Archive By Section - Columnists
The passing of a school board legend
Board rooms were never dull or lifeless when John Hassel was in the room. His sharp wit and unconventional levity would bring even the most heated discussion to its knees as tensions took a momentary pause to consider the wisdom of his remarks. More than the occasional one-liners and well-timed zingers, John brought a large dose of sense and sensibility to every school-centered discussion. Above all else, John Hassel was an advocate for students and ...
I say we let the Big Three go belly up
"Lord Mr. Ford, I just wish that you could see What your simple horseless carriage has become Well, it seems your contribution to man To say the least, got a little out of hand." - Jerry Reed, 1973 When the silver-tongued Jerry Reed sang these words 35 years ago, little did he realize how prophetic they would be. With the U.S. economy in a downward spiral and people not buying big cars, the Big Three ...
Honey, listen. I didn’t sleep with Jessica Alba
I've noticed something. Men are different than women. Bow. Smile wanly. Bow some more. Wave. Thank you. I now will accept my Nobel Prize for being a Brain Scientist.
The Tooth Fairy and a big lie
My wife and I recently heard that our 5-year-old son should expect to lose teeth soon. "The going rates," my wife said, "are $5 for the first tooth that falls out and $2 for each tooth following." "Since when does the Tooth Fairy pay more than a dollar per tooth?" I asked. "It's not like the Tooth Fairy's operating expenses have increased over the years. Flying is fuel-free. And the Tooth Fairy isn't affected by ...
Setting the issues straight about housing
The issues raised in two recent Signal columns (Sept. 18 and 26) are important ones. Perhaps a clear and accurate definition of "inclusionary" housing would help. Inclusionary housing is a local requirement for market-rate (for-profit) housing developers to provide some percentage of affordable housing as part of their development.
The system needs to be bucked
So, what is your 510(k) or IRA worth? 90 percent of its value from last month? 60 percent? I never wanted to retire, anyway. The thought of wasting my time on hobbies, enjoying grandchildren, trips on cruise ships, rebuilding classic cars and going to baseball games is abhorrent. I'd rather be working.
Food for thought over the holidays
As we gather with friends and families over the holidays to enjoy the abundance and variety of food our country offers, perhaps we might want to give some thought to how that food is produced.
The public is entitled to transparency
From budget delays to the notorious bailout, the American public and Santa Claritans in particular are faced with economic decisions that will affect our quality of life.
Put hung over Republicans in the drunk tank
Two years back, Congressman McKeon and I met for lunch over at Salt Creek Grille. He was gracious and remarkably forthcoming.
Run them out on a rail
Finally had enough? Have you lost so much, suffered so much, that you're ready to cry "Uncle!" on the excesses of these past terrible eight years? You're not alone. Regular readers know that Carrie and I make a morning practice of visiting with gregarious friends at the Granary Square Starbucks. Over hundreds of cups of Pike's Place Roast for me, and soy chai lattes for Carrie, we've assimilated into a raucous group of witty, irreverent, and ...
The transition to transformation
I have watched many election nights in my lifetime, and none comes close to matching the joy, relief and satisfaction I felt on Nov. 4, 2008.
General election, general intolerance
The nation spoke on Nov. 4. The 2008 election cycle will be forever marked in history for the incredible voter turnout and the election of the nation's first African-American president.
A lesson in history
One must have the gift of a storyteller and a wide breadth of knowledge to provide historical narratives for future generations.
We haven't seen much change yet
"Political campaigns are designedly made into emotional orgies which endeavor to distract attention from the real issues involved."
Concern is not extremism
When asked whether Santa Clarita would employ eminent domain for the seizure of private residential property as a means of furthering the Newhall Redevelopment Project, Paul Brotzman expressly stated that the city "doesn't have the legal authority to acquire private property."
Articles by Section - Columnists
Jason Stanford: Will Obama beat the 6-year itch?
If the 2010 elections weren't bad enough for Democrats, here comes the "six-year itch."
Tom Purcell: No-fault Internet addiction
nline chat host: Good morning, cyber pals. As you know, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the psychiatric "bible," is to be released this month.
Will Durst: To drone or not to drone
Put on your tinfoil hats, everybody. Or didn't you get the memo? It's paranoia time in America again.
Gary Horton: Victimhood: the new secret to success
Picture a modern-day Adonis with flowing, jet-black hair and rugged features for which women swoon. Picture an entrepreneur – a master of his own high-tech business.
Jim Mullen: It’s time for spotty training
My wife and I forgot to have children. We are so busy going to movies, plays and concerts, buying nice things for the house, taking long vacations without looking at a school calendar, reading all the latest best-sellers and going to restaurants with nice white tablecloths that it simply slipped our minds.
Rick Jensen: A slippery slope
Your 9 year-old daughter runs out of a public swimming pool shower, crying because a 45 year-old naked man is lounging in the sauna, "full monty." You call the police. The police arrest you for violating the man's rights and send both you and your daughter to "behavior modification counseling."
David Hegg: Ethics and a quality life
The basic question in the study of ethics has always been that of determining right and wrong, moral and immoral. Some find right to be that which aligns with authoritative truth or standard, while others base morality on the consequences of individual actions. The former - deontologists - and the latter - consequentialists - have argued back and forth for centuries, and the battle rages on today in academia.
Timothy Myers: Let the good times roll again!
One of my coworkers during my time working for Ernst & Young found himself working for KB Homes during the middle of the residential real estate boom, putting together the analyses or so-called "land packages" for the acquisition of property for the building of tract homes.
Peter Funt: Rambunctious raccoons are laughing at me
Our backyard is filled with the pleasing sounds of spring created by birds, frogs, crickets and teens down the street testing their new cars. But lately there are also the haunting sounds of raccoons laughing at me.
Live from City Hall
For the past few months, the city of Santa Clarita has hosted a series of local town hall meetings in Saugus, Canyon Country and Newhall to share important community information and hear from community members regarding issues of importance to them.
Kevin D. Korenthal: Make all marriages civil unions
Rights, as established by the Constitution of the United States of America, are greatly misunderstood.
Leyla Ramos: Veterans deserve more employment
When our veterans come home from war, they are greeted by "welcome home" signs, banners, applause, hugs and cheers. The popular line "Thank you for your service" is heard time and time again.
Tom Purcell: Reverse psychology vs. the Nanny State
Get this: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to ban the sale of cigarettes - now legal to people at age 18 - to people younger than 21.
George Runner: Obama steals California Gov. Jerry Brown’s playbook
Given California's chronic problems, it's hard to imagine anyone sees our state as a model - but it's clear the Obama administration does.
Kevin Bayona: Bush legacy hinges on his war on terror
The 43rd president of the United States, George W. Bush, was recently honored with the dedication of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
