News Release Archive
News Releases Index FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-08-084
Jnauary 30, 2008
Focus the Nation Conference at College of the Canyons
What: College of the Canyons' Sustainable Development Committee is hosting the Focus the Nation Conference: Global Warming Solutions for America.
When: 9 am to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008
Where: Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center on the College of the Canyons Valencia campus. (Additional activities will occur at other campus locations. See information below.)
Who: Keynote addresses will be given by Dr. Dianne Van Hook, superintendent-president, College of the Canyons; Bill Ichord, vice-president, government relations, Sempra Energy; and Marsha McLean, Santa Clarita councilwoman and former fayor.
Why: College of the Canyons' efforts are part of the larger Focus the Nation movement started by Lewis and Clark College in Oregon. More than 1,400 colleges and universities across the nation will engage on Thursday in a day of action through seminars, workshops, and other educational activities and events to discuss global warming solutions.
More than 370 local citizens have already pre-registered online for College of the Canyons' conference at www.cocsdc.org. The conference and registration are free.
Sponsored by Southern California Gas Co., Associated Student Government of College of the Canyons, City of Santa Clarita, and 25 other corporate, civic and non-profit entities, the conference will include three breakout sessions of 10 panel discussions each.
The broad topics for the three breakout sessions are "Historical Roots of Current Environmental Problems," "Roles of Education in Building a Sustainable Future," and "Practical Solutions and Tips We All Can Use." A play titled,"Time Capsule Can Save The World...And Other Tips," will be performed by Joanna Trafecanty's fourth-grade class from North Park Elementary School. The play will be performed twice. The first performance will take place at approximately 9:40 a.m., and the second performance at approximately 5 p.m. Both performances will occur on the main stage of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center.
The Associated Student Government is coordinating an opportunity to sign letters or write emails to local and federal officials advocating for current legislation in securing a better environmental future. This activity will occur in the Student Center Computer Lab, Room STCN-124, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Other components of the conference will include a vendor fair in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center and a tour of the campus highlighting the college's sustainable development efforts.
A benefit concert featuring classic rock tribute bands Ticket to Ride (Beatles) and 5150 (Van Halen, the Sammy Hagar era) will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center to raise funds for student scholarships and internships. Tickets are $15, $20, $25 and $30 with a $5 discount for students with identification, children 12 and under and seniors 60 and older. Tickets may be purchased online at www.canyonspac.com, by mail or in person at the PAC box office located on the College of the Canyons campus in Room S-127 of the Student Center. For ticket information or box office hours please call (661) 362-5304.
For more information, please contact Focus the Nation Conference Co-Chairs Michael Joslin at (661) 362-3260 or Amy Foote at (616) 362-3574, or Sustainable Development Committee Chair, Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine at (661) 362-5806. | 
