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November 9
1898 - Actress Winifred Westover born in Oakland; estranged wife of William S. Hart & mother of his son. [story]
Winifred Westover


Christina Ghaly, M.D.

Christina R. Ghaly, M.D. is the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.

As COVID-19 continues to evolve over time, the data demonstrate that we are slowly moving in the right direction. Although infections are rising again in response to the latest BA.2 subvariant of the virus, the numbers of hospitalizations remain low. This progress can be attributed to our collective vigilance and adherence to public health protocols that help keep our communities safe, such as regular handwashing, wearing high-quality masks in high-risk settings and taking advantage of the availability of vaccines and boosters. As of now, 91% of DHS employees who are eligible to receive a booster shot have already received it. This makes our health care facilities safer for staff and patients.

As a reminder, getting and reporting your booster dose is a California State requirement for all healthcare workers and workers in high-risk settings. Healthcare workers are required to comply with the California Department of Public Health Officer order on boosters, that can be found here. If your booster is still pending – it is time to plan for it. Healthcare workers who were not yet eligible for a booster dose in March due to a recent COVID-19 infection or the timing of their primary vaccine series will be eligible soon. Workers with a deferral due to a confirmed COVID-19 infection must comply no later than 15 days after the expiration of their deferral. Workers who were not yet eligible for boosters must be in compliance no later than 15 days after the recommended timeframe to receive the booster dose.

The most efficient way to get and report your booster is by making an appointment at one of the Employee Health locations (link is for staff only). Employee Health sites will automatically update your vaccine status within Health Services (DHS) and help meet the state’s deadline. Health care workers who are eligible for the booster but decline to receive it without seeking an exception are subject to discipline, so don’t delay.

Earlier this month, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors suspended all travel to the states of Texas and Florida to conduct County business unless the Chief Executive Officer determines that the failure to authorize such travel would seriously harm the County’s interest. A previously instituted travel ban to Arizona is also still in effect. Although travel to Arizona, Texas and Florida is not allowed at this time, travel to other destinations is permitted. DHS has lifted the restriction on non-essential business travel to attend in-person meetings and conferences outside of Los Angeles County. This restriction was put in place in 2020 due to the pandemic and is being lifted based on vaccine availability, the reduction of COVID-19 cases and the increasing number of training opportunities and conferences converting from virtual to in-person sessions. Requests for travel and training should be reviewed by your DHS facility CEO or Division Director, or their travel designee for approval.

In this month’s issue of The Pulse, the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism (EDIA) initiative provides an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas to shape the EDIA strategic plan. This is a great opportunity to participate in this important initiative, I encourage you to participate if you can. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health celebrates Minority Health month, and Rancho Los Amigos honors Armenian History Month.

Thank you for all you do.

Dr. Christina Ghaly

Dr. Christina Ghaly is the Director for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS). In this role, Dr. Ghaly supervises and oversees operations of DHS’ directly operated delivery system, including four hospitals and a network of standalone community clinics. She also provides supervision of the following DHS divisions: Finance, Office of Patient Access, Performance Improvement, Nursing Affairs, and Planning & Data Analytics. Dr. Ghaly received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. Ghaly joined the L.A. Care Board of Governors in May 2017.

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Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1898 - Actress Winifred Westover born in Oakland; estranged wife of William S. Hart & mother of his son. [story]
Winifred Westover
Unofficial election results for the 2024 General Election as of Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
UPDATE: Local Election Results as of Friday Evening
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Nov. 12: Saugus Speedway Project, Garbage Fees, on City Council Agenda
Want to make a difference in your community? Gather your friends and family for a rewarding day of giving back at the city of Santa Clarita’s Community Beautification Day in Saugus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-noon for this cleanup and beautification day.
Nov. 23: Community Beautification Day
The California Department of Transportation announced northbound overnight lane reductions on Interstate 5 from Lake Hughes Road to two miles north of Templin Highway, near the Whitaker Sand Shed, north of Castaic Wednesday night, Nov. 13 through Friday night, Nov. 15 for asphalt and concrete paving and box culvert construction.
Nov. 13-15: NB I-5 Lane Reductions Continue in Castaic Area
Step into a world of holiday fun! The city of Santa Clarita will partner with Metrolink to offer Santa Clarita residents a new, unique and festive activity this holiday season.
Dec. 15: Inaugural Metrolink Holiday Express Train
Each year the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with economist Dr. Mark Schniepp, releases the Economic Outlook Book.
2024 Economic Outlook Book Available From SCVEDC
College of the Canyons professors Katie Coleman and Mehgen Andrade will deliver the scholarly presentation “Behind Bars: Forfeiting our Children” 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Nov. 21: COC Scholarly Presentation Will Explore Juvenile Incarceration
1977 - Castaic residents vote 168-54 to withdraw 7th-8th grades from Hart District, making CUSD K-8 [story]
vote tally
The Child & Family Center has announced its Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event Monday, Dec. 2, from 5-7 p.m. at 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Dec. 2: Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event
All For Kids is celebrating National Adoption Month by seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
Nov. 21: All For Kids Offering Virtual Orientations for National Adoption Month
Did you know that our local Santa Clarita Public Library offers passport acceptance services? Whether you’re planning a vacation, studying abroad or reconnecting with family, the Santa Clarita Public Library is here to support your journey.
Jason Gibbs | Get Your Passport at the Santa Clarita Public Library
Parents and caregivers are invited to Empowered Families Workshops hosted by the Child & Family Center’s Prevention and Outreach team in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church of Newhall beginning 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 with a workshop on Social Media and mental health.
Nov. 10: Child & Family Center, First Presbyterian Church Collab for Workshops
Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. has announced that it was awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration to add new services that will include substance use disorder treatment programs.
Samuel Dixon Awarded 1.1 Million Grant for SUD Program
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley will host its annual holiday boutique fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church
Nov. 23: ACS Relay for Life SCV Holiday Boutique
The Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative has announced the "Bringing it Home" fundraiser, an exclusive wine and hors d'oeuvre event hosted by Salt Creek Grille, will be held Thursday, Nov. 21.
Nov. 21: Salt Creek Grille, Veteran Services Collaborative Host Fundraiser
The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages. The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.
USPS Announces Holiday Mailing, Shipping Dates
1940 - William S. Hart deeds land for theater at Spruce & 11th Street to American Legion [story]
American Theater
Due to projected power shutoffs related to the current wind advisory, the Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy location, will be closed for in-person services beginning 5 pm Wednesday
Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy Location Closes Due to Power Shutoffs
Beginning Wednesday, November 13, crews will begin the construction of median modifications, paving, grinding and overlay operations along portions of McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road.
Upcoming Lane Closures on McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road
The California Highway Patrol is proud to announce it received a $350,000 grant to address the growing issue of distracted driving on California roads.  
CHP Receives Grant to Combat Adult Distracted Driving in California
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation has once again recognized the city of Santa Clarita as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 "Most Business-Friendly City" award in the category of large cities (population over 60,000).
City of Santa Clarita Named 2024 Most Business-Friendly City Finalist
The County of Los Angeles is experiencing critical fire weather and is under a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag advisory from now until Friday evening. .
Animal Care and Control Urges Emergency Pet Preparedness
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