Passages Opens in Santa Clarita (TV Version)

Cowboy Festival 2015 - A Cultural Western Experience (Santa Clarita)

Smokey Robinson Swings for the Midnight Mission (Santa Clarita)

Motown legend and music icon, Smokey Robinson came in swinging.  It's the second annual Smokey Robinson Invitational to benefit the Midnight Mission.  The event facilitated at Valencia Country Club, hosted twenty sports, music, and television celebrities for an exciting day in Santa Clarita.

"This is not a tournament for skilled golfers necessarily," says Robinson. It's just for people to enjoy themselves and support the Midnight Mission."

"We're part of the community. We want to help out anyway we can and if it's showing up to sign some autographs and play a round of golf with some guys, that's a good thing, "said LA Dodgers' Steve Yeager, Baseball Hall of Fame recipient.

According to directors, the Midnight Mission is the oldest service organization in Southern California, opening its doors on Skid Row in 1914.  The Mission provides emergency services such as food, clothing, and shelter while providing long-term services which include job training and recovery programs - without government subsidizing.

"As an agency that doesn't rely on government support to do its work, these are really important events for us," said Larry Adamson, president and CEO of the Midnight Mission.

How has the Midnight Mission helped people get back on track?

"I came in 1999, homeless and addicted to drugs.  And the Midnight Mission helped me get my life recreated. So I'm 16 years sober, program manager at the Mission, have a family, and doing regular things. So I'm eternally grateful to the Midnight Mission for helping me," says Ron Holmes.

The organization operates a Skid Row facility accommodating 250 men and an Inglewood facility for women and children, transferring families off of Skid Row.

The Smokey Robinson second annual invitational generated $140,000 to benefit the cause.  According to directors, 80% of contributions go directly to client services and 20% to operational and administration costs.

"We help people because they need help and when there's no other motives, the passion and energy is real," said Ryan Navales, media relations for the Mission.

"It's a chance for me to kind of contribute to giving back to the community and giving back to help other people who haven't been successful in their lives or have had some difficulties and this is a great way to contribute," says Don Buford, Baseball Triple Hall of Fame recipient. "

Other celebrities came out to support their friend, Smokey Robinson.

"When I got the call from Smokey, I was there," said Johnny Gill of singing group New Edition. "He's my hero. When I look at people like him who have been here and paved the way for people like myself,  people like him, they lead by example," he said.

"To make a difference in someone else's life, no matter how big or small it is, it's the thought that counts," says Olympic gold medalist and six-time world boxing champion, Sugar Ray Leonard.

Looking ahead, the third annual Smokey Robinson Invitational is set for Monday, June 13, 2016 at Valencia Country Club.  Mark your calendar early and start swinging to support this premiere Santa Clarita celebrity event.

Camera: Bob Locke, Gloria Locke
Edit/Report: Gloria Locke

LIKE us on Facebook
Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

Empowering City Youth with Shakespeare (Los Angeles)

Battle of the Bands 2015 …and the winner is (Santa Clarita)

Smokey Robinson Invitational (Santa Clarita)

Smile Club Benefits MFFO (Santa Clarita)

Valencia High Smile Club is causing a global outbreak of smiles and laughter from Santa Clarita to Kenya.

When Andrew Flores became co-president of the Smile Club at Valencia High School this year, he quickly sought to establish the mission of bringing smiles to the community and the world. His research led him to Rocky Turner, co-founder of Mothers Fighting for Others, a Santa Clarita based non-profit providing education for children in Kenya. 

"He's like the mastermind behind all of this," said Smile Club co-president, Gracie Rusk. "I think it is such a great opportunity, not only for Smile Club in the community in Santa Clarita, but also for the girls in Kenya."

Flores took it upon himself to contact other clubs including Valencia High Dance, the Valencia High and Saugus High Improv Club, and other students to perform songs, dance, and comedy in an effort to raise money and awareness for MFFO.  Tickets and refreshments were sold at the Thursday night event, proceeds benefitting the cause.

"As the new Smile Club presidents, our mission is to help the community, serve local charities, and just try to make the world a better place," said Flores.  "It was really touching to know that I could help a little kid out there in Kenya," he said.

Mothers Fighting for Others co-founder, Rocky Turner, would travel to Kenya herself to implement the learning process and raising thousands of dollars for the education of over 40 students, a very dangerous undertaking escalated by recent tensions in the country. 

"I'm amazed that you put all of your talents together, from singing to dancing just to make people laugh," said Turner to the Smile Club presidents during the event.

The student-organized arts in education event not only brings smiles to kids in Kenya, but also encourages local students and residents to be kind to one another.

"It's so important to just be nice to people.  It's such a simple thing and it's so small but kindness goes a long way," says improv performer, Gabriella Shaffer.

The Smile Club raised over $800 for the cause.

"I'm not part of like a big organization but I feel really humbled that I can do something that I enjoy to really help others," said vocalist and guitarist, Edward Kim.

More smiles to come?

"I 100% believe in using your talents to move forward and help the world.  So I definitely believe I'll do this in the future and I'll continue to help whoever I can help," says improv performer, Olivia McAtee.

Shane Vereen Receives Key to the City (Santa Clarita)

Link to Vereen's history making tribute and other 'first and famous' African-Americans of the Santa Clarita Valley.  http://scvtv.com/?p=22760

First and Famous Santa Clarita African-Americans

First and Famous SCV African-Americans

This is the beginning of an investigation of Santa Clarita history pertaining to first and famous African-American contributors.  The intent of this article is to start dialog and research, engage students in local history, and welcome additional acknowledgements for the preservation of  SCV African-American education and history. (Listed in alphabetical order by last name):

Louis Brathwaite - Resided in the Santa Clarita Valley from 1969 until his death in 2001.  He was the first African-American elected to a local political office as a school board member. In 1987, Brathwaite became the first African-American appointed to the Planning Commission and greatly impacted local develop decisions for the future of the City. Brathwaite also served on the board for the SCV Senior Center creating the Bouquet Canyon Senior housing. He served on the board for the SCV Boys & Girls Club. Brathwaite was a strong advocate of the arts and completed his autobiography one week prior to his death, "Black Man's Job, White Man's World." Further references: http://scvhistory.com/scvhistory/sg111501.htm  

Austin Dave - Chief of Video and Audio Operations at the Signal newspaper. Austin Dave is the first African-American web designer and computer programmer for SCVTV and Cougar News at College of the Canyons. He is a graduate of Golden Valley High School. 

Reverend Samuel Dixon - Founded the first Samuel Dixon Family Health Center over 30 years ago in Val Verde, CA by converting the annex of his church into a health center (1980).  The center's funding and operations were provided by partnerships with corporations such as Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation, Santa Monica Hospital, Kiwanis and Rotary members to provide low-income health care for families who would otherwise have no means to obtain medical services.  Rev. Samuel Dixon died in 1980 during the initial construction but his vision forged ahead to create health care centers in Newhall, Canyon Country and Val Verde serving Santa Clarita residents.  

Anthony Ervin - Raised in Santa Clarita and a Hart High graduate, Ervin is the first of African-American/Native American and Jewish heritage named to the US Olympic Swim Team. He then became the first to of African-American heritage to obtain an Olympic gold medal in swimming. He was 18 years old at the time. Ervin continued to become a 2x World Champion and World Record holder. At the age of 33, he became one of the oldest members of the 2012 US Olympic Swim Team, notwithstanding, he won a silver medal.  Ervin is currently a member of the US National team preparing for the 2016 Olympic trials.

Allyson Felix - Track and field sprint Olympic and World Champion medalist. . At age 18, she won a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic games. In 2007, Felix gained four Olympic gold medals, two silver medals, and three World Championship gold medals. In 2012, her net worth was reported at $8.5 million.

Meagan Good - Iconic Hollywood Film/TV actress starring in numerous productions with her career beginning in 1991. 

Julius Harper - Lead pastor of Santa Clarita Christian Fellowship, first African-American to produce and host a televised ministry program in Santa Clarita.

Andre Hollings - Also known as F. Andre Hollings, is the Field Representative for Assemblyman Scott Wilk.  Prior to his position with Assemblyman Wilk, Hollings wrote several commentaries for the Signal newspaper. 

Ervin Hurd and Chip Fields-Hurd - Ervin Hurd is a two-time Emmy award recipient for technical direction.  Chip (Fields) Hurd is a world renowned actor, director, and coach.  She has directed mega-hits including Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns" and Disney's "Hannah Montana." Chips' daughter, Kim Fields, starred in the hit series "Facts of Life." SCV-Arts interview: https://youtu.be/r9jb_59_BSY

Roosevelt Johnson - In 2014, Roosevelt Johnson was promoted to Captain of the Santa Clarita Valley Station. Captain Johnson is a veteran of over 20 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and a Santa Clarita resident.

Jacques Anthony LaBerge - In 2009, "Anthony" La Berge was promoted to Chief of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department overseeing operations in Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Palmdale, Altadena, Crescenta Valley, East Los Angeles, Malibu/Lost Hills, and Temple stations. Chief LaBerge is a resident of Santa Clarita and has over 30 years of service with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

Gloria Locke - The first African-American to produce a radio show and the first African-American to produce a television show in Santa Clarita. She is the first African-American woman to write content for SCVNews.com, Our Valley Magazine, and the Signal newspaper and the first African-American multimedia journalist to produce video for these publications. She is the first African-American to serve on the Santa Clarita Arts Advisory Committee and to open an arts center in Saugus and Valencia.

Alysia Montano - A middle distance runner, she is a five-time USA Outdoor champion. Montano graduated from Canyon High in 2004 as Alysia Johnson.

Eddie Murray - Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.  Career highlights of 504 home runs, 3,255 hits, 19 grand slams are among his accomplishments before he began coaching in 2003. Murray became co-owner of the first Mercedes-Benz dealership in Santa Clarita, opening December 2005. 

Janice Murray - Radio producer and host of the KHTS AM 1220 "Non-Proift Spotlight" show. She began with the station in September 2005 continuing to present-day. She was married to Baseball Hall of Famer, Eddie Murray, until their divorce in 2011.

Edward "Ed" Redd - The first African-American appointed as a Parks & Recreation Commissioner in 2002 where he served until his death in 2010. Redd was also a strong advocate of the arts serving on Santa Clarita's Arts Advisory steering committee to increase multicultural arts education programs reflecting Santa Clarita's diverse population.

Naya Rivera - Television icon for her starring role in the series "Glee."  Naya Rivera was raised in Santa Clarita and is a Valencia High graduate.

Marlon Saunders - Senior pastor and founder of Valencia Christian Center, the largest African-American congregation in Santa Clarita.

Chris Schauble - Iconic KTLA Channel 5 morning news anchor, recipient of two Emmys and five Golden Mike Awards. Schauble calls Santa Clarita his home although he resides in the adjacent community of Stevenson Ranch. 

Felicia T. Sheppard - Television show host on "Talkin' with Felicia" airing on SCVTV.

Morris Thomas - The first African-American publisher of the Signal newspaper. Morris Thomas served as the interim publisher and general manager of the publication from 2009 to 2011 at which time he was appointed District Director for Senator Howard "Buck" McKeon serving from 2012 to 2015.  

Jim Ventress - Came to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1985 becoming the president of the SCV Boys & Girls Club serving in that capacity for 29 years (1985 - 2014). Ventress headed the planning of the Newhall Club and Sierra Vista Jr. High Club.  In addition to mentoring thousands of Santa Clarita youth, Ventress assisted in the creation of the Day for Kids and the Haunted Jailhouse event held at the SCV Sheriff's station.

Shane Vereen - Born and raised in Valencia, Vereen, the iconic #34, is the starting running back of the New England Patriots, champions at this year's Super Bowl XLIX. Shortly after January's Super Bowl win, Vereen receives key to the City of Santa Clarita:  https://youtu.be/7LcbBGvfqQ0

Deanna Warrick - Serves on the PAC Arts Education Advisory Committee, personally responsible for presenting Dionne Warwick's 50th anniversary arranging the first concert in Santa Clarita.

Firsts and Famous SCV African-Americans, Part 1, Olympic Swimmers

During African-American history month, I am posting "First and Famous" contributors to Santa Clarita Valley history, which may well impact the world, as in the case of Olympic swimmers:

http://scvnews.com/2015/02/16/scv-shares-in-african-american-history-commentary-by-gloria-locke/

Thank you to SCVNews.com for publishing this and other stories.
Find more at www.scvtv.com/access

Breaking Barriers

Video link: http://www.the-signal.com/multimedia/518/

"I was lucky enough to be raised by a single mom," 
states "Growing Pains" TV Star, Jeremy Miller.

The second annual, Empowering HeArts: Celebrating Art, Women, and Community, will be "Breaking Barriers" for single mothers.  Like Miller, Gloria Locke is the product of a single mom.  "For me, breaking barriers means breaking stereotypes," states Gloria, who was destined for a life of homelessness on the streets of Detroit, when she convinced her mom to pack what they could in a station wagon with $600 - and a dog - to head for California.  She is among the 12 honorees recognized at this year's benefit exhibit.

"Empowering HeArts is me. Through SCV-Arts I reach people, especially children, breaking stereotypes regarding women of color in visual art and new media."  Gloria's essay will be dedicated to children of single mothers with compilation photography by Phil Althouse.


SMO Gala and Art Exhibit ______________________________________________
The Empowering HeArts second annual Gala and Art Exhibit will be held 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center. The event will benefit Single Mothers Outreach. Theme of this year’s event is “Breaking Barriers.” The event will honor 12 Santa Clarita Valley women whose stories will be told by writers, photographers and artists. Gala tickets are $75 each and can be purchased at www.singlemothersoutreach.org.  Info: (661) 288-0117.

SCV Latino Chamber Celebrates 1st

Yet another Santa Clarita first. The SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce celebrates its first year with VIP dinner and awards ceremony.  Find out who received the awards for New Business of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, and more....Video highlights of the gala event:
http://www.the-signal.com/multimedia/522/

Santa Clarita Jazz Festival

Hats off (or on) for another successful Santa Clarita first.  Santa Clarita Jazz Festival held at Valencia Country Club video highlights:

Everett Harp
http://www.the-signal.com/multimedia/520/

Rick Braun

http://www.the-signal.com/multimedia/526/

Jeff Lorber
http://www.the-signal.com/multimedia/532/

Diane Schuur
http://www.the-signal.com/multimedia/528/

Gerald Albright
http://www.the-signal.com/multimedia/530/

Heaven is for Real

http://www.haventoday.org/rev-todd-burpo-heaven-is-for-real-s-113.html

Children haven't developed the refinement of "tact" and usually what they have to say is brutally honest.   Today I heard a radio broadcast (twice) on Haven Today, an interview with Colton's dad as he recounted the toddler's statements of his experience while undergoing an appendectomy.  What Colton saw, who he met, and what he did while in heaven - plain and simple, matter-of-fact. Thanks Colton :)

Celebrating

Father's Day weekend, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays...

Many things to celebrate and commemorate during the month of June.   Celebrating people in our lives that have helped form us into who we are today.  We take a moment to look back at where we started.  Where are we today, a year later or a lifetime later....

Milestones can serve as checkpoints on the journey.  June 2011 - commemorating a new mile... 
whether a challenge or a celebration, 
whether to continue or correct

but more than likely, all of the above. 

(...knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Rom. 5: 3-4)

Meatless Mondays on the Moooove

Entering the end-of-the-year potluck, I viewed the tables filled with all varieties of food.  Making my way over to the tables with my dish, "Gloria, please tell me it's meatless!" I was happy to reply, "yes, it is!"

I am not vegan, nor vegetarian, but wouldn't mind, at least once, twice, three times a week.  I'm not alone. Many people around the world are embracing Meatless Mondays as a lifestyle.  According to Martha Theus, author and CEO of 21st Century Vegetarians, the entire country of Belgium observes Meatless Mondays with many other communities also making the mooooove.  

Think it's just an 'eat your veggies' day? This mouth-watering, meatless Memorial Day meal may make your Mondays meatless! Click link for BBQ Chik:

http://21stcenturyvegetarians.typepad.com/21stcenturyvegetarians/2011/05/meatless-mondays-with-martha-memorial-day-special-bbq-fried-chikn.html

25 Novels...

Blogging (web log)...puts another log on the fire fueled by communication....thank you Carol for the following link...will investigate and choose one to read...what do you recommend?  http://www.onlinecollege.org/2011/06/01/25-terrific-novels-for-journalism-students/

Do Blogs Have an Agenda?

The California Journalism Awards presented by the Center for California Studies opened discussion pertaining to blogs, observing, "Do blogs have an agenda?"  It was suggested that blogs are 'more opinionated' and that, 'it's going back to it's journalism roots.'  "Everyone has an agenda,"shares David Watts Barton, editor of the Sacramento Bee, adding that everyone also wants to have a blog.

"Some blogs are tied in with a political party," stated Jon Ortiz, author of 'The State Worker' and journalist at the Sacramento Bee, "blogs push us back to engagement and that can get ugly," responding to a comment that Flash Report blogs exist to promote an agenda, further noting that some bloggers are paid to promote party platforms under the guise of the 'opinion' expressed by the blogger.  This was a point of concern for the panel.
  
Kimberly Nalder, Professor of Government at California State University Sacramento, lamented that most of the population does not think in terms of partisan and non-partisan positions and cannot distinguish between liberal and non-liberal views.  Further concern was expressed by Molly Dugan, Professor of Communication Studies at CSU Sacramento. "Opinions are entertaining. Young people want to be entertained. For the 'under 30 crowd' is not about being partisan, it's about entertainment."  The panel continued noting examples of students referencing blog statements as credible journalism sources comparable to the 'Times' and the Sacramento Bee. 

Addressing students lack of differentiation between the credibility of blogs vs. newspapers, the panel was asked if a watchdog site was needed to oversee blogs and/or whether blogs should be required to state their agenda. That discussion was quickly put to rest by Barton who simply said, "it's too complicated." 

Should bloggers have credentials? According to Barton, many professional journalists did not attend journalism school (including himself) and some go on to win Pulitzer Prizes. He emphasized that it's more of a calling than a profession and getting a degree is not a requirement. Barton was quick to mention Matt Drudge (Drudge Report) whom no one knew - nor credentialed, notwithstanding is now a leading force of information.

To be sure, blogs have an agenda in the storytelling arena - partisan or non-partisan, fact or opinion - or a bit of both.  One closing statement from the panel:  'you have to love what you're writing about. Blogging will consume you...it's not wishy-washy.' 


This storyteller concludes: Blogs are web logs placed in the fire of technology, fueled by the need to communicate.

(The panel discussion aired Sunday, May 29, 2011 on SoCal Channel 35)

Memorial Day

To build a mosque at Ground Zero, to me, is unthinkable. Today, Memorial Day 2011, we remember our troops with a day in their honor, along with civilians who paid the ultimate price. Thank you for serving our country. Land of the brave, home of the free.  May our actions match our words. I said "no" to building a mosque at Ground Zero.  It's just the right thing to do.

Check That Attitude

ATTITUDE 

  by Charles Swindell

The longer I live the more I realize the impact of

attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.

It is more important than the past,

 than education, than money,

than circumstances, than failures, than successes,

 than what other people think, say, or do.

It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.

 It will make or break a company, a church, a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice 

every day regarding the attitude 

we will embrace for that day.

 We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing that we can do 

is play on the one string we have,

 and that is our attitude.

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me,

and 90% how I react to it.

and so it is with you.

We are in charge of our attitudes.