Archive By Section - Columnists
John Boston: On dirt clods and an Acton bullet
"The world is dying from a lack of love." - Barbara Mary Muhl Bullies form us. It ought not to be so. It is. In a seeming universe away this week, 10 gunmen inflicted their sick will on the ancient jewel once known as Bombay. At last count, 171 were murdered in Mumbai, India, some 300 more injured. At home, our outlying friends in Acton are famous for nearly becoming the state capital. Today, the ...
Let's join the chorus: Approve Sunrise
There is a groundswell of support up and down California for an electric transmission project that promises to move the state toward greater reliance on renewable, "green" energy.
Myths vs. facts: Hasley Canyon Private School
I am an educator. My intent in founding Monticello Preparatory School has been to provide an alternative quality education for the students and families of a community that I have come to admire and love.
Mayor will host town hall meetings
Providing a wide variety of avenues for residents to communicate with their city has long been a hallmark of Santa Clarita.
Where was Buck during the economic meltdown?
Historians certainly like to second-guess the bad thing. The most frequent example revolves around avoiding World War II by subverting the rise of Adolf Hitler.
A cool, helping hand for kids
In 2004, when I made my first trip to the Painted Turtle Camp in Lake Hughes, I knew I was in for something special.
The best meal I’ve ever eaten
I'm glad to feel the taste of fall in the air. It would be nice if the weather stayed this mild!
Photos with Santa a year-round gift for pets
Each year around this time I devote a column to the Santa Clarita Chapter of Pet Assistance Foundation. I do it because I love dogs (and other pets), and I wholly support the good work that Pet Assistance does, including its seasonal tradition of more than 15 years, Pet Photos with Santa. I hope that you'll embrace that cause as well.
The passing of a school board legend
Board rooms were never dull or lifeless when John Hassel was in the room. His sharp wit and unconventional levity would bring even the most heated discussion to its knees as tensions took a momentary pause to consider the wisdom of his remarks. More than the occasional one-liners and well-timed zingers, John brought a large dose of sense and sensibility to every school-centered discussion. Above all else, John Hassel was an advocate for students and ...
I say we let the Big Three go belly up
"Lord Mr. Ford, I just wish that you could see What your simple horseless carriage has become Well, it seems your contribution to man To say the least, got a little out of hand." - Jerry Reed, 1973 When the silver-tongued Jerry Reed sang these words 35 years ago, little did he realize how prophetic they would be. With the U.S. economy in a downward spiral and people not buying big cars, the Big Three ...
Honey, listen. I didn’t sleep with Jessica Alba
I've noticed something. Men are different than women. Bow. Smile wanly. Bow some more. Wave. Thank you. I now will accept my Nobel Prize for being a Brain Scientist.
The Tooth Fairy and a big lie
My wife and I recently heard that our 5-year-old son should expect to lose teeth soon. "The going rates," my wife said, "are $5 for the first tooth that falls out and $2 for each tooth following." "Since when does the Tooth Fairy pay more than a dollar per tooth?" I asked. "It's not like the Tooth Fairy's operating expenses have increased over the years. Flying is fuel-free. And the Tooth Fairy isn't affected by ...
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.
Articles by Section - Columnists
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.
Joe Gandelman: America’s poop deck politics
It's the ultimate stomach turner: how Carnival's 893-foot-long cruise ship Triumph, along with its 4,200 passengers, was stranded due to a fuel engine leak for five days with no food, little water and few working bathrooms.
Kevin Bayona: China's rise is challenge to U.S.
The start of the 21st century has brought with it an avalanche of international problems such as war, economic recession, nuclear proliferation, and rising global competitors. Although all these issues merit individual attention and consideration, I think the unrelenting rise of China presents the largest and most significant global challenge to the United States.
Gary Horton: Life can be a sound track by the B-52’s
It's sometime in the late 1980s and our family and friends are piled inside our Ford cruiser van heading off to a family ski trip to Lake Tahoe - or to a Boy Scout boating trip at Lake Mead - or some other fun teen-friendly vacation destination.
