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  • 22 May 2023 by SCV Water

    SANTA CLARITA – SCV Water has announced the hiring of Kevin Strauss as its next Communications Manager. Strauss comes from six years as Communications Specialist with the City of Santa Clarita. He will start his new position May 22, overlapping with Kathie Martin, Communications Manager since December 2017, who will retire effective June 15. 

    Strauss will oversee a team of twelve in public outreach and education. Responsibilities include oversight of outreach and engagement strategies on a wide spectrum of priorities for SCV Water, as well as employee engagement and legislative affairs.  

    "I feel fortunate to have been with SCV Water since its inception on January 1, 2018,” said Martin. “But as I retire, I know Kevin and the team will take our award-winning communication strategies to even greater heights!” 

    While with the City of Santa Clarita, Strauss was responsible for day-to-day public information and media relations for various city departments, as well as social media strategy and implementation. Some of his major projects included marketing and outreach plans for the Canyon Country Community Center, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, the annual River Rally, and Earth/Arbor Day. 

    Strauss has been responsible for a number of award-winning communications in his career, and the City’s Communications Division was named the 2020 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) for its response to the Tick Fire and Saugus High School shooting in 2019. His work on the Heads Up traffic safety campaign received statewide and national recognition as well. 

    "It is a great honor to join the incredible team at SCV Water and continue working for the residents and businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley," said Strauss. "Kathie is one of the top communicators in the state, and I look forward to learning from her during this transition." 

    Prior to joining the City of Santa Clarita, Strauss worked in the Athletics Department at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) for six years, first as an Assistant Sports Information Director before being promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Digital Marketing. 

    Strauss earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations from CSUN. He and his wife reside in Santa Clarita with their two children.

    For more information, please contact: 

    Kevin Strauss
    Communications Manager
    SCV Water
    kstrauss@scvwa.org

  • 12 May 2023 by Princess Cruises

    Princess Cruises, headquartered in Santa Clarita, has revealed the name of its second Sphere Class cruise ship – Star Princess, which will sail an inaugural season of Mediterranean voyages when she debuts in August 2025.

    Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, Star Princess joins Sun Princess as the largest ships ever built for Princess at 175,500 tons and carrying 4,300 guests.

    The new ship is built on a platform that is distinctly different and unique to Princess, designed to simultaneously embrace the Princess heritage while celebrating the romance of the sea by offering more dynamic, outward views.

    While 20 percent larger than any of the line’s existing ships, the Star Princess design retains the more intimate settings Princess is known for, with a number of new ground-breaking spaces such as:

    The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini;
    the next-level Piazza featuring a glass sphere, the “see it to believe it” Princess Arena, a configurable, technologically-advanced main theater that allows Princess to produce a variety of innovative entertainment concepts and a dining room positioned aft of the ship to deliver wake views.

    This second Sphere Class ship will also offer a number of spectacular features with an array of new food and beverage concepts; an expanded casino; a two-story Lotus Spa and entertainment headlined by Cirque Éloize.

    Guests also will enjoy expanded accommodations options with luxurious staterooms and suites, including the new Reserve and Signature Collections.

    The new ship will be the second in the Princess fleet to be powered by LNG fuel technology and also is being built with the most advanced sustainable innovations available.

    Star Princess debuts Aug. 4, 2025, sailing a nine-day inaugural Italy and Greece roundtrip voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia), featuring the destinations of Corfu, Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini and Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), followed by a variety of 9- and 10-day cruises sailing from Rome, Athens or Trieste (Venice) that visit idyllic coastal ports. Star Princess cruises go on sale with the larger Europe 2025 program release on June 1, 2023.

    “There’s much to be admired about Star Princess, her sleek, eye-catching design, spacious interiors and of course, the remarkable views of the sea and sky, just like the features found on Sun Princess that have prompted cruise lovers to snap up inaugural year bookings,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We’ve carefully designed these ships to feel familiar to our guests yet significantly advanced with lots of exceptional new and expanded experiences to embrace and explore.”

    Princess’ first Star Princess ship initially launched in 1988 as Sitmar Fair Majesty. With the merger of Sitmar Cruises into Princess, she then entered service as Star Princess in 1989 and was christened by legendary actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn. The second Star Princess launched in 2002, as the third Grand-Class vessel playing an instrumental role in the evolution of the brand with popular offerings like Anytime Dining, the only dining program in the industry at the time to give guests freedom to dine where, when and with whom they wish.

    Further details about Star Princess including dining, entertainment, onboard amenities and future itineraries will be shared in the coming months. Ship information and images can be found at www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/st-star-princess/.

    Additional information is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

  • 12 May 2023 by Metro

    Construction Update Community Meeting: Save the Date

    Join Metro’s I-5 North County Enhancements Project for the next community meeting to receive updates on the construction activities along the I-5 freeway.     

    Project staff will outline upcoming construction timelines and provide an update on activities in the Santa Clarita Valley and North LA County communities. We look forward to hearing your questions, comments, and to keeping you informed for the duration of construction. | More Information

    Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 6PM to 7:30PM   
    Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/99714777647
    Webinar ID: 997 1477 7647  
    Call-in: (213) 338-8477 

    Special accommodations are available to the public for Metro-sponsored meetings. All requests for reasonable accommodations and translation must be made at least three working days (72 hours) in advance of the scheduled meeting date.


    Prepare for weeknight intermittent lane reductions in both directions between SR-14 and Parker Rd from 8PM to 6AM to support all the below activities on I-5. Crews begin mobilizing at 6am and work hours are 7AM to 4PM and 7PM to 6AM on weekdays, and Saturdays as needed.

    SR-14 to Magic Mountain Pkwy
    Weldon Canyon Rd bridge deck and rebar work. One-way traffic control with a flagger will be used as needed at Weldon Canyon Rd/Coltrane Av. | Full Notice

    Southbound outside shoulder excavation, shoring and retaining wall work between Weldon Canyon Overcrossing and Calgrove Bl. Prepare for intermittent closures of southbound Calgrove Bl on- and off-ramps. View the full construction notice for schedule and detour routes. | Full Notice

    Electrical work for light pole foundation at McBean Pkwy and Lyons Avenue/Pico Canyon Rd on- and off-ramps. View the full construction notice for schedule and detour routes. | Full Notice

    Gavin Canyon Undercrossing bridge foundation work along the northbound I-5 shoulder between Calgrove Bl and Weldon Canyon Rd. Activities include steel rebar, forming, pour, and utility work. | Full Notice

    Center median retaining wall construction. Activities include excavation, backfill, shoring, form, and concrete placement between SR-14 and Magic Mountain Pkwy. | Full Notice

    Butte Canyon bridge falsework removal in the center median between Pico Canyon Rd/Lyons Av and McBean Pkwy, adjacent to Vista Valencia Golf Course. | Full Notice

    Magic Mountain Pkwy to Parker Rd
    Rye Canyon Rd crane relocation, excavation, and pile driving between The Old Road and Avenue Stanford. Prepare for daytime lane closures Monday through Friday and full nighttime closures, anticipated Monday, May 15 and Tuesday, May 16 from 7PM to 5AM. | Full Notice

    Weldon Canyon Rd Bridge falsework removal, requiring multiple weeknight directional closures between SR-14 and Calgrove Bl from Monday, May 22 through Thursday, June 1 from 10PM to 4AM each night. View full construction notice for schedule and detour routes. | Full Notice

    Castaic Creek bridge deck concrete placement and backwall construction in the center median between SR-126 and Hasley Canyon Rd. | Full Notice

    Center median roadway base activity between Magic Mountain Pkwy and SR-126. | Full Notice 


    Essential Details    

    • Work hours: Monday through Friday and Saturday, as needed from 7AM to 4PM and 7PM to 6AM. Crews will begin to mobilize at 6AM.    
    • No two consecutive ramps in the same direction will be closed at the same time. Detours to the next on-ramp will be posted for each closure.    
    • Traffic will be maintained in each direction.     
    • All lanes will reopened by 6AM each morning.
    • No lane closures will be implemented during morning or evening peak traffic hours.    
    • The speed limit in construction work zones is reduced to 55 miles per hour.    

    Noteworthy    

    Access to emergency responders will be maintained. Construction is a dynamic process, it is subject to weather conditions, and information is subject to change, visit the project website for the most up to date information and a weekly listing.   

  • Santa Clarita Valley’s premiere business event the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation’s Economic Outlook Presented by Wells Fargo will be held on Friday, Sept. 15 from 8.m. to 11 a.m. at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons.

    Join business leaders from the SCV and beyond for the latest update on the national, state and local economy. Economist Dr. Mark Schniepp will present his annual economic forecast, including a specific forecast for the Santa Clarita Valley.

    Event Schedule

    7:30 a.m. – Networking Breakfast

    8 a.m. – Event

    Sponsorship opportunities available.

    Outlook sponsors receive free tickets to the event, ad space in the Economic Outlook Book and recognition across social media channels and at the event.

    Ready to become a sponsor? Contact Lannice Renfro at lannicerenfro@scvedc.org or call (661) 288.4400 for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

    Early bird tickets are now on sale for attendees. Tickets purchased before July 15 are $125 each. Tickets purchased July 15-Sept. 1 are $150. After Sept. 1 tickets are $200. Click here to reserve tickets.

  • 05 May 2023 by City of Santa Clarita

    Local Businesses Invited to Join the No-Pollute Commute During the Week of

    May 15

    The City of Santa Clarita invites local businesses and their employees to participate in the annual Bike to Work Challenge, a week-long opportunity beginning Monday, May 15, through Friday, May 19. Participants are encouraged to register for this event by visiting GreenSantaClarita.com to be entered into a raffle for free prizes.

    The Bike to Work Challenge is a competition among Santa Clarita businesses to rally their employees to bike to work and reduce greenhouse gas emissions via a “no-pollute commute.” Businesses that are registered to participate and have the most participation in their size category will win a free lunch to a local restaurant of their choice!

    Pit stops will be available for participants during the morning of Thursday, May 18 only from 7:00-9:00 a.m. at five locations throughout the City. Riders are encouraged to stop and connect with other riders, collect free giveaways and enjoy refreshments provided by this year‘s partners. To encourage participants with longer commutes to participate, Santa Clarita Transit will be offering FREE local rides to anyone with a bike and/or helmet.

    Interested businesses are required to designate a “lead rider” who will act as a point of contact for the organization, in addition to registering their businesses for Santa Clarita’s Bike to Work Challenge. Lead riders should register online at GreenSantaClarita.com and must submit a list of participants from their company by May 22, to Lindsay Schmandt, City event coordinator for the Bike to Work Challenge, at (661) 255-4910 or lschmandt@santa-clarita.com.  

    Visit GreenSantaClarita.com to learn more about the Bike to Work Challenge. For additional information about upcoming cycling events, including Hit the Trail and the Bike Santa Clarita Challenge, please visit BikeSantaClarita.com.

     

  • 01 May 2023 by Maria Martin-Aran

    Intimate Wellness Leader CC Wellness Wins
    2023 Most Innovative Company Bronze Stevie® Award

    Success Marked By Market Leadership, Intellectual Property and
    Extreme-Quality Standards for Ingredients and Manufacturing 

     

    CC Wellness — a recognized leader in FDA 510(k) pre-market certification and top-tier pharmaceutical firm that specializes in the development of Class II medical devices as well as cosmetic, OTC, and organic products — has won a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Most Innovative Company of the Year category of the 21st Annual American Business Awards®.

    “This award underscores our dedication to innovation and changing the discourse about intimate wellness," CC Wellness Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer Mimi Anderson said. "We celebrate shame-free intimate wellness as a pillar of health and are leading the category into a judgment-free era."

    Innovation at CC Wellness (CCW) flows from strategic planning and formula-based ideation. Anderson noted that while brand value is where most consumer product goods companies have placed their bets, CCW recognizes that the real value is in formulations not brands — shattering the brand-based business model by prioritizing formulas. "As a result," she said, "CC Wellness possesses huge hidden value in the formidable intellectual property found in our formulas sold via our flourishing white label business to other brands, including those of many CPG multinationals."

    Anderson added: “Consumers, too, are prioritizing preferences based on the formula in the bottle as much as on the brand label. Our brands and white label partners are benefiting from an educated consumer and likewise consumers are benefiting from the accelerated innovation in CCW formulas.”

    Anderson noted: "We have an incredible record of innovating FDA 510(k)-cleared formulas, a certification which means the FDA agrees that the manufacturer's medical device is safe and effective."

    This legacy of innovation has resulted in CCW holding 24 personal lubricant FDA 510(k) certifications, the most of any white label manufacturer and second only to CPG giant Reckitt.

    Emblematic of CCW leadership in product manufacturing innovation in the intimate wellness sector is its enterprise-wide embrace of the concept of "extreme quality."

    CCW has its own consumer brands — #LubeLifeJO, and Muse Health, as well as recently acquired premier brand Shibari, one of the top-selling lubricant labels on Amazon — separate from its thriving Make Waves white label business.

    Anderson said that its drive for innovation has fostered industry-leading best practices for sourcing extreme quality in formulas delivered to its white label manufacturing partners and brands. Extreme quality is a big part of why CCW has had zero recalls and a nearly zero complaint rate.

    These best practices include: complying with ISO 13485 international standards governing manufacture of medical devices (personal lubricants are classified as Class II medical devices); auditing every vendor, whether for raw materials, components, or labels, and including certifications of clinical and analytical labs that conduct safety testing; sourcing U.S. and E.U. ingredients, which meet more rigorous standards; and conducting ISO 13485-certified level of scrutiny in monitoring of Pharmacopeia-grade ingredients at every stage, in every batch; qualifying vendors by validating raw ingredients using state-of-the-art lab sampling, including rapid microbial testing and infrared spectrometry; and adopting a continuous improvement methodology.

    Finally, CCW is bringing quality checks in-house, by expanding its lab from 2,000 to 12,000 sq. ft. in a new 215,000 sq. ft. FDA-licensed and ISO-certified facility that will be the largest white label "Made in USA" manufacturing plant in the intimate wellness industry.

    About CC Wellness 

    Founded in 2003, CC Wellness is a world-class pharmaceutical company specializing in the development of Class II medical devices as well as cosmetic, OTC, and organic products.  We celebrate shame-free intimate wellness as a pillar of health and are recognized as a market leader within the category given our unrivaled technical expertise and portfolio of innovative, disruptive and high-quality brands. A leader in FDA 510(k) premarket certification and ISO-certified manufacturing, we pride ourselves on going beyond industry standards for quality and safety and use only U.S. Pharmacopeia-grade ingredients. Due to our strict testing and validation manufacturing procedures, we have never had a recall. Our two divisions:

    ·      Consumer intimate wellness and personal care brands include#LubeLife the #1 consumer-rated personal lubricant brand on Amazon, JO the #1 intimate wellness brand in U.S. specialty retail, and Muse Health hand sanitizers. 

    ·      Make WAVES white label service provides turnkey and white label formula development to partners across FDM (food/drug/mass) retail, specialty retail, and e-Commerce channels.

    More About 2023 American Business Awards® Stevie Awards

    Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.