Junior High Summer Institute back for second season

Offering more than the typical summer camp experience, the popular Junior High Summer Institute (JSI) at College of the Canyons is back and better than ever, with new curriculum tracks and activities that are sure to provide students with a fun and engaging atmosphere all summer long.

Antonovich secures Measure R funds for Metrolink improvements

To prioritize rail safety and infrastructure upgrades, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) approved a motion by Directors Michael D. Antonovich, Don Knabe, Ara Najarian, Richard Katz, and Antonio Villaraigosa, securing "Measure R 3%" commuter rail funds to employ safety enhancing positive train control technology for Metrolink trains in Los Angeles County.

Antonovich seeks to kill 'puppy mills'

To reduce animal cruelty and high taxpayer costs associated with the over-breeding of dogs at facilities commonly referred to as "puppy mills," Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich wants more comprehensive laws to prevent irresponsible dog breeding in Los Angeles County.

Mountasia hosts Summer Meltdown fundraiser

The Yes I Can students of the William S. Hart Union High School District throw a fundraiser at Mountasia Family Fun Center from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27.

Reader Meter results, Feb. 20-27, 2009

Here are the results of The-Signal.com's latest Reader Meter poll. The-Signal.com visitors cast a total of 341 votes from mid-afternoon Friday, Feb. 20 to late afternoon Friday, Feb. 27, 2009.

Two Women on Wine: Tips on ordering wine in restaurants

Ordering wine in a restaurant doesn't have to be a scary, intimidating experience. That's what we always tell people who say they dread the moment it's time to order wine. If you get a little pang of anxiety when you're handed the wine list, here a few suggestions that might help smooth the way. |

Death of James Dean remembered

Former CHP officers Ernie Tripke and Ron Nelson have been friends for longer than many of us have been alive. Through three-decade long careers with the Highway Patrol, and a similar amount of time in retirement from the force, the two men have remained close friends and frequent companions.

Jazz icons, young lions pace Playboy Jazz Fest stage June 13 & 14

Some of the most exciting and internationally renowned names in jazz will come together when the 2009 Playboy Jazz Festival, now in its 31st year, presents a stellar lineup of talent Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14 at the landmark Hollywood Bowl.

Oscar wins for 'Milk'

Sean Penn amazes me. Not long before seeing "Milk," I viewed his work in "Dead Man Walking" again. Few characters could be more different, few characters could seem more real. He creates a character with infinite attention to detail and from the heart out.

Grandmas march for peace

About a dozen Grandmothers for Peace will return to the corner of McBean Parkway and Valencia to protest the war in Iraq from 3 p.m. http://www.amazon.com/Horizons-Exploring-Universe-CengageNOW-Astronomy/dp/0495113581to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Obama troop exit plan jake with Buck

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (CA-25) issued the following statement regarding President Obama's plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq:

Recap: Amgen Tour's Stage 7 start brought pro cyclists, $$$ to Santa Clarita

This year, the Amgen Tour of California once again raced through Santa Clarita's streets, electrifying the thousands of race fans who joined the estimated more than 2 million spectators who viewed the event this year. Town Center Drive, at the Westfield Valencia Town Center, was lined with fans as riders, including Lance Armstrong, prepared to battle their way from Santa Clarita to Pasadena in Stage 7 of the race.

How to talk to your junior high school age child

The turbulent adolescent years are an especially trying time for students, yet we parents often fall into the trap of expecting children to respond to reason and logic as though the kids are younger versions of ourselves. Have you ever caught yourself saying to them, "What were you thinking?" after a particularly illogical action? We forget that they are undergoing tremendous changes physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.

Laurie Ender: Anti-Gang Task Force fights to keep streets, youth safe

As community members, we value the safety of our city and understand that it takes a great deal of collaboration to make Santa Clarita a great place to live, work and play. Our world today is riddled with crime, gangs and individuals who see our possessions, lifestyle and even children as a means to their gain. The city works hard to keep this kind of criminal activity off our streets and away from our community, ...

Bill Kennedy: Denial led to state budget crunch

It was January 1966 and 2nd Lt. Larry Arnold, one of my USAF pilot training classmates, had just lifted off from our base in Texas for his initial solo in a twin-engine jet, when he was confronted by one of a pilot's worst nightmares - a cockpit warning light indicating a fire in the right engine.

Small Fla. city wonders who won Powerball jackpot

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. (AP) - Some lucky person walked into a Publix supermarket in suburban Florida over the past few days and bought a ticket now worth an estimated $590.5 million - the highest Powerball jackpot in history.

10 Things to Know for Monday

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Monday:

Obama exhorts good deeds by Morehouse graduates

ATLANTA (AP) - President Barack Obama, in a soaring commencement address on work, sacrifice and opportunity, on Sunday told graduates of historically black Morehouse College to seize the power of their example as black men graduating from college and use it to improve people's lives.

Tornadoes level homes in Okla., 21 injured

SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) - One of several tornadoes that touched down Sunday in Oklahoma turned homes in a trailer park near Oklahoma City into splinters and rubble and sent frightened residents along a 100-mile corridor scurrying for shelter.

Rebates benefit buyers and the local economy

Rebates are available to Santa Clarita Valley residents this spring on high-efficiency washing machines and electric-powered lawnmowers under deals offered through government agencies.

Santa Clarita City Council weighs in on state legislation

Santa Clarita City Council members have heartily endorsed the Boxer-Feinstein bill to block the proposed open-pit sand and gravel mine in Canyon Country but turned thumbs-down to a bill that would open up public spaces to use by the homeless at any time.

At least seven injured in two crashes on Highway 14

Two multi-car crashes involving five vehicles injured at least seven people and caused a backup on the northbound Highway 14.

Greening's goal in 2nd OT lifts Sens over Pens

OTTAWA (AP) - Colin Greening scored 7:39 into double overtime, and the Ottawa Senators rallied for a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins that cut their series deficit to 2-1 on Sunday night.

AP CEO calls records seizure unconstitutional

WASHINGTON (AP) - The president and chief executive officer of The Associated Press on Sunday called the government's secret seizure of two months of reporters' phone records "unconstitutional" and said the news cooperative had not ruled out legal action against the Justice Department.

Angels' Vargas goes 7 scoreless against Chisox

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Jason Vargas kept throwing strikes and catcher Chris Iannetta kept taking his walks - a winning formula for the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

Braves rally with 4-run 8th to sweep Dodgers

ATLANTA (AP) - Ramiro Pena got a fierce wakeup call with the bases loaded and the scored tied in the eighth inning.

College of the Canyons football adapting to slew of changes

COC Insider: Cougars close season with two state titles

Tornadoes hit Kansas and Oklahoma; no injuries reported

EDMOND, Okla. (AP) - A powerful storm system rumbled through the Plains and upper Midwest on Sunday, spawning tornadoes that damaged homes and buildings near Oklahoma City and put the Tulsa area on high-alert.

Tejay van Garderen wins Tour of California

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) - Always close to the front but never first at the end, Tejay van Garderen would often wear himself out wondering if he could swap the white jersey that goes to the best young rider for the yellow one that goes to the winner.