A standing-room-only audience attended the second annual Action Drug Overdose Awareness Day Candlelight Vigil at the Action Family Zone in Santa Clarita Friday night.
More than 110 Santa Clarita Valley residents gathered for two hours to remember loved ones and friends who have died of drug overdoses or alcohol poisoning in the past decade.
The Action Family Foundation, the nonprofit wing of the Santa Clarita-based Action Family Counseling drug and alcohol treatment and recovery centers, hosted the vigil, a sober, somber affair.
Action Candlelight Vigil had Three-Fold Purpose
The candlelight vigil’s purpose was three-fold, said Bob Sharits, Action program director and the evening’s co-emcee, with Action founder/CEO Cary Quashen, just before it started.
“It’s to memorialize those who have lost their lives, and to support the loved ones left behind,” Sharits said. “But the big picture is for everyone to leave here tonight carrying the message that drugs kill. We want to save some lives tonight.”
Vigil is Santa Clarita’s Observation of International Drug Overdose Awareness Day
Action’s Candlelight Vigil was a local observation of International Drug Overdose Awareness Day, established in Australia in 2001 and observed worldwide on Aug. 31. Action held its vigil Friday because that day falls on Labor Day weekend in the United States.
“We’re doing better here this year, with fewer drug overdoses, but in the 12 years since International Drug Overdose Day started, we’ve had an average of 10 drug-related overdoses per year in the Santa Clarita Valley,” Sharits said. “So we have 120 candles we will light in memory of loved ones who died of drug overdoses, and in support of the grieving family and friends left behind.”
In the first half of 2013, there were only two fatal overdoses confirmed by authorities at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, both from prescription pills. Another three deaths are suspected drug overdoses, but toxicology results are not yet available. Even at five so far this year, the number of overdose deaths is fewer than the 14 recorded in 2012.
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.
Raising the Curtain Foundation, through their Grand Ovation program, honored Jim Sudik and Paco Vela on Thursday, June 1 by naming the dressing rooms at the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts after the duo.
The Santa Clarita Library's annual Summer Reading challenge will kick off on June 12. The event, sponsored by Friends of the Santa Clarita Public Library, will boast the theme "Find Your Voice!"
The city of Santa Clarita is seeking artwork for an upcoming exhibit located in the First Floor Gallery of City Hall. This art exhibition is seeking artwork depicting the theme of "Pop Culture."
The Santa Clarita Arts Commission will meet on Thursday, June 8 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd. First Floor, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Raising the Curtain Foundation, through their Grand Ovation program, honored Jim Sudik and Paco Vela on Thursday, June 1 by naming the dressing rooms at the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts after the duo.
The Santa Clarita Library's annual Summer Reading challenge will kick off on June 12. The event, sponsored by Friends of the Santa Clarita Public Library, will boast the theme "Find Your Voice!"
Join instructor Katie Pinto at Bouquet Canyon Park on Tuesday, June 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a fun and interactive Hula Hoop class for adults and seniors.
The city of Santa Clarita Planning Commission will meet June 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd. First Floor, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
City Cinemas in the Park will screen the film "The Little Rascals" on June 23 at 8:30 p.m. The film will be shown in Newhall Park, 24923 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
The city of Santa Clarita is seeking artwork for an upcoming exhibit located in the First Floor Gallery of City Hall. This art exhibition is seeking artwork depicting the theme of "Pop Culture."
By now you have no doubt heard about the waste hauler transition coming to the city of Santa Clarita. Beginning July 1, all residents in our city will begin the process of switching over to Burrtec Waste Industries for their trash service.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) successfully passed eight bills off the Assembly Floor, bringing her total number of bills now in the Senate to 11. Notably, more than half of her bills received bipartisan support.
In collaboration with the Saugus Unified School District, the city of Santa Clarita is excited to announce playground construction plans for Northbridge Park. The project aims to provide recreational space for Charles Helmers Elementary School students and the surrounding Northbridge community. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer.
The Salvation Army Santa Clarita Corps is excited to welcome the community to a free open house on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at their local headquarters at 22935 Lyons Avenue.
California State Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, issued the following statement Thursday regarding the decision by the State Water Resources Control Board to re-notice CEMEX’s application for a water right permit.
RICK Engineering Company, a multidisciplinary planning, design and engineering firm serving the western United States, has opened its 11th office in Santa Clarita.
The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center Spotlight Series will feature an eclectic lineup of talented musicians and performers, as well as family-friendly programs as part of its Fall 2023 programming.
Beginning Saturday, June 3, residents can once again board Santa Clarita Transit’s Summer Beach Bus to travel to Ventura Harbor on Saturdays and Sundays.
Adding a powerful local voice to policies and decisions that directly affect residents, Santa Clarita City Councilwoman Marsha McLean has been tapped for leadership roles with the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments and Southern California Association of Governments.
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, in partnership with the Association of California Water Agencies, is proud to announce that the first Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach Scholarship has been awarded to Elizabeth Peña.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed Thursday 50 new cases and one new death from COVID-19 in the Santa Clarita Valley within the last week.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted Thursday a Progress Pride Flag Raising Ceremony and reception at the California Department of Education to mark the first day of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month.
Tweet This
Facebook
Digg This
Bookmark
Stumble
RSS
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.
No Comments