Do you have a case of World Cup fever? It seems like everyone is getting in on the soccer buzz as the teams are winding down for the final match.  And while we are excited about the World Cup, our soccer enthusiasm doesn’t stop there.  Santa Clarita was selected to host the 2010 United Soccer Leagues W-League Championship presented by UMBRO on July 29 through July 31 at Harry Welch Stadium at Canyon High School.

Our cover this issue features our very own women’s elite soccer team, Santa Clarita Blue Heat, who will be part of the championship games. For more information on the event, turn to page 11.
While we are still grieving over the loss of our beloved family member, Norm, there is a heartwarming editorial on page 8 about a scholarship established in his name please take a moment to read it.  
July is certainly an entertaining month for our community.  With all the events going on around town, it will definitely be filled with excitement.  Stay close to home and enjoy all the wonderful things taking place. Spend your Friday nights enjoying the lovely Santa Clarita weather and great music at the 12th Annual Lexus Jazz & Blues Concert Series beginning on July 2 thru August 27 just outside the Valencia Hyatt.  For details, see their ad on page 53.
Be sure and begin Independence Day at the Classic 5K Race/Walk and Kids K at Newhall Park or attend the Old Town Newhall parade located on Main Street.  See our Calendar of Events on page 54 for more details. Celebrate America’s birthday under the night sky bursting with beautiful fireworks.   We have provided you with several firework shows that will be taking place in the SCV.  Turn to page 10 for more information on where you can celebrate your Fourth of July.  
Your summertime fun can continue with Rockin’ Summer Nights annual concert series at the Westfield Valencia Town Center.  Beginning July 6 thru July 27, every Tuesday night, Town Center Drive will be transformed into an outdoor stage where you and your family can enjoy free entertainment, great music and fun for all.  See page 34 for details. And while you’re there, learn more about the businesses and the people who own them in our Meet the Merchants of Westfield Valencia Town Center beginning on page 32.
Don’t let the musical fun end at Westfield!  Come enjoy the City’s free Concerts in the Park series every Saturday, beginning July 10 through August 28 at Central Park.  It’s a perfect way to spend your summer evenings rockin’ out to great music.  Learn more about the performers on page 18 and 19.  
We are deeply saddened by the news of the recent robbery at the Senior Center, where damages and stolen property estimated to nearly $63,000.  The Senior Center Foundation is an organization we strongly support, and we hope you continue to show your support and help turn this tragedy into something positive.  For details on how you can donate, see page 14.  
The much-anticipated expansion of the ICU at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is complete and we were there for the ribbon cutting for the new state-of-the-art Wayne and Connie Spears Intensive Care Unit.  Turn to page 16 for photos of the Grand Opening and read more about Wayne and Connie Spears and their generous donation in the next issue of élite Magazine.  
There’s plenty to do locally, so enjoy your summer while staying close to home.  Shop local and stay cool, and have a wonderful Fourth of July.
Until next time,
Linda, Moe and Alex