Archive By Section - Columnists
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).
Becoming sustainable, a step at a time
'Sustainability" is our latest buzzword. But sustainability is more than just a buzzword. It is a great opportunity for companies, cities, and individuals to explore fantastic avenues for self-sufficiency, creating a healthier environment, and increasing profitability.
‘News briefs’ from the Picarella household
Parents suspect two 4-year-olds are an item Earlier this month, teachers and students reported that my 4-year-old son and one of his female classmates were dating. "The two of them were caught together in the tunnel slide sharing a moment of passion," said a teacher, who asked to remain anonymous. "It seems they were sharing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, something they're both passionate about." Both my 4-year-old and the girl denied the alleged ...
Democrats are putting us on a tax roller coaster
I used to like roller coasters. When I was a kid, we could ride for hours and not be fazed one little bit. On one visit to a thinly-attended Disneyland, we rode Space Mountain 17 times in a row. Seventeen times. On a full stomach.
Year-round fun in your backyard and beyond
'Tis the perfect summer for camping. The Great American Backyard Campout, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, is coming up Saturday night. Last year more than 42,000 people participated in this low-key introduction to camping. Recipes, packing lists, nighttime wildlife guides and more are available at www.backyardcampout.org.
Articles by Section - Columnists
Tim Myers: Should the Santa Clarita City Council be elected by district?
On Nov. 3, 1987, a now-remarkable 25 percent to 30 percent of eligible voters in the area midwifed the city of Santa Clarita into existence, voting nearly 67 percent to 33 percent in favor of the formation of the city.
Marsha McLean: Live from City Hall
A strong retail environment is one of the foundations of a healthy economy and a strong community.
Scott Wilk: Teacher firing reform needed
As a father of two, I believe no one - particularly a child - should live in fear in his or her school or neighborhood. So one of my top priorities as your assemblyman is public safety.
Joe Gandelman: Sample some popular political whines
The phone rings in a big warehouse in Oriskiny Falls, N.Y.
Jason Stanford: Turning Texas into a battleground state
Those of us who worked for the late Ann Richards used to run our plans by her. The former Texas governor did not suffer fools, gladly or otherwise, and if your plan had flaws, she'd let you know in great detail.
Michael Stafford: The Cult of Self
According to the Bible, the ancient Israelites strayed from worship of God into idolatry. Today, America has done the same - except rather than placing a golden calf upon an altar, we have erected a mirror.
Will Durst: The GOP autopsy
Normally you don't expect to see the words "Republicans" and "introspection" right next to each other. Like "supermodel" and "barbecue." "Physicist" and "polka." "Gazelle" and "ophthalmology." You catch my drift.
Jim Mullen: The Museum of Modern Body Art
I was at a doctor's office in a small town recently and overheard one patient in the waiting room talking to another.
Gary Horton: Jesus isn't a Republican or Democrat
Recently, this esteemed journal has spilled much ink debating the withers and thithers as to whether Jesus, should he ever choose to reincarnate himself as an American, would malign himself with the mantle of "conservative Republican" or "liberal Democrat."
Charlie Vignola: Medicare works, no thanks to the GOP
This week I am headed to Florida to deal with a solemn duty that no one looks forward to, but which almost everyone will have to face sooner or later: I am going to deal with the imminent death of my father.
Peter Funt: Injustice in the juvenile justice system
Many of the nation's prosecutors and judges continue to put kids on trial as adults. This, despite declining crime rates among juveniles and growing scientific evidence about the inappropriateness of taking young offenders out of the court system designed specifically to protect them.
Danny Tyree:Why can't every day be like Easter?
Although it usually gets overshadowed by "Blue Christmas" in yuletide radio rotation, I still enjoy the Elvis Presley version of "Why Can't Every Day Be Like Christmas?"
Steve Lunetta: Jesus would be a conservative Christian
"Look at what this feller wrote about Jesus! Its a disgrace!"
Bob Kellar: Live from City Hall
The belief that "what is good for business is good for Santa Clarita" is a mantra that the city of Santa Clarita takes seriously. That's why City Council and staff are dedicated to providing local businesses with the tools and resources necessary to strengthen operations and improve sustainability, especially during difficult economic times.
Tim Myers: City Council candidates declare early
The race for Santa Clarita City Council in 2014 started to clarify over last weekend with two more fully announced candidates, Dante Acosta and Alan Ferdman, joining the four already-announced candidates - Gloria Mercado-Fortine, Maria Gutzeit, and the incumbents Laurene Weste and Marsha McLean - to bring the total fully announced candidates to six with more than one year left until the election.
