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January 9
1857 - Estimated 8.0 earthquake, SoCal's most recent "Big One," decimates Fort Tejon [story]
Tejon quake map


A former Disney executive accused of lewd acts with a child, and facing his third trial on the same allegations, saw the case against him tossed out Tuesday.

Last month, for the second time in just over a year, the trial of 60-year-old Jonathan Blake Heely, of Santa Clarita, ended in a hung jury.

Heely was headed for his third trial on the same allegations.

On Tuesday, he appeared in San Fernando Superior Court where the judge dismissed the case against him.

“Today, the defense asked the court to dismiss the case,” Ricardo Santiago, spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, said Tuesday.

“People opposed the motion. The court dismissed it,” he said.

On Aug. 30, jurors weighing the evidence presented at Heely’s second trial told the judge they could not reach a verdict.

“The jury announced it was unable to reach a verdict and the judge declared a mistrial,” Santiago said in August.

Detectives with the Special Victims Unit said in December 2017 that allegations were brought to the Sheriff’s Department earlier in 2017, and the investigation resulted in three charges.

“We have no reason to believe there are other victims out there,” Sgt. Brian Hudson of the LASD Special Victims Unit said at the time. “However, if anyone has any additional information out there, we would encourage them to contact the Special Victims Unit.”

Hudson also confirmed shortly after the arrest that the alleged crimes were not connected in any way to Heely’s employment with Disney.

Heely was charged with sexually assaulting female family members who were between the ages of 11 and 16 at the time of the alleged offenses, according to evidence presented at the preliminary hearing.

The incidents took place between 2006 and 2010, the criminal complaint alleged.

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SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Friday, Jan 9, 2026
CDPH, DHCS. DMHC Issue Statement on Vaccine Access, Availability
California Health and Human Services leaders champion vaccination as a cornerstone of public health.
Friday, Jan 9, 2026
Foothill League Soccer: Picking Up Speed
Boys and girls Foothill League soccer is mostly-back from holiday schedule, and some league matches have occurred. But these have resulted in only minor changes in the standings. Top teams won’t be clashing anytime soon, but some of the lower-downs will be slugging it out this week.
Thursday, Jan 8, 2026
Feb. 21: Bridge to Home Soup for the Soul is ‘Off to the Races’
The annual Bridge to Home Soup for the Soul Gala fundraiser is "Off to the Races" on Saturday, Feb. 21.
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Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
California Health and Human Services leaders champion vaccination as a cornerstone of public health.
CDPH, DHCS. DMHC Issue Statement on Vaccine Access, Availability
Boys and girls Foothill League soccer is mostly-back from holiday schedule, and some league matches have occurred. But these have resulted in only minor changes in the standings. Top teams won’t be clashing anytime soon, but some of the lower-downs will be slugging it out this week.
Foothill League Soccer: Picking Up Speed
1857 - Estimated 8.0 earthquake, SoCal's most recent "Big One," decimates Fort Tejon [story]
Tejon quake map
The annual Bridge to Home Soup for the Soul Gala fundraiser is "Off to the Races" on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Feb. 21: Bridge to Home Soup for the Soul is ‘Off to the Races’
The five deputies assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station Crime Impact Team (CIT) were recently recognized within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for exceptional work throughout 2025.
SCV Sheriff’s Station Crime Impact Team Recognized
A California lawmaker started the new year by introducing three bills intended to provide more protections for journalists and ensure their access to the courtroom.
Proposed California Legislation Would Add Protections for News Media
The Docent Training Program at Placerita Canyon Nature Center welcomes new docents to attend a 12-week training program beginning Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Jan. 13: New Docent Program Begins at Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Join the city of Santa Clarita for the Newhall Community Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Jan 24.
Jan. 24: Newhall Community Center’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
All public, private and homeschooled students in grades TK–12 within the city of Santa Clarita are invited to submit original visual artwork for the Art Hop Youth Art Contest by Saturday, Feb. 21.
Feb 21: Entry Deadline for Art Hop Youth Art Contest Submissions
The deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 Business Choice Awards to the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce is Friday, Jan. 9.
Jan. 9: Deadline for SCV Chamber 2026 Business Choice Awards
Take a guided mushroom walk through the oak woodlands of Placerita Canyon Nature Center with expert forager and mycologist Bat Vardeh 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18.
Jan. 18: Placerita Canyon Nature Center Guided Mushroom Tour
The Canyon Theatre Guild, with special arrangement with R & H Theatricals, will host Rodgers & Hammerstein's "South Pacific," weekends beginning Saturday, Jan. 24- Feb. 22.
Jan. 24- Feb. 22: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’ at Canyon Theatre Guild
1869 - Sanford Lyon, Henry Wiley and William Jenkins begin drilling the first oil well in Pico Canyon [story]
spring pole
SCV Chinese Cultural Association is hosting its first Lunar New Year Gala, Sunday, Feb. 15 at Newhall Family Theatre.
Feb. 15: SCV Chinese Cultural Association Lunar New Year Gala
Works by Santa Clarita Artist Association's Jeanne Iler will be on display Jan. 17-Feb. 22 at Canyon Theatre Guild.
Jan. 17- Feb. 22: SCAA Artist Jeanne IIer on Display at Canyon Theatre Guild
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency has announced the launch of the SCV Water Gardening Club, a new community-focused program debuting in 2026.
SCV Water Launches New 2026 Gardening Club
Old Town Newhall Public Library will host a "Teen Game Day: Escape Room," event Wednesday, Jan. 21, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at 24500 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
Jan. 15: ‘Teen Game Day, Escape Room’ at Newhall Library
College of the Canyons men's basketball received a game-high 17 points from freshman center Craig Irons, and Dwayne Boston Jr. added a double-double of his own, to help guide the Cougars past visiting L.A. Pierce College 78-64 on Saturday night, Jan. 3.
Canyons Wins 78-64 Over L.A. Pierce in Final Non-Conference Outing
College of the Canyons offensive lineman TJ Taylor has been named to the California Community College Football Coaches Association Region III All-California Team.
TJ Taylor Named to CCCFCA Region III All-State Team
A difficult first quarter proved too much to overcome as The Master's University women's basketball team fell to the Hope International Royals 60-53 Tuesday night, Jan. 6 in Fullerton.
First Conference Loss for Lady Mustangs
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Water Resources and Watershed Committee will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m.
Jan. 14: Water Resources and Watershed Committee Meeting
The city of Santa Clarita is inviting artists to submit proposals for a new, large-scale art installation to be displayed above the children’s area at the Santa Clarita Public Library Valencia Branch.
Jan. 26: Application Deadline for Artwork at Santa Clarita Public Library
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