THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR `HAPPY NEWS'.

Byline: - Rick Coca

The happy news.

As I prepare to move to the news department for the Daily News, I recall that in the past 11 months I've heard my colleague and friend Mark Kellam, explain to folks over the phone, that's what we do at valleynews.com -- ``the happy news.''

As it turns out, some of the people who have shared their ``happy stories'' have often endured some pain or obstacle and their current happiness is a testament to their humanity and never-say-die spirit.

People like Socorro Gallegos and Evelyn Catron, both of Sylmar, and both dedicated to serving others.

I won't soon forget all the fantastic people at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center in Pacoima.

Many of these people were placed in interment camps during World War II, lost everything they had, yet somehow managed to become some of our most accomplished citizens.

I want to thank each and every one of you.

Whether, you contributed a story to valleynews.com or shared a bit of your history and personal lives with me for our earlier incarnation, Valley News.

You are in more than capable hands with community reporter, Denisse Salazar, who will be taking over the Northeast edition and hubs on valleynews.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Denisse at [phone] or [e-mail]. You'll find her to be a great help and ally in posting information on valleynews.

com.

I won't be far -- just the other side of the news room, covering the `cop beat' for the Daily News.

I won't soon forget the happy news that you all shared with me.