California Lutheran University jumped four spots to its highest-ever ranking on the U.S. News & World Report list of top regional universities in the West. CLU is ranked 14th among regional universities in 15 Western states. CLU showed gains in its average freshman retention rate and graduation rate as a result of several new initiatives. These include small learning communities for first-year students, a retention alert program and a four-year graduation guarantee. The score reflecting the assessment of CLU’s academic programs by other university leaders and the average alumni giving rate also increased. "Providing students with the kind of one-on-one attention that allows them to work closely with faculty, stay on track academically, find their purpose and graduate on time is a priority for us and it’s nice to be recognized for doing it well," said Chris Kimball, president of California Lutheran University. The latest rankings were posted at usnews.com and featured in the “2013 Best Colleges” guidebook.

Green team members from some of California’s largest businesses gathered at Southern California Gas Co.’s (SoCalGas) clothing, energy, entertainment, environmental, food and transportation industries were on hand to showcase what their Energy Resource Center in Downey to share innovative green initiatives and best practices.  Representatives from the auto, companies are doing to encourage sustainable practices by employees and customers. “It exciting to see so many inventive businesses come together to share green ideas,” said Hal Snyder, SoCalGas vice president, customer solutions. “All the businesses here today are helping craft a future that includes creative solutions to our energy needs.” Attendees were able to learn about native and drought-resistant plants, test-drive battery-powered bicycles and discover the role that natural gas plays in our sustainable energy future.  A Gathering of Green Teams was primarily organized by SoCalGas interns.  Hal Snyder, SoCalGas vice president, customer solutions, welcomes attendees to SoCalGas’ Energy Resource Center.
 
The City of Santa Clarita was recently notified that its credit rating was upgraded
to AAA, the highest rating a municipality can receive. Standard and Poor's defines the AAA rating as: "Extremely strong capacity to meet financial commitments; the highest rating." The upgrade is Santa Clarita's third in five years. "We set a conservative fiscal plan 25 years ago when the City was established. This is the result of 25 years of continuity in that approach to budgeting and financial management," explains Ken Pulskamp, City Manager. "One factor rating analysts consider is the strength of the local economy. Santa Clarita's focus on being business friendly and attracting high-quality businesses was key in helping the city achieve a AAA rating," stated Mayor Frank Ferry. With 482 cities in the state of California, Santa Clarita is one of 68 municipalities with a AAA rating, which include: Beverly Hills, Camarillo, Malibu, Pasadena, Santa Monica and West Hollywood. For more information about the City of Santa Clarita
please visit Santa-Clarita.com.