Our hearts break for those who have been affected by the devastation Japan has faced as their nation was hit by one of the largest earthquakes recorded in history.   The earthquake triggered a tsunami causing extensive damage to the country. The images on the news are heart wrenching and the stories told by those who have survived are bittersweet.  The loss of lives, devastation, and the concern for the future of those who have survived the tragedy has gripped the world’s attention, and we at The Magazine of Santa Clarita would like to do everything we can to help.
We are so pleased with the generosity of those living in our Valley, as many businesses and community members have contacted us, offering assistance with the relief efforts for Japan.   
Friendly Valley Community Church will be collecting money for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).  One hundred percent of every gift goes to the designated cause, and UMCOR has nearly 20 professionals in Japan to help.   You can send donations to Friendly Valley Community Church located at 19246 Avenue of the Oaks, in Newhall, CA. 91321 or stop by and donate.  
Help the Children is a local non-profit organization who will be helping the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.  Help the Children is asking for donations from churches, individuals, families, organizations and corporations for the “Japan Disaster Relief” fund.  Contact 888-818-GIVE for more information or visit www.helpthechildren.org.   
The International Students Program of COC will be taking donations on April 16, from 10 a.m. until 2pm, during COC’s Week of the Young Child “Play Day” in the Honor Grove on campus.  Japanese calligraphy of a name or favorite word will be given as a token of gratitude.  We will also be selling miso soup and rice balls with all proceeds and donations going to The American Red Cross. For more information, call Wendy at 661-362-3510.
Sports Chalet will be helping Soles4Souls shoe drive and will be collecting gently worn shoes until Sunday, April 10.  All shoes collected will be sent directly to Soles4Souls for distribution in Japan and other areas of need.  Stop by your local Sports Chalet and drop them in the box.  Cobblestone Cottage began collecting shoes for Soles4Souls in March and will continue collecting until April 15.  Loose change will be collected at the cash counters to help in deferring the freight costs to ship the donated shoes.  Cobblestone Cottage is located at 24335 W. Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia.
If you or your business is helping with the relief efforts to assist those victimized by Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, we would like to show our support and help with getting the word out.  Together we can help raise awareness and funds for those who have been affected by this horrible disaster.  You can contact our associate editor, Stephanie Struyck Elgin by phone or e-mail at selgin@santaclaritamagazine.com or 661-294-444 extension 103.  
On our cover this month, we are pleased to feature some of the participants of this year’s Taste of the Town event, which is set to take place on May 1 at the beautiful Mann Biomedical Park.  Santa Clarita’s finest restaurants and chefs will be on hand to show off their delicious foods, all to benefit the Child & Family Center.  See story on facing page for more details.
Be sure and cast your votes for your favorite celebrity for the Dancing With Our Stars event on Saturday, April 2.  The event will take place at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills.  Thank you to all the professional dancers, dance studios and Santa Clarita celebrities for donating your time and efforts to making this event a success.  See our feature on page 8 for more information.  
Get out your walking shoes and support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as their biggest fundraiser, GREAT STRIDES is set to take place on Saturday, April 9 at Westfield’s Valencia Town Center.  Get a team and walk a few laps around the mall and help the Foundation take steps to find a cure and “Blow Away Cystic Fibrosis”.  For more information about the Foundation and the event, see page 37.
After you walk, satisfy your sweet tooth at the 3rd Annual Sweet Charity Cake Auction & Competition on April 9 at the Tournament Players Club in Valencia.  Turn to page 19 for all the details for this sweet event to benefit the SCV Youth Project.
On Saturday April 10, the Assistance League will host their 22nd annual Footsteps 5K Run/Walk.  Rain or shine, hundreds will gather at Newhall Park to benefit Operations School Bell Program.  Turn to page 24 for details.
To celebrate the upcoming religious season we are pleased to focus on our local churches and synagogues in our Religious Guide beginning on page 49.  
There’s no doubt, everyone in Santa Clarita loves their pets, and now for the first time, we have provided you with a business directory “It’s All About the Pets”, beginning on page 85, to help you find the right professionals to meet all your pet’s needs.  
Lastly, spring is here so be sure and enjoy the fine weather and all the many wonderful events going on this month in our Valley.  
Until next time, Linda Moe and Alex