Celebrity Sightings – Dec 2016

Our celebrity sightings are as varied as the opportunities to celebrate this holiday season.  From comedy to sports, we’ve got snapshots from Santa Clarita’s best paparazzi!
Our publishers Moe and Linda Hafizi had a brush with fame when they attended Tanya Tucker’s performance at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, for which Tom Arnold opened.
As a writer, producer and actor, Tom Arnold has established himself to both television and film audiences worldwide, having won such awards as the Peabody Award and a Golden Globe Award.  Additionally, he helped put Fox Sports Network on the map with his hosting duties on “Best Damn Sports Show Period.”  Arnold currently hosts CMT’s “My Big Redneck Wedding” and “My Big Redneck Vacation,” which premiered at the highest ratings in CMT history.
Arnold cornered the market on playing the resident comic relief in films like “Nine Months” with Hugh Grant, Julianne Moore and Robin Williams and “True Lies” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, among many more.
Arnold has broken out of the comedic stereotype and is becoming a fixture at film festivals by landing more mature and dramatic roles.  He received critical praise for his role in “Gardens of the Night,” opposite John Malkovich, “The Great Buck Howard” starring John Malkovich and Tom Hanks and “The Year of Getting to Know Us” opposite Sharon Stone, Jimmy Fallon and Lucy Liu.  In 2005, he received critical notice for his role in Don Roos’ “Happy Endings” for Lions Gate Films.  He was also seen in “Pride” opposite Terrance Howard, and “Animal Factory,” directed by Steve Buscemi.
Local resident Gail Rocco spotted a few celebrities in the football world, Los Angeles Rams Rodger Saffold, Demetrius Rhaney and Tim Barnes.  An offensive guard, Rodger Saffold earned the starting left tackle position in his rookie season and started in every Rams game that season.  He has been highly praised for his performance and was even named to multiple All Rookie teams.  Demetrius Rhaney, who plays center for the Rams, played college football at Tennessee State and Ellsworth Community College.  In 2014, he was placed on injured reserve, but today he has played 21 games and started in one.  The 24-year-old is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and plays No. 65.  A 28-year-old from Marshall, Missouri, Tim Barnes also plays center for the Rams.  A fourth-year pro player, Barnes has played in 45 games and started in four.  Starting as center in 2013, he helped block for running back Zac Stacy to record 133 yards on 28 carries.
Keep up the good hunt Santa Clarita.  Stay tuned for more celebrity sightings, as there are many more to report!  You never know which star you may run into.  And don’t be shy – snap a photo with your favorite celebrity and be sure to share your brush with fame with us.
Email your submissions to contest@santaclaritamagazine.com!