuesday's election, but another county measure that would increase sales tax for mass transit was too close to call.
Salty softener owners may get shaken
Local homeowners could be fined $1,000 and hauled in front of the District Attorney if they keep their salt-rendering water softeners. But enforcing the law might be tough, said the man who has to enforce it.
Prop. 8 and the school debate
No student in Santa Clarita Valley will be taught comprehensive sexual health education, which includes teaching about alternative marriage, regardless of the vote on Proposition 8, local educators said.
Violence ushers in the new year
One man was shot in the chest and another stabbed multiple times in separate Canyon Country incidents on the first day of the new year, officials said.
Taking the (polar) plunge
Two dozen brave swimmers made a splash at the third-annual Glacier Slide Polar Bear Swim Thursday.
Alleged I.D. thief wants trial
A man charged with four theft-related felonies for allegedly using his girlfriend's credit card to run up thousands of dollars in purchases is going straight to trial without a preliminary hearing.
‘Pirate ship’ docks in yard
Families looking for an exciting non-scary Halloween event can find one in Canyon Country where a couple just finished building an elaborate pirate ship.
Articles By Author - Jim Holt
Valencia: One injured in collision of motorcycle and car
One person was taken to the hospital with undisclosed injuries Thursday following a traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a car in Valencia, a Sheriff's Department spokeswoman said.
UPDATE: Suspected ‘blond scammer’ taken into custody by Ventura deputies
SAN FERNANDO - A woman suspected of being the "blond scammer" - who stalked other women at grocery stores, stealing their wallets and then using their IDs to obtain cash or expensive jewelry - appeared briefly in court today only to be arrested by Ventura County sheriff's deputies, a bailiff said.
Stevenson Ranch: 5 ID theft suspects make court appearance Wednesday
Five people suspected of identity theft after being arrested at a Stevenson Ranch hotel this week made a court appearance Wednesday and were scheduled to be arraigned next month.
Saugus man gets probation in online dating thefts
A Saugus man charged with three felonies for stealing from local women he romanced online received a suspended sentence and three years' probation this week after pleading no contest to the charges.
Resolution possible for Valencia pair charged with possessing illegal weapon
SAN FERNANDO - The lawyer representing a young Valencia man who made national news last fall for allegedly posting online comments about hurting children told a San Fernando Superior Court commissioner Wednesday he anticipates a "possible resolution" in the case.
5 due in court Wednesday on ID theft charges
Five people arrested at a Stevenson Ranch hotel Monday are expected to appear in court Wednesday on felony identity theft charges, a local sheriff's spokesman said.
UPDATE: Canyon Country: One taken to hospital following fight near fast-food restaurant
A man was taken to the hospital today following a fist fight near the McDonalds Restaurant on Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country, emergency response officials said.
UPDATE: Admitted Stevenson Ranch rapist sentenced to 43 years to life
SAN FERNANDO - A 19-year-old man who admitted to a brutal rape last year, then tried to withdraw his admission, was sentenced to 43 years to life in prison Monday after a judge said he couldn't change his mind about the plea.
Newhall: Man arrested on suspicion of van theft
Sheriff's deputies arrested a man in Newhall this morning on suspicion he stole a van, a sheriff's spokesman said.
UPDATE: Acton crash survivor listed in good condition
A 9-year-old girl who survived a vehicle crash that killed her father in Acton is expected to be released from the hospital Tuesday, a California Highway Patrol official said Monday.
All for the competition
More than 160 young people on their way to becoming police officers competed in a series of challenges Sunday similar to what law enforcement officers experience day to day.
UPDATE: Attempted homicide charge filed in bar beating
A Castaic man was charged with attempted murder after he allegedly beat another man in a Sunland bar Monday night, using a "mini baseball bat," officials said Thursday.
Alleged gang members to stand trial for Canyon Country bank robbery
SAN FERNANDO - Three men identified by prosecutors as Rollin 40s Crips gang members were ordered to stand trial Wednesday for a take-over bank robbery in Canyon Country last September.
Valencia woman faces felony charge in hit-and-run
A Valencia woman faces a felony hit-and-run charge today for allegedly hitting a bicyclist in Newhall on Friday, then leaving the scene, court papers show.
