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February 9
1971, 6:01 a.m. - Sylmar/San Fernando Earthquake centered in Iron Canyon/Sand Canyon [WATCH FILM]
1971 earthquake film


Melvin Gelfand

Coroner’s investigators have determined that 88-year-old Melvin Gelfand of Los Angeles was the man whose body was found in a car north of Castaic after another driver crash-landed on top of him.

Lt. Fred Corral of the county coroner’s office said Gelfand’s identity was established late Monday, following the completion of an autopsy. The identification was based on dental records, and the cause of death was listed as multiple blunt-force trauma – presumably sustained when Gelfand’s car plunged into a ravine off of Lake Hughes Road, 1.5 miles south of the Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center.

Gelfand had been reported missing to the Los Angeles Police Department on Sept. 15. He was last seen a day earlier at his home in the 2900 block of Tilden Avenue near the 405-10 Freeway interchange. Family members believed he was headed by bus to a casino in San Diego County. Instead, his body was found in the opposite direction 50 miles from his home.

Lavau's blue Toyota landed almost directly on top of a silver Toyota that was already at the bottom of the ravine. Video image: SCVTV.

The coroner’s office officially listed the time and date of death as Sept. 29 at 5:19 p.m. – but that’s when he was discovered. Officials from the California Highway Patrol had no way to know when he crashed and died. The circumstances of his collision are still under investigation.

According to a statement from Lake Hughes resident David Lavau, the body identified as Gelfand’s had been there “for some time” when Lavau’s car went over the same cliff in precisely the same location Sept. 23. Injured and unable to scale the nearly sheer-sided ravine walls, Lavau lived on leaves and creek water until his family members found him six days later.

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SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Friday, Feb 7, 2025
Ross Fundraiser Benefits SCV Boys & Girls Club
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, March 2, customers in Santa Clarita Valley can donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clarita Valley during checkout at their local Ross Dress for Less store.
Friday, Feb 7, 2025
Holiday Light Tour Recap, Golden Ticket Giveaway Winner
The city of Santa Clarita has announced a recap of the stats for another successful Holiday Light Tour, which brought joy and holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike.
Friday, Feb 7, 2025
March 20: SENSES Returns to Old Town Newhall
The city of Santa Clarita has announced the return of SENSES Block Party to Main Street in the Old Town Newhall Arts and Entertainment District for another year of high-energy fun. SENSES is held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month starting March 20.
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Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1971, 6:01 a.m. - Sylmar/San Fernando Earthquake centered in Iron Canyon/Sand Canyon [WATCH FILM]
1971 earthquake film
1990 - Rock 'n' Roller Del Shannon, whose hit "Runaway" topped the charts in April 1961, found dead at home in Sand Canyon [story]
Del Shannon
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, March 2, customers in Santa Clarita Valley can donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clarita Valley during checkout at their local Ross Dress for Less store.
Ross Fundraiser Benefits SCV Boys & Girls Club
The Saugus Union School District Asset Management Committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Feb. 12: Saugus School District Asset Management Committee Meeting
The Castaic Union School District Governing Board will hold its regular meeting Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 5 p.m.
Feb. 13: Castaic School Board to Receive Chiquita Canyon Landfill Update
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale, led by Artistic Director Allan Robert Petker, is currently in its 25th anniversary season celebrating its mission to bring fine choral music to the Santa Clarita Valley community.
March 9: Santa Clarita Master Chorale Presents ‘Silver Serenade’
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold a special meeting in closed session to negotiate the purchase of parcels of land at 5:30 p.m. in the Carl Boyer Room at City Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Feb. 11: City Council to Negotiate Land Purchases
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a business meeting Wednesday, Feb. 12, beginning at 5 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 4 p.m.
Jan. 12: COC Board Considers 2025 Goals, Affordable Student Housing
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Broken Leg Theatre has announced its upcoming production of the critically-acclaimed play, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike," written by Christopher Durang. Durang is a master of comedy and winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.
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The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation has announced that Natalie Vowell will assume the new Vice President of Business Development position for the Santa Clarita Valley.
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The Child & Family Center’s Pathways to Recovery Program, in partnership with the city of Santa Clarita, will host a special SCORE Scholarship Program sign-up event on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 3-6 p.m. in the Child & Family lobby.
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The city of Santa Clarita has announced a recap of the stats for another successful Holiday Light Tour, which brought joy and holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike.
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The city of Santa Clarita has announced the return of SENSES Block Party to Main Street in the Old Town Newhall Arts and Entertainment District for another year of high-energy fun. SENSES is held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month starting March 20.
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The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced that the La Mesa Junior High School Counseling Department has been designated a Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program.
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Braden Van Groningen had 19 kills to lead The Master's University men's volleyball team in a four-set win over the Vanguard Lions Thursday, Feb. 6 in Costa Mesa.
Mustangs Beat Old Rival
The newest members of The Master's University Hall of Honor represent a clear theme: unforgettable excellence in cross country and track and field and an undeniable commitment to Christ and Scripture.
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College of the Canyons men's basketball claimed a third straight conference victory on Wednesday, Feb. 5, this time storming past host Glendale College 77-70 behind a game-high 15 points from Gilad Ziegel.
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SCVNews.com