Archive By Section - Columnists
McCain is the change we need
All things considered, the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minn. was about John McCain. It was carefully structured to show the American public that his experience, heroism, and independent spirit uniquely qualifies him to lead our country. It was truly the "John McCain Show", but the piece de resistance of the entire conference was the speech delivered by his vice presidential running mate.
Stop poisoning and live in harmony with nature
This spring the American Beauty Homeowners Association 1 topped the eucalyptus trees that lined the river bank.
We need informed voters
As Sen. McCain led delegates to the Republican convention in a chant of "Drill, baby, drill" and our own City Council heard complaints Tuesday night about the bias of certain council members in relation to the huge proposed hospital expansion, the issue of special-interest money influencing politics once again raises questions.
Free at Last! At least for the majority
Free at last! Free at last! Thank God, we're free at last! Well, for most of us, anyway. Last Tuesday was a monumental moment for America. One of our greatest social injustices had, by way of collateral consequence, finally been put to rest. By wide margin, America elected the most capable and promising candidate, assigning him the trust and formidable task of hauling us back from catastrophic chaos to an orderly, successful, capitalist democracy. That ...
We can't afford more of the same
Legend has it that when Rome was aflame during the Great Fire of A.D. 64, Emperor Nero dressed himself up in stage costume, plucked upon his lyre, and sat out the catastrophe singing the "Sack of Illium."
Post-partisan people and SCV progress
Today I'd like to share my thoughts about the future of political discourse for people in the Santa Clarita Valley. I want to address the GOOD Republicans and the GOOD Democrats of the valley, which I'll address later in this column.
California governing gone bad
Governing California is serious stuff. California is home to more than 35 million people. Our state budget is over $110 billion.
California business was a loser in '08
Dateline: Nov. 5, 10:05 p.m., my living room couch. It has taken a little more than 24 hours, but I'm finally coming to terms with the events of Nov. 4, - a momentous day in this country's great history. First, let me say congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama, his family and supporters. It was a hard-fought battle, marred with a cornucopia of negative ads and contentious words. However, despite my personal politics and my disagreement ...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
The countdown is on. T-minus 14 days until my favorite season of the year begins. Fall is a magical time in my house; we thankfully say goodbye to triple-digit temperatures, bring out the blue jeans, and spend our Saturday afternoons watching college football. September means back to school, October sees our annual visit to Lombardi's Ranch, while November is the beginning of the holiday season. Adding to my excitement for fall this year is the ...
Two parties, two platforms, two philosophies
These past two weeks the Democrats and the Republicans were given the opportunity to present their political platforms, candidates and philosophy to the American people.
Is bigger really better for area water agency?
In response to the Oct. 20 story "One valley, one water supplier," we ask: Is bigger really better?
Try drought-tolerant plants and these irrigation tips on your lawn
Is your lawn a slacker? We mean that in the nicest possible way. It's not like your lawn sits on the couch and plays video games all day. But don't let it fool you into thinking it is working as hard now as it was this summer. Did you know your lawn is only "working" when the sun is out? In other words, as the days got longer in early summer, your grass received more ...
A letter to a new grandson
Dear Brayden Jay: You came into the world on Nov. 1, 2008, exactly 20 years after the birth of your Uncle Chip. Poppa appreciates this since it makes it easy to remember the birthday! I view your baby pictures available on the Internet and see the determined look of your mother, our beautiful and intelligent second daughter, and feel the great joy at the second grandchild brought into the world. Our children and grandchildren provide ...
SCV honors its veterans
Veterans Day was first incorporated by President Wilson as Armistice Day in 1919 at the end of World War I. The implementation of an armistice, which is a temporary cessation of hostilities, came with the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, which was signed in 1919 between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November 1918. President Wilson said when he proclaimed the first Armistice Day, "To ...
Christmas around the corner
I know, I know... it was a shock to the season to walk into several retail stores around town the day after Halloween and see Christmas trees in full bulb-blazing glory. I'm not trying to give you sleepless nights, but Christmas is merely 46 days away!
Articles by Section - Columnists
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.
Kevin Buck: Straw men live in glass houses
Webster's dictionary has several different definitions for the word socialism. The one conservative fear and loathe the most is:
Tom Purcell: A nail in the coffin of Americans' rights
oy, do I feel sorry for smokers these days.
