Saugus high's top grad wants to be vet

The student with the highest grade point average at Saugus High School is called the Torch Bearer. This year's Torch Bearer is Emily Deloria, who says that while her parents put education first, they didn't pressure her, allowing her to relax and do her best. The Signal asked top graduates at each of the six Hart district high schools questions about their current successes and their future goals, and these are Emily's answers. Q: ...

Saugus Centurions graduate

More than 500 Saugus High School seniors officially became high school graduates when they received their diplomas during the school's 30th commencement ceremony Thursday evening. The ceremony, which took place at the College of the Canyons outdoor stadium and brought hundreds of families, friends and school officials to join in the class of 2008's celebration, also honored Richard Obar, a Saugus High School assistant principal, who dedicated 37 years to the teaching profession.

Valencia man found guilty of swindling

A Valencia man was found guilty of nine felony counts for using an advertiser-driven, cartoonish map to swindle money from local businesses and consumers, officials announced Thursday.

Thomas rolls into Magic Mountain

Since 1946, children around the world have fantasized about embarking on a journey through the Island of Sodor with Thomas the Tank Engine and his many friends. On Thursday, some of those fantasies were realized in Valencia when Six Flags Magic Mountain opened Thomas Town, a new train ride and play area based upon Thomas the Tank Engine children's books and TV program.

Water rationing not likely in SCV

Mandatory water rationing is not "in the cards" for Santa Clarita Valley residents, local water officials said in response to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proclamation Wednesday of a statewide drought. "We're in a good position and we don't have to draw on any backup water supplies," said Dan Masnada, general manager of the Castaic Lake Water Agency.

Court hearing postponed for pair accused of killing child

A Superior Court judge postponed a hearing Thursday for a Castaic woman and her boyfriend accused in the torture and slaying of the woman's 5-year-old daughter.

Nearly 500 homes approved

A 492-unit Canyon Country housing development was approved by county supervisors Wednesday, clearing the way for grading of more than 500 acres of land. Dubbed "Park Place," the development would be located in Tick Canyon at the very eastern edge of Canyon Country at the end of Shadow Pines Boulevard.

Magic Mountain douses fireworks

That's all, folks. Six Flags Magic Mountain will no longer hold its nightly fireworks show - a fixture of the local night sky - due to brush fire concerns, a park official said Wednesday. "Six Flags Magic Mountain, in the interest of the local community and the high brush fire conditions in the Santa Clarita Valley, will no longer be implementing summer fireworks," according to a statement from the Valencia theme park. "Six Flags regrets ...

Trio arrested for ring of OTC drug thefts

They allegedly stole thousands of dollars in drugs ranging from Rogaine to Aleve. On Wednesday, three Sun Valley residents were arrested for their involvement in a crime spree involving pharmacies in California and Oregon, according to Detective Jeffrey Jackson of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. The trio are part of a large group of Hondurans who stole large quantities of over-the-counter drugs throughout the state during the past two years, Jackson said. Six of ...

Hart holds 60th commencement

With the largest Hispanic population of all the high schools in the Santa Clarita Valley, Hart High School welcomed guests to its 60th commencement ceremony with a greeting in English and another in Spanish on Wednesday evening at College of the Canyons.

‘Mr. SCV' named grand marshal

John Boston, known by many as Mr. SCV, has been chosen as the grand marshal of this year's Santa Clarita Fourth of July Parade.

‘Estranged Bandit', 3 others in police custody

Four people were arrested Saturday for their involvement in an armed bank robbery that day in Santa Barbara, officials confirmed Wednesday. Two of the suspects were arrested in Valencia.

CHP arrest man on I-5 for cocaine

A 22-year-old Washington man was arrested after a traffic stop Wednesday morning when CHP officers found nine pounds of cocaine and $100,000 in his car.

Mother inspired valedictorian

Megan Del Vecchio, this year's valedictorian at Valencia High School, said that her mother has been one of her most powerful influences and biggest supporters. The Signal asked top graduates at each of the six Hart district high schools questions about their current successes and their future goals, and these are Megan's answers.

Victorville backs transfer of Cemex mining from SCV

The city of Victorville passed a resolution this week confirming its support of federal legislation that would provide Cemex, Inc. with land in Victorville to prevent the company from mining in Soledad Canyon.

Local educator found slain on Valentine's Day

A former Valencia High School educator was shot and killed in Woodland Hills on Valentine's Day and her daughter arrested in Oregon eight hours after the body was discovered, law enforcement officials said Tuesday.

Suppliers during 2000 energy crisis face billion-dollar refund

SAN FRANCISCO, February 19, 2013 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today said that an Administrative Law Judge at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last Friday issued a sweeping "initial decision" finding more than a dozen electricity wholesalers guilty of market manipulation in the summer of 2000, when California suffered the highest electricity prices in history. If the Administrative Law Judge's decision is adopted by FERC, the sellers will face a collective refund ...

Bi-partisan bill by State Senators to require prevailing wage jobs in California charter cities

(Sacramento) – Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) will co-author a measure on prevailing wage to increase middle-class jobs, sustain a skilled workforce, and ensure cost efficient and high quality public works projects. Senate Bill 7 would make charter cities eligible to receive or use state funds for a public works project only if the city has a policy of requiring contractors on all its municipal projects to comply ...

LAPD chief: Review of Dorner firing under way

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck says the review of ex-officer Christopher Dorner's firing is under way, but it's too early to comment on the re-examination.

UPDATE: Storm due to hit SCV overnight

Santa Clarita Valley residents will be asleep for most of the latest winter storm expected to hit our area, a spokesman for the National Weather Service said today.

"Every 15 Minutes" program planned for Hart High School

On Thursday, February 21st 2013, the City of Santa Clarita, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station and Hart High School officials will join in partnership to conduct the Every 15 Minutes program at Hart High School.

Today in the SCV: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2013. There are 315 days left in the year.

Helmet saves a life

HOA still recovering months after paint crime

Vandals who hopped a North Valencia HOA pool fence last summer and dumped seven gallons of paint into the pool and hot tub, causing more than $300,000 damage, are still at large.