Archive By Section - Columnists
My stimulus check right about now
This never happens to me. I got $1,800 from the U.S. Treasury as part of the "Economic Stimulus" program that was recently enacted. But it is still sitting in our checking account. I've been thinking about it, and I'm not sure why it is still there.
Endangered Species Act declared extinct
Monday was the celebration day of St. Claire, namesake of our Santa Clara River. St. Claire was a follower of St. Francis of Assisi, the Catholic saint known for his caring and kindness for the animals, as well as his human charges. St. Francis is the monk we often see in garden statues with a bird on his shoulder and small animals at his feet. His day in October is lovingly celebrated in many nations ...
The rocks in a lake of oil
An allegory: Pretend you're a lucky duck and live at - say, Lake Tahoe. You have a wonderful cabin, perched right on the shore of that crystal-clear lake. Your enchanting backyard features a cool green lawn sloping down to your own sandy beach. The lake's renowned cool water laps with small wavelets on your shore, as your own motorboat bobs playfully on the water, secured to your very own mooring just off shore. Your lakeside ...
Celebrities mocking celebrities
I opened my last two columns with my thoughts on this being the best presidential election ever.
California Democrats: job assassins
As my loyal fans (all two of them - thanks mom and dad!) are aware, when I'm not writing for The Mighty Signal I work as a labor and employment attorney, almost exclusively on the part of management.
Zonta tribute dinner taps Harte
One of our favorite folks in the SCV, Duane Harte has been named the 2008 Zonta Club of SCV Tribute honoree. The event will be held Nov. 7 at the Odyssey Restaurant in Mission Hills (a refreshing change from the Hyatt). Duane is an Un-Zon (the husband of a Zonta member) and the 2003 SCV Man of the Year. I'm sure the evening's tributes will feature Harte's 23 years of service with the U.S. Naval ...
This Labor Day, enjoy ‘staycation’ in Santa Clarita
Remember the good ol' days of summer when spending time with family and friends was the ultimate escape? Children filled the streets until after dark playing hide-and-seek, neighbors came together for potluck block parties, and Friday and Saturday nights included the faint whispers and laughter of kids camping in their backyards.
Republicans set themselves up for Obama’s rise to power
In certain far corners of the right, it is a near matter of patriotism to be a come-hell-or-high-water hyper-critic of the Clintons. Tales of the former president gallivanting about like an unzipped frat boy, and the seamless Clinton truth-bending, have empowered Republicans to do their part raising partisanship and spin to dizzying heights.
Pledges: Leadership or ideology?
Candidates for public office must demonstrate they deserve the public's trust, and if elected, they must maintain that trust if they expect to stay in office. Or at least, that's the theory.
Proactive versus reactive
Reactive 1: of, relating to, or marked by reaction or reactance 2a: readily responsive to a stimulus b: occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset (reactive depression) Proactive 2 (pro- + reactive): acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes - Merriam Webster Online Dictionary Two stories stand out in my memory regarding development during our family's 12-plus years in the Santa Clarita Valley. The first came from a former city editor ...
The night the lights went out
Last Friday, Aug. 1, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats ended debate on energy issues by abruptly adjourning.
County’s green building rules will benefit us
As a lifelong outdoor lover, as well as a person who works in the environmental compliance arena, I've watched "Being Green" go through cycles of popularity. Sometimes caring for the planet is all the rage, and a few years later it's an afterthought.
Everyone wants our babies
When you're single, everyone asks when you're going to get a steady dating partner. When you're in a serious relationship, they ask when you're going to get married.
The one who’s too light
I had lunch with a very frustrated Republican the other day. The gentleman is a construction bond agent.
Republican platform: A sinking ship
For some of you who have just returned from an alternate universe, we are holding our national elections this coming November.
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.
