The economic downturn, the housing crisis, and the cost of a barrel of oil have all made it impossible for me to continue operations here at SCVTalk.com. So, effective tomorrow at 8 am, I’m laying off all the staff and SCVTalk asa news blog will cease to exist; instead, I’m going to transform the site into a truly recession-proof income generator. Behold, the new SCVTalk.com, the SCV’s #1 Online Gambling Destination. Hit me!

News

•  Jack Kyser sounds economic alarm in mid year update: The chief economist who’s quoted (and respected) widely throughout LA County told the Long Beach Press Telegram that the economic outlook for Southern California is “much gloomier” than it was at the beginning of the year. The LA Economic Development Corporation chief even goes so far as to say that Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties are in a recession currently, but says LA County is managing a bit better thanks to foreign investment and the strong technology and entertainment sectors. But an actor’s strike looms on the horizon. The report isn’t on the LAEDC’s website yet, so I can’t search through it to find details on the SCV, but I’ll keep my eye out for more local info.
• One Valley One Vision General Plan: Unfortunately, I had something come up at the last minute (drinking beers with the boys watching the All Star Game) and couldn’t attend last night’s meeting about the Draft Land Use element at City Hall where planners were discussing the OVOV plan with residents. I’m sure we’ll hear more about this meeting in the days ahead; in the meantime, read through the Draft Land Use Element PDF document to get a sense of what went on.
• $135 million in temporary financing denied for LandSource: The Wall Street Journal reports that the Delware bankruptcy judge overseeing Newhall Land/LandSource’s bankruptcy proceeding has “nixed the plan [for new financing] amid protests from unsecured creditors.” Interim financing to keep LandSource afloat (and I suppose the lights on at Newhall Land) has been extended until Friday, and creditor’s lawyers on both sides are working “to resolve these issues,” one of whom noted to the Journal that “We believe it’s very important for all constituents to continue LandSource’s operations.” Link UPDATE: Dave Bossert has posted another press release with more details, including an interesting quote containing the words “inevitable liquidation.“
• Godfather McKeon sends phat check to National Republican Campaign Committee: The 7 term going on 8 term Republican Congressman from the SCV, who was just in town earlier this month to raise funds at a tony gala in Placerita Canyon, has sent a $200,000 check to the National Republican Campaign Committee, according to CBS news. The Committee works to ensure that Republicans get reelected. No word on whether the check was one of those oversized prize checks, but the huge donation from McKeon ought to raise his stock in the party, especially if….
• Romney as McCain VP? At that same fundraiser in the first week of July, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney was in town to help Buck McKeon raise funds. Now, CBS News is reporting that Romney’s ability to stay on message, his expertise in economics and business, and his “feistiness” could give an edge to John McCain in a battleground state. Link
• After Code Enforcement Block party comes the hangover and cleanup: By most accounts, everyone had fun going to the City’s code enforcement block party in late June in Canyon Country, but now the clock is ticking on a 30 day grace period, and once it’s up, the city will actually enforce the code it hyped during the party. So the City is holding another meeting to let residents know that that 1986 IROC Camaro does not belong on the front lawn. Katie Geyer has more.
• Newhall Farmers Market extends hours, grows: The market will now be open from 3 pm to 8 pm to “take advantage of the summer hours” according to KHTS. The City says more people are attending the fledgling market and are staying longer. What’s more, there will be some sort of live demo chef series, “where local culinary students or restaurant chefs will demonstrate their craft with their market purchases.” And it’s possible the market will stay open year round.
• SCV Athletes: LA Times has a nice piece on BMX Olympian Mike Day, Jim Holt covers a female ultra-marathoner who credits the SCV with her success, and the Signal talks to a former Hart swimmer who tried out for the US Olympic Swim Team.
• Bossert excises Myers posts from West Ranch Beacon, says Myers lacks integrity: Sounding a bit hurt and deflated, Dave Bossert has removed the link to Tim Myers’ WRB columns after the former Signal columnist announced he was going to write for the Signal exclusively. Not only that, but Bossert has posted a long column on how Myers has broken his promise to Bossert, a promise made over drinks at the West Ranch TPC (ahhhh). He says Myers’ handling of the matter was “very distasteful.” So no more Wednesday morning columns from Myers on West Ranch Beacon; on the other hand, we’ll still get to read Myers in The Signal on Sundays, I think.  BTW- you can still find all of Myers’ posts on the Beacon, just visit and bookmark this.
• Long LTE from Supervisor Antonovich on MTA Funding: The Supervisor argues that MTA and transportation funding is too LA-centric and that more funds are deserved in placces like the SCV adn AV. He takes issue with a recent LA Times Editorial. Link