The History of Santa Clarita, Preserved
Support our Local Historical Society by Attending Tour
of St. Francis Dam Disaster Site
Our community's past enriches our present, which is why organizations like The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society are so important. Formed to stimulate public interest in the history of our town and surrounding area, the nonprofit organization collects and preserves facts and artifacts so as to better inform the community. Headquartered at Heritage Junction in Newhall inside the William S. Hart Regional Park, the organization hosts numerous events that promote education and inspire fascination.

Few of these are as popular as the annual tour of the St. Francis Dam disaster area. The second-worst disaster in our state's history took 431 lives after the dam suffered a massive collapse and sent a wall of water traveling 55 miles to the Pacific Ocean. On Saturday, March 12, the 88th anniversary of the dam disaster, President of the SCV Historical Society Dr. Alan Pollack will serve as a tour guide and guest lecturer, along with Board Director Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel, to the site.

The tour will begin with a presentation about the disaster at 11am in the freight room of the Saugus Train Station in Heritage Junction within William S. Hart Park. At noon, ticketed passengers will board a motor coach for a trip up to the dam site in San Francisquito Canyon and a hike to the dam ruins.

Funds raised will benefit programs of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society. Tickets are $35 per person for all ages and include lecture, snacks and bus transportation. Purchase yours online via PayPal at www.scvhs.org or reserve them by calling 254-1275 with credit card and contact information.

Carousel Wishes & Valentine Kisses
Meet Jalen, a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with agenesis of the corpus callosum. Jalen is missing the nerve bundle that connects the left and right hemispheres of his brain, making even the most basic of tasks - eating, lifting his head, walking - difficult to perform. He began riding at Carousel Ranch last year and the changes were almost instant. "The first day he rode he came home and walked backward, then in a circle. As the year has gone on he has become stronger, more confident, more balanced and is becoming quite independent," said Jalen's mother. "Simply, Carousel Ranch changes lives." The children of Carousel Ranch, like Jalen, are sure to melt your heart. They are kindred souls with special-need challenges that most of us can't even begin to comprehend. But their spirit is always strong - as is their determination to achieve the impossible.

To witness a child's transformation touches your heart in unimaginable ways. Each year many children with special needs wait for the opportunity to improve their health and experience life at Carousel Ranch, an equestrian therapy program in the SCV. The ranch is growing to serve more children and you can help them reach this goal by supporting their "Carousel Wishes & Valentine Kisses" annual-giving campaign. And this year you can double the love thanks to the very generous offer by long-time ranch supporters Wayne and Dianne Crawford. They will match every dollar raised - up to $25,000! That means every $10, $50, $100 and $500 donation becomes $20, $100, $200 and $1,000 for Carousel Ranch! Together, we can make a difference - one very special child at a time. www.carouselranch.org

MISSION VALLEY BANK IS MORE THAN A COMMUNITY BANK
Celebrating its 15th Anniversary, Mission Valley Bank's local roots run deep, motivated by the desire to be an integral part of the area they serve. A strong community thrives on personal relationships and Mission Valley Bank supports - and is honored to be supported by - the Santa Clarita Valley. Mission Valley Bank is more than just another local bank. They are a full-service, independent, commercial bank that is locally-owned, community minded and relationship driven. They're proud to have earned their reputation as Trusted Advisors. Mission Valley Bank is as dedicated to their customers' success as they are. They appreciate their business and welcome the opportunity to earn yours.
Mission Valley Bank Centre Pointe Business Banking Office 775-4113