A NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW LOCAL STORIES.

Byline: -- Mark Kellam

It's a new year, and valleynews.com is here with the latest news about what's going on in your neighborhood. There's lots of bad news in the world, which fills newspapers, TV news and the Internet. How about the good news that's happening just down the street? It's in these pages that you'll find your good hometown news.

Many local residents are sharing the great things they did over the holidays.

The Van Nuys-Reseda Antlers Lodge, which is the youth organization that's part of the Elks Lodge, held a Christmas party for needy children and their families. On page 4, read about the lodge's special celebration where everyone involved learned the value of sharing during the holidays.

Santa Claus dropped by Gault Street Elementary School in Van Nuys recently. Rather than arriving by sleigh, he rode in on a vintage fire truck. See the story and photos on page 13.

As parents reach their golden years, their grown children often have to deal with sensitive issues, such as finances. Investment representative Mark Fishlowitz talks about how to best deal with talking with your parents about their financial picture. See his suggestions on page 12.

As we enter 2007, we invite you to become a part of this exciting project we call valleynews.com. It's not every day such a great opportunity comes along where you tell so many of your neighbors the good news in your life and community. Maybe you'll want to tell about a wedding anniversary, promotion at work or big event at your church or synagogue.

And remember, your community reporters are always available to help you register and post stories and photos. We're here to help you tell your story.