Archive By Section - Columnists
Setting the issues straight about housing
The issues raised in two recent Signal columns (Sept. 18 and 26) are important ones. Perhaps a clear and accurate definition of "inclusionary" housing would help. Inclusionary housing is a local requirement for market-rate (for-profit) housing developers to provide some percentage of affordable housing as part of their development.
The system needs to be bucked
So, what is your 510(k) or IRA worth? 90 percent of its value from last month? 60 percent? I never wanted to retire, anyway. The thought of wasting my time on hobbies, enjoying grandchildren, trips on cruise ships, rebuilding classic cars and going to baseball games is abhorrent. I'd rather be working.
Food for thought over the holidays
As we gather with friends and families over the holidays to enjoy the abundance and variety of food our country offers, perhaps we might want to give some thought to how that food is produced.
The public is entitled to transparency
From budget delays to the notorious bailout, the American public and Santa Claritans in particular are faced with economic decisions that will affect our quality of life.
Put hung over Republicans in the drunk tank
Two years back, Congressman McKeon and I met for lunch over at Salt Creek Grille. He was gracious and remarkably forthcoming.
Run them out on a rail
Finally had enough? Have you lost so much, suffered so much, that you're ready to cry "Uncle!" on the excesses of these past terrible eight years? You're not alone. Regular readers know that Carrie and I make a morning practice of visiting with gregarious friends at the Granary Square Starbucks. Over hundreds of cups of Pike's Place Roast for me, and soy chai lattes for Carrie, we've assimilated into a raucous group of witty, irreverent, and ...
The transition to transformation
I have watched many election nights in my lifetime, and none comes close to matching the joy, relief and satisfaction I felt on Nov. 4, 2008.
General election, general intolerance
The nation spoke on Nov. 4. The 2008 election cycle will be forever marked in history for the incredible voter turnout and the election of the nation's first African-American president.
A lesson in history
One must have the gift of a storyteller and a wide breadth of knowledge to provide historical narratives for future generations.
We haven't seen much change yet
"Political campaigns are designedly made into emotional orgies which endeavor to distract attention from the real issues involved."
Concern is not extremism
When asked whether Santa Clarita would employ eminent domain for the seizure of private residential property as a means of furthering the Newhall Redevelopment Project, Paul Brotzman expressly stated that the city "doesn't have the legal authority to acquire private property."
Unions take aim at statewide volunteers
From fires and earthquakes in the West to tornadoes, blizzards and hurricanes in the East, the United States has to contend with many different types of natural disasters. The one constant to all these disasters is that the aid of volunteers greatly enhances the ability of our local, state and federal governments to respond to these crises.
Buy a tree for a needy family
Tomorrow is Dec. 1. Somehow - and I'm not exactly sure how this happened - 2009 is just 31 days away.
Bizarre to some but delicious to others
Cow's urine tonic. Grilled cave bat. Raw camel with spice sauce. Donkey penis soup. Braised pig's tongue with hair moss. Barbecued bat. Roasted crickets. Flame-broiled guinea pig. Fried chicken uterus. Cup 'o fresh goat's blood. Cow vein stew. Crispy fried grasshoppers. Lamb eyeballs. Steamed wasp larvae. Duckling on a stick. Live beating frog heart. Sperm chowder. Snail caviar. Toasted tarantulas.
John Boston's very own $250B bailout
"No satirist shall be left behind." - The Dubyuh In a move characterized as "bizarre" and "startling" by world economic gurus, outgoing Secretary of the Treasury Henry "Pat" Paulson announced yet another bailout yesterday. The Federal government will be earmarking some $250 billion toward bailing out John Boston. This marks the first time a private citizen will be the recipient of funds heretofore reserved for bloated mega multinational corporations and outdated Detroit automakers. "The rules ...
Articles by Section - Columnists
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.
Steven and Cokie Roberts: Voting reform
"Obama's proposed voting commission under partisan fire from both sides."
Alice Khosravy: California is at bottom for business
Just a few short days ago the lanterns fell, bringing an end to Chinese New Year season for 2013.
