Having served nearly 4,000 chil-dren and countless satisfied par-ents since first opening its doors

in 1982, this spring the College of theCanyons Center for Early ChildhoodEducation (ECE) celebrated its 30thanniversary by reflecting on its longand storied history.

“As one of the Santa ClaritaValley’s longest lasting educationalinstitutions, the college’s Center forECE has had a profound impact, notjust on the lives of children who attend-ed the Center as preschoolers, but in theway that Early Childhood Educationprograms mentor staff for ECE pro-grams throughout the community,”Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hooksaid. “We look forward to building onour three decades of leadership andcontinuing to serve the community andprovide the best child care and trainingopportunities available.”

Today, the college’s two ECE cen-ters serve approximately 194 preschoolstudents on two campuses. When theoriginal center opened in 1982 the col-lege’s ECE services were confined to amorning preschool program that servedjust 45 students and was housed in threeclassrooms located in what is now themain administration building at theValencia campus.

Then known as the ChildDevelopment Center, the services pro-vided quickly gained popularity withlocal families and ECE college students

Non-ProfitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDSanta Clarita

CA91355

Permit 56

College of the Canyons26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355

Postal Customer

E C R W S SEven if you’ve never actually visited the College of theCanyons Valencia campus, chances are you’ve probablystill seen it – on TV and the silver screen.

Averaging more than 70 filming days a year, the college’sValencia campus has become an extremely popular filming loca-tion within the film and television industry’s famed “30-milezone.”

Multiple film crews use the campus weekly to shoot a vari-ety of TV shows, feature films and commercials that are broad-cast to viewers across the nation and around the world.

Over the last several months, the college has served as thescene of a Kansas City courtroom, CIA office, a Team USAgymnastics training center, and even a Navy SEAL landing zone.

College a FavoredFilming Location

Early Childhood Center Turns 30

As one of the few communitycolleges in the region offer-ing a summer session,

College of the Canyons has madesome scheduling and budgetingdecisions that will allow it to signif-icantly increase the number of edu-cational opportunities for studentsthis summer.

When summer session openregistration begins in May, studentswill have approximately 480 high-demand “core” class sections fromwhich to choose, representing a

wide range of courses that studentsneed to graduate, transfer to four-year schools or meet prerequisites.

The augmented 2012 summerschedule marks a roughly 60 per-cent increase in classes from lastsummer, and it’s the largest summersession to be offered at College ofthe Canyons since 2008.

“By making the decision toincrease our summer schedule, thecollege will be able to provideclassroom seats for about 16,000students,” said Joseph Gerda, assis-

tant superintendent/vice presidentof instruction. “All summer courseshave also been selected based ontheir high demand, which allowsstudents to register for the classesthey need to achieve their educa-tional goals.”

College officials have fundedthe enhanced summer session byusing money remaining from thecurrent fiscal year’s budget, as wellas funds earmarked for the upcom-ing 2012-13 budget.

See SUMMER on Page 7

See ANNIVERSARY on Page 7

See FILMING on Page 2

• College Commits to Largest Number of Summer Classes in Four Years

Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook (top, right)addresses the crowd at the 30th anniversaryreunion of the Early Childhood EducationCenter on April 28. A young visitor (right) helpshimself to a fruity sample, and (far right) DianeStewart, dean of early childhood education pro-grams, poses with Dr. Van Hook at the event.

C O L L E G E O F T H E C A N Y O N S / S A N T A C L A R I T A C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E D I S T R I C T S E R V I N G T H E S A N T A C L A R I T A V A L L E Y S I N C E 1 9 6 9

MORE DEGREE CHOICESUniversity Center adds new programs.

PAGE 2

SUMMER SESSION ALERT: Open registration begins May 14. Classes start June 6, 11 and 18. Find your classes at www.canyons.edu.

REPORT TO COMMUNITYMeasure M delivers results.

PAGE 8

SPRING 2012

Summer Session GrowsRock the Rhythm, Beat theOdds – a world record-break-ing drum circle event – is com-ing to Cougar Stadium onFriday, May 18. Join 7,600sixth- and seventh-gradersfrom across the Santa ClaritaValley, as well as Mickey Hartof The Grateful Dead, JohnDensmore of The Doors, andRemo Belli, founder ofREMO Inc., for this historicevent.

SOUVENIR PROGRAM INSIDE

Breaking News is published by the College of the CanyonsPublic Information Office to inform the community about pro-grams, events, issues and accomplishments of the Santa ClaritaValley’s community college. It is distributed to residences, P.O.boxes and businesses in the 367-square-mile Santa ClaritaCommunity College District. Advertising is not accepted.

Mail: College of the CanyonsPublic Information Office26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355Email: pio@canyons.edu

College of the Canyons has beennamed to a consortium of sevenCalifornia community colleges that

will work together to create and share newwater technology curriculum in order toprovide students across the state with bet-ter access to job training for careers in thewater and wastewater industries.

The partnership, headed by CuyamacaCollege, is the result of a roughly$535,000 state grant from the CaliforniaCommunity Colleges Chancellor’s Office,which will allow the consortium to imme-diately begin developing, and sharing, newcurriculum with other community collegeslooking to start or upgrade their watertechnology programs.

As one of only a handful of communi-ty colleges in the state to offer a watertechnology degree/certificate program,COC joins College of the Redwoods,Santa Rosa Junior College, GavilanCollege, Santiago Canyon College andTaft College in the consortium.

According to the U.S. Department ofLabor, employment of water and waste-water treatment plant and system operatorsis expected to grow by 12 percent betweenthe years 2010 and 2020, as the nation’sgrowing population is expected to boostdemand for water and wastewater treat-ment services.

The construction of new water plantsto help meet this demand, coupled with theamount of current operators quicklyapproaching retirement age, is expected tocreate a continuous need for quailed watertechnicians to fill new positions.

“Water technology is one of thosepotential career fields that people justdon’t think about,” said Regina Blasberg,chair of the engineering technologydepartment. “But as baby boomers beginto retire, many of the state’s water agen-cies are facing the potential loss of 20 to60 percent of their current staff in the nextfive to 10 years. So employment opportu-nities should remain high.”

For students and working industry pro-fessionals looking for a way to break intothe industry, the Water SystemsTechnology (WST) program at College ofthe Canyons is the perfect place to start.

Housed at the college’s AppliedTechnology Education Center (ATEC)located on the Canyon Country campus,the program is designed to prepare stu-dents for careers in the fields of drinkingwater treatment and distribution processes.

Students who complete the college’sWST program are often employed as waterdistribution operators, treatment plantoperators, service representatives, waste-water collection workers and/or waste-water treatment operators. Both types ofoperators control equipment and processesthat remove or destroy harmful materials,chemicals and microorganisms from thewater. Operators also control pumps,valves and other equipment that moveswater and/or wastewater through the vari-ous treatment processes.

Another key component of the WSTprogram is to provide instruction for waterpersonnel interested in career advance-ment through continuing education andcertification renewal opportunities.

Coursework is also designed to preparestudents for various certification examina-tions given by the California Departmentof Health Services in order to certify watertreatment and water distribution operators.

This summer, the college will offer thethree-unit course Water 041: WaterDistribution Operator II, from 6 to 9 p.m.Monday and Wednesday, June 11 to Aug.1, at the Canyon Country campus. Thecourse will present intermediate toadvanced principles of water distribution,and is geared toward individuals lookingto prepare for California’s Grade III & IVWater Distribution Operator’s Certificateexamination.

For more information, call Blasberg at(661) 362-5096 or visit canyons.edu.

College Named to Water Technology Consortium

University CenterAdds Bachelor’s,Master’s ProgramsW

ith the recent arrival of five new degree programsat the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center,there are now more ways than ever for residents to

earn their bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or professionalcredentials – without leaving the Santa Clarita Valley.

The University Center currently hosts 38 programsoffered by partner universities: California State University(CSU) Bakersfield, CSU Northridge, CSU Los Angeles,University of La Verne, Brandman University (formerlyChapman University) and National University.

Cited as the college’s solution to the lack of upper divi-sion, graduate school and continuing educations programs inthe Santa Clarita Valley, the University Center was createdwith a goal to increase student access to advanced degreesby forging partnerships with surrounding four-year collegesand universities – which then make their academic programsavailable to students through courses offered at College ofthe Canyons.

Available at the University Center for the first time are:• MS Criminal Justice (National University)• Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (National)• BA Sports Psychology (National)• MS School Psychology (University of La Verne)• BS Engineering, emphasis Manufacturing (CSULA)The National University master of criminal justice will

provide an overview of the required management andadministration skills needed to thrive in the fields of crimi-nal justice administration, research and development.

The institution’s applied behavior analysis (ABA) cer-tificate program will prepare students to apply various meth-ods of behavior analysis to present data and informationrelated to the successful modification of patient behaviors.

The National University sports psychology program hasbeen designed for students preparing for careers in profes-sional coaching, and includes in-depth focus on the applica-tion of psychological principles to the field of athletics.

“We feel that all of the new programs being introducedby National University in 2012 will be of tremendous inter-est to local students,” said Cathy Ritz, interim director of theUniversity Center.

“The master of criminal justice program, in particular, isideal for students seeking high-level careers in law enforce-ment at either the local, state or federal level,” added Ritz,“while the sports psychology program could have a widerange of applications for students and community membersinterested in coaching and/or working with athletes.”

New from University of La Verne is the school psychol-ogy master’s degree program, which offers training in theprinciples of counseling and psychology.

Rounding out the list of new programs is the bachelor’sdegree in engineering with an emphasis in manufacturingtechnology offered by CSULA.

For more information, visit cocuniversitycenter.com.

In years past, campus locations have also depictedFBI headquarters, a White House press room, corporateoffice buildings, crime scenes, airport terminals, hotels,college dormitories, and various high schools and col-lege campuses located in different regions of the coun-try.

In fact, it’s not uncommon for multiple productionsto be set up on campus on the same day, as was the casethis April when college officials had three productionsoccupying different corners of the campus.

Featuring 154 acres, a wide range of buildings withvarying architecture, state-of-the-art athletic facilitiesincluding Cougar Stadium, well-maintained grounds,and an inviting location and climate, the Valencia cam-pus provides an authentic cinematic backdrop for nearlyany type of scene.

With major television productions like “CSI,”“Switched at Birth” and “NCIS: Los Angeles” frequent-ly filming at the college, the presence of actors, directorsand cameramen roaming about has become routine forstaff and students alike.

In the process, the college has built a reputationwithin studio circles as being an extremely filming-friendly campus, making on-campus filming a majorpart of the business at College of the Canyons.

“While we make a concerted effort to attract andaccommodate film and television productions to thecampus, we do not do so just because it’s fun for our stu-dents and staff to walk through a live set on their way toclass,” College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. DianneG. Van Hook said. “We do so because we value the eco-nomic benefits that filming brings to our campus and thecommunity.”

In 2011 alone, the City of Santa Clarita issued 359film permits, which created 901 filming days at loca-tions throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. Film crewsshooting at College of the Canyons accounted for rough-ly 8 percent of that total.

The location fees those productions pay are a helpfulsource of revenue to the college, which helps to fundcampus operations and provide the community with thevery best in educational opportunities, workforce train-ing and lifelong learning programs – especially in a timewhen the state continues to hit community colleges withdeep budget cuts.

The film-friendly attitude of College of the Canyons,the City of Santa Clarita and the various businesses,organizations and community members that have

embraced the industry’s presence here, helped to gener-ate an estimated economic impact of nearly $20 millionin 2012.

With visiting production crews routinely purchasingfood, gasoline, lumber, building materials and muchmore while shooting in the Santa Clarita Valley, a widerange of local businesses have been able to see theirsales increase, while the sales tax revenue generatedfrom such spending allows the city to provide programsand services that benefit the entire community.

In addition, it’s estimated that of the roughly140,000 well-paying jobs the Southern California filmindustry supports, nearly 7,000 of those positions arefilled by local residents. By working to help attract filmproductions to shoot in the Santa Clarita Valley, the col-lege is supporting an industry that is essential to the eco-nomic vitality of the community.

To help accommodate the large number of produc-tion crews looking to film on campus, Robin Williams,the college’s civic center director, and his staff arealways on hand to work with location managers to han-dle scheduling conflicts, solve parking issues, allow theuse of college utilities, and recommend other potentialshooting locations within the community.

It’s because of the college’s hands-on approach toworking with the film community that nearly 80 percentof the productions that shoot at College of the Canyonsreturn as repeat customers.

“We send a lot of shows to College of the Canyons,and every show we’ve ever sent there comes back. Andthat’s because of Robin Williams and his staff,” saidMike DeLorenzo, president of Santa Clarita Studios“Everyone thanks me for sending them to COC.”

2 CO LL EG E O F T HE C ANY ON S B REAK IN G N EW S • SPRI NG 2012

FILMINGFROM PAGE 1

A film crew shoots a scene outside the Student Center (above), whileactor Mark Harmon (right) signs an autograph for a fan during therecent filming of “NCIS” on campus.

Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Oddsis being produced by the PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach

Program, with generous support fromRemo Inc. and several other local business-es, organizations, City of Santa Clarita andcommunity members.

From the event’s beginnings as a casu-al conversation with Rita Garasi, longtimefriend of the college and chair of the PACK-12 Arts Education Outreach advisorycommittee, to an historic communitywideevent attended by residents of all ages,Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Odds reflectsthe evolution of Santa Clarita’s response toa growing need for prioritizing arts educa-tion in its schools, and the critical impor-tance of an entire community’s participa-

tion and conversation in that mission.As part of the project, every sixth- and

seventh-grader in the Santa Clarita Valleyhas received percussion-based music andrhythm instruction, designed to maximizeeach student’s creative expression, buildsocial and emotional skills and emphasizethe process of learning over performance.

Over the last year, preparation for theMay 18 program has included hands-onmusic lessons, and even a surprise visit to alocal classroom by legendary rock ‘n’ rolldrummer Mickey Hart and Remo Belli,founder of locally run REMO Inc., whosecompany has provided instruments andother forms of logistical support through-out the entire process.

n Friday May 18, Cougar Stadium and the College of the Canyons Valencia campus will

be the site of a world record-breaking drum circle event, the likes of which the Santa

Clarita Valley has never seen, as the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC)

K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program hosts the culminating event of its year-

long hybrid music education program — Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Odds.

Community members are invited to come be a part of history, as nearly 7,600

sixth- and seventh-graders from all five of the Santa Clarita Valley’s school dis-

tricts and nearly 4,000 local residents descend on Cougar Stadium in one historic

effort to break a world record.

With the participation of legendary musicians Mickey Hart (The Grateful

Dead), John Densmore (The Doors) and Remo Belli, founder of REMO Inc., this

event has been designed to both entertain and raise awareness of the value of arts

education as a vital component in the development of ‘The Whole Child.’

In addition, it’s hoped that this effort will cast a national spotlight on the

Santa Clarita Valley, celebrate the unique educational partnerships that have

allowed the PAC’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program to thrive and show

what can happen when a community comes together to make a difference in the

lives of students.

The Benefits of Arts in Education• Has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child.

• Strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, adding to

overall academic achievement and school success.

• Teaches children life skills such as developing an informed perception,

articulating a vision, learning to solve problems and make decisions,

building self-confidence and self-discipline. According to the National

School Boards Association and Americans for the Arts, young people

who consistently participate in comprehensive, sequential and rigorous

arts programs are:

– Four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.

– Three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools.

– Four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair.

– Three times more likely to win an award for school attendance.

– Four times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.

L aunched in 2008, the PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program continuesto provide incredible opportunities for the youth of the Santa Clarita Valleythrough valuable partnerships with major arts organizations in California and

across the nation. The program uses the college’s cultural and community resources to expose Santa

Clarita’s student population to top-tier, visual and performing arts standard-based artsactivities and integrated performing arts learning opportunities.

Through school assemblies, bus-in programs, classroom visits and family perform-ances, students can enjoy performances that meet or exceed the state of California’sVisual and Performing Arts (VAPA) standards.

In addition, the Santa Clarita Valley K-12 Arts Education Consortium — a partner-ship that developed as a result of the Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education program— launched its professional development program for K-12 educators in 2010.Educators who participate in the program are provided tools and techniques to integratethe arts into their classrooms, while addressing curriculum requirements and working todevelop concrete and measurable ways to enhance current levels of arts education.

The Outreach Program has at its core a collaborative approach, partnering withteachers and administrators in school districts and community-based organizationsthroughout the area to develop an enhanced arts education curriculum and a variety ofunique educational opportunities for all students.

PAC K-12 Arts EducationOutreach Program

Above: Students involved in a drumming lesson and a surprise visitfrom legendary rock ‘n’ roll drummer Mickey Hart (left).

Students visit the College of the Canyons Art Gallery (below).

ROCK THE RHYTHM, BEAT THE ODDS • MAY 18, 2012

What is Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Odds?

Originally launched through theorganization UCLArts andHealing, Beat the Odds is a

drum circle-based activity that seeks tomaximize creative expression while build-ing social and emotional skills and empha-sizing the process of learning over perform-ance.

Beat the Odds integrates activitiesfrom contemporary drum circles and groupcounseling to teach skills in focusing andlistening, team building, positive risk tak-ing, self-esteem, awareness of others, lead-ership, expressing feelings, managinganger/stress, empathy and gratitude.

Developed with the combined expert-ise of a licensed clinical social worker, a

drum circle facilitator and a public healtheducator, the Beat the Odds product is alto-gether clinically sound, rhythmically engag-ing and sustainable.

The program can be implemented oneclassroom at a time, and is designed fordelivery by persons with no musical experi-ence. Most importantly, Beat the Odds isinclusive, culturally relevant and does notbear the stigma of therapy.

UCLA researchers have shown thatBeat the Odds can significantly improve aspectrum of behavior problems in children,including inattention, withdrawn/depres-sion, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, attentiondeficit/hyperactivity, oppositional defiance,and sluggish cognitive tempo.

ROCK THE RHYTHM, BEAT THE ODDS • MAY 18, 2012

Is this really a going to be a world record?Yes, this is a genuine try for a worldrecord in the Guinness Book of WorldRecords, for Largest Drum Circle.” Theprevious record of 9,000 was set inChina in 2007.

Am I going to be part of the world record?Yes. Everyone in attendance will becounted for the formal World Recordentry and each person will be given afree sound shape signifying his or herparticipation.

How many people do you think willbe there that day?In order to break the record, and set anew one, we will need at least 10,100participants and we anticipate having atleast that many, including our 7,200 kids.

Are any celebrities coming?Yes, there will be celebrities andgovernment officials attending the event.Mickey Hart, drummer for the GratefulDead, will be directing the event, andJohn Densmore, drummer for The Doorswill be in attendance as well. We alsoexpect some surprise guest drummers.

Will food and drinks be available for purchase?Our concession stand will be open, with a limited selection of snacks andbeverages.

Can I bring my own food or drink into the stadium?Yes, but please do not bring glass or alcoholic beverages.

What organizations are arranging this?The event is being produced by theCollege of the Canyons, its K-12 ArtsEducation Outreach Program of theSanta Clarita Performing Arts Center,The City of Santa Clarita, UCLA Arts andHealing, all five Santa Clarita Valleyschool districts with the generoussponsorship of REMO Inc.

ASanta Clarita-based company,REMO Inc., has been theworld’s drumhead specialist for

more than 50 years. The company’s widevariety of drumheads fit every drummingapplication and have been used by almostevery major drummer in the world.Founder Remo Belli is a member of thePAC K-12 Arts Education AdvisoryCommittee and is dedicated to promotingthe benefits of arts and music educationand music in local schools.

The REMO Recreational MusicCenter in North Hollywood is dedicated toproviding an atmosphere where peoplefrom all walks of life, of all ages, with orwithout a musical background, can experi-ence making music with others in a wel-

coming, friendly, non-challenging envi-ronment — solely to experience the bene-fit and joys of making music.

Belli, along with Remo PresidentBrock Kaericher, and the entire Remostaff have all been pivotal in helping tobring the Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Oddsinitiative to life.

In addition to playing a key role inimplementing the initial stage the hybridmusic education program that is at thecenter of this event, the company has alsoproduced more than 11,000 commemora-tive sound shapes (hand-held percussiveinstruments) that will be passed out atCougar Stadium on the day of the eventand used to break the current drum circlerecord of 10,180.

For more than 40 years, College of the Canyons has served as a gateway to highereducation, professional training and by extension, opportunity for the SantaClarita Valley.

During that time a significant amount of change and progress have occurred through-out the Santa Clarita Valley, but it has been this community’s unwavering support ofthe college that has continued to propel the institution forward.

Since its opening the college has cultivated an unequalled reputation for providingaccess to higher education, unparalleled students services and a passionate pursuit ofexcellence.

That commitment is a tradition reflected by the innovative, results orientated leadershipof College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne. G. Van Hook.

Respected by our colleagues, appreciated by our partners, supported by our studentsand community members and energized and fueled by our dedicated faculty and staff,College of the Canyons has created a foundation of excellence that will be further builtupon, as the institution continues to uphold the ideals of education while contributingto the development of our vibrant, thriving community for generations to come.

What time does it start?The gates to Cougar Stadium willopen to the public at 10am. There willbe entertainment/activities on thefield from 10-11:00am. The eventofficially starts at 11:00am and theactual record-breaking part of theevent begins at 11:30am.

Do I need to buy a ticket?No. The Rock the Rhythm event isfree to the public, on a first-comefirst-served event. However, reservedseating can be arranged throughticket purchase. Proceeds to benefitthe PAC K12 Arts EducationOutreach program.

www.canyons.edu/Offices/PIO/CanyonsPAC/rrbo.html

Do you have a group sale price?Yes. If you are part of a group of 10 to 24 people, you can receive a10% discount off the price forreserved seating. Medium groups of25 to 49 people can receive a 15%discount. Large groups of 50 or morepeople can receive a 20% discount. Ifyou have a group of 50+ pleasecontact the box office at 661-362-5304.

Where would I park?Although we are specificallyreserving parking lots 7 and 8 forpublic parking, areas near thestadium will be impacted as the 7,200students are bussed to the location.Lots 4, 5 (limited) and 14 will beavailable; please remember toobserve all college signs. No parkingin staff spaces or handicap accessspaces unless you have anappropriate placard. You also mightconsider parking at Westfield andcarpooling or taking advantage ofpublic transportation, which hasmany routes to COC.

Where do I enter the parking lot?If you are parking in lots 7 and 8(closest to the field) please use the Stadium Way entrance off ofValencia Blvd. Please pay carefulattention to those lots marked for Staff.

Where do I enterCougar stadium?The gate is located at the Northeastcorner of the campus, south ofValencia Blvd. and west of RockwellCanyon.www.canyons.edu/maps

If you’re planning on coming to the event:

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS: A Gateway to OpportunityAbout REMO, Inc.

A Huge “THANKS” to Everyone who cametogether to make this event possible!

This wouldn't have happened without the assistance from these amazing school districts,including their administrators, teachers, support staff, parents – and of course all the kids!

Castaic Union School District • Newhall School District Saugus Union School District • Sulphur Springs School District

William S. Hart Union High School District

Remo, Inc. • City of Santa ClaritaThe Santa Clarita Community College DistrictPAC K12 Arts Education Outreach Program

Belli Foundation • "Beat the Odds"

So many groups have stepped up to support and assist and we thank you all!

James Irvine Foundation • Ralph M. Parsons FoundationSanta Clarita Studios • The Found Penny FoundationWilliam S. Hart District Department of Transportation

Andy Gump • Archie and Associates • Bobby Sherman Foundation • David Schutz • Goodman AudioiPressroom • KHTS -1220 • LA County Supervisor Antonovich • Laureen Carter • MegaWorld Media

PAC K12 Arts Education Outreach Advisory Committee • PAC Usher VolunteersThe Remo Inc. Rock the Rhythm Facilitators • The Signal • SCVTV • Taiko Center of Los Angeles

Valencia Production Partners • William S. Hart District ROTC

Advantage • Arrowhead • California Pizza Kitchen • Chik-fil-A • Chili’s • Chronic Cantina • Coldstones • CostcoDouglas Furniture • Elephant Bar • Fast Signs • ISSI at COC • Lazy Dog • New Moon Restaurant • Pavilions • Pepsi

Ralphs • Salt Creek Grille • Sam’s Club • Sprouts • Starbucks • Tea Gardens • Trader Joes • Vons • Western Bagel • Wolf Creek

And a monster thanks to COC's dedicated employees – both past and present! – who gave extra time and energy

to make this event such a success!

Check out our website at www.rocktherhythm.org for even MORE thank you's!

The Canyon Country campus is ramping up for abusy summer session and fall semester, highlight-ed by a celebration to commemorate the five-year

anniversary of the campus.In the early morning hours of Aug. 27, 2007, a size-

able group of College of the Canyons board members,administrators, instructors and staff members gatheredoutside a collection of newly installed modular build-ings, strategically arranged on a 70-acre plot of land.

As the first students of the semester made their wayonto campus, the college team was there to greet themand make sure they found their classrooms.

At that moment, COC officially became a college ontwo campuses, but with one mission: to increase accessto education for students of all ages.

The year prior to its opening, longtime collegeadministrator Dena Maloney was named founding deanof the yet-to-be-built Canyon Country campus andtasked with helping the college transition to multi-cam-pus status.

Since its opening five summers ago, the CanyonCountry campus has enjoyed continued growth anddevelopment. Despite early projections that the campuswould attract 1,500 to 2,000 students its first semester,more than 3,000 students were served in fall 2007alone.

Those early numbers were only a preview of thingsto come. During the 2010-11 academic year, the CanyonCountry campus served more than 10,000 students, with68 percent of the college’s 2011 graduating class havingtaken at least one class at the newest campus.

“I’m extremely pleased that the Canyon Countrycampus has become part of the path students are takingto achieve their goals and realize their dream,” saidMaloney, who was recently named superintendent-pres-ident of Taft College and the West Kern CommunityCollege District after nearly 20 years of service atCollege of the Canyons (see accompanying story).

Significant additions to the Canyon Country campusduring the last five years include the 2007 constructionof the Carl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater and the 2,150-square-foot Canyon Country Center for EarlyChildhood Education.

In August, the first permanent building – the eager-

ly anticipated Applied Technology Education Center(ATEC) – opened. Designed to give students a newselection of hands-on learning and training opportuni-ties, its 10,000 square feet of workshop and laboratoryspace allowed the college to immediately expandCareer Technical Education training.

The next major step will be construction of morepermanent buildings. To help guide the campus throughthe next five years and beyond, college officials havebegun to implement a transition plan.

Ryan Theule, former assistant dean of student serv-ices at the campus, will fill the position of acting dean,assuming many of Maloney’s duties. DeneePescarmona, interim dean of humanities, will assumethe role of acting associate dean, instruction programs.And, Diane Fiero, assistant superintendent/vice presi-dent of human resources, will be on site to provide dis-trict-level coordination.

“The restructuring of the former assistant dean, stu-dent services position will allow for added support foradditional instructional programs that are both ongoingand in the development phase for the Canyon Countrycampus,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook. “I feel confident with this newstructure in place that the Canyon Country campus willcontinue to grow and flourish with exceptional leader-ship at the helm.”

This fall, the Canyon Country campus will host acommunitywide celebration to commemorate its five-year anniversary. While event details are still beingcoordinated, it is expected to include live music,refreshments, campus tours, faculty and student demon-strations, and arts activities.

“Fueled by innovative facilities such as the AppliedTechnology Education Center, active student life,bustling classrooms and a beautiful natural setting, theCanyon Country campus will continue to thrive,” saidTheule. “The celebration of the five-year anniversary ofthe campus’ opening day will be a wonderful chance forus to celebrate all that the college has accomplished,along with the continued opportunities available for stu-dents to achieve their education goals.”

More information: canyoncountrycampus.com.

alike. In 1985 the center became the firstcommunity college lab school in the stateto be accredited by the NationalAssociation for the Education of YoungChildren (NAEYC) Academy of EarlyChildhood Programs. It has maintainedaccreditation status ever since.

In time, the center’s tremendousgrowth necessitated the move to a larger,more permanent location, which wouldallow the college to expand its ECE serv-ices.

In 1993, with that goal in mind, agroup of children armed with undersizedshovels joined a collection of collegeadministrators at a dirt lot located on thesouthwest corner of the Valencia campusto officially break ground on the college’snew Family Studies and Early ChildhoodEducation Center.

As one of several campus improve-ments implemented at College of theCanyons after the 1994 Northridge earth-quake, the new Family Studies and ECECenter officially moved into its currentlocation following a ribbon-cutting cere-mony on April 22, 1995. The event fea-tured an assortment of local dignitariesand preschool children jointly cutting theribbon. It was held in conjunction withthat year’s community-wide “Day of theChild” campus celebration.

In 2009, the ECE program underwentanother major expansion with the openingof the Canyon Country Center for EarlyChildhood Education, located on theCanyon Country campus.

“The opening of our second ECECenter on the Canyon Country campuswas a momentous step for our program,”said Diane Stewart, dean of early child-hood education programs. “The centersremain an important resource for this com-munity, and will provide countless oppor-tunities for the families and students weserve.

“Thanks to the dedication of our hard-working staff and the support of the col-lege and our families, we’ve been able tocreate an educational institution that willendure in our valley for years to come,”added Stewart. “We’re looking forward tothe next 30 years.”

For more information, call (661) 362-3531 or visit canyons.edu/departments/cd.

The college’s first five-week summer session runs June 4 toJuly 6. A second eight-week session will run June 11 to Aug. 3,and the final five-week session will run June 18 to July 27.

A summer session schedule of classes is now posted online atwww.canyons.edu. As in recent years, a printed schedule will notbe available.

Summer session registration for new students and high schoolstudents (11th and 12th grades) begins May 10, with a final reg-istration period scheduled to begin May 14.

Several community colleges in the region are either not offer-ing summer sessions or offering only limited schedules, so class-es at COC are expected to fill quickly.

With that in mind, students are encouraged not to wait untilthe last minute to apply or register for summer classes. Below is

a list of registration tips for all students to consider:• Make sure the Admissions and Records Office has your cur-

rent e-mail address, telephone number and postal addresses sothat the college can provide you with up-to-date informationregarding your registration date and time.

• Know which classes you really want and sign up for themduring your registration period. Once you are registered for aclass, cancel only if you are absolutely sure of your decision.

• Check the online schedule of classes frequently for updatedclass listings, updates and changes.

In addition, students should be reminded that beginning insummer 2012, enrollment fees at all 112 California communitycolleges have been raised to $46 per unit, as mandated by the stateof California.

For more information about the 2012 summer session, contactthe Admissions and Records Office at (661) 362-3280 or visitcanyons.edu.

C OL LE GE OF TH E C AN YO NS BRE AK ING NE WS • S PRIN G 2012 7

ANNIVERSARYFROM PAGE 1

SUMMERFROM PAGE 1

SILVER SPUR HONORS

Canyon Country Campus Prepares for Fifth Anniversary

Marian and Richard Sandnes were honored with the 2012 Silver Spur Community Service Award during a gala dinner at the Ronald Reagan Presidential LibraryAir Force One Pavilion in Simi Valley on March 3. “This is the most important recognition that we at College of the Canyons can afford to anyone, and given thesupport that Richard and Marian have given to the college for so many years, it is only fitting that we honor and celebrate their contributions,” Chancellor Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook said.

Maloney Departs toHead Taft College

After nearly 20 years ofservice at College of theCanyons, including five yearsspent as the Founding Deanof the college’s CanyonCountry campus, Dr. DenaMaloney has been namedSuperintendent-President ofTaft College and the WestKern Community CollegeDistrict, effective May 1.

“I will never forget myyears at College of theCanyons and would like to thank theentire community for all the kindness and supportthey’ve shown to COC and the Canyon Country cam-pus throughout the years,” Maloney said. “I’ve hadthe good fortune to work with a group of talented,motivated, innovative and inspiring people during mytime here, and I’ll always treasure the memories ofthis incredible community.”

Taft College is located in Taft, about 30 milessouthwest of Bakersfield. The college has an enroll-ment of around 9,000 students and offers more than40 associate degrees and certificates.

“Dr. Maloney helped our college during a signifi-cant growth period and excelled in many roles,including generating resources and partnerships tosupport economic development, offering input forinstructional programs, engaging in community out-reach, and overseeing the growth and development ofour Canyon Country campus,” Chancellor Dr. DianneG. Van Hook said. “She is someone who has con-tributed much to our district and even more to thelives of the people with whom she has worked, sup-ported, nurtured and cared for at COC.”

8 CO LL E G E O F T H E C A N Y O N S B R E A K I N G N E W S • S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

Much has changed at College of theCanyons since voters approvedMeasure M in 2006. The college

has experienced an unprecedented level ofprogress that has been fed in large part bythe $160 million bond measure, the opti-mism of an historically supportive commu-nity, and the resolve of college leaders tomake good on the promises of Measure M.

The most visible changes are the cre-ation of an entirely new campus in CanyonCountry and the opening of the Dr. DianneG. Van Hook University Center, whichoccupies a prominent perch alongInterstate 5. But there have been other sig-nificant enhancements as well, such as theApplied Technology Education Center atthe Canyon Country campus and theexpansion of both Mentry Hall and theLibrary, the latter of which will open forthe fall semester. Measure M bond fundswill also play a key role in building a newStudent Services & Administration build-ing and a permanent Institute for CulinaryEducation on the Valencia campus.

Measure M has certainly provided thefunding to construct a wide assortment ofnew facilities to accommodate an ever-increasing number of new and innovativeeducational and training programs. Thebeneficiaries are those who come toCollege of the Canyons for education,training and inspiration now and in thefuture.

The bond measure is a key componentdriving the college’s progress, but a lesser-known factor also plays an important role.The college has maximized every bond-issued dollar by leveraging otherresources. Although its original value wasestimated at $160 million, in the end, thevalue of Measure M will far exceed thatfigure via interest and the refunding ofbond proceeds, not to mention the value ofmatching construction funds from thestate.

“We have been extremely diligentabout utilizing and leveraging Measure Mbond funds to deliver the absolute maxi-mum value possible for our community,”Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said.

“This is an investment whose value willultimately be measured in terms of howwe’ve been able to transform people’slives and careers for the better.”

Measure M has funded numerous proj-ects, including:

Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University CenterStatus: Completed 2009District / Measure M: $7.3 millionState / Other: $32.5 millionTotal Cost: $39.8 million

The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center provides110,000 square feet of instructional and support spacefor numerous degree programs offered by partner uni-versities such as Brandman University, California StateUniversity Bakersfield, Cal State L.A., Cal StateNorthridge, the University of La Verne and NationalUniversity. This expansive facility also houses the TEACHprogram, the William S. Hart Union High SchoolDistrict’s Academy of the Canyons, the City of SantaClarita’s WorkSource Center and a number of key collegedepartments. The center’s unique approach to providingeasy access to degree programs from multiple universi-ties was lauded by U.S. Department of Education UnderSecretary Dr. Martha Kanter as a model of higher educa-tion access that should be emulated nationwide.

Canyon Country CampusStatus: Completed 2007 (First Phase)District / Measure M: $32 millionState / Other: $26 millionTotal Cost: $58 million

The 70-acre Canyon Country campus welcomed morethan 3,000 students when it opened in 2007, fulfillingthe community’s need for convenient access to collegeprograms in the eastern Santa Clarita Valley. The campushas made a huge contribution toward meeting thearea’s educational and training demands. The campushas benefited from a number of improvements, includ-ing the opening of the Carl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater,a free-standing food concession and extensive land-scaping improvements. The first permanent buildingopened in 2011 (see below).

Applied Technology Education CenterStatus: Completed 2011District / Measure M: $7.1 million

State / Other: $0Total Cost: $7.1 million

The 10,000-square-foot Applied Technology EducationCenter, the first permanent building on the CanyonCountry campus, houses a variety of new educationaland training programs, including alternative energymanagement, automotive technology, constructionmanagement, building inspection, landscape manage-ment and water systems technology.

Mentry Hall ExpansionStatus: Completed 2010District / Measure M: $12.4 millionState / Other: $0Total Cost: $12.4 million

The Mentry Hall expansion, a design-build project thatwas completed in less than a year, added more than32,000 square feet of instructional space, including twocomputer labs, a large lecture room, 11 classrooms, a 2-D drawing classroom, a life/drawing classroom, twoconference rooms and 12 offices. The expansionincreased the overall size of Mentry Hall to 76,339square feet.

Library ExpansionStatus: Opening Fall 2012District / Measure M: $6.5 millionState / Other: $9.5 millionTotal Cost: $16 million

The 51,000-square-foot expansion of the Library willhouse a larger Learning Center lab, as well as an assort-ment of instructional labs, classrooms, offices andenhanced library facilities to support student success. Itwill be open for the fall semester.

Institute for Culinary EducationStatus: Construction DrawingsDistrict / Measure M: $2.8 millionState / Other: $3.9 millionTotal Cost: $6.7 million

This 5,600-square-foot facility will be built just south ofMentry Hall in an architectural style that underlinesboth the simplicity of the reflective glass surfaces foundon nearby structures and underlines an elegant sophis-

tication appropriate for a building that will serve botheducational and social functions. Individual elementsinclude a Show Kitchen, Savory Kitchen, Sweets Kitchen,an area for Wine Studies, a Culinary Lab space andinstructor office spaces. The College of the CanyonsFoundation has mounted a capital campaign to raiseadditional funds to build it.

Student Services & Administration BuildingStatus: Construction DrawingsDistrict / Measure M: $10.1 millionState / Other: $7.1 millionTotal Cost: $17.2 million

This two-story facility will replace the existing building,which the campus has outgrown.

Canyon Country Campus Parking Lot 2Status: Completed 2010District / Measure M: $1 millionState / Other: $0Total Cost: $1 million

Technology Infrastructure UpgradesStatus: CompletedDistrict / Measure M: $1 millionState / Other: $0Total Cost: $1 million

Other Measure M-funded improve-ments include secondary effects in BonelliHall and Mentry Hall ($3.4 million), workon the Facilities Master Plan ($253,000),and various health and safety upgrades($50,000).

The Measure M pipeline is filled withmyriad projects that are planned in thefuture, including several permanent build-ings at the Canyon Country campus,upgrades at the Del Valle firefighter train-ing facility, replacement of equipment,scheduled maintenance and other second-ary effects.

For up-to-date information about Measure M,upcoming Citizens Oversight Committee meetings,agendas and minutes, and other background mate-rial, visit canyons.edu/pio and click the “Measure MCommittee” button.

R E P O R T T O T H E C O M M U N I T Y

Canyon Country Campus

Applied Technology Education Center

Mentry Hall ExpansionDr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center

Institute for Culinary Education Library Expansion

Measure M Delivers on Promises