Archive By Section - Columnists
Power pole giants need to be stopped
As giant power lines come marching through the north end of our valley, and even those who lobby consistently for more and more growth cry foul at the loss of their views and damage to their neighborhoods, maybe it is time to look at the bigger picture.
Voting - a cathartic experience
On Monday morning, syndicated columnist Reg Henry predicted, in his humorously folksy fashion, a tidy victory for Barack Obama.
A bad call, calling us to reconsider
For a moment, let's all suppose we're all young soccer moms. And let's suppose that we've got four kids, three at home - one is a newborn with profound disabilities.
‘Swiftboating’ comes to Senate District 19 race
When it comes to political campaigns, informed voters pay attention to the media - but herein lies the problem. How do voters know if certain patterns of persuasion/fallacies are being used by pundits in the media and politics to sway their opinions?
Belcaro vs. Edison: People over profits
I'm usually not one for conspiracies, but the evidence shows that Southern California Edison and the California Public Utilities Commission are in cahoots to destroy the visual landscape of Santa Clarita Valley.
Heart of the West: Thanks to those who made it happen
Happy last day of August to the Santa Clarita Valley. I hope everyone is enjoying the official "last" weekend of summer, although school has been in session in the SCV for a few weeks. A special Happy Birthday wish to my husband, Keith, who celebrates his "double nickle" birthday today!
Welcome to county regulation
Question: How can one get approval for a 110-student private school in a converted six-bedroom house in Castaic in four to five months without notifying the neighbors or the quisling town council?
Let’s all go to the river
The Santa Clara River is a part of of Santa Clarita in more ways than one. While providing a home to many species of plants and animals, the river also annually brings together thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to ridding it of trash and debris. This year marks the 14th annual Santa Clarita River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo. This event will be held on Sept. 20, from 8 to 11 a.m. It ...
Whistle while you work (or at least hum a nice tune)
As a kid I often wondered, "If it's called 'Labor Day,' how come everyone gets to be off work?"
Aiding our students
As much as I appreciate and respect my third graders' responses when I ask them about their future careers and they provide me with ... firefighter, police officer, teacher, professional basketball player, veterinarian, movie star and president, I know that their minds will likely change several times throughout their school years.
Steps to saving our national ship from distress
America's in crisis. With an out-of-control national budget deficit, plummeting support from many countries, a U.S. dollar with Third World-country clout, a war on terrorism that is costly and seemingly endless, a government that has at its core pork-barrel spending - is it any wonder we are in the mess we're in?
Say thanks on Labor Day
Labor Day is more than 110 years old, yet it's especially relevant today. The U.S. Department of Labor's Web page says it best: "The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. "It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to ...
A tax plan for a better America?
"It's a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high today, and tax revenues are too low, and the soundest way to raise revenues in the long run is to cut tax rates now."
A cold wife and a food court rendezvous
Son announces big loss in third quarter My 5-year-old son posted a big loss in the fiscal third quarter, despite an effort to clean up more than two dozen gold coins from his pirate ship play set during a routine vacuum cleanup in the living room earlier this month. The boy claims Mommy rolled right over the coins with the vacuum. Mommy denies the accusation. "I opened up the vacuum bag and didn't find one ...
Why can’t planners just say no?
Last Wednesday the Los Angeles County Planning Commission approved a controversial senior housing project next to Towsley Canyon Park.
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.
