Archive By Section - Columnists
The things you learn when you tear apart our dropout numbers
Let us return to the topic of dropout rates in the Hart District. Over the past two weeks I further analyzed the public dropout data from the state Department of Education and spoke to representatives of the Hart district and of Opportunities for Learning, the district alternative high school charter school. I determined the Hart district accurately reported dropout data based upon the rules of the Education Department. I also concluded one could legitimately level ...
On Michael Phelps and the latest Breakfast of Champions
The Summer Olympics has always made for favorite family viewing at our house. Seeing the greatest athletes from around the world unite - along with the heartwarming reminder that grassy fields are far better unifiers than battlefields ever will be - definitely makes for spectator excitement and renewed hope for the Family of Man (and Woman). Speaking of hope, Michael Phelps' eight gold medals won in Beijing shines as a huge ray of optimism over ...
Old time fun at Silents
Is there a finer event in the Santa Clarita Valley than Silents Under the Stars? Where else can you have some of the tastiest barbecue (from Rattler's) and watch a silent Western starring Bill Hart set to an original score, while munching popcorn as the gentle breezes caress you as they move across La Loma de los Vientos (the Hill of the Winds)?
Life stranger than fiction
In one of the greatest cinematic accomplishments of the 20th century, "Men in Black" (1997), J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) are chasing dangerous aliens around New York City. At one point, they lose the trail of their nemesis and are forced to consult the "hot sheets" - supermarket tabloids.
What’s found at the park stays
At the park the other day my 5-year-old son found a pine cone that he wanted to take home. I told him that what we find at the park stays at the park. Without even asking why, he dropped the pine cone, and we went home. Good boy.
Steelhead could return to local river
On July 25, the National Marine Fisheries Service issued a document that could eventually return steelhead salmon to the Santa Clara River.
Bush may create new Cold War
The far right neoconservatives continue to get what they absolutely need to satisfy their basic needs: An enemy!
‘Assuming facts not in evidence’
Law school only teaches three things that one cannot learn elsewhere: The Rule Against Perpetuities, the Hearsay Rule, and my personal favorite: "Assuming Facts not in Evidence."
Buyoff or bunkum? Try buyoff
Well, folks, if you're not outraged by the buying of Councilwoman Laurie Ender's election seat, then we're all in trouble.
ISO: A magic wand for Santa Clarita’s seniors
Among the numerous reporter note pad destinations I've known through the years, one has always held a special place in my heart: The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center.
Our son’s in kindergarten
My 5-year-old son started kindergarten on Wednesday, and my wife and I were among the 2 million parents there to say goodbye forever to our precious little offspring.
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.
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.
