We Have a BIG Announcement... 👀

Good morning, SCV. This is The SCV Insider. Here with some VERY exciting news to share… 🥳

But first, in today’s SCV Insider:

• Remembering 9/11: Joseph Grzelak 🇺🇸 

• California's Schools Rise from the Ashes 🔥

• SCV's Marathon Challenge 🏃

Let’s get into it.

— Kate

INTRODUCING… THE PREMIUM INSIDER 🥳

We've heard you guys loud and clear…

…and then we got to work!

We're thrilled to announce our brand-new Premium Insider tier. As a Premium Insider (and for less than your fancy coffee order every month), you'll get:

• 🗓️ One-stop access to our comprehensive Shared Google Calendar for Local Events

• 🎁 Monthly members-only giveaways (because who doesn't love free stuff?)

• 😏 The ability to say "Oh, I already knew about that" with smug confidence

Starting October 1st, you’ll get access to all of this PLUS… sign up before October 1st and unlock our Early Bird Special where you’ll get:

• 30% off your first month (so, basically free)

• You’ll be entered to win a $100 Visa Gift Card! 🤑

Thought I was done? Oh no, there’s one more thing…

If you’re one of the first 10 readers to sign up we will send you our exclusive SCV Insider ‘Support Local Coffee’ Mug.

Experience SCV to the fullest & become a Premium Insider today!

THE DIGEST

Remembering Joseph Grzelak 🇺🇸

Joseph Grzelak, a 52-year-old battalion chief from Staten Island, lived and died by his commitments. From winning over his future wife at a bowling alley to rushing into the World Trade Center on 9/11, Grzelak was a man who followed through.

Known as "Joe Knows" to his fellow firefighters for his trivia prowess, Grzelak was more than just a walking encyclopedia. He was a two-time lifesaving hero, a devoted family man, and a veteran who served his country before serving his city.

On September 11, 2001, Grzelak's last known act was instructing other firefighters to put on their helmets before entering Tower 1. Even in the face of unimaginable danger, he was looking out for others.

California Schools: Where Resilience Gets an A+ 🔥

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond is giving a master class in community support, orchestrating a fundraising campaign for wildfire-affected schools. His efforts have turned California into one giant classroom, where the lesson of the day is "How to Turn Adversity into Opportunity 101."

Want to earn some extra credit in the school of life? Pop over to SupplyBank.org's Disaster Relief Fund web page. It's your chance to be the #2 pencil in a world of dull crayons, helping sharpen California's educational future. No need to raise your hand – just raise some funds, and you'll be everyone's favorite teacher's pet.

More info HERE!

Marathon Meets Mother Nature 🏃

The City of Santa Clarita is challenging you to hike a marathon. That's right, 26.2 miles of trail-blazing adventure through Newhall Pass Open Space. It's like a Fitbit's dream come true, minus the guilt-inducing notifications.

Starting tomorrow and running (or walking... or crawling) until December 31st, this challenge is your chance to explore SCV's great outdoors. They've even set up the event on the AllTrails app to track your progress, so you can't "accidentally" add those miles you spent wandering around Target. First 50 finishers get a prize – here's hoping it's not just a really nice stick they found on the trail.

Once you’ve completed the challenge, visit the link HERE to submit you accomplishment!

LOCAL BUSINESS

Where Dough Rises to the Occasion 🥯

Lance Takao, the mastermind behind Bagel Boyz, is rolling out more than just delicious carbs. Recently crowned Small Business of the Month for Senate District 21, Takao has been quietly kneading kindness into the community fabric. His secret ingredient? A weekly donation of hundreds of pounds of bagels to Santa Clarita Grocery, serving up sustenance to those in need.

But Takao's generosity isn't just a flash in the pan. Even during the great bagel shortage of 2022 (okay, we made that up, but you get the idea), Bagel Boyz kept the dough flowing to local food banks. It's clear that for Takao, success is measured not just in sales, but in smiles served. Who knew saving the world could be as simple as saving breakfast?

No sponsors here, just what you need to know. We'll always tell you when something is sponsored.

LOCAL SPORTS

Foothill League To Kick-Off 🏈

As the non-league games wrap up, the Foothill League is shaping up to be a classic tale of underdogs and favorites. Golden Valley, once the league's perennial underdog, is now sitting pretty with a 3-0 record. They're not just winning; they're rewriting their story with each touchdown. On the flip side, Valencia, traditionally a powerhouse, finds itself in unfamiliar territory at 0-3. But don't count them out yet – sometimes, the best comeback stories start with a stumble.

With league play on the horizon, every team is hungry for victory. West Ranch and Hart are hot on Golden Valley's heels at 2-1, while Canyon, Castaic, and Saugus (all 1-2) are eager to prove that records are made to be broken. As these teams gear up for their league showdowns, one thing's for certain: in the Foothill League, every Friday night is a chance to become a local legend. Strap in, SCV – this season is just starting.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

🍺 Tonight, 6pm-9pm | Celebrate Germany: Dust off your lederhosen and polish your steins! Canyon Country Community Center's going Bavarian.

🚗 Tomorrow, 8am-12pm | Guardians 9/11 Patriot Day and Car Show: Where American muscle meets American heart. At Higher Vision Church Parking Lot.

💃 Tomorrow, 6pm-7:30pm | Zumba Community Hike: For those who think nature walks need more hip-shaking. Mchaddad Trail becomes your outdoor dance floor.

No sponsors here, just what you need to know. We'll always tell you when something is sponsored.

WEATHER

It’s shaping up to be a b-e-a-utiful weekend, SCV.

Friday 9/13

83 🌡️ 55 | ☀️ | 💨 SW 14 mph

Saturday 9/14

84 🌡️ 54 | ☀️ | 💨 SW 15 mph

Sunday 9/15

76 🌡️ 51 | ☀️ | 💨 SW 16 mph

FROM THE FEED 🤳

We've got the scoop on this weekend's shenanigans, and it looks like SCV is jumping the gun on spooky season… but hey, we're not complaining 👻

MYSTERY LINK

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THANKS!

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