The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station got a new partner in helping keep the community safe, as Ekata Training Center and Urban Retreat has joined the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation’s Be Our Star program. The nonprofit foundation helps raise funds to go above and beyond city and county funding for the Sheriff’s Station.

Their partnership comes as SCV Sheriff’s Capt. Roosevelt Johnson is competing in Dancing With Our Stars, Friday at the

Photo by Josh Premako

Photo by Josh Premako

Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, to raise funds for the foundation. Earlier this month, Ekata took its support for the Foundation to a new level by hosting an Aug. 6 fundraiser to buy “scrip,” or votes, for Johnson as he dances.

“There really was no question in our minds about lending our support,” Ekata co-founder JoAnn Wabisca said. “The Foundation and the Sheriff’s Station do so much to keep our community safe, and with our focus on training children to be mindful, responsible community members, this is really a perfect partnership.”

Started more than 25 years ago as the Sheriff’s Booster Club, the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation has helped contribute or outright purchase a new Search & Rescue Vehicle, equipment lockers, and numerous equipment for deputies, Search & Rescue team members, reserve deputies, station staff and volunteers. Their biggest achievement was accomplished last year when they helped round up the funds and City and County support to buy a new, self-contained mobile command post, an almost $300,000 investment in the community’s safety.

“We couldn’t accomplish all that we do without community support,” Sheriff’s Foundation President Ken Wiseman said. “It is so encouraging to see businesses such as Ekata step up as partners to join in giving our hard-working deputies the help they need to keep Santa Clarita Valley a safe place to live.”

The Be Our Star program was started in 2011, and thanks donors for their support at everything from the $250 One-Star level to the $5,000 Five-Star level. For more information on the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.scvsheriffsfoundation.org or call (661) 799-5813.

About Ekata
Founded in 2007, Ekata Training Center and Urban Retreat offers programs for every member of the family, utilizing a combination of Western sports science and Eastern tradition. The 10,500-square-foot center is located at 27831 Smyth Dr. in Santa Clarita, with three main training and classroom areas, a teen study room, childcare room, meditation and treatment rooms, lockers and showers, plus a full juice bar. Co-founders Ed Monaghan and JoAnn Wabisca have combined decades of experience in the health, fitness and martial arts fields. For more information visit www.ekata.net or call (661) 255-1114.