The Buzz on the Street

The Buzz on the Street Episode 22

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.

The Buzz on the Street Episode 21

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.

The Buzz on the Street Episode 20

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. . 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.

The Buzz on the Street Episode 19

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.

The Buzz on the Street Episode 18

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.