SCV Sheriff - News Room

SCV Sheriffs Have Jail House Scare

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station held the annual Haunted Jailhouse and Halloween Carnival Sunday.  More than 3,500 Santa Clarita Valley residents stopped by the station and joined in the hauntingly fun event.  Although the final numbers are not yet available, it is estimated that the event raised more than $5,000 for various Santa Clarita Valley charitable organizations.  Pictured in the dunk tank is Station Commander - Captain Anthony La Berge.  He and other station personnel volunteered for the "Dunk-a-Deputy" fund-raiser, all in an effort to help raise money for the City of Hope.  This was the 18th year of the event which has drawn praise, awards and recognition on several different occasions throughout the years.  Receiving the Award of Merit in 1991 from the Governor's Crime Prevention Awards Program and the 1990 Productivity and Quality Award from the Los Angeles County Productivity Commission.  Established by former Sheriff's Captain Robert J. Spierer, the event has grown tremendously over the years to include numerous personnel and organizations such as the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club, the Miracles through Hope Chapter of the City of Hope, the SCV Newhall Optimist Club, the Association to Aid Victims of Domestic Violence, the City of Santa Clarita, and the County of Los Angeles, just to name a few.  This year, money will also be donated to the Santa Clarita Valley Disaster Coalition in an effort to help those who are in need as a result of the fires.  The combined effort of all the organizations involved provides a safe, fun and adventurous Halloween outing that the community can share in every year.  The event included various Sheriff's Department displays, moon bouncers, music, food, fund-raising game booths, a haunted jailhouse tour, a costume contest and much, much more.  For additional information or to participate in the event next year, contact Deputy Pat Rissler of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 799-5159.  Halloween Safety Tips are available HERE.   

Barricaded Suspect - Canyon Country

Thursday - October 25, 2007 - 7:23 p.m. - Canyon Country:

Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station are containing a location in the 19000 block of San Marino Court.  At approximately 7:23 p.m., an assault suspect reportedly barricaded himself inside the location.  Deputies have closed down Golden Valley Road in both directions near San Rafael Drive.  A Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) team and Crisis Negotiators are en-route to the location.  Additional information will be provided through Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau at (323) 526-5541.

Don't Fall Victim to Donation Scams

As a result of the recent fires, some criminal opportunists may attempt to capitalize on the soft hearts and generous intentions of Santa Clarita Valley residents.  Sure, everyone wants get involved, contribute to a worthwhile cause and help those directly affected by the fires locally, but the only one who benefits from bogus and unlawful charitable giving and fund-raising scams is the criminal.  Although we do not want to negatively impact local fund-raising efforts, such as car washes, golf tournaments, boy scouts, girl scouts, etc. - we do want to ensure our residents are aware and protected.      

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station is advising all residents that you can avoid falling victim to donation related scams by following a few simple guidelines:   

• Be wary of appeals that tug at your heart strings, especially pleas involving patriotism and current events.
• Ask for written information about the charities, including name, address and telephone number - Then verify it.   
• Check out the financial information of the charity and how the donation will be used.
• Make sure the legitimate organization, that the charity claims it will benefit, is aware that their name is being used.   
• Watch out for similar sounding names.  Some phony charities use names that closely resemble those of respected legitimate organizations. 
• Be wary of charities offering to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect your donation.  There is no hurry to donate.   
• Be wary of guarantees in exchange for your contribution. 
• Do not provide any credit, bank or other personal information until you have verified the charity and made a decision to donate.   
• Call the organization that the charity claims it will benefit to verify. 

When possible follow even more stringent guidelines:

• Never pledge donations to organizations that solicit you by calling or visiting your home.
• Never pledge donations via e-mail or the Internet unless you have thoroughly verified the information.
• Never respond to e-mails soliciting donations. 
• Donate to organizations identified on a trusted local news source.
• Ask a friend, family member or public safety representative if they are familiar with the organization. 
• Contact local law enforcement if you have information of a phony charitable organization or other donation related scam.

Additional precautionary information can be found on the Federal Trade Commission Website. Remember, there is no hurry to donate - take your time and verify where your money is going! 

If you want to donate locally, the SCV Disaster Coalition is now prepared to accept donations that will go to help the local families who were impacted by this disaster.  Here's how you can help: They are asking for donations of either gift cards or money. There are three drop off locations here in town, (KHTS Radio, City Hall, or The Senior Center) or you can mail your donation. You may also donate on-line at www.scvcoalition.com.  Any of these three places will provide you with a receipt for your donation. If you would like to mail your donation, please mail it to: (make sure to make the check out to the SCV Disaster Coalition...not KHTS.) SCV Disaster Coalition Care Of KHTS AM 1220 Radio - 27225 Camp Plenty Rd, Suite 8 Santa Clarita, CA 91351.  Other reputable and legitimate charitable organizations include the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), the Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) and the United Way (www.unitedway.org).  Of course, if you wish to donate, you should donate to any charity of your choice that you have verified and trust. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at www.scvsheriff.com, the City of Santa Clarita's website www.santa-clarita.com, or contact Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 799-5814.         

Haunted Jailhouse & Carnival is a GO!

Captain Anthony La Berge gave the go-ahead for the annual Haunted Jailhouse and Halloween Carnival to be held at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station this Sunday.  Despite some operational challenges this past week, personnel from the station are working hard to ensure the event goes on as planned.

Captain La Berge said, "It will be a great opportunity for Santa Clarita Valley residents to get outside and join in our open house festivities." "After 17 years of annual Halloween celebration at the station, it wouldn't be fair to the kids to cancel it!  Our resilient community will continue to work together to help all those who have been affected by the massive wildfires that struck the region this past week", he added.  Captain La Berge has also pledged to donate any funds raised by the station's ice cream sales at the event to the Santa Clarita Valley Disaster Coalition in an effort to help those who are in need as a result of the fires.

The event will be held at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station Sunday, October 28, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will include a haunted jail tour for those under age 6, game booths, food, clowns, a moon bounce jumper, Sheriff's Department displays and a costume contest. This event is sponsored by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club and the Santa Clarita Valley Newhall Optimist Club - all with the assistance of the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles.  A $1.00 donation for the event is requested and appreciated.  Contact Deputy Pat Rissler of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station or print this Halloween Flyer for additional information. Press Inquiries to Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 255-4991. 

"Buckweed" & "Ranch" Fires - Current and Future Updates

Monday - October 22, 2007 - 6:00 p.m. - Santa Clarita Valley:

All updates regarding the fire in the City of Santa Clarita are being posted on the City of Santa Clarita's Website. Visit the following link for additional information:  www.santa-clarita.com.  Additional information is also available by calling the City's Resource Desk at (661) 295-6366.   

As a result of the "Ranch" fire operations, the entire Val Verde area is under voluntary evacuations and is closed to all public traffic until further notice.  For public information regarding the "Ranch" fire in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including Stevenson Ranch and Val Verde, please contact the Los Angeles County Disaster Hotline at (800) 980-4990.

For local traffic information visit the KHTS Website or check your Local News Resources.  For Sheriff related press inquiries only, contact Sergeant Darren Harris of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 510-1827.

"Buckweed" Fire - Road Closures

Monday - October 22, 2007 - 1:30 p.m. - Santa Clarita Valley:

1:30 p.m. - **UPDATE** - "Buckweed" and "Ranch" Fires -
ROAD CLOSURES: 

The following road closures are in effect:

California Highway Patrol - Newhall Office - Closures:

Sierra Highway and Aqua Dulce

Sierra Highway at Davenport

Sierra Highway to Sand Canyon Road open - Residents only after Sand Canyon

Bouquet Canyon and Spunky Canyon

San Francisquito Canyon at Copperhill

San Francisquito Canyon at Lowridge

San Francisquito Canyon at Spunky

Tesoro Del Valle Drive at Copperhill Drive (residents can return and shelter in place)

Seco Canyon at Copperhill Drive

Seco Canyon at Tamarack

Haskell Canyon at Copperhill Drive

Tamarack at Copperhill Drive

Hasley Canyon Road at Commerce Center

Hasley Canyon Road at Del Valle

SR-126 at Chiquito Canyon Road

California Highway Patrol - Moorpark Office - Closures:

SR-126 and Main Street in Piru

Center Street at SR-126, Piru

Center Street at Orchard, Piru

Hillcrest Parkway and the streets north and south of Hillcrest Parkway between Barcelona and The Old Road to the areas in the process of being evacuated.

Sloan Canyon Road

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Closures:

Bouquet Canyon and David Way

Whites Canyon at Steinway

Camp Plenty at Soledad

NB Whites at Soledad

**Residents evacuating the Whites Cyn area can travel either SB on Bouquet Cyn or SB on Plum Cyn Road.**

Additional information for the public is being broadcast via emergency telephone systems and is available at (661) 295-6366.  Please DO NOT telephone the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station unless you have an emergency.

Sergeant Darren Harris

Press Only - (661) 510-1827

"Buckweed" Fire - Additional Evacuations

Monday - October 22, 2007 - 12:01 p.m. - Santa Clarita Valley:

12:01 p.m. - **UPDATE** - "Buckweed" Fire -
ADDITIONAL EVACUATIONS:  The mandatory evacuations which were in effect for all structures at Bouquet Canyon Road and Plum Canyon Road - northwest  to Copper Hill Drive and west to Haskell Canyon Road, including all areas in and around Bouquet Canyon Park have been downgraded to SHELTER IN PLACE.  All residents in these areas should remain and monitor local news.  Additional information is being broadcast via emergency telephone systems and is available at (661) 295-6366.  Please DO NOT telephone the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station unless you have an emergency.

"Buckweed" Fire - Additional Evacuations

Monday - October 22, 2007 - 9:25 a.m. - Santa Clarita Valley:

9:25 a.m. - **UPDATE** - "Buckweed" Fire -
ADDITIONAL EVACUATIONS:  Mandatory evacuations are in effect for all structures north of Copper Hill Drive from San Francisquito Canyon Road - east to Bouquet Canyon Road and from San Francisquito Canyon Road - west to include the entire Tesoro area.  All residents in these areas should begin evacuations immediately.  Numerous deputies are in the area to assist.  Additional information for the public is being broadcast via emergency telephone systems and is available at (661) 295-6366.  Please DO NOT telephone the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station unless you have an emergency.

Sergeant Darren Harris

Press Only - (661) 510-1827

Press Conference - "Buckweed" Fire

Sunday - October 21, 2007 - 10:00 p.m. - Santa Clarita Valley:

Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy D. Baca joined Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station Commander Anthony La Berge and representatives from the City of Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County Fire Department at a press conference to provide the latest update regarding the Santa Clarita Valley portion of the "Buckweed" fire and separate fire burning in the Hasley Canyon area of Castaic. 

Officials announced that as of 10:00 p.m. preliminary information indicates that the "Buckweed" fire has burned more than 12,500 acres and is only 10 percent contained.  It is estimated that 25 homes and other structures have been lost and more are being threatened.  The Los Angeles County Fire Department has more than 400 fire fighters on the fire and that number is expected to increase to 600 by morning.  They will also be able to bring in air support at first light.  More than 100 total Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs, California Highway Patrol Officers, Los Angeles County Park Police and other agencies are working evacuations, road closures and protection.  It is estimated that 500-800 people have been evacuated and additional evacuations are currently occurring in the Hasley Canyon area.  One serious and three minor injuries have been reported.  Southern California Edison is reporting that more than 875 Santa Clarita Valley residents are without power tonight.      

All residents should minimize travel on the local roadways for the next few days in order to allow emergency services personnel to conduct evacuations and perform firefighting efforts.   

The following road closures are in effect:

Sierra Highway from Davenport to Soledad Cyn.

Sierra Highway and David Way

Bouquet Canyon and David Way

Bouquet and Vasquez Canyon

Aqua Dulce and Sierra Highway

Sierra Highway and Vasquez Canyon

Whites Canyon and Steinway

Whites @ Stillmore

Camp Plenty @ Soledad

NB Whites @ Soledad

Hasley Canyon Road

Residents evacuating the Whites Cyn area can travel either SB on Bouquet Cyn or SB on Plum Cyn Road.

Golden Valley High School is now open and available as an evacuation center for Canyon Country residents;  Saugus High School continues to be open and available as an evacuation center for Saugus residents.

School Closures:  All classes for Monday October 22nd have been canceled at the East and West facilities of College of the Canyons, CalArts, the Hart Union School District, Saugus Union School District, Santa Clarita Christian, Sunshine North Valencia (pre-school and after-school), Sunshine Wiley Canyon, Sunshine Fair Oaks, Sunshine Pine Tree, Sunshine North Lake Hills, Legacy, Trinity Christian, Rainbow Promise Pre-School and Kindergarten, Pinecrest School on Lost Canyon Road and the Castaic Union School District.

All residents are urged to remain calm and follow the instructions of the Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel.  Additional updates regarding the fire can be found on the City of Santa Clarita Website by CLICKING HERE.  For local traffic information visit the KHTS Website or check your Local News Resources.  Updates will be posted on this site in the near future.  For Sheriff Related Press inquiries only, contact Sergeant Darren Harris of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 510-1827.

Agua Dulce / Santa Clarita Valley Fire **UPDATE**

Sunday - October 21, 2007 - 7:05 p.m. - Santa Clarita Valley:

***Additional Evacuations***                                                          

***Evacuation Centers Established***

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department personnel are expanding evacuations to include all homes, business and other structures from Whites Canyon Road at Soledad Canyon Road, north and west to the Santa Clara Riverbed.  Evacuation centers have been established as follows:  Saugus High School for residents on the west side of town, nearest Saugus and Bouquet Canyon Road.  Golden Valley High School for residents in the Canyon Country area.  All roads in and around the area are closed to routine traffic and are being used for emergency traffic and evacuations only.  We are urging all residents in the area to remain calm, be prepared to evacuate in an orderly fashion, and follow the instructions of the Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel.  Updates will be posted on this site as available.  Press inquires only to Sergeant Darren Harris of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 510-1827.