The Buzz on the Street

In the latest episode of The Buzz on the Street, host Selina Thomas sits down with Julio Del Rio and Matthew Chuck from Gold Youth Arts to explore the high-stakes world of the Gold Drum Corps. They discuss the organization's mission to bring the elite pageantry of the "Major League" of marching arts to the Santa Clarita Valley and the transformative experience for young musicians who tour national stadiums. The conversation also highlights their visionary goals for the community, including drumline battles at the mall and establishing permanent "move-in" facilities in partnership with local schools.

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 community legend Gloria Fortine, who reflects on her distinguished 26-year career as an elected school board trustee for both the William S. Hart Union High School District and College of the Canyons. Fortine details her leadership during the district’s largest facilities expansion, highlighting her role in building modern campuses and implementing solar green technology across all local schools. The conversation also covers her dedicated service as Director and past President of the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation and features the exclusive announcement of her intent to run for the Santa Clarita City Council in District 2.

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 Rlynn Smith-Thomas, President of the NAACP Santa Clarita, to discuss the branch’s mission of community engagement, education, and empowerment. Rlynn provides an exclusive preview of the 5th annual Juneteenth celebration at Canyon Community Park and shares the history and growth of local initiatives like the MLK Unity Walk. The conversation also highlights the organization’s year-round service efforts, including backpack drives for underserved students and blood drives for sickle cell awareness, while dispelling common misnomers about the NAACP’s inclusive membership.

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 Elizabeth Tarantini, the Wellness Liaison and School Social Worker for Bowman High School. A licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience, Elizabeth discusses the critical role of school social workers in addressing student mental health and removing barriers to education. The conversation highlights the unique, supportive environment at Bowman—a model continuation school—where students are "Bowmanized" to ensure they feel they matter regardless of the trauma or housing insecurities they may face.

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 welcomes David Heredia, the founder of Heroes of Color and United by Art, to discuss his journey from a freelance animator at Nickelodeon to a leading voice in arts education and workforce development. Heredia shares how his daughter’s need for a sense of belonging inspired his work and describes his pivot during the pandemic to focus on creating a career pipeline for students from kindergarten through college. The conversation highlights his recent entrepreneurial incubator program at College of the Canyons, where he teaches the next generation of creatives his "HIPS" methodology (Hook, Impact, Purpose, and Service) to help them build sustainable business models around their artistic passions.
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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 speaks with Marlee Lauffer, the President of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and Vice President of Marketing and Communications, following the announcement of her upcoming retirement. Lauffer discusses the hospital’s deep historical roots in the Santa Clarita Valley, the critical role of private patient rooms during the pandemic, and the center's unwavering response to local tragedies like the Saugus High shooting. The conversation also highlights her significant legacy in philanthropy, including spearheading the $15 million fundraising effort for the new patient tower and the establishment of a permanent nursing scholarship in her name at the College of the Canyons.

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.

Episode 18 of The Buzz on the Street features Christy Alben, a fellow board member of the Wish Education Foundation (WISH) and the chair of the "Wish Upon a Star" fundraiser car show. The episode serves as a comprehensive preview of the upcoming car show while highlighting the foundation's vital role in supporting local students.

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.

Episode 17 of "The Buzz on the Street" features Jasmine Ruys, the newly appointed President of College of the Canyons (COC). The episode explores her transition into leadership, her 23-year history with the institution, and her vision for the college's role in the Santa Clarita Valley.

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.

Episode 16 of "The Buzz on the Street" features Nikki Buckstead, the President and CEO of the Child and Family Center, as they celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary and prepare for their signature fundraiser, Taste of the Town. Buckstead, who brought over 30 years of experience in social services when she was hired in 2022, discusses the center's deep roots in the community and its critical role as the largest provider of children's mental and behavioral health services in the Santa Clarita Valley.

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.

Episode 15 of "The Buzz on the Street" features a 15-year-old local mariachi who is making significant inroads in bringing cultural awareness and artistic innovation to the Santa Clarita Valley. The episode explores his efforts to establish a mariachi and folklorico program at Canyon High School and his deep-seated passion for preserving his heritage.

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.