Food bank use jumps by 41%

For the past year, Wendi Lancy has seen more and more people of the Santa Clarita Valley lose their homes and jobs because of a struggling economy.

1,500 pull trash from river

Equipped with a black trash bag and white gloves, Sharon Williams and daughter Jennifer trudged through the sand of the Santa Clara River early Saturday morning.

Carnival attracts 5,000 families

The organizers of Day for Kids had one thought when they created this year's carnival: If mothers and fathers each have their own days of recognition, why can't kids have a special day too?

New faces on the Castaic council

Castaic residents saw the faces of their newly elected local representatives Wednesday when the results of the Nov. 8 town council election were announced.

Students enter essay contest

Junior Achievement and Deloitte launched the fifth annual "Excellence through Ethics" essay contest on Tuesday, giving U.S. high school seniors the ability to apply their knowledge of ethical decision-making and share their views on the importance of ethics in business.

Raceway hosts benefit for fire victims

MB2 Raceway in Sylmar hosts a benefit starting at 10 a.m. today for the Oakridge Mobile Home Park residents affected by the Sayre Fire.

Care packages for the troops

SupportOurTroops.Org is collecting donations for more than 60 groups across America who send care packages to U.S. troops.

Vino 100 celebrates second anniversary

In recognition of Vino 100's second anniversary, owners Lil Lepore and Shari Frazier will host a celebration with gifts and giveaways from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at 28112 Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia.

'Dr. Rap' is in the house

Dr. Samuel Kojoglanian delicately snaked a catheter through his patient's arteries and up to his heart. Alex Ochoa's spirits lifted when the doctor later confirmed he had a strong heart.

Girls find safe haven at Boys & Girls Club

Two high school girls may be alive today because of fast-thinking administrators at the Sierra Vista Clubhouse, a junior high school-based branch location in Canyon Country for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley.

City hosts 'Kids Night Out'

The city of Santa Clarita invites kids ages 4 to 11 to enjoy a "Kids Night Out" from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Community Room of Santa Clarita Park, 27285 Seco Canyon Road in Saugus.

Just Passing Thru eminent domain?

As the city of Santa Clarita labors to make its Newhall revitalization plans a reality, the Just Passing Thru body piercing studio at Lyons Avenue and Mian Street may face imminent closure.

Thomas sentenced to six years in state prison

A Van Nuys superior court judge sentenced former Canyon Country volunteer football coach Kevin Lamont Thomas to six years in state prison for sexually assaulting seven high school girls including some from the Santa Clarita Valley.

FEMA, Goodwill, Red Cross offer fire aid

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized the use of federal funds to help California pay for fighting the Sayre Fire in Los Angeles County.

Gas prices drop below $2

If a clean car doesn't convince motorists to get a wash, then $1.89 gas will, said a Valencia gas station owner.

City seeks feedback on municipal code changes

Santa Clarita residents, businesses and community groups are invited to review the proposed changes to the Santa Clarita Municipal Code and provide valuable feedback at an upcoming Open House hosted from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 in the Century Room at City Hall, located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard.

1 injured in Agua Dulce tractor accident

A man was airlifted to a hospital today after he became trapped under a tractor in Agua Dulce, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.

1 injured in Bouquet Canyon head-on collision

One person was rushed to the hospital with undisclosed injuries this morning following a head-on collision in Saugus, according to emergency response officials.

Today in the SCV: Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013

Today in the SCV

Cruising along in the SCV

Turkish man charged in Valencia crash is working a deal

A 20-year-old Turkish man charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter for a car crash last summer that killed a young Turkish woman was represented in court today by a lawyer trying to work out a deal for him.

UPDATE: Valencia woman confronts burglars

Two burglars, one brandishing a crowbar, startled a Valencia resident today when they tried to break into her home in an attempted "hot prowl" burglary, a local sheriff's spokesman said.

Conference center could come with hefty price tag

A new conference center in Santa Clarita could cost the city $2 million a year to finance, on top of the estimated cost of more than $20 million to build the facility itself, according to estimates presented Tuesday.

Newhall man arrested after woman attacked in her garage

A 25-year-old Newhall construction worker is in custody Tuesday facing assault charges after he allegedly attacked a woman in her garage in Canyon Country last week, a local sheriff's spokesman said.

Whittaker-Bermite group meets next week

The Whittaker-Bermite Citizens Advisory Group meets next week for an update on the cleanup of the local brownfield that was a munitions-manufacturing plant for decades.

Preliminary hearing ordered in Saugus murder case

A preliminary hearing has been ordered for a 41-year-old man charged with murder in the death of his Saugus girlfriend 18 months ago, a court clerk said Tuesday.

Plea deal pending in summertime fatal crash

A 20-year-old Turkish man charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter for a car crash last summer that killed a young Turkish woman was represented in court today by a lawyer trying to work out a deal for him.

Whittaker-Bermite group meets next week

The Whittaker-Bermite Citizens Advisory Group meets next week for an update on the cleanup of the local brownfield that was a munitions-manufacturing plant for decades.

Valencia resident confronts burglars

Two burglars, one brandishing a crowbar, startled a Valencia resident today when they tried to break into her home in an attempted "hot prowl" burglary, a local sheriff's spokesman said.

Wilk calls for audit of rail authority

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, has joined Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, in her request for an audit of the California High-Speed Rail Authority's oversight and management of private contractors for the initial 29 mile segment that is scheduled to start construction in July 2013.