April 25, 2008 - Daily Brief
Should’ve been a cowboy.
Should’ve learned to rope and ride.
Wearing my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive.
Stealing a young girl’s heart. Yeah, just like Gene and Roy.
Sing a few rodeo songs. Yeah, I should’ve been a cowboy.
Sing it Toby!
News
- McKeon to announce CEMEX Legislation today: “Congressman McKeon will unveil legislation that incorporates an agreement reached by the City of Santa Clarita, Victorville, and CEMEX to address a large-scale mine proposed to operate in Soledad Canyon,” the press release says. The press conference begins at 9:30am sharp in front of McKeon’s office on the Old Road. So what’s Victorville got to do with this? And has McKeon lined up any co-sponsors for his bill? Should be interesting. Jon Dell has your primer.
- City Counsel releases memo to City Council: Tee-hee! Carl Newton’s advice to the members of the former City Council was that council members “must report a particular source of income to his or her business entity if the counicl member’s share of the gross income is $10,000 or more.” That’s fancy talk which means that at height of the Form 700 controversy, Newton recommended to Mayor Kellar and other Councilmembers that they full disclose their income, even if it’s their personal business. Kellar eventually did just that and the controversy deflated more rapidly than a popped birthday balloon. Katie Geyer raps it up here.
- Cowboy Festival info: Stephen Peeeples has the 411 on what’s hot for this weekend’s Cowboy Festival.
- Hundreds turn out for funeral of 24 year old: James Neill died on April 16 “when his vehicle flipped over and collided with a tree on Hasley Canyon Road near his home.” The Hart High grad’s funeral was attended by over 400 people at Grace Baptist Church where he was remembered as a good friend, a golfer, and student at CSUN. Still no reporting on what caused the car to “flip over.” Link
- Hart Alum Doctor saves life at 30,000 feet: Hart High Class of 95 (rah rah) grad Micah Berry had just finished his final year of med school at Harvard and was flying home to SoCal when he heard a flight attendant ask if anyone on board was a doctor. “I was a bit reluctant because I’m a new physician,” he said. “But eventually I walked up to the flight attendant and said I could be of assistance.” Karen Elowitt takes up the story from there.
- Ambulance Workers set to strike Monday: Some 60 ambulance workers in the SCV could strike on Monday according to KTLA 5. The medics want better pay and better benefits. To all the replacement drivers: Just find McBean if you are lost. McBean leads to the hospital, mmkay? Link
- Two Pedestrians injured in Saugus: A 19 year old man and woman were walking on the sidewalk on Bouquet when a car driven by another 19 year old jumped the curb and plowed into them, The Signal reports today. Both pedestrians are in serious condition. Parimal Rohit reports.
Miscellaneous
- Runner Petition to be on ballot in November: Senator George Runner, the conservative senator who represents a part of the SCV, has obtained some 800,000 signatures for his “Safe Neighborhoods Act” which will increase punishment for gang members. The initiative, should it become law, will also deny bail to undocumented immigrants who are arrested and require gang members to register with local authorities. The Fresno Bee has more.
- Democratic Assemblyman to visit SCV Democratic Club: Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes will be at tomorrow’s Democratic Club of the SCV Texas Hold-em fundraising event. Organizer Mike Cruz thinks the attention from a Democratic Assemblyman may help SCV Democrats to play a part in the 19th Senate District -which also represents a portion of Santa Clarita- race. That seat, to be vacated by ultra-conservative Tom McClintock this November, is reportedly “one to watch.” More details here.
- For once, I agree with I Heart: Just why did the City take the “Poetry & Music” out of the Cowboy Festival? For a decade or more, it was known as Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival. I Heart ponders that and displays his vast collection of “PoFest” T-shirts here.
- SCVTrashTalk.com: So there’s been some buzz about a new Santa Clarita Blog, and as usual, I’m the last person to know about it. SCVTrashTalk.com (NOT AFFILIATED WITH ME IN ANY WAY) says it will open tonight and is inviting SCV readers to send in gossip about Santa Clarita. The site is full of cursing, crude language, caps-lock passages, but looks to be interesting. SCVTrashTalk will also reportedly have a “Bitch of the Day” and a podcast. A sample: “WE NEED TO PUT A STOP TO THE GOSSIPING, FAKE BOOBED, BMW DRIVING BITCHES. THE MONEY HUNGRY SAVAGES WHO SLEEP AROUND ON THEIR WIVES. THE BUSINESS OWNERS WHO ARE SO CORRUPT THEY WOULD CHARGE THEIR OWN CHILDREN FULL PRICE. HOW ABOUT ALL THE DUMB ASSES WHO LIVE THEIR LIVES BASED ON MATERIAL ITEMS, ASK THOSE DUMB ASSES WHY THEIR HOMES ARE IN FORECLOSURE! LETS DO IT PEOPLE! LETS F*** WITH THESE SELF RIGHTEOUS F*****!” Link (may not be work safe)
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McKeon to announce CEMEX Legislation today:
I am sure it will be earth shattering. The problem is that the two state queens do not agree with Bucky.
cash
25 Apr 08 at 7:32 am
Wow! Upon reading everyone’s comments yesterday, including some really dopey ones, I thought it prudent to display the following brilliant observation again today:
dgauny on Apr 24th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I’ve been traveling a bit and slow to post the last few days but if you’ll humor me, I’d like to comment on the “Avenues” article - and the hospital.
Smart Growth SCV is opposed to reckless growth. We are NOT –and never have been— an “organized opposition… to the Henry Mayo Newhall Hostpial expansion.” I know this was not the point of your article but frankly I expected a more accurate desciption of our efforts, Jeff.
Unfortunately, I do expect snippy and trite remarks from Tim. For the record, we have NEVER opposed the hospital and we’ve never “criminalized” commerce either. Good at math and pissing people off, Tim’s slow to understand facts on this issue. Or maybe he just doesn’t want to tell the truth. Whatever the case, he seems lonely.
Smart Growth SCV has two fundamental issues: (1) we oppose the city’s okay to rape our General Plan using the recently passed “Master Plan” entitlement and (2) we think there is a fundamental problem with transparency and due process at City Hall on these and MANY other issues.
First off, our “master planned community” exists only because of a document called a “General Plan”. California state law requires that our city protect neighborhoods and communities by only approving development consistent with its zoning guidelines and its General Plan. It cannot vote against its own General Plan unless there is a substantial and clear public benefit that outweighs the violation(s). This protects all of us.
So, when G&L proposed its 1.75 million sqft project on 30 acres in a Residential Zone, it knew it could never legally be approved – ever. Thankfully, hospital-CEO-turned-spokesman Seaver advocated a co-applicant agreement for a grand “hospital expansion”: a 25-year contract that would provide numerous benefits including 240 new beds and “Centers of Excellence” like cancer centers, heart specialists, NICU, etc. The only problem is that –READ THIS TIM— literally none of these things have ever existed in any real substance. First, they hemmed and hawed that there were errors in the documents but, in the end, after 3 years, there may be 20 beds guaranteed and literally –READ THIS TIM— not one square foot of new services promised. It took awhile for the black eye to show but now the new OFFICIAL name for the project is the “Henry Mayo CAMPUS expansion plan.” This more accurate –and decidedly more vague- project includes 1.2 million sqft of space, no guarantees to build anything, and only 12K sqft of the 200K proposed MOB space committed to Centers of Excellence… “or other hospital related uses.” That’s either 6% or, if you’re picky, potentially ZERO. The “clear public benefit” is anything but.
The fact is that by not being truthful to begin with, the G&L partners sort of criminalized themselves. Yet rather than really come to the table, the naked emperor responds with vehement anger, threats of lost business to those who oppose, and myriad attempts to marginalize people who genuinely care about the hospital, including the Newhall’s whose family donated the land to it! Even with no guarantee on the hospital, we still support a helipad and 160K MOB space, just in the hope that it will be built! Is this type of risk really characteristic of unreasonable, selfish, lying NIMBYs?
Instead, city staffers have worked overtime to bury many facts. Not only has no effort been made to seriously engage competing health care providers, city-paid consultants misled our council by claiming that calls made to other hospitals yielded no interest in plans to locate facilities here. Then, of course, neighboring Providence Holy Cross CEO showed up and claimed that no such call was ever received and that they were indeed interested in doing so. Yet no comprehensive medical plan has ever been put in the works. Pulskamp is busy welcoming retailers, putting on bike races, and posting his picture everywhere but remains absent on this. Why? Perhaps because he’s on Henry Mayo’s Governance Committee? I don’t know but I have no other explanation.
I DO HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU… I too support higher density, live/work development! But I also realize that there are endless square miles already zoned commercially for this all over the SFV and beyond – where all the people already live! It’s ready to build ad nauseum but developers don’t like the cost of razing buildings. It’s cheaper to bulldoze new and vacant land and quite a few people are getting really rich doing it. Now SCV, next the 126, etc.
I have to ask: why here? We have a General Plan more consistent with areas like Calabasas, Agora Hills, or Santa Barbara. There are many more examples in NorCal like Walnut Creek, Danville, or Los Altos. You may say people there are rich but I will tell you that they have solid, consistent leadership that says no to the hyper-development, pro-density mirage Lambert is selling. Populations grow there too and those cities are the envy of cities everywhere. Imagine property that is always desirable, where density is consistent with the roadways. Developers in those areas respect the community and the citizens who live there – civic leaders demand it. Instead of hiding facts from the public, they demand accountability from builders. Don’t get me wrong, we have developers like that in this town who pursue “business friendly” opportunities with community interest rather than self-interest. We certainly can decide right now to never allow traffic-clogged urban centers. It’s already the law, we just have to follow it.
The Avenues is a disaster because it violates every wise planning principal. It’s 400% larger than zoning allows and, like the hospital, has one primary access. Lambert’s plan will probably offer the owners a similar multi-decade Development Agreement that will run with the land. The boilerplate language will prevent the city from stopping the development. Mark my words, once this begins happening we will lose the ability to capture what should have been. Then, when it’s unbearable here, we’ll all move down the 126. Do we really save any trees/traffic in doing so?
Neither I nor Smart Growth SCV are anti-growth. My livelihood depends on growth and I promise you that I have a very good grasp on economics. Rather, I have a very clear and simple vision for our city to be GREAT; well-planned, protected, and always desirable. When I hear arguments that this can never be, all I think is what an old, fat, and tired excuse to do nothing.
Why don’t we continue to work on annexing the I-5/126 area and plan continue to build out the industrial/commercial centers there. This could include a MRF and a real regional medical facility that’s accessible to all areas via the cross-valley connector. It’s called planning.
Read and consider what I’m saying here and please don’t take my words out of context. Stop calling me a NIMBY and stop settling for a sellout of our city - this is way beyond a hospital in my backyard and it always has been. No one should be surprised that we’re stepping out on another issue now. This is our city and it will only be great if we demand it.
CIB Bill
25 Apr 08 at 8:31 am
The 19th SD is a very close one. The first chance to have local democratic representation in a very, very long time. Not that any of you care.
I’m not holding my breath on Cemex, but we’ll see.
What would be the crime for failing to register s a gang member? Bangin’ without a license?
That Hasley Canyon is a scary road. There’s what, 100 homes up there? and nearly a half dozen roadside memorials, it seems. For a dead-end street, no less.
Mike
25 Apr 08 at 8:36 am
Why do reporters report collisions (they are by and large NOT accidents) as though the car was driving itself? Recent examples:
“Her car ran off the road”
“His car went airborne and hit a tree”
“The car went off the freeway and flipped over”
Someone was driving when these collisions occurred.
Carrie
25 Apr 08 at 8:46 am
Should we be surprised that Bucky’s office is next to the office of one the biggest lobbyist (Hunt) in our City! No name on the outside directory! I am not surprised.
cash
25 Apr 08 at 8:52 am
Oh My Gosh - Mike woke up on the wrong side of bed again!
Carrie, it’s usually the liberal media that make such reports, but typically they report big bad SUV’s crashing into things. Understand this, liberals do not hold people accountable for their actions.
Bob
25 Apr 08 at 8:53 am
Bob on Apr 25th, 2008 at 8:53 am
“Understand this, liberals do not hold people accountable for their actions.”
What?! Good job generalizing Bob. You’ll have to really try hard to make others understand that statement.
lvogel
25 Apr 08 at 9:04 am
When someone is killed by another (by their actions behind the wheel), are you telling me that a ‘liberal’ would not hold that ‘reckless’ individual responsible for ‘killing’ their loved one? They’ll just blame it on the CAR? I know 2 parents that have lost their children, who would take exception to that. Please I want to understand your statement to Carries original question.
lvogel
25 Apr 08 at 9:10 am
“Barton’s car was rear-ended by the Saturn, sending Barton’s vehicle out of control, jumping the curb and hitting Garcia and Martinez.”
I think this was described quite well. A matter of physics, really. If you are rear-ended and the force of that collision moves your car, you are no longer “driving” the car.
I drove by the aftermath of that incident and mistook it for road rage because of how quickly the drivers got out of their cars. I even called the police. I didn’t know there were pedestrians involved. When I was a kid I was hit by a fast moving car, as a pedestrian. Not a fun experience.
Mike
25 Apr 08 at 9:19 am
Thank you, CIB Bill, for posting David’s comments up here again. Yes, brilliant describes every word of his commentary.
Pauline Harte
25 Apr 08 at 9:22 am
Let’s not forget that the reporter made it quite clear that the driver’s actions (cutting off the other driver) precipitated the collision. I thought it was a very well-writen article that filled in a lot of details that are usually left out. But Carrie, I generally agree, but not in this case. I’m always irked when I read about an unusual accident without and explanation beyond the five seconds prior to impact. But these details are sometimes known only to the drivers.
Mike
25 Apr 08 at 9:24 am
Ivogel, so sorry for your friend’s loss of their children as that is extremely hard to live with.
But here’s the situation: Democrats, mainly liberal Democrats, are constantly opposing the death penalty… they constantly show substantially more compassion to criminals than victims. How many news reports have you seen where liberal judges have released pedophiles to commit more crime against defenseless children… same with rapists.
Bob
25 Apr 08 at 9:32 am
“How many news reports have you seen where liberal judges have released pedophiles to commit more crime against defenseless children…”
You talking about the legal system or the Catholic Church!
cash
25 Apr 08 at 9:38 am
I’m talkin’ about liberals. Are you one, Cash?
Bob
25 Apr 08 at 9:40 am
Let’s not forget that the reporter made it quite clear that the driver’s actions (cutting off the other driver) precipitated the collision.
I think we were talking about the other story- the 24 year old man who’s car “flipped over” somehow and hit a tree. To my knowledge, there’s been no explanation on what caused him to flip over.
Jeff
25 Apr 08 at 9:46 am
Oh, I’m sorry, I confused stories.
Mike
25 Apr 08 at 9:57 am
I’m talkin’ about liberals. Are you one, Cash?
And you draw your conclusion from my written position on the various issues raised by Jeffery! Not very astute are we?
Next you will make the assumption that I am a Catholic, or that I am a pedophile.
cash
25 Apr 08 at 9:59 am
You can’t pin down cash. I will only assume that he is not a dues-paying member of the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce, nor a customer of Valencia Acura.
Mike
25 Apr 08 at 10:00 am
You’re correct Mike
cash
25 Apr 08 at 10:17 am
Bob, thanks for your thoughts and attempt at helping me understand, however I still think it’s an ‘extreme’ statement. If it were stated by you or anyone else that Republicans “mainly Conservative Repulicans” were all vigilante’s and believed only in an ‘eye-for-an-eye’ that too would be extreme. In fact, it’s a belief that most of the ‘Arab’ nations believe strongly in.
I still can’t help but think of those ‘loved ones’ who sit in a court room for days, weeks or even months waiting for that ‘criminal’ to be found guilty so the ‘victim can get their justice. Does it really matter what ‘party’ they belong to as long as there is ‘justice’? I’m hoping that the Jury isn’t sitting there wondering what political party either the victim or defendent belongs to.
At the risk of sounding ‘liberal’ I strongly believe that
we can’t continue to blame the ill’s of our justice,economic or any other ‘problem’ in our country, on one group over the other!
Unfortunately, division is a big problem with our politics today and the ‘I’m right, your wrong’ approach just doesn’t seem to be working.
Of course, that’s just my opinion!
lvogel
25 Apr 08 at 10:19 am
Cash, please don’t get excited as I simply asked a question; I have not made any assumptions.
Ivogel, do you favor the Death Penalty? Do you favor Jessica’s Law? I believe the majority of conservatives would answer these type questions with a resounding YES! You seriously don’t believe liberals would answer likewise.
Bob
25 Apr 08 at 10:41 am
Ivogle, I’d also like to point out that our two party system has always resulted in divisiveness. I do not see it as a problem, but as a strength in our free country.
Bob
25 Apr 08 at 10:45 am
Cash, please don’t get excited as I simply asked a question; I have not made any assumptions.
Bob you do not excite me. I believe that where there is smoke there is fire!
cash
25 Apr 08 at 10:46 am
Hey! HEY! Lets get back to something that we have a chance of resolving! Please refer to dgauny’s brilliant message above. SCV citizens must rally together to put a stop to out of control growth in our residential communities. Anybody spot McBean’s clogged up traffic mess today? A little street maintenance and whammo, you’re seriously stuck. And left to City Hall, it’s going to get much worse!
CIB Bill
25 Apr 08 at 10:52 am
If I understand the agreement, Cemex trades the mine property for land in Victorville and Victorville becomes the new owner of the mine property. Cemex can then sell the land to the City of Victorville or a developer. And the City of Victorville sees this as a good deal. The way I see it, Victorville ends up with a rock pile and nothing more. I must be missing something! But I really only have one question, and that is will the taxpayers get back the $7,000,000.00 Kellar and company wasted fighting the mine?
cash
25 Apr 08 at 11:07 am
Your right Bill! The politics will always be there, but I must answer Bobs questions first: I believe in bringing justice to the Victim. If it means the death penalty, yes! Jessica’s Law, yes! Any law that is in place to help the victim(s), yes! Yes! Yes! But, my concern is that Republicans and Democrats alike, want TOTAL control/say over the country. Your right, it should be the strenght of our country to have a two party sytem, but it’s not feeling so strong these days, is it?
Yes Bill, traffic was bad today! Usually when it’s that bad there’s an accident on the freeway and traffic is being diverted. Speaking of McBean; last Thursday night at around 9:30 or 10:00 I noticed the lights at McBean and Orchard were blinking red, with portable stop signs at each intersection. There were black markers on the street. Could that have been a ‘traffic survey’ being done at that hour? I often wonder when those survey’s are done. They should be done on days like today! Or even between 6:30 and 9:00 am. I’m not familiar with how traffic surveys are done, anyone else?
lvogel
25 Apr 08 at 11:07 am
Ivogel says: Your right, it should be the strenght of our country to have a two party sytem, but it’s not feeling so strong these days, is it?
Good answers! We live in THE strongest Country in THE history of THE World. While it’s true, our economy is not percolating along at it’s peak right now, I wouldn’t trade it for another. There are numerous buying opportunities out there and I’m very optimistic that things will improve dramatically… unless of course, Democrats control Congress and the White House next year. In which case taxation for all of us will soar to new heights.
Bob
25 Apr 08 at 11:40 am
You bring up a very good point, CIB Bill.
We do NOT have the infrastructure in place to grow into a metropolis of high rise buildings! We constantly bring up the San Fernando Valley as something we don’t want to become, yet we will never have it that good when it comes to adequate infrustructure. And why even have a General Plan if it is going to be ignored? Why allow people to purchase homes based on a General Plan just to pull it out from under them?
As for The Avenues, please, most of the jobs will be minimum wage, and many of those people will be coming from the Antelope Valley and the San Fernando Valley, clogging up the freeways to get here. Even our city staff doesn’t like this project, and considering the hard no stance this city has taken on Las Lomas, we could be incurring a lawsuit from Palmer if we say yes to a similar project here - and even scaled down to half is too much.
The Calgrove Coalition is not saying no to any project that property, just to projects that are too huge in size to even be safe on that site. Who would want to live in a high-rise on unstable riverbed ground with major liquifaction issues in case of an earthquake?
And considering the EPA fines Monte Verde has had to pay in the past with their Plum Canyon construction problems, they have already proven that they do not take enough care with grading and drainage issues.
The G&L MOB project was touted as the “hospital expansion” when no such expansion existed in writing, AND an escape clause was added to protect G&L from even having to build an expansion at all. The residents have been very clear that they do not oppose a hospital expansion, but they want to be assured that the hospital will indeed be expanded. At a city council meeting, David Gauny was even asked if he would agree to an extra floor being added to the hospital, and he said yes, that was fine with Smart Growth. But G&L does NOT want to build floors on that hospital at all, they don’t want to build anything but office buildings that come with a huge parking deficit that was built right into the master plan to begin with.
The Avenues claims they will have 4,000 jobs, for heaven’s sake, they could never fill that parking requirement, and surrounding neighborhoods would bear the burden of that project’s inadequate parking.
On such unstable riverbed that comprises the Smiser property, the structures should not be allowed higher than 3 floors. Buidling in riverbeds should not even be allowed anyway, but developers should at least use good judgement planning their projects if they insist on buidling on unstable ground in earthquake/flood-prone areas.
Pauline Harte
25 Apr 08 at 11:41 am
And another thing: How the heck will “The Avenues” developer guarantee that it’s new residents have employment there?
We need the Calgrove Coalition, Smartgrowth, Citizens Against The Dump, and all other such groups to form an alliance to minimize Pulskamp’s damage to our bedroom communities.
CIB Bill
25 Apr 08 at 12:07 pm
CIB, I took the time to read Gauny’s post yesterday and I was grateful he took the time to expound on the issues of runaway development greed. I have spent time in each of the cities he named and I concur completely that those cities have closely guarded there uniqueness and quality by good government and development. Being so close to the SFV we suffer from a Siamese twin effect where growth seems to mimic the adjoining population. This spill over mentality is natural because the sheer mass of people who can live or get here and spend their paychecks. Developers look at Santa Clarita and see this I-5 juggler vain of customers and proximity to population (fuel) to there urban/density mentality.
Gauny’s reference to Santa Barbra and Thousand Oaks as a place of good city planning is true. However, they don’t have appendage populations pushing developers to satisfy there need to build so people can consume. These areas still consume but it’s more quality consumption.
We don’t have to lay down to this development strip mining just like other cities haven’t. It only requires a willing population to say no and a city master plan that reflects the vision of the people- not developers. We also need a city manager and Council who guards that vision like their life depends on it. Who is the moral population arbiter in SCV sitting back saying we need larger human population here? Who is saying we need to create “WhoVille village” were we live a block away from work? Is there a social engineering council I haven’t heard about? That’s great in theory or watching Dr. Seuss! Very few can do that and for them that’s great.
Our problem here is complex to say the least, but we have large million/billion dollar developers who need to feed their machines and we are the likely target due to our proximity to so much available middle income money. This is coupled with the need to pack people into every sf possible. OK, I get it, but that’s our fault because we haven’t demanded otherwise until SmartGrowthSCV and others were born and started swinging tier irons around at these guys. I like These groups and I like the fearless way the public is advancing on this course correction our city needs. My hat is off to Smart Grouth, CCAC, Us wethepeople, and scvTalk to name a few for giving real people a chance to change our course. Thanks Dave and others out there. And to all of you here who toss these ideas around. It’s always to have this sort of banter.
Sterling
WethepeopleSCV
25 Apr 08 at 12:30 pm
You people realize that this is only a proposed project right?
KipRockfist
25 Apr 08 at 12:40 pm
You people realize that this is only a proposed project right?
Yes we do, don’t you? Opposition is more effective if it starts early. Have you ever tried to heard cats?
cash
25 Apr 08 at 12:43 pm
I have “heard” cats before. Sometimes they sound like whining babies, it’s sort of freaky.
And I only try and “herd” cats in densely populated developments that promote smart growth all the while being scrutinized by local liberals and rinky-dink news outlets amidst corrupt city managers who plan to band together to destroy the earth with strip malls and delusions of revitalizing areas with redevelopment!
Did I get it all?
KipRockfist
25 Apr 08 at 12:52 pm
You people realize that this is only a proposed project right?
Uh, yeah, we do know that, what’s your point…..I believe “proposed” has been used many times in relation to this project, certainly by me. A message is being sent to irrepsponsible developers and lobbyists; they deliberately propose outrageous projects so when the project is pared down to something that is still outrageous in size and scope, they figure everyone will be grateful and accept it. This is a waste of everyone’s time, including the time of this city’s city staff. Jay and Joyce Rogers “proposed” a project 12 times bigger than Las Lomas, why, when they know this city said no to Las Lomas. It’s being opposed BEFORE it gets to the Planning Commision, and that is called a pre-emptive strike, I believe. Seems to have worked real well; hopefully, we have set a precedent for other residents who find their communites in the same situation.
Pauline Harte
25 Apr 08 at 1:17 pm
“I have “heard” cats before. Sometimes they sound like whining babies, it’s sort of freaky”
Thanks for correcting the grammar; I give you an “A”. I hope you feel better now.
At my age I have probably forgotten more than you will ever learn. But thanks again.
Now try a add something meaningful. So far you have earned an “F” in that regard.
cash
25 Apr 08 at 1:24 pm
I’d be hard pressed to add something meaningful to this conversation in the eyes of any of these posters. At this point my goal is to provide comic relief for those non-posters who may actually read this far down the page.
As for those irrepsponsible [sic] developers and lobbyists, I’m sure they are too busy sacrificing those herded cats and lighting Cuban cigars with $1,000 bills while laughing maniacally to receive the messages a few regular posters on this site continually regurgitate. All of them except those G&L goons that are out to ruin Mrs. Harte’s reputation of course.
KipRockfist
25 Apr 08 at 1:46 pm
KipRockfist on Apr 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
all the while being scrutinized by local liberals
WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO BE POLITICAL, KIPROCKFIST? It’s ‘everyones’ city that we’re concerned about. Conservatives and Liberals are concerned about this subject. I don’t know the affiliation of anyone here, or anyone on the Council or City Staff. I don’t know the developers affiliation. It doesn’t matter! This is a city issue that will effect EVERYONES life in some way, good or bad.
lvogel
25 Apr 08 at 1:50 pm
lvogel = That entire paragraph was a J-O-K-E referencing posts by other users over the past couple weeks. The liberals comment can be found in the copious amount of word on this page.
KipRockfist
25 Apr 08 at 1:56 pm
Finally an honest comment from Kid Kip: I’d be hard pressed to add something meaningful to this conversation…
Hit the bricks, Kid.
CIB Bill
25 Apr 08 at 2:00 pm
My goodness, seems Kip is getting very personal with me. He also sounds a tad angry. I don’t believe I ever said that the G&L goons were out to “ruin my reputation.” I didn’t even say those words when I complained to city council about the unacceptable behavior of the “G&L goons.” In fact, I am surprised to hear that my “reputation” is even an issue.
“As for those irrepsponsible [sic] developers and lobbyists,”
Yes, Kip. I do my fair share of typos, something I have admitted here many times. But…..since you have taken it upon yourself to be the SCVTalk grammar police…….
KipRockfist on Apr 25th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
You people realize that this is only a proposed project right?
Kip, you should have included a comma between project and right. That’s what happens when you ridicule others for spelling and typos…..kinda means you have to be perfect yourself - and you aren’t.
Pauline Harte
25 Apr 08 at 2:16 pm
KipRockfist on Apr 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
lvogel = That entire paragraph was a J-O-K-E
S-O S-O-R-R-Y Kip! Didn’t notice the LOL or LMAO or HaHaHA. My B-A-D.
lvogel
25 Apr 08 at 2:28 pm
ALL of my comments are honest Old Man Bill. I’m not going anywhere. Well, I may have to run out to the store later but the roads aren’t paved with bricks anymore.
I’ll take the bait anyway.
My opinions on this project (and others like it) are from that of 30 something adult who has lived in this Valley since the mid 80’s. In my opinion this City needs more local entertainment, higher-end retail and higher density residential developments. I agree that the proposed project is too big and I highly doubt the project would ever get past the planning commission as is. But it is exciting to know that some have a vision of what this City can become.
Now, most of the people on this board like the status quo. They would’ve been happy with an end to development BEFORE the mall was built. I disagree and I imagine so does the general population of this City, especially those in the 18-35 year old age range. The posts on this board have become the same rhetoric over and over again. They consistently refer-in some way or another-to the “will of the people”, and that City Hall and most recently Mr. Pulskamp is not listening to the people. I submit that they ARE listing to the MAJORITY of the people. Those people may not come to every council meeting and speak on every single item on the consent calendar. But they do live here, and they do enjoy living here.
Lastly I’d say that I do not envy those who work for the City who are truly trying to make this a better place to live while continually being bashed in forums like these.
KipRockfist
25 Apr 08 at 2:35 pm
Pauline Harte: Let me apologize as I did not mean to attack you personally. I just knew that my tongue-in-cheek statement would have most assuredly warranted a response about the G&L folks reading this board.
And I’m not mad, or angry, quite the opposite. This site has provided me with plenty of laughs over the last two days. The [sic] was included since I noticed my spell checker highlighting the word, nothing more.
KipRockfist
25 Apr 08 at 2:43 pm
Kip, I second that. Well put.
Mike
25 Apr 08 at 2:50 pm
“They would’ve been happy with an end to development BEFORE the mall was built”
You would be very wrong if you believe your statement. I lived here before the mall was built and was happy to see it completed. I think the mall expansion will be nice, yet I know the traffic is going to be a nightmare. Personally, the traffic is not a problem , I can see the mall from my home. Secondly, you have no way of knowing what the majority thinks. If one were to judge from the recent election, the majority has no opinion. Kenny is influenced by special interest, and of course they want to see more homes and more people. They need this to continue to grow their business.
cash
25 Apr 08 at 3:08 pm
Glad to hear you support the expansion. To clarify, I said “I would imagine”, I don’t pretend to know what runs through people’s minds. May I ask two questions, what do you consider “special interest” and how long have you known “Kenny”?
KipRockfist
25 Apr 08 at 3:24 pm
I have followed the council agenda and their meetings for 15 years, and Kenny as long as he has been a part of it. If you do not know the meaning of special interest, and who they are, you are starting to far down the education process, and I do want to spend the time necessary to help you understand.
Thanks for being here today. Have a good evening. Cash
cash
25 Apr 08 at 3:42 pm
I figured as much. Good day.
KipRockfist
25 Apr 08 at 3:51 pm
Wow, lots of interesting posts today from development to death penalty!. Thanks to the many who understand what we’re about and sorry for the long post. I just felt it was important to state our position and goals before our goals were misrepresented/misunderstood.
Kip - I get that your comments were intended to be humorous; I get the same way when I see everyone fired up over something and it just seems like it needs to be defused. But regarding the “will of the people”, if the “majority” wants these developments, why does our city staff so consistently obfuscate the facts so the people can’t see the real impacts? If people want the project, then damn the facts, right?
Surely, you’ve seen/heard the countless examples of our staff downplaying major flaws in developments, right? For example, Pulskamp has proposed averaging traffic over 24-hour periods when considering new development in order to reduce traffic mitigation requirements on development. Does the majority view traffic this way? Don’t we really care about what traffic we are actually in as opposed to what is happening at 3am?
The problem is that the public is misled. I have no doubt that the vast majority of the citizens support a hospital expansion. I certainly do! But what they think they’re getting and what is actually contracted are entirely different and our wonderful city staff NEVER uttered a word. It took Boydston forcing the issue until the CEO finally caved. Where the hell is everyone else who was representing the “majority”??
These issues are not endless rhetoric regurgitated on this site. A majority who is misled on a project may support it in concept but if they’re lied to, that support is not genuine. This false premise should not result in approvals and it certainly isn’t a legal approach to planning or due process.
This site, as well as the many groups that are beginning to form, are creating a forum for the FACTS to be heard. Something our city and our local paper has not been providing.
I for one welcome your humor but I hope you’ll also bring a bit more depth than spelling corrections and off-topic points. If you choose to be misled and think we’re a small group of impotent idiots, there are certainly other news resources for you in the community. If not, then welcome!
Again, thanks to all for hearing me out on the hospital/Avenues issues.
dgauny
25 Apr 08 at 5:07 pm
dgauny
First off, just because I make a joke and correct two misspellings (one that was way off and provided fodder for said joke) I’ve become the grammar and spelling
nazipolice? Really?Back on point. Let me say that I completely agree with your stance on the hospital plan, and I also agree with the way you convey your message. You do so in an intelligent manner and seem like someone who, when faced with facts, right or wrong would easily admit so. Of course we need people like you who will intelligently debate the issues and bring up points that others may not have considered. However, there are others in the community who try to push their agenda with outrageous accusations and in a dramatic style that is frankly getting old. I don’t think you are ALL idiots.
I find it hard to believe that city staff is willingly misleading people because of a diabolical city manager’s direction. I find it hard to believe that the entire planning department is out to “get” the residents of this valley. For what? Could there be some other reason that traffic counts should be averaged over a 24 hour period? Has anyone asked? But that is not the point.
What I have a problem with, here and any online forum, is that people that have strong opinions sometimes have those opinions for the wrong reasons. Voicing your opinion is one thing, but doing so while dragging public officials through the mud with (usually) little or no evidence just sits wrong with me. And that type of post seems to have been increasing as of late in the world of SCVTalk.
I’m the first to admit I may be wrong. Maybe the big bad government machine has me fooled or maybe I just happen to like the flavor of the kool-aid. I’ve never been wronged by said government. No one has ever tried to take my house to build a new freeway. No one has ever told me that my buisiness is encroaching on the city’s right of way.
However, I do enjoy where I live. I’m raising a family here in a safe environment; a clean community that allows me, my family and friends to enjoy an excellent quality of life. Because of that, because of what this City has accomplished over the last 20 years, because other city’s are declaring bankruptcy, I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt.
At the same time, I will always listen to an intelligent argument from any side…
KipRockfist
25 Apr 08 at 7:03 pm
Dave, you get a second from WethePeopleSCV on that.
I would like to arrive at a point where builders think first and foremost about respecting our valley. Who step back and say, “We can’t mess with Santa Clarita so we need to start off right.” Not the G&L/Avenue approach of strip mining our neighborhoods for their bottom line regardless. That’s all. It’s that simple for me. I understand that’s not easy to change, I hope we can.
I went out and visited with 8 of my neighbors this evening and it was awesome to see the spark of excitement they had about supporting this course correction for the Avenue. Every one of them had a hunger to be involved. Half of them with little kids and want a place that is pleasant, safe, and uncongested as was intended. It’s nice to get out and walk a neighborhood and see what people think. You all should try it sometime and see the like-mindedness you run into. Anyway, it was good times. Have a good weekend !!
sok
WethepeopleSCV
25 Apr 08 at 7:39 pm
“What I have a problem with, here and any online forum, is that people that have strong opinions sometimes have those opinions for the wrong reasons. Voicing your opinion is one thing, but doing so while dragging public officials through the mud with (usually) little or no evidence just sits wrong with me. And that type of post seems to have been increasing as of late in the world of SCVTalk.”
You are a bit arrogant in your beliefs. You make a big assumption when you state that you know posters have “no evidence”. You seem to be the one that lacks the background and understand. this is clear in your posts. The reason this blog is more active is because the residents are tired of the way the City is operating.
cash
26 Apr 08 at 7:27 am
Excellent, Cash! I agree 100%.
CIB Bill
26 Apr 08 at 11:46 am