Archive By Section - Columnists
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.
Blackwater’s San Diego facility demands attention
Blackwater Worldwide, one of the largest private military contractors in the world has opened a base of operations in southern California under questionable circumstances.
Hart High Class of 1968 to reunite
This is a blatant attempt to coerce folks to spend some money for a good cause - themselves.
Even as the Obamas ascend, stereotypes persist
Contrary to popular and delusional thought, African-Americans - to be politically, not culturally, correct - do not comprise a monolithic camp, with twin charlatans Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson tag-teaming the role of Moses, and Cornell West manufacturing cerebral arms.
‘If I Had a Hummer (I’d Sell It in the Morning)’
According to certain psychologists, the automobiles we drive may be interpreted as expressions of how we view ourselves, or would like to.
Welcome to summer in Santa Clarita
It's been a crazy June! Where was the gloom? Well, we are past the summer solstice (June 21) with the longest day of the year - now each day will start to get shorter until winter solstice (Dec. 21).
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.
