Host: Matt Watson 

Topic: Mr. Jordan Swims, Mayor Jason Gibbs, iLead Exploration Special Education

Eye On The Valley – Swim Lessons, Mayors, and Student Assistance–  May 12th, 2023

Guests: Jordan Thomas, Jason Gibbs, Mikayla Middleton 

On today’s episode of Eye on the Valley, host Matt Watson starts the show up by introducing Jordan Thomas, a swim instructor and founder of Mr. Jordan Swims; a business offering SCV residents from infancy to adulthood swimming lessons. Jordan goes over his history and what got him starting his business in the first place. Later, Matt brings Mayor Jason Gibbs on the phone to discuss his third year on the city council. Jason describes how the elementary students he volunteers with refer to him as “Mayor Pickles”. The two get into the topic of the rotating electoral process for the city of Santa Clarita and how it differs from a standard election process.

Matt and Jason wrap up the show by discussing city updates such as the Central Park exercise staircase and the upcoming SCV Bike Park.

On the second half, Eye on the Valley introduces Mikayla Middleton, Education Specialist for the iLead exploration program. Matt gives a background on her credentials and what educational services she provides for iLead. Mikayla goes more into how her role plays into the Independent Study Program, serving as a case manager for students with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). The two go further into detail about how the program benefits students and how many autistic students of iLead are breaking preconceived notions on their educational journey.

Lastly, Matt and Mayor Jason Gibbs (Mayor Pickles) wrap up the show with another trivia session from Big T.