The Buzz on the Street

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...

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 Unit...

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 highli...

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 f...

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 t...

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...

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 explo...

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 critica...

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 generati...

Episode 14 of "The Buzz on the Street" features Alex Shahin, the owner of Peregrine Financial, who discusses his entrepreneurial journey, Palestinian heritage, and innovative approaches to finance and technology. 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 saf...

Episode 13 of "The Buzz on the Street" features an exclusive interview with Nomad and Lola, a couple known in the community as "The Perfect Pairing". The episode explores their 20-year history together, their high-level professional careers in the entertainment industry, and their commitment to mentoring the next generation of musicians. From succession planning for the next generation to the inno...

Episode 12 of "The Buzz on the Street" features Amy Daniels, the founding executive director of the WiSH Education Foundation. The episode explores the foundation’s decade-long legacy, its critical role in supporting local students, and its upcoming transition to a new name. From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what i...

Episode 11 of "The Buzz on the Street" features Gloria Locke, a multimedia journalist, artist, and historian, as the final guest in the podcast's Black History Month series. The episode focuses on her creation of a comprehensive book and art exhibit titled "Trailblazers in the African-American Community for Santa Clarita." From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping...

Episode 10 of "The Buzz on the Street" features Corey Curties, a prominent community leader and motivational speaker, in a special installment honoring Black History Month. The conversation explores Curtis’s long-standing commitment to the Santa Clarita Valley, his innovative approach to business, and his passion for mentoring the next generation. From succession planning for the next generation t...

Episode 9 of "The Buzz on the Street" is a special edition in honor of Black History Month, featuring Dr. Cherise Moore as the guest. Dr. Moore is a prominent local leader, serving as an elected member of the William S. Hart Union High School District Board, a board member for the WISH Education Foundation, and the President of the Board for Bridge to Home. From succession planning for the next ge...

Episode 8 of "The Buzz on the Street" features a deep, multi-faceted conversation between host Selina Thomas and legendary Grammy and Emmy Award-winning musician Howard Hewett, who is later joined by fellow artist and producer Terrell Edwards. The episode focuses on the intersections of a long-term musical legacy, community connection, and the use of art to address critical social issues like ment...

Episode 7 of "The Buzz on the Street" features Erin Wilson, a board member of the William S. Hart Union High School District. As a lifelong resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, Wilson brings a personal perspective to the board, having attended local schools and raised five children within the district. Her leadership is defined by her personal mantra: "Educate, Engage, and Elevate." From successi...

Dr. Mark Crear , a two-time Olympian and PhD in clinical psychology, who discusses the intersection of elite athletic performance and mental health in the business world . Dr. Greer shares his "story behind the glory," detailing a journey from a physically and mentally abusive childhood to becoming the number one ranked high-hurdler in the world. From succession planning for the next generation to...

Ainsworth leads the SCV Food Pantry , which recently celebrated a 40-year legacy . She discusses the impact of the SNAP shutdown on local families and emphasizes serving the community’s 10,000+ monthly clients with dignity. 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 r...

Miranda’s legacy is defined by inclusivity, having championed recognitions for MLK Day and LGBTQ+ rights. He is known for his "Think Huge" philosophy, which led to the city saving The Cube ice station and his vision for a future Cultural Center at Hart Park. From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happening in th...

Arnold discusses his role on the College of the Canyons Board of Trustees and his focus on student success. He is a strong advocate for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) as a solution to the local housing crisis and manages 360 Suites, a collaborative business space. From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future, we are committed to exploring what is happenin...

Ayala represents District 1, the city’s largest and most demographically diverse area. She emphasizes her bilingual skills and her experience in the Sheriff Academy for elected officials to better understand law enforcement contracts. 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...

Episode 1 of the podcast features Jason Gibbs, who is introduced by the host, Selina Thomas, as the number one most influential man in the Santa Clarita Valley. The episode explores his rapid "ascension" in local leadership, his professional background in aerospace, and his motivations for seeking higher office. From succession planning for the next generation to the innovations shaping our future...