High ozone levels endanger our valley

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's "Air Now" interactive Web site, Santa Clarita once again has some of the worst air pollution in the nation this month.

Unbridled capitalism can falter

Republicans and conservatives flash their laissez-faire card whenever confronted with defending the purist characteristics of the ideal free-market economy.

Who to choose in the 19th District

As a more-than-casual observer of local and regional politics, there are few candidates who have impressed me more than Hannah-Beth Jackson, the Democratic candidate for state Senate in the 19th District.

Top 10 reasons to live in the SCV

It has almost been a year since I joined The Signal as publisher and made the Santa Clarita Valley my home once again. During the past 12 months, my family and I have come to love this valley and all the outstanding reasons that the SCV is one of the best places to live in the entire state - we can say this, having lived in many areas from northern California to San Diego.

You can avoid a tsunami of taxes

Recently former Assemblywoman and current 19th Senate District candidate Hanna-Beth Jackson made her first campaign foray into Santa Clarita and announced at a political rally, "This is the tsunami seat."

Summertime ‘rocks’ at Central Park!

Every year the city of Santa Clarita's Arts and Events Office produces and hosts a Summer Concerts in the Park series. Each year has a new theme, and this year's series is set to impress, as it will feature live cover and tribute bands.

Light the night for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

I've always considered the Fourth of July to be the demarcation line for the year. Half the year is gone, just half the year remains. I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer of fun. Time to relax, enjoy and take a break!

On column writing and censorship

I had an interesting exchange with one of The Signal's fairly regular columnists last week: He accused me of censorship.

There’s poison in the pot — folic acid fortification

I got an urgent call from my Uncle Earl the other day. He wanted me to come over immediately. Earl is the relative that every family fears at gatherings - loud, opinionated and eats all of the guacamole. Then, he polishes off all of the onion dip. But, as coarse as Earl can be, he is often right and worth listening to. So, my curiosity piqued, I went over and saw Earl.

Don’t put seniors in harm's way

We need housing for our growing senior population. That is why state law allows local jurisdictions to forgo some of their planning rules about hillsides, water supply, and other issues that normally would be a concern. This is fine - our community wants good, safe housing, close by, for our seniors to live in. But "safe" should always be the operative word. Our parents and grandparents have worked hard for many years to benefit our ...

McCain’s unintentionally funny campaign mailer

There's one thing I just love about being a registered Republican. It seems I'm on every mailing list from every Republican candidate whose shadow has ever darkened our valley, district, state, or nation.

Blackwater’s San Diego facility demands attention

Blackwater Worldwide, one of the largest private military contractors in the world has opened a base of operations in southern California under questionable circumstances.

Hart High Class of 1968 to reunite

This is a blatant attempt to coerce folks to spend some money for a good cause - themselves.

Even as the Obamas ascend, stereotypes persist

Contrary to popular and delusional thought, African-Americans - to be politically, not culturally, correct - do not comprise a monolithic camp, with twin charlatans Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson tag-teaming the role of Moses, and Cornell West manufacturing cerebral arms.

‘If I Had a Hummer (I’d Sell It in the Morning)’

According to certain psychologists, the automobiles we drive may be interpreted as expressions of how we view ourselves, or would like to.

Tim Myers: Does election date change help incumbents?

Kathryn Pisaro: Protect music programs in Newhall School District

On Tuesday, the school board for the Newhall School District is going to be asked to cut a music teacher from our already-reduced music program.

Frank Ferry: Live from City Hall

"Government, at its core, is about doing together what we can't do alone. It's why we believe that citizen engagement is vital. ..."

Danny Tyree: Is the free ride over?

es, I dutifully affix my copyright notice to my column each week, and I've been known to notify the syndicate of suspected unauthorized use; but I haven't gotten anywhere near as persnickety (or creepy) as the entertainment industry.

Rick Jensen: Obama sequester two-step

Watching from the cheap seats, Obama's "Sequester Two-Step" is quite entertaining. While not nearly as graceful as Charles Durning's classic political footplay in "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," only fellow Democrat Bob Menendez puts in a better performance of the beleaguered innocent these days.

Kevin Korenthal: The politics of pain

I am often stunned when I hear people, some of them friends, confess that they do not follow politics.

Cher Gilmore: Just say no to Keystone XL tar sands pipeline

More than 50,000 people traveled to Washington, D.C., from as far away as California on Feb. 17 to demand that President Obama block the Keystone XL pipeline and move forward on climate action.

Phil Kerpen: Government spending hurts people

We should not accept the statist premise that most government spending helps people.

Tom Purcell: Are humans getting dumber?

The report said people are getting dumber - at least I think that's what it said, but the big words kept throwing me off."

Diana West: Setting the record straight on Joe McCarthy

Freshman Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is just the latest in a long series of public figures to be reviled for "McCarthyism" following his recent questioning of Chuck Hagel, President Obama's nominee for secretary of defense.

Joe Guzzardi: Obama pushes amnesty

After President Obama left for a three-day Florida golf vacation that included a round with Tiger Woods, the White House announced his latest immigration plan.

SCV Voices: From SignalSCV.com

Editor's note: On last Tuesday's Kevin Buck column "Straw men live in glass houses," one poster on SignalSCV.com asked the question, "In your opinion, what are the five biggest problems America faces right now?" Here are some responses from his fellow posters.

David Hegg: What makes right, right?

I recently met a man who was the epitome of post-modern thought in that he did not believe in absolute truth.

Tim Myers: No money, no county

I love history. I plan to purchase the Blu-Ray of the recent film "Lincoln" and rewatch certain key scenes 100 times in a row, unapologetically.

Bob Kellar: Live from City Hall

In Santa Clarita, the arts influence our community's quality of life. Without even realizing it, the arts act as an economic driver - creating and supporting jobs, generating revenue and serving as a cornerstone of the tourism industry.