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"You don't Upsell Dental Care to Family"
"You don't upsell dental care to family" is one of the tenants of Dr. Marvin Tong's beloved Valencia office. The family-practice provider has created a caring space where patients deeply trust Dr. Tong and his team. "Upselling has never been part of our business practice," says the experienced dentist. "A lot of patients already have dental anxiety - I can't imagine trying to make more money off of their fear. Our goal is to keep you and your mouth healthy for life - and we'll always be direct with our clients about what they need to do to achieve that goal."
Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS 268-6284

Joshua Rodriguez Proves that Talent Knows No Limits
Joshua Rodriguez, a rising young star with autism, is reshaping the entertainment industry. Joshua trains at Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts and credits them with accepting him just as he is. He says: "At SCSOPA, I always feel like I belong because Mike and Cindy are rockstars." With a natural gift for performance and an incredible ability to bring characters to life, Joshua is breaking barriers and redefining what's possible in the entertainment industry. At age 13, Rodriguez has already captivated audiences with his powerful performances in several on-screen films like, "Atlantis the Fallen Empire," "We Met at Camp" and "Say What You Will." With an extraordinary memory, deep emotional connection to roles and an unmatched work ethic, he has impressed directors and casting agents. Joshua has faced many challenges but never let them stand in the way of his dreams. Instead, he has used his unique perspective and dedication to bring authenticity and depth to every role. Beyond acting, he is passionate about advocating for inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry. By sharing his journey, he hopes to inspire other young people with autism to pursue their passions fearlessly. As Joshua continues to build an impressive career, he remains focused on using his talents to tell meaningful stories and show the world that neurodiversity is a strength.

That's Good News!
Santa Clarita Resident Zuriel Oduwole Nominated for 2025 Nobel Peace Prize
For her tireless work advocating for girl's education across Africa and the Caribbean, and for her peace-mediating work between nations in South America and the Middle East, 22-year-old SCV resident Zuriel Oduwole has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. In the course of her 12-year journey, Oduwole had met with 36 presidents and prime ministers to learn about and craft solutions to our planet's burgeoning socio-economic challenges. Says Oduwole: "I have never done anything for recognition. I see a problem or a challenge, and I ask myself, who would find a solution, if I don't? If anyone else was wanted to, they would have done it already, perhaps even before I was born."

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This Month, Why don't You...
Go to the Santa Clarita Valley Book Festival on Saturday, May 10?
Take part in the second-annual SCV Book Festival at the COC University Center, featuring a variety of local authors, educational workshops, entertainment and fun for the whole family.
canyons.edu

Experience a Day-long Jazz Festival in the SCV with Super Jazz at the Ranch on Saturday, May 17?
Super Jazz at the Ranch, hosted by West Ranch High School, will fill the air with music as performers from throughout the region showcase their talents. The event will be studded with dazzling musical performances, competitions and clinics. Many SCV high school and middle school jazz ensembles will perform, including West Ranch High School's Studio A Jazz Band. Highlighting the day will be performances by the Pandemonium Big Band and the Jake Leckie Quartet. The William S Hart District Jazz "All-Stars," a group composed of some of the most talented jazz students from around the William S. Hart Union School District, will also be performing. All day general admission to Super Jazz at the Ranch is $15 and food concessions will be available on site.
For additional information, contact Brian Leff, director of Jazz Studies for West Ranch High School, at bleff@hartdistrict.org.

courtesy of Shutterstock (left)

Visit Kids Fun Fish at Castaic Lake on Saturday, May 3?
Castaic Lake's yearly Kids Fun Fish is the ultimate lake bash, reeling in families for a day of non-stop fun. Get your kids hooked on the lake life and discover the thrill of fishing in the most fantastic way!
castaiclake.com/kidsfunfish

Plan your "Close to Home" Summer Road Trip Adventures?
The book, "Historic Los Angeles Roadsides: Towns Off the Beaten Path in the City of Angels" by Mimi Slawoff is the answer to summer's most burning question: "What are we going to do today?" Thanks to the book's easy organization, you'll confidently head out onto LA's iconic roadways (Nope, not freeways!) where there's adventure at every turn. Visit towns and attractions along classic roadways, admire 19th-century architecture in Pasadena, get the scoop on Hollywood history, walk in the steps of LA's founders downtown, stroll Redondo Beach's horseshoe-shaped pier, tour the Will Rogers ranch in Pacific Palisades, learn about Laurel Canyon's wild rock and roll scene in the 1960s and so much more.