The Buzz on the Street

In the latest episode of The Buzz on the Street, host Selena Thomas interviews Kari McCoy, the outgoing President of JCI Santa Clarita (Junior Chamber International). Kari shares how the organization develops young leaders aged 18 to 40 through civic engagement and impactful local initiatives, such as the Children's Museum pop-up, the Carry Hope foster care duffel bag drive, and the annual Santa's Helpers event. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the 40 Under 40 selection process and upcoming gala, while highlighting her future endeavors as Executive Vice President of JCI California and her doctoral research on artificial intelligence in education.

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.

In the latest episode of The Buzz on the Street, host Selena Thomas sits down with Harriet Happel, the Dean of Career Education, Integrative Learning, and Career Services at College of the Canyons. Happel details the college's 48 career education pathways and explores high-demand, high-wage workforce opportunities in advanced manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The discussion also highlights key industry collaborations with partners like Northrup Grumman and Lincoln Electric for the new Advanced Technology Center, as well as hands-on student programs like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) initiative.

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.

In the latest episode of The Buzz on the Street, host Selina Thomas sits down with family law attorney and community advocate Denise Light. Light reflects on her nearly 30-year legal career, detailing her transition from corporate litigation to family law in order to make a more personal, fulfilling impact on families during critical life transitions. She highlights her deep commitment to local nonprofits, including Single Mothers Outreach and her decade-long work chairing Soroptimist International's "Bras for a Cause" fundraiser. The conversation also touches on her personal health and fitness transformation, her advocacy for swift rebuilding efforts following the Old Town Newhall fire, and her encouraging advice that "fear is false evidence appearing real".

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.

In the latest episode of The Buzz on the Street, host Selena Thomas interviews Bob Khalsa, a 28-year Santa Clarita resident with a background in aviation, teaching, and real estate, who is running for Santa Clarita City Council in District 5. Khalsa discusses his commitment to preserving the city's fiscal responsibility, advocating for infrastructure that precedes growth, and prioritizing public safety to protect local businesses. He also emphasizes the need for fire safety education, expanded public transit in expanding areas like Canyon Country, and increased civic engagement with renters and young families.

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.

In the latest episode of The Buzz on the Street, host Selina Thomas sits down with Danyelle “LOLA” Sanders and Dennis Sugasawara from the Veterans Collaborative to discuss their vital role as a resource and service center for Santa Clarita Valley veterans. The conversation explores how the organization helps veterans navigate the daunting process of accessing VA benefits and provides immediate emergency support for housing and essential needs through partnerships like the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN). Listeners also get a sneak peek at their signature fundraiser, "Marching On: It’s a Dead Man’s Party" a haunted casino and game room night scheduled for October 17th to support local veteran families.

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.

In the latest episode, host Selina Thomas sits down with Sheriff Captain Brandon Barclay to discuss his journey to command at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station and his commitment to a "human element" approach to community policing. Captain Barclay shares how his background in conflict resolution and advanced education inform station strategies, from securing millions in grants for equipment to launching innovative deputy wellness programs that have reduced injured-on-duty claims. The discussion provides critical updates on school safety measures, the enforcement of e-bike regulations, and proactive tips for the community to mitigate cyber crimes and burglaries.

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.

In the latest episode of The Buzz on the Street, host Selina Thomas sits down with Dietra Clayton, the newly appointed Executive Director of Bridge to Home, who has stepped into a long-awaited vacancy at the helm of the organization. Dietra shares her 20-year journey in social work from the Pacific Northwest and discusses her specialized expertise in systems thinking and trauma-informed care. The conversation highlights her vision for transforming local responses to homelessness, the importance of identifying the diverse "faces of homelessness" within the Santa Clarita Valley, and a specific community call to action for donated hot meals and engagement to support unhoused neighbors.

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.

In the latest episode of The Buzz on the Street, host Selina Thomas sits down with Andrew DeSantis, who recently completed the SCV stair project in a single morning, and local snake wrangler Cary to discuss the intersection of outdoor fitness and wildlife awareness. Andrew shares the physical and mental endurance required to finish 100 sets of the Central Park exercise stairs, a challenge that also serves as a fundraiser for student backpacks. Complementing the discussion on outdoor activity, Cary provides expert insight into rattlesnake behavior, offering life-saving tips on snake avoidance training for pets, proper property fencing, and how to safely share the valley's "master-planned" trails with its native inhabitants.

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.

In the latest episode of The Buzz on the Street, host Selina Thomas sits down with Kathy Norris, who recently announced her retirement after serving as the Executive Director of the Valley Industry Association (VIA) for 31 years. Kathy reflects on the evolution of the Santa Clarita business community—from the early days of dial-up internet to the creation of the massive Connecting to Success program, which has provided professional skills training to over 43,000 students. The conversation also highlights VIA’s critical role in legislative advocacy and provides an exclusive look at the upcoming BASH "Boots and Bow Ties" fundraiser.

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.

Host Selena Thomas sits down with Corey Nathan, host of the podcast Talking Politics and Religion Without Killing Each Other, to discuss navigating the upcoming election season with a focus on shared humanity. Nathan shares his "disposition of curiosity" and the power of asking questions to move past divisive political caricatures and truly listen to a person's story. The conversation highlights the value of civil discourse, featuring Nathan's personal journey and observations of local Santa Clarita candidates interacting with respect and grace.

From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in the streets of the SCV to ensure we remain a safe, educated, and opportunity-ready community. Join us as we highlight the diverse "quilt" of the human race—connecting neighbors, honoring legacies, and elevating the valley we call home.