Archive By Section - Columnists
John Boston: The SCV’s December War
For me, gratitude comes in waves, and I was bowled over earlier by a simple gift. At the crossroads of my country flirting with socialism, with a helmet-headed Illinois governor flaunting his power like Caligula, with O.J. going to jail until his 90s, I noticed something.
SCV Scene: Homes for the holidays
I love the rainy, gloomy weather this weekend. It almost "feels" like the holidays, doesn't it? Holiday Light Tour 15
Myers' Musings
In his epic historical novel "War and Peace," Leo Tolstoy likened Napoleon and other "leaders" of great historical movements to a jungle monkey that accidentally falls out of his tree perch onto the back of a rampaging elephant, and then through the ultimate act of hubris convinces himself that he controls the movement of the elephant crushing everything in its path even though he hangs on for dear life.
Birthin’ babies in the Golden Years
Out of the millions of women celebrating childbirth this week, one really takes the cake: 70-year-old Rajo Devi of India.
Just one question for Barack Obama
Be it his chicken-in-every-pot oration at the DNC or his refusal at the Ole Miss debate to be fiscally responsible by amending his 21st century "Great Society" to-do list - despite the $700 billion drain on the treasury that he may inherit - I have only one question for Barack Obama: How in the free world will he be able to fund the infinite throng of assurances that he has asked America to bank on?
Youth make a difference
Youth make a difference You're never too young to take an active role in your community. The city of Santa Clarita provides numerous opportunities for our teenagers, allowing them to become involved in a meaningful way and impact the community through various leadership positions. High school students are making a difference in Santa Clarita by participating in the city's Visions in Progress Youth Advisory Committee, or VIP. VIP members provide input on major city projects ...
SCV’s ‘silent majority’ screams
During the upheaval of the 1960s, Republican Richard Nixon, the conservative of his day, liked to refer to the "silent majority."
Partisan bashing a lose-lose for all
Several weeks ago I attended a particularly sad funeral. Yes, I know, all funerals are heartrending. But this one was for a very special young woman, someone who should have had at least 50 more years on earth - and probably would have if breast cancer hadn't intervened. During her memorial service, I looked around at the 200-plus mourners. Whether blotting tears, sighing or shaking their heads, all were visibly shaken over Brandi Newquist's passing. ...
Curse of the Ghoul Mine
It's the season for pumpkins and ghosts and goblins, galore! It's also time to head out to Lombardi's up Bouquet Canyon in Saugus. Devastated by the Buckweed Fire last year, Lombardi's is back - and just as good as ever. Why not head out there this weekend and celebrate a Santa Clarita Valley institution?
Wish doctor at your service
My wife, 5-year-old son and I passed a water fountain, and sure enough my boy wanted a coin so he could make a wish. This wasn't your typical fountain for wishing. It was a drinking fountain.
Sailing into the new year
Children are amazing in their capacity to awaken the spirit of goodness and generosity in one's soul.
John Boston: How to repair your pets & credit
"Modern man drives a mortgaged car over a bond-financed highway on credit-card gas."
Helping create a sustainable Santa Clarita
Often at the city of Santa Clarita, we are asked for easier ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
Bailout is a temporary fix
What's up with this Wall Street versus Main Street political buzzword gobbledygook? We seem to have traveled back in time to the "It's A Wonderful Life" world of George Bailey and Mr. Potter. I thought this 2008 presidential election was about "change." A government bailout by any other term is neither a rescue nor even a policy change. Call it a temporary fix. It's just a monetary infusion of taxpayers' dollars into the credit and ...
My son’s school project
When I was a kid, I entered countless grocery store coloring contests and colored my pictures with great skill and patience, my eye always on the first-place prize.
Articles by Section - Columnists
Doug Patton: Red states should be careful what they wish for
Recently, Republican Governors Rick Perry of Texas and Terry Branstad of Iowa appealed to those wanting to flee liberal California.
Kevin Bayona: North Korea is a dangerous nuclear power
Many Americans may find it difficult to believe, but North Korea and its imperious leader, Kim Jong-un, have yet again hurled a threat to wipe South Korea and the United States off the face of the Earth with a nuclear strike.
Tom Purcell: Income Tax 101
Ah, the income tax preparation season is upon us.
David M. Shribman: On the lost art of letter-writing
He was getting older, he worried about losing his balance fishing on the end rocks, and his hearing was failing him. So was his short-term memory.
Gary Horton: More residents should find the Master Chorale
Think "inspiration." Think "spiritually beautiful." Think "melodically breathtaking."
Jim Mullen: Village Idiot
I know there are couples who enjoy cooking together and make it look like a well-rehearsed ballet. They savor the aroma of their secret recipe for wild salmon over lemon couscous, stir each other's soups and sample each other's sauces.
