May 8, 2008 - Daily Brief
Major deal struck at Tejon Ranch, budget challenges at City Hall, perchlorate to get cleaned up despite EPA, Cesar Milan loves the SCV, oil and Santa Clarita, plus the Signal gets a makeover? Hey, lazybones, it’s the Thursday Daily Brief! What are you waiting for? Click read more.
News
- Environmentalists/Developers strike deal for Tejon Ranch: A coalition of environmental groups including the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Audubon Society and others will not oppose the construction of some 26,000 homes in the untouched Tejon Ranch wilderness area north of Santa Clarita, the Los Angeles Times reports today. The groups came to an agreement with the developer of the property, Tejon Ranch Company, that will set aside some 178,000 acres -plus options for an additional 62,000 acres- of land in the area. The Times calls the deal a “major truce” that will allow Tejon Ranch to build homes without fighting a potentially decades-long court battle. The environmental groups seem to be happy that the area’s unique biodiversity will be preserved to a large extent, though some groups still express reservations. Interstate 5, here they come. Link
- Housing downturns makes City tighten belt: The City Council and City staff met recently to discuss the 2008-09 budget for the City of Santa Clarita and are “expecting a 2 percent drop in total revenue” due mostly to a drop in “housing development revenue,” according to Katie Geyer at The Signal. The drop in revenue may affect some of the larger projects the City hoped to work on this year, but for the most part, “funding will continue for existing projects and services.” Councilwoman Marsha McLean thinks Santa Clarita is in pretty good shape compared to other cities: “There are an awful lot of cities having a really tough time and are on the verge of bankruptcy,” she said. Geyer has details on what’s hot and what’s not in the new budget here.
- EPA wavers on Perchlorate contamination, CLWA says plans for cleanup moving forward: Here’s a story that came out of left field: The Signal’s Jim Holt reports that on Tuesday, an assistant administrator of water at the EPA testified before the US Senate that perchlorate contamination in water supplies poses a risk but that regulating it might not do much good. That had The Signal curious about our own perchlorate contamination in the SCV at the site of the Whittaker-Bermite property in the so-called donut-hole. Holt spoke with Castaic Lake Water manager Dan Masnada about the news and whether it would effect the ongoing cleanup of that site, which was home to a weapons manufacturer back in the day. “It doesn’t have a whole lot of relevance…what is most important is that we have a settlement agreement regarding the cleaning up of perchlorate and we’re moving ahead on that,” Masnada told The Signal. Also in the article: our favorite local lobbyist has his hands in a new honeypot: this time, Scott Wilk is working with his old boss Buck McKeon and CLWA to secure funding for the cleanup. Story here.
- Alleged Kidnapper nabbed in Canyon Country: On April 29, a 15 year old girl was waiting at a bus stop on Soledad Road when authorities allege that a 27 year old Palmdale man named Cesar Galvan “approached her, began asking questions, then grabbed her arm and attempted to pull her away,” according to CBS 2. The girl fought back, kicking the attacker, and was able to run to a nearby business. SCV Sheriff’s detectives then assembled a “surveillance operation at the same bus stop” on Tuesday and when they spotted Galvan, they arrested him. They’re now asking the community whether anyone has run-ins with this man before. CBS 2, SCVSheriff.com story with photos.
- Oil prices make SoCal oil extraction feasible again: Interesting program last night hosted by KCRW’s Warren Olney. The price of a barrel of oil now hovers around $123, and some analysts think it could shoot as high as $200, all of which makes it once again economically feasible for oil companies to expand extraction of Southern California oil fields. The show didn’t mention Santa Clarita specifically, but as we all know, our valley has an intimate history with oil that continues to this day. In fact, I did some digging just to see where SCV oil fields are and how much production is going on. Did you know that there are some 15.8 million proven barrels of oil beneath Placerita Canyon, where two companies continue to extract supply to this day? Berry Petroleum, a Bakersfield company, operates scores of wells in the Canyon and north of it along Sierra Highway. And that’s not all; according to the state’s Geothermal department, there are huge oil fields all around the SCV, including the massive Newhall-Portrero one near where Newhall Ranch is to be built. “Billions” of barrels of oil have been extracted from Southern California (at one time California was the top oil-producing state in the country) so you should listen to Olney’s show to see how the future might look a lot like the past in Southern California.
- Cesar Millan dishes on life in the SCV: The popular host of the Dog Whisperer, the hit NatGeo show, moved his entire “Dog Psychology Center” to the SCV last year and apparently moved his family with him. He writes in the Times today on what he likes to do in Santa Clarita. The Mexican-American man says one of his favorite meal spots is Tortas Ahogadas (anyone know where that’s at?) and he digs El Torito as well. His family is still getting used to having Magic Mountain nearby as well; Millan says they go just about every week. Link
Miscellaneous
- New Look for The Signal: The newspaper that’s served the SCV in one form or another since 1919 had a significantly different look this morning. Mostly the paper’s fonts are different, but the layout, UPC code, and weather have all been moved to the left side of A-1. A-2 has a better design as well with the commentary more prominently featured. What I like best is the funny pages -aka the opinion section- it looks much more professional and dare I say it -sophisticated- than the old look. Now Editor Lila Littlejohn, Josh Premako, and Stephen Peeeples are listed as the Signal’s “Editorial Board” (sounds fancy huh?). Anyway, it’s a nice little redesign and was a long time in coming.
- Also new computers for Signal staffers: The journalists on Creekside are no longer typing their stories out on first generation, 10 year old
boat anchorsiMacs; a source tells SCVTalk that all computers at The Signal have been replaced with modern ones. Get this, I think they have internets at The Signal now too. - Runner’s Anti-Crime bill: Just six weeks ago, KHTS reported on Senator George Runner’s effort to get a new “get tough” crime bill on the ballot in November. The bill, variously referred to as a Safe Neighborhoods Act or an anti-gang initiative, didn’t take long to qualify for the ballot; Runner reportedly gathered some 800,000 signatures and has turned them into the state for verification. But now state Democrats are looking at the bill and say they see right through it; the SacBee reports on some who think the measure is designed to “lure ultraconservatives” to the California polls in November so that the national GOP can have an edge in California. This was tried before of course, in 2004, and it’s often been referred to as a Karl Rove tactic. Notable quote: “[The measures is designed to boost the turnout of] ultraconservatives, fearful, people who believe that black and brown children are the criminals.” Strong words! Runner denies that it’s a scheme to drive Republicans to the polls in what might be a bleak year nationally for the GOP. Link
Tortas Ahogadas
11541 Laurel Canyon BLVD
San Fernandoo, CA 91340
(818) 837-6883
http://tortasahogadas.net/
There is a Tortas Ahogadas right off the 5 in San Fernando, maybe that’s it. I’m not a fan of El Torito, but the Sunday brunch that he mentions is really good.
I always digged the Don Cucos brunch.
But whatever, I’m no foodie. I’ll eat anything that claims to be Mexican.
Housing downturns makes City tighten belt…
Geez, what a bummer! I suppose The City will have to rely on developers to carry a bigger load urbanizing SCV.
Pulskamp need not worry about the budget shortfall. Car sales will certainly make it up. Not! Car sales are headed for the dumpster, and the City budget is going to tighten even more.
Kenny needs to develop a contingency plan if he has not already. Ms. Mclean would not know what it really takes to run the City, so Kenny it is up to Kenny.
Wow Jeff, does your wife know about that rule?
Tortas Ahogadas Las Originales
23630 San Fernando Rd.
Newhall
They’re awesome.
thanks for the tip, will try this… any tips?
Runner’s Anti-Crime bill…
Here’s an excellent opportunity for Democrats to reach across the aisle & support a bill that’s for the greater good. But no! Democrats are only interested in Republicans bending over to liberalism as Democrats continue coddling criminals.
It’s a shame that noted centrist and aisle-reacher George Runner is not finding bipartisan support for his window dressing. I wonder why that is?
Listen to Lee Iacocca?
Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from it’s death throes?
He’s now 82 years old and has a new book, and here are some excerpts.
Lee Iacocca Says:
“Am I the only guy in this country who’s fed up with what’s happening?
Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder.
We’ve got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right
over a cliff, we’ve got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we
can’t even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car.
But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads
when the politicians say, “Stay the course” .
Stay the course? You’ve got to be kidding. This is America , not the damned “Titanic”. I’ll give you a sound bite: “Throw all the bums out!”
You might think I’m getting senile, that I’ve gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this
country anymore.
The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs. While we’re fiddling in Iraq, the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving ‘pom
-poms’ instead of asking hard questions. That’s not the promise of the
“America” my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for.
I’ve had enough. How about you?
I’ll go a step further. You can’t call yourself a patriot if you’re
not outraged. This is a fight I’m ready and willing to have.
The Biggest “C” is Crisis ! (Iacocca elaborates on nine Cs of leadership, crisis being the first.)
Leadership is forged in times of crisis. Leaders are made, not born.
It’s easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory.
Or send someone else’s kids off to war when you’ve never seen a
battlefield yourself. It’s another thing to lead when your world comes
tumbling down.
On September 11, 2001, we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes.
A Hell of a Mess. So here’s where we stand.
We’re immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.
We’re running the biggest deficit in the history of the country.
We’re losing the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.
Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy.
Our schools are in trouble.
Our borders are like sieves.
The middle class is being squeezed every which way These are times that cry out for leadership.
But when you look around, you’ve got to ask: “Where have all the leaders gone?”
Where are the curious, creative communicators?
Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point.
I could give a hoot as to what old man Iacocca says in any book designed for liberal consumption. There are too many morons in this country willing to plunk down $$’s for dribble such as Big Fat Stupid Michael Moore’s “Sicko” & “9/11 Fahrenheit”.
Agreed, we have border/illegal immigration problems a few other issues, but this Country is the best dam Country in the History of the World. I can tell you one thing for sure, HillBillery nor B. Hussein will make things any better. I’m delighted “W” had the guts to take out Saddam & fight terrorism in other countries. If left to the likes of Hanoi John F’n Kerry & Algore, we would have continued Bubba’s lead in unleashing hordes of lawyers on terrorists. Big whoop!
Bill>>>> I think you missed the point of it all, you focused on one event. This country is going to “hell in a hand basket”. I do not see you as a guy that is willing to sit on the sidelines. Perhaps I am wrong.
You have a strange definition for Liberal and seem to use the term very liberally .
And what is the point of it all…. ?
Confused, Irritable and Bitter?
The viewpoint of being proud of George W Bush is a fringe view no longer held by serious people, conservative, liberal or otherwise.
You have the most clever names for people. When you get out of high school, you will find that arguments that rest on calling people by their middle name won’t get you very far.
Also, i think the “best dam Country in the History of the World” is China. The Three Gorges Dam put them over the top.
I voted for Mr. Bush twice, and his father before him. I think he was the best being offered at the time. What does that tell you! I have been proud of juniors performance about 10% of the time. I believe junior, with the help of many, has really screwed things up for my children. This time around, the options are very troubling to me. The older I get the dumber the politicians seem to get. It is probably me , and not them.
<<>>
The 10% I give Bush is not for killing Saddam. I fact, I can’t put my finger on where to find the 10%. Had he killed that tall, slim, bearded, cave dweller, my answer would be different. You know, that guy we never hear about these days. From that point on, he has been a disaster.
I wish we (proud Americans) could all just stop playing the ‘blame game’. I here so often that the liberals blame the conservatives (or in CIB BILL’s case, the opposite); middle class blaming the rich and/or poor; American ‘citizens’ blaming the immigrants (legal or unlegal)well you get the idea. The problem is, we as a nation seem to be so busy looking for someone to blame for all of our problems (and let’s be real, we have a lot of problems), that we can’t get things done. It’s easy when your in a marriage and this happens, just get a divorce, but we’re talking about an entire nation that is at odd’s with each other. No other nation will ever take us seriously with such behavior. I agree with Iaccocao to a degree, but to put all the blame on liberals, Bush, Companies, etc won’t change things! ONly action on EVERYONES part will do that. Like a any ‘good’ marriage, it takes work from both people! Instead of ‘bitching’ about things, lets see some WORK being put into the problem!
How many Liberals, Conservatives, Republicans, Democrats, Latino, Black, Asian, Middle Eastern,White, Poor, Middle Class, Rich, Working, Non-Working, people does it take to change a light bulb?
Will never get changed cause they’re all blaming each other for the light bulb going out to begin with!
(legal or unlegal)
Opps! That would be ILLEGAL!
I think Lee Iacocca’s politics were generic! This blog has put words in his mouth, beginning with Bill’s reaction. The problem is that we are all very happy doing nothing and pointing the finger. If one speaks out he or she is criticized and handed a label.
TimBen is an example that comes to mind.
From the beginning of America, our 2 Party system has always played the blame game & nothing different is happening these days. We voters are involved and we are doing something. Responsible Nations, and several irresponsible Nations do take us seriously… to say America is not taken seriously is simply ridiculous.
We need TimBen back on City Council. Mayor would be great!
As for our energy problem - were it not for democrats/environmental whackos, we would be producing much more domestic oil, we would have more refineries and more nuclear energy facilities. But no! Democrats cry about our dependance on foreign oil, but stand in the way of drilling in Anwar.
Illegal immigration… we know which party allows tax payer dollars spent on illegals. It’s killing us.
China is the best dam Country in the History of the World? Gimme a break! No NFL, no MLB, no NBA, no Las Vegas, and NO FREEDOM!
“W” has been one fine President. I don’t agree with all that he’s done, but could you imagine Hanoi John F’n Kerry or Algore as Prez! Talk about ridiculous!
So Cash, what was the point of it all? You failed to respond.
Mike, go ahead & vote for B. Hussein then all will be well in America once again. We’ll be talkin’ to our enemies, the price of oil will plummet, we’ll have instant peace in Iraq, Al Queda will drop their weapons, the Paestinians will love Israel, Kim Jung Ill will close his nuclear facilties, and we’ll all live in harmony til the end of time.
Bill: The point is that our country is in trouble. It now seems that you are one that is willing to point fingers and restate the problems, rather than solve them. You would fit in with the Washington bunch very well. Lee Iacocca’s comments are very clear, and you have only muddied them with your rant. Get a grip on yourself man!
Have a good evening.
Cash, my message was/is not a rant. I very deliberately and calmly wrote each word. The problem here is that your glass is half empty and mine is half full. I don’t see America as being screwed up for my kids. In fact they are thriving quite nicely in their comfortable homes, with their decent jobs, with their lovely children, and their helpful parents. Life is good.
Yes, I take responsibility for performing my civic duty by voting and attending/occasionally speaking at our City Public Hearings. Yes, I do point fingers at people who stand in the way of making America an even better Country than it already is, and those people are mainly liberals.
“China is the best dam Country in the History of the World? Gimme a break! No NFL, no MLB, no NBA, no Las Vegas, and NO FREEDOM!”
The dull knife in our drawer, here’s some sharpening. You are misspelling damn. China makes the best and biggest dams, and is therefore the best “dam” country.
Are you speaking German? Why do you capitalize every other noun?
Bill. Now that I know that you speak for all that is good or bad in this country, I must pay closer attention. You are clearly the Liberal in this discussion. I am happy your family is doing well, but you are fast becoming the minority.
I claim your response to be a rant, because you came out of the barn with gun blasting and began the name calling. Your finger pointing comes across the exact opposite of what you might think. There is no problem here, all I did was post a piece from Iacocca’s book. I made not editorial statement.
I know you are the guy that can’t sleep without having the last word, so go for it.
“I don’t see America as being screwed up for my kids. In fact they are thriving quite nicely in their comfortable homes, with their decent jobs, with their lovely children, and their helpful parents. Life is good.”
Well there you go! Everything is good for CIB BILL, so the rest of America is fine! I guess I should stop traveling, reading and watching T.V ’cause I got a totally different impression of things going on around me!
Some folks, especially liberals have a very dim view of life in America. Try visiting other counries and you will quickly see how wonderful we have it here. Now, if you are a Democrat it’s absolutely necessary to paint America in a bad light and point out as much negativity as possible, otherwise how can you liberals win the WH? I suggest staying clear of MSNBC, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, etc., these news stations are depressing. They will brainwash you into believing America is bad and that our savior is a socialist society.
Could that be you, Ivogel… hmmm?
Cash, I deliver my own opinions and I am not in the minority. I am a proud conservative Republican and I’ll call ‘em as I see fit every chance I get. Liberals are screwing up our Country. This is not a rant, it’s reality. If you voted for W & his Dad, then you are closer to my ideolgogy than you want to believe.
P.S. Mike, congrats on your spelling expertise. You’re awesome dude! So deep. Wow!
Liberals are screwing up our Country.
you’re a troll. why not find a new website to hang out on ? go rant on new republic.com or something.
Whoa. I’ve been elevated to a ranting troll. Haha! The truth really hurts you liberals, huh.
Well, good morning! A new day and new thoughts……NAH….!
“They will brainwash you into believing America is bad and that our savior is a socialist society.
Could that be you, Ivogel… hmmm?”
Brainwashing, eh? Well, I’m a little to stubborn in my thoughts and ‘opinions’ to be brainwashed CIB BILL. You have pretty much told everyone (that can read) where you stand as far as your politics and thoughts, however I for one do not like being labled or catagorized. It seems to me unless I feel EXACTLY the way you do, then I’m not an American; I’m not a citizen who cares about this country; I’m only looking out to change it into something it has never been.
As far as all those news sources you mentioned, it sounds a bit paranoid, worrying that these ‘liberal’ stations have so much control over my thoughts. Being a proud American, I can tell you that my thoughts are my own. That’s one of the many good things about this ‘free’ nation!
Again, just because your family is doing so well and are being taken care of does not mean that EVERYONE’s life is like yours. On the contrary, too many people I see live in very different circumstances.
One thing I will never do as an American, is take a narrow view on the rest of my fellow citizens and the daily stuggles many of them have to endure! It’s kind of funny CIB BILL, but your original comment regarding how everything is going so well for YOU and YOURS and that’s all that matters to you, sounds a bit like an ‘elitist’! Hmmmmm….., who else was labled that just recently……
Why isn’t anyone concerned that our city is paying $125,000 for water cleanup on private land? The next thing you know, we’ll be paying for the cleanup of the land that Bob Kellar’s girlfriend owns.
Yeah I know, liberals hate being called liberals. Haha! So you’re looking out to change America into something it’s never been, eh. What does this mean and just how are doing that?
I’m not worried about those liberal stations - they’re not brainwashing me as they have clearly brainwashing you. As a liberal you are susceptible.
My family is not being taken care of - we are taking care of ourselves, thank you very much. We all have wonderful opprtunities in America which why so many want to be here & if ppportunities are not taken advantage of that’s an individual’s own shortcoming. If someone achieves house painter status, well I don’t want to pay for that person’s healthcare. Next thing you know, liberals will expect taxpayers to provide new cars for everyone who can’t afford one. Where does it end? How high should the gov’t make the minimum wage?
Elitist? We know who the elites are on this blog… spell checkers. Hello!