Archive By Section - Columnists
July is 'Access Awareness Month'
This July, California observes Access Awareness Month to commemorate the 17th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since its passage, progress has been made toward more accessible communities. Yet significant gaps in access persist, despite the efforts by many to comply.
To drill or not to drill?
On June 18 President Bush asked federal legislators to end the ban on offshore oil drilling. Even though this does not help our short-term national anxiety over the cost of gas at the pump, it is a way to obtain billions of barrels of our own oil. To drill or not to drill remains the question.
4-year-old’s sincerity not so sincere
My 4-year-old son hurt my feelings the other day. He said he wanted my wife to drive him to school. When I told him that I was going to take him, he said, "No! I don't want you to take me. I want Mommy."
High ozone levels endanger our valley
According to the Environmental Protection Agency's "Air Now" interactive Web site, Santa Clarita once again has some of the worst air pollution in the nation this month.
High ozone levels endanger our valley
According to the Environmental Protection Agency's "Air Now" interactive Web site, Santa Clarita once again has some of the worst air pollution in the nation this month.
Unbridled capitalism can falter
Republicans and conservatives flash their laissez-faire card whenever confronted with defending the purist characteristics of the ideal free-market economy.
Who to choose in the 19th District
As a more-than-casual observer of local and regional politics, there are few candidates who have impressed me more than Hannah-Beth Jackson, the Democratic candidate for state Senate in the 19th District.
Top 10 reasons to live in the SCV
It has almost been a year since I joined The Signal as publisher and made the Santa Clarita Valley my home once again. During the past 12 months, my family and I have come to love this valley and all the outstanding reasons that the SCV is one of the best places to live in the entire state - we can say this, having lived in many areas from northern California to San Diego.
You can avoid a tsunami of taxes
Recently former Assemblywoman and current 19th Senate District candidate Hanna-Beth Jackson made her first campaign foray into Santa Clarita and announced at a political rally, "This is the tsunami seat."
Summertime ‘rocks’ at Central Park!
Every year the city of Santa Clarita's Arts and Events Office produces and hosts a Summer Concerts in the Park series. Each year has a new theme, and this year's series is set to impress, as it will feature live cover and tribute bands.
Light the night for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
I've always considered the Fourth of July to be the demarcation line for the year. Half the year is gone, just half the year remains. I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer of fun. Time to relax, enjoy and take a break!
On column writing and censorship
I had an interesting exchange with one of The Signal's fairly regular columnists last week: He accused me of censorship.
There’s poison in the pot — folic acid fortification
I got an urgent call from my Uncle Earl the other day. He wanted me to come over immediately. Earl is the relative that every family fears at gatherings - loud, opinionated and eats all of the guacamole. Then, he polishes off all of the onion dip. But, as coarse as Earl can be, he is often right and worth listening to. So, my curiosity piqued, I went over and saw Earl.
Don’t put seniors in harm's way
We need housing for our growing senior population. That is why state law allows local jurisdictions to forgo some of their planning rules about hillsides, water supply, and other issues that normally would be a concern. This is fine - our community wants good, safe housing, close by, for our seniors to live in. But "safe" should always be the operative word. Our parents and grandparents have worked hard for many years to benefit our ...
McCain’s unintentionally funny campaign mailer
There's one thing I just love about being a registered Republican. It seems I'm on every mailing list from every Republican candidate whose shadow has ever darkened our valley, district, state, or nation.
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.
