Archive By Author - Signal Staff
The Signal got it wrong
The Signal editorial board, promising readers information to assist in choosing effective lawmakers, has endorsed Tony Strickland for the state's 19th Senate District.
Hart diversity program honored
The William. S. Hart Union High School District's diversity program will be honored for reaching out to develop programs that benefit schools and the greater community at the 29th annual Golden Bell Awards program.
Local Election Profile: Flo Lawrence
Name: Flo Lawrence Age: 51 Profession: Investigator for www.peoplehunter.com Personal Background I am the father of two boys, 14 and 11. I grew up in Philadelphia and New York, and went to college at the George Washington University in D.C. I come from a loving but crazy family. I'm a Mets fan, and a wild night means staying up until 11. What is/are the most important issues? I want to get Castaic kids ...
Local Election Profile: Lori Bennett
Name: Lori Bennett Age: 52 Profession: Superintendent at Castaic Lake Recreation Area Personal Background I graduated from California State University Long Beach with a degree in Education. After several years of part time teaching I moved to the Los Angeles area and began my career in the field of recreation. What is/are the most important issues? Ensuring that a high school is built in Castaic. the safety and security of our community, annexation or incorporation ...
Local Election Profile: Mary Kunak
Name: Mary Kunak Age: 51 Profession: Official Court Reporter, County of Los Angeles Personal Background I have lived in Castaic for 11 years. I have coached our community's children and gotten a pulse of the community during that endeavor, and served on advisory committees with regard to the Castaic Union School District's GATE program. What is/are the most important issues? A major discussion point involves our future governance. We must determine whether it is feasible ...
Local Election Profile: James Robert Idleman
Name: James Robert Idleman Age: 47 Profession: Commercial and Custom Residential Designer Personal Background Eighteen years Senior Vice President for major Los Angeles based Architectural firm. Past five years as current principal owner Idleman Design & Associates, local architectural design and construction management firm. What is/are the most important issues? My most important issues are to listen to the concerns of the people in our district, to make certain the concerns are implemented into the ...
Local Election Profile: Gary J. Lysik
Name: Gary J. Lysik Age: 46 Profession: City of Calabasas, Chief Financial Officer Personal Background A native Southern Californian, born, raised, and married in the South Bay, my wife and I made a conscious decision 17 years ago to move from the city to Santa Clarita Valley to raise our 2 sons. The valley was important to us then. It is important to us now. What is/are the most important issues? Because of my work ...
Local Election Profile: Bill Cooper
Name: Bill Cooper Age: 61 Profession: Water System Manager Personal Background My wife and I moved to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1972. Over the years I have been actively involved in the community in both school site councils and youth sports programs. I currently serve as a Director for the Castaic Lake Water Agency and am a board member and past President of the SCV Child and Family Center Foundation Board. What is/are ...
Local Election Profile: William Pecsi
Name: William Pecsi Age: 49 Profession: Water System Manager Personal Background I am married with 3 grown children. I have lived in the SCV for 26 years. My daughter, 25, and her husband live in the area with the new grandchild. I am a supporter of our great community and have given to the youth sports programs for years. What is/are the most important issues? Water supply is the issue of concern for the SCV. ...
Local Election Profile: Don Henry
Name: Don Henry Age: 53 Profession: C.E.O. Boston-Henry Co. Inc. Personal Background Agua Dulce resident for 35 years, currently serving two-year term as Town Council Member. Committee Chair of the water stewardship committee. What is/are the most important issues? One of the most pressing issues facing our community is L.A. County Well Yield and Water Quality Test procedures and regulations which the majority of homeowners would not be able to pass. Not because a particular ...
Local Election Profile: Carole Lutness
Name: Carole Lutness Age: 66 Profession: Health care professional Personal Background As chair of the "Healthcare for All" and Clean Elections committees, I was involved in ethics reform which led to the new City Council Lobbyist Registration requirement. What is/are the most important issues? We must strengthen our economy with better government oversight of financial institutions, a balanced budget and the creation of new "green" jobs, restore our schools to be No. 1 one again ...
Local Election Profile: Howard P. "Buck" McKeon
Name: Howard P. "Buck" McKeon Age: 70 Profession: Congressman Personal Background I moved to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1964. My involvement in our community has included serving on the board of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, elected the first mayor of Santa Clarita and since 1992 Congressman representing the 25th Congressional District. My wife Patricia and I have been married for 46 years. What is/are the most important issues? Stem the tide of illegal ...
Local Election Profile: Ronald "RJ" Kelly
Name: Ronald "RJ" Kelly Profession: Tax and finance Personal Background Married with two sons. I moved here in 1978. Over the years I have been involved in many of our local orgazinations including the VFW, ELKS, past director of the SCV Chamber of Commerce and the School and Business Aliance. What is/are the most important issues? Our water board has been facing many issues in the past couple of years and more will come. Water ...
Local Election Profile: Cameron Smyth
Name: Cameron Smyth Age: 37 Profession: State Assemblyman Personal Background A lifelong resident of Newhall, I and my wife Lena continue to raise our sons in Santa Clarita. Prior to the Assembly, I served six years as Councilman/Mayor of Santa Clarita, while operating my own consulting business. What is/are the most important issues? We must make every effort to turn the economy of California around. That means we must encourage new clean industry to remain ...
Local Election Profile: Bruce McFarland
Name: Bruce McFarland Age: 60 Profession: Computer consultant/ teacher Personal Background A 30-year Santa Clarita Valley resident, Hart High graduate, city pioneer and small business owner. Founding member or officer: SC Human Relations Forum, SCV Ethics Alliance, SCV Arts Alliance, two computer clubs. Active in: Boys and Girls Club, SCV Pet Assistance, Magazine of Santa Clarita technology writing, The Signal political commentary writing. What is/are the most important issues? I want to get Castaic kids ...
Articles By Author - Signal Staff
4 Americans killed since 2009 in US drone strikes
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that four American citizens have been killed in drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen since 2009. The disclosure to Congress comes on the eve of a major national security speech by President Barack Obama in which he plans to pledge more transparency to Congress in his counterterrorism policy.
Terri Crain: Don’t misuse environmental protection law
In 2008, Santa Clarita was named the most business- friendly city in Los Angeles County by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.
Joe Gandelman: Watch the credibility games
Forget the political "blame game." The biggest game in town now is the credibility game - a high-stakes exercise that will end with America's political middle deciding who is trustworthy and who isn't. Some key players:
The scandal of scandal in Washington, D.C.
If you listen loud enough you can almost hear the siren song of the Republican Party spread its dulcet tones across Washington. It's scandal season boys and girls, and for the GOP it's Mardi Gras, Christmas and The Spanish Inquisition all in one!
Jump for brain cancer research
Valencia indoor trampoline park Jump 5150 is helping to raise money for Brain Cancer Awareness Month by holding a fundraiser Friday.
Santa Clarita, county 'One Valley, One Vision' plan wins award
Earlier this month, the Southern California Association of Governments recognized the city of Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County with a sustainability award for the joint general plan known as "One Valley, One Vision."
LeBron saves Heat at buzzer of Game 1
MIAMI (AP) - LeBron James made a layup as time expired in overtime, and the Miami Heat found a way to beat the Indiana Pacers 103-102 in a wild Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals Wednesday night.
Wilson, Angels beat Mariners
ANAHEIM (AP) - C.J. Wilson and the Los Angeles Angels celebrated Arte Moreno's 10 years as owner by cruising to another easy victory over the slumping Seattle Mariners.
After Mattingly criticism, Dodgers top Brewers
MILWAUKEE (AP) - Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly has been sharply critical of his slumping team.
Mason Nesbitt: Mustangs settle into Lewiston, Idaho
Editor's note: This is the first in a series of columns by The Master's College baseball player Mason Nesbitt who will be filing stories from Lewiston, Idaho - the site of the NAIA World Series. Nesbitt, who played baseball until his sophomore year for TMC, was asked to return to the Mustangs out of need. At the time, he was a contributing baseball writer with The Signal.
Mattel moving 100 jobs from New York to Calif.
EAST AURORA, N.Y. (AP) - Toy maker Fisher-Price said Wednesday it's moving or eliminating roughly 100 jobs from its operations in the state as part of restructuring by parent company Mattel Inc.
Minn. teen whose farewell song became web hit dies
LAKELAND, Minn. (AP) - When high school student Zach Sobiech learned he didn't have much longer to live, his mother suggested he write letters to tell his loved ones goodbye. Instead, the Minnesota teenager turned to writing music - and his farewell song, "Clouds," became a YouTube sensation that has attracted more than 4 million views.
Injured volunteer seeks payment from lost hiker
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A volunteer searcher who broke his back while looking for a teenager who was lost in Orange County wilderness wants restitution if the teen is convicted on drug charges.
Doctors save Ohio boy by 'printing' an airway tube
In a medical first, doctors used plastic particles and a 3-D laser printer to create an airway splint to save the life of a baby boy who used to stop breathing nearly every day.
Weiner launches comeback bid to become NYC mayor
NEW YORK (AP) - In running for mayor, Anthony Weiner is seeking to get past the tawdry-tweeter punch line that has dogged him since his congressional career imploded two years ago. And while he's facing an uphill sprint, his campaign could help his long-term prospects even if he loses, some experts say.
