Santa Clarita

Former California State Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer joined the law firm Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP's California Government Practice Group at its Los Angeles office, the law firm's spokesperson said on Dec. 12. Frommer served three terms spanning six years in the state legislature representing the 43rd Assembly District. His last day in office was Nov. 30. The law firm's Government Practice Group represents clients in legislative, administrative, enforcement and contract matters concerning federal, state and local governments.

BURBANK — There wasn't much to be excited about with the local high school boys' soccer teams when it came to the postseason last season. That was because all four area schools — Burbank, Burroughs, Bellarmine-Jefferson and Providence — failed to qualify for the CIF Southern Section playoffs. However, with teams joining new leagues and some coaching changes, the locals are looking to get back in the playoff hunt. Most of the teams have fine groups of returning players, which the coaches hope will help lead to resurgences for their squads.

Neighbors remember Maureen Osborn as a kind person who was very involved with family, community.NORTHEAST GLENDALE -- Maureen Osborn had just dropped off her son at Bob Hope Airport for his flight home to Michigan early Friday. She never made it home herself. Minutes after Osborn left her son, her four-door Toyota sedan was hit by a Metrolink commuter train at a crossing at Buena Vista Avenue and San Fernando Road in Burbank, killing the 76-year-old widow and mother of four. "She had dropped him off at the Burbank airport at 8:10 a.m., and she was gone by 8:30," said Mickey Benson, who lives two doors down from Osborn's Montecito Drive home.

tullyAll four squads hoping for improvement after not making the playoffs last season.BURBANK -- League play should be interesting this season for the four local boys' soccer teams. Burbank and Burroughs will enjoy their swan song in the Foothill League, as the two will move to the Pacific League next season. Providence joins the Liberty League as a varsity squad after playing primarily as a junior varsity team a year ago. Bellarmine-Jefferson, which didn't make the playoffs last season, will be trying to claim a postseason spot out of the Santa Fe League.

Providence money to benefit local areas Providence Health Care has announced that it provided almost $30 million to benefit residents of the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys in 2004. The money was made possible through a program called the Emilie Gamelin Program for Patient Assistance, named after the founder of the Sisters of Providence. Much of it was spent on free medical care for people with low incomes. Funds also benefited programs like tattoo removal, school nurse programs and cancer outreach.

Jeff Tully Burbank High swimming Coach Adam Wright finds himself in a strange position every time his teams compete against Hart. Being a former Hart assistant coach, Wright also coached some of the Indian swimmers in youth programs in Santa Clarita. "A lot of time, the Hart kids will come to the pool and give me hugs and high-fives," Wright said. "And some of my swimmers don't know quite what to make of that. I think it bothers some of them." The Bulldog boys' team didn't appear to be put off by Hart's affection for Wright, as Burbank swam well in the first half of its Foothill League meet Wednesday at Burbank.

Guild casts joyful spell with fashion brunch A bewitching time was shared when the La Providencia Guild conjured up the "Hocus Pocus!" brunch and fashion show Oct. 24 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. Cappuccinos in hand, the more than 600 members and guests gathered outside during the social time to cast their tickets into the boxes for beautiful prize packages. The gifts were so spellbinding, the tickets were sold out before everyone made their way into the banquet room for brunch.

Jeff Tully With a win against Saugus last week, the Burbank High boys' swim team finished the Foothill League regular season in second place. However, the Bulldogs have higher expectations. Burbank wants to nail down second place at the league meet. The Bulldogs took a big step toward reaching that goal Monday by swimming well in the league preliminaries at the Santa Clarita Aquatics Center. "The boys put themselves into a great position to remain in second place," Burbank Coach Adam Wright said.

CASINO NIGHT HELPS GUILD'S PLEDGE A recent fund-raiser sponsored by Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Guild has brought the guild closer to completing its pledge toward a high dose rate brachytherapy device for oncology, President Julie McArdle said. Funds were raised at the Monte Carlo Casino Night Nov. 7 at Lakeside Golf Club. Following the buffet dinner, guests tried their skill at the gaming tables. High rollers delighted in the many prizes distributed at the evening's close.

Haghighi -- Casey Leila Haghighi and Brian Casey were married at the Marina del Rey Marriott. The couple was united in two ceremonies, the first being a Methodist ceremony performed by the Rev. Larry Stamper and immediately following a Persian ceremony performed by Mrs. Fakhri Ebadat. The maid of honor was Yekta Maleki. The bridesmaids were Mehrzad Forough, Leila Katouzian and Kendra Londono. The best man was Sean Casey, the groom's brother.