- City Council Agenda live and hot! Millions of dollars of adjustments in City’s mid year revenue and budget review, a second reading for that new commercial strip mall on Oak Ridge drive, a new five year lease for the Santa Clarita Work Source Center (which will move to DVH University Center), a public hearing on that development in the Newhall Gateway area, and approval/discussion of new 3 acre Discovery Park, which looks like it’s located off Soledad near the river COUNCIL AGENDA
- The famed LAPD SWAT team served a search warrant on a Canyon Country home yesterday. KHTS says the LAPD called our Sheriff’s station requesting that Deputies search the home for a murder suspect. The Sheriff’s Station declined “out of safety concern for the deputies,” so the LAPD rolled in with men in black, ”gas canisters” and, presumably, flashbangs. The suspect wasn’t there and the police action backed up traffic in the area. KHTS, SIGNAL
- United States loses only 11,000 jobs last month! Yes, you read that right, there isn’t a missing zero! Unemployment is down to 10% overall. LA TIMES
- Sprouts Farmers Market store won’t open until August 2010, KHTS says
- H1N1 vaccination today at Santa Clarita Activities Center. It’s the first and only way to get the H1N1 vaccine in the SCV CITY PDF
- Supervisor Antonovich visits West Ranch Town Council meeting to discuss property taxes and all the projects the County has worked on in the SCV in the last year. At least one City Council member went, but the article doesn’t say who it was. Antonovich says our property taxes will go down next year. Hip hip! SIGNAL
- LA County Fire department takes offense at Council’s contention that new movie studio fire code is a “job killer.” What’s more, City Councilmember Bob Kellar says the City will hold a meeting with the LAFD about the new code, but the LAFD says no such meeting is scheduled and the fire code is a done deal SIGNAL Read I Heart’s account for more background
- California state climate change presentation says Santa Clarita’s average annual temperature could rise from 64 degrees in 2010 to 73 degrees in 2100. The estimate is based off one climate model; another one shows Santa Clarita’s average temperature as 67 in 2100. The estimates are downloadable as Google Earth KML files, or you can read about it and watch a video here CALIFORNIA CLIMATE CHANGE
- COC Swears in new board members as Scott Wilk is made Board President SIGNAL
- More details on Newhall Ranch/Newhall School District agreement to build/fund schools for the 20,000 home Newhall Ranch project. The Signal says that once built-out, Newhall Ranch would need school facilities for 6,400 K-6 students, 1,893 junior high students, and 2,868 high school students. SIGNAL
- Metrolink Toy Train will stop in Santa Clarita twice. The train will be decorated with holiday lights and music and will collect unopened toys for children. The first train rolls into Via Princessa station today at 7:30 pm; the next one will stop at Newhall Station on Dec. 20 at 8:15 pm. KHTS has more
- Hey Parents of high school kids: The Sac Bee has a helpful calculator to help you determine what CSU and UC will cost you as the tuition and fee increases kick in SAC BEE
- TimBen Boydston needs to “ratchet down the savior-of-the-masses rhetoric and learn to work constructively, not rage and tilt at windmills in order to gain votes” Berta Gonzalez-Harper says in an LTE. She says she tried to discuss the Bonelli Tract issue with TBB and he “raised his voice repeatedly, talked over me, did not listen and berated me several times.” It’s only December and the City Council campaign is getting hot! SIGNAL
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On TimBen:
The first chink in the armor of St. TimBen, the savior of the people from the evil City staff!
Especially damaging when it comes from BGH, a thoughtful person who examines and evaluates things carefully before she pops off and is not a shill for the “man.”
Methinks TimBen is a better candidate than office-holder.
or the other way around. I hope he takes dissent like this as wake-up call. I’m mildly enthusiastic about his candidacy, but I’m finding that a lot of reform-minded people, that would otherwise support such a candidate, are cold to his candidacy based on first and second hand experiences like those of BGH, who despite her confusion on the pit bull issue
, has a lot of credibility on local issues.
Dumb Question: Why are some Daily Brief titles born with asterisks at the end, like yesterday’s (“Daily Brief *”), and other Daily Briefs are born asteriskless, like today’s (“Daily Brief”)?
The asterisk denotes new content, usually added after about one hour of initial publication.
In other words I found something else I wanted to add to the DB and this is my way of calling attention to it
that’s an SCVtalk power-user tip. Thanks.
Timothy:
I would like to answer to post in sections:
FIRST: “Especially damaging when it comes from BGH”
ANSWER: It is my understanding that Berta has had her own issues with the city and code inforcement.
SECOND: “a thoughtful person who examines and evaluates things carefully before she pops off”
ANSWER: I know Berta was invited to see the Bonelli tract and it’s special issues. She declined the invitation.
I extend the second invitation to anyone that would like to see the issues these folks face!
PS: Berta, this is my invitation to take you to the Bonelli Tract and see for yourself!
Annette:
I don’t understand your response. To paraphrase BGH she said that TimBen was a raging A-hole in her opinion. Does the fact that she had issues with code enforcement and did not visit the Bonelli tract negate that opinion?
It’s a waste of time to shoot the messenger when the message is both relevant and obvious.
I have never been invited to Bonelli by anyone, Annette. That includes TimBen.He was too busy yelling at me. I have however done my own research. I also know that each of those residents were personally called by City Staff BEFORE THE COUNCIL MEETING and told everything was on hold pending meetings, etc. Call Tina Haddad at City Hall and ask, which I beleive TimBen knew about before orchestrating the storming of the citadel. So please at least be truthful in your comments regarding me personally. Yes, I have had my own Code Enforcement issues which is why I can speak with some authority on this issue. I have knowledge of what it feels like from both ends. I bought a house in Canyon Country (Lower North Oaks) that unbeknownst to me had been altered without permits. A neighbor with an axe to grind, because of my community involvement, called the city and filed a complaint. I had to spend thousands to comply. That is one of the reasons I feel it is wrong to kick the can down the road for the next person who buys the property to have to fix. Ignoring Bonelli is unfair to other homes who are in compliance and unfair to people who are still vunerable to complaints from neighbors. Work with staff now and get things taken care of. Annette, if I thought you could take a tour with me without trying to impose TimBen’s will and listen to my concerns, I would go. If anyone wants more information on my Code issues, just ask and I’ll respond.
Annette, if you want to help TimBen, help him really check things out from all sides before he takes a postion. To those of you who have said kind things, thank you. I appreciate your comments even though we may disagree on the actual issues.
Annette:
BGH once again writes in a reasonable, rational and articulate way.
Game, set and match!
Berta:
My experience with City staff is that they will dance around the issues and stonewall you to try to make the issue go away instead of just dealing with them (unless they have an axe to grind, then your screwed). A perfect example of this approach is the Councils inability to come to grips with cut through traffic and neighborhood speeding.
I would argue that I’d rather have a Tim Ben who appears to be receptive than a Frank Ferry who you can’t even find or get a response from (unless you can pigeonhole him at some school function where he is trying to market his Mayor Dud site). Marsha McLean seems nice but is similarly closed minded. I tried to talk to her about speed bumps and you’d have thought I had said Jesus was the devil.
I think you were a bit over the top with your Signal letter. Take a couple of deep breath’s and remember how interested Frank Ferry is when you speak at a Council meeting and how often he will truly listen and change his opinion on an issue.
In comparing the two, I see two similar temperaments driving a different set of beliefs.
Timmy, do you really think anyone will change their opinion because of Berta Harper! She has become but another city council groupie.
Now she runs to the Signal just because she did not like what TimBen had to say.
Perhaps Bonelli residents deserve their own special standards district. Much like those with connected to the city council have achieved.
Sand Canyon has one, Kellar lives in Sand Canyon; Placerita Canyon has one, Weste lives in Placerita Canyon; Now Happy Valley, Symths parents home is in Happy Valley,
among others with connections.
Leave Bonelli alone Berta Harper!
Dear Need for Involved…
Actually my letter was edited to 300 words. You may find it over the top, and that is your opinion, but I have much more to say on this topic. TimBen is receptive to whom? Those that agree with him? By the way it took TimBen almost two weeks to return my phone call too. In fairness he was busy, so are the other guys and gals.
As to your reference to Frank Ferry or any Council person for that matter, that is exactly the point. You must have missed this part “I would respond to Ms. Bonja by saying we need elected officials who treat all residents with respect, courtesy and professionalism.” That means everybody currently elected and those aspiring to be elected. If we replace someone on the Council it needs to be an improvement, in my humble opinion. Not more of the same or worse. As to reaching staff or Council, I must have a magic phone because I get through to a person or voice mail every time to at least leave a message.I do prefer email though since I have a written record. Again, respect your opinion but do not arrive at the same conclusions.
well said BGH
I have found TimBen to be very approachable and passionate about his views. Maybe he needs to speak softer to certain people. You know the kind, those that think they deserve rather than have earned respect. Direct talk does not work with some.
It took Bob Kellar years to realize that his way of adomishining the public was not acceptable and he made the change (old cop habits are hard to break but he did). Ferry is still a loud mouth. Weste is not to be trusted, and McLean lacks basic critical thinking skills. The new girl is doing much better.
So if Berta Harper is looking for perfection she has a life long task.
Need for Involved Citizenry;
Well said and very true.
I have learned a lot about myself thanks to all of you who post.I won’t repeat the nice comments, that would appear self serving but my sincere thanks. Let’s see: Today I am a Council Groupie (Striplin is kinda cute, but too young and married), looking for perfection (see it in my magic mirror every day), who does not deserve respect because I haven’t earned it (I believe everyone deserves respect unless they earn otherwise by their own actions), who talking to doesn’t work (you would have to try having a conversation (2 way) sometime instead of being rude), who should leave Bonelli alone (I’m not allowed my opinion?), who has a life long task seeking perfection (I do and embrace the journey), who has been compared to TimBen (ouch, that one hurt), I’m sure I missed some but nevertheless, thanks all for your comments.
BGH:
I dropped our membership at Spectrum because I did not want my Nebraska bride seeing Ken Striplin there! She can look all she wants at the middle aged fatties at the Paseo Club!
BHG – I bought a house in Canyon Country (Lower North Oaks) that unbeknownst to me had been altered without permits.
Geez and I thought all home sellers told the truth about things such as, “may not have permits” meaning the buyer is supposed to go check on said permits and decide whether they still wanted to buy the house or not.
Tim, that was funny! I needed the laugh too…But you should see Ken’s wife, a real beauty!
Jane, unfortunately people do not always disclose these issues and lie to make the sale. After the fact, as in my case , it’s your problem. I had no reason to suspect anything was wrong. My Realtor and the sellers’Realtor were gone, Home Inspector does not check for permits nor measure square footage and everything looked beautiful, Escrow company owner took off with 3 million and left state, you get the picture. So the owner of record holds the bag, no one to sue. The house was built in 1961 and the changes were made in 1963. Illegal additions and other construction continue to happen a lot particularly in older areas such as North Oaks which is only a few years newer than Bonelli. That is one of the reasons I am for proactive enforcement because everyone goes by the same rules, enforcement is equal and not just when a neighbor calls in a complaint. It is really the only way that older neighborhoods will be brought into compliance with building and other codes and that residents will get the message to stop making changes without permits. In my neighborhood, I could go house by house and almost all the owners have made illegal changes knowing the were illegal but figure they won’t get caught. In the past they haven’t and that is why people like me have paid the price and our neighborhoods go downhill.Not right, not fair, not necessary. The City does not make people change things that were legally permitted or allowed at the time built.And they are willing to try and work with people especially those gray areas. Nineteen homes out of one hundred thirty I think were cited in Bonelli. Driveway standards in place since 1927 and there are other issues besides.Fair to the others to leave the complainers alone? You make up your mind and I’ll decide for myself,thanks.
Have a nice weekend all. Oh you too fake name 1, fake name 2. You are not as clever as you think and reveal yourselves by your comments. Shall I call you out?
ooh, by all means, do call out.
I’d like to see the movie studio built in Placerita Canyon, but it only seems logical the barricade on Placerita Canyon Rd needs to come down in the event of a fire emergency in the canyon – it’s the most direct way from the fire station to that part of the canyon. Ms Weste – tear down that wall!
BGH:
While you relate your bad experience with TimBen I feel compelled to relay my positive experience. During my groups oposition to the Open Space measure the three incumbent council members were non-responsive, condescending, or rude to those of us who brought up legitimate concerns. While TimBen was in favor of the initiative, he was the only one who invited me to his office to say that he confirmed through legal council that our claim the money could be used for anything in the Parks Department. That is being a responsive councilmember.
It’s as simple as this. The three incumbents need to go and TimBen is the first (and most likely to get elected) candidate to replace one of them. Assuming your description of his response is accurate (and I have no reason to say it is not), one discretion on his part does not rule him out. There are many more in this valley who can relate an experience like mine.
I’m behind TimBen Boydston for council 100%!
Left a few words out of a sentence above. He confirmed our claim the money could be used for anything in the Parks and Rec Dept was true.
Jim, I’m happy you had a good experience with TimBen. I could cite several with the incumbents, believe it or not. Although I do agree the status quo is not working very well right now and we need change whether from new people or the incumbents.
I also have had very positive conversations on a myriad of topics with David Gauny, another candidate, that I feel comfortable supporting at this time. We don’t agree on everything but we have had great conversations with both parties contributing and no yelling, berating etc. His responses to my questions have been civil and friendly, well thought out, and if need be researched before responding. He contributes to the conversation without insisting his point is the only valid one while telling me I don’t know what I am talking about, unlike TimBen. We can disagree without it being the end of the world. But you get to vote for your guy and I’ll do the same. Again, respect your comments.
Mike: I will call them out if they play dirty. Give me a clean, fair fight and you keep your anonimity. Otherwise, game on. They are on notice.
Berta Harper
I have seen you in action. You seem like a nice lady. You also seem to enjoy the 3 minutes of fame the council affords you.
There is a lot of need in Canyon Country. Perhaps you could continue your focus there and leave the Bonelli residents alone. The CCAC does good work.
If my memory serves me, I have witnessed you speaking with the TimBen camp on conditions/issues that he and you both fought to change. Now that TimBen seems to have hurt your feeling or violated your sense of worth, you attack him in the Signal.
I wish there was a nice way to say this, but aren’t you being a bit two faced? Help me out.
BTW, I was a Gauny supporter and a TimBen supporter, until David aligned with the GOBN and other city slickers that strive to run our humble town and line their pockets or seek special treatment. I think the every day working taxpayer will be better served with TimBen.
The quid pro qu folks are still hard at work. Moving City offices to the University Center is but one recent example. The city finds clever ways to help their friends.
Dream on VH.
quo!
Cash, I think I am a nice lady too but have to question your sincerity based upon your other comments but thanks for the compliment. I could care less about fame, 3 minutes or otherwise, having grown up in the movie biz. My self esteem is alive and well. I am a tough old broad and my feelings don’t hurt easily. Try harder and use your real name. So much for that theory.
I have agreed on certain issues with TimBen. I have also agreed with Ms. Weste, Ms.McLean, Mr. Ferry, Mr. Kellar, and Ms. Ender. I have also disagreed with all of the above and don’t see how that would make anyone two faced. I decide each issue on the basis of facts, not who agrees or disagrees. I may have even agreed with you on an issue.
The Bonelli issues affect Canyon Country so you are misinformed. My tract of Lower North Oaks is almost as old as the Bonelli Tract and whatever decisions are made regarding those homes will impact me and my neighbors too.And how dare you presume to tell me what I should be interested in, you have a hell of a nerve.
As to David Gauny, I would prefer a person who is reasonable, respectful, and thoughtful to represent me rather than a guy who goes off half cocked to win votes. The fact that David is a business person is not a negative in my book. It is my perogative and you don’t have to like it or agree.It’s my opinion, my vote, my area of interest. Go find your own.
Berta Harper
You dodged the question, but that is OK. I did not tell you what to be interested in, I suggested you consider worrying about our own part of town and that you leave the Bonelli residents to fight their own battle. You are correct, your vote is yours to cast I did not suggest you should not vote for Gauny. I did give you my take on his agenda. I am aware of many of the issues you have engaged and how they played out. What I don’t remember is reading a letter to the Signal were you made a personal attack on your opponent. It seems pretty clear that you have an agenda, beyond sticking your nose under the Bonelli tent.
Finally, to claim you do not find joy in parading yourself before the council defies the obvious.
“having grown up in the movie biz”.
What does this mean Berta? Were you an exta on a movie or two? I can’t see you in a leading role, but I could be wrong.
Was there a question I didn’t answer? I don’t think so. You know what Cash, you are not interested in my views or the facts. You are interested in being a jerk and you have accomplished your mission. You are a coward who hides behind a phony name and I don’t owe you any explanations.At least I have the guts to use my real name. You can take shots at my appearance because I don’t hide in the shadows like the spineless worm you are. You want to ask me a question, show your face and use your name otherwise kiss my a@#!
Berta Harper
I took no shots at your appearance. I merely stated a fact that I did not see you in a leading role. I can see from your reaction to my posts that you like no one that may disagree with you.
This explains your cheap shot at TimBen, and your kind words to me.
Tell me, how does the Castaic high issue impact Canyon Country? You seem to have great interest in Castaic as well. What value was added by your comments at the board meeting?
BTW, you write well, but by no means does that mean you have the facts, it only means you can communicate. Embodied in your communication is nothing more than your opinions. You are certainly entitled to have an opinion, but what facts do you claim? Further what background do you have to suggest that you are an expert. I will give you this, you are a excellent communicator. I know you would never consider advice, but if any was offered, it should be that you should pick your battles.
Seems every school board, city council, and board of supervisiors have there groupie. They never seem to have an underlying purpose. What is yours?
I am intersted in your views, you are just not interested or accepting to my response.
Cash, I repeat I do not talk to, debate with, or engage bullies and cowards. Use your real name and ask anything you like. Otherwise, game over.
Berta Harper
The real Bert Harper has come to light. That was my purpose. So you need not comment further.
To understand your attack on TimBen only requires one to consider the source (you bully you). You’re correct Berta, game over. I hope TimBen will ignore your cowardly ways and not respond in the Signal.
See you on SCV TV.
Wow, cash got a verbal beat down by a woman. The poor misogynist must be fuming!
Money,
You never have been very perspective. On the other hand NickelDime gets it.
Lots of hollow words were exchanged, but the truth behind the words is clear.
My stripes did not change, but those of others sometimes do.
Wow, Nickel and Cash you not only share a mind set but your currency has just been devalued. Say what you will about me, but I don’t sling mud hiding behind a phony name!
Cash, You telling someone else to pick their battles is laughable. You have an opinion on everyone and everything. You are often wrong and always insulting.
Since you are questioning the purpose of BGH, what is yours? Are you now saying that if someone doesn’t live in a particular area of our city, then they shouldn’t comment about it? So, you encourage Boydston to do this but then tell others to mind their own business?
Berta has every right to comment about city governance whenever her three minutes is offered – on whatever topic she chooses. Why don’t you take advantage of this same opportunity?
You’re so smug and condescending in your “facts” and so bold in your opinions, yet you won’t put your name on anything. You’re a troll (from UrbanDictionary.com):
“2. troll
One who purposely and deliberately (that purpose usually being self-amusement) starts an argument in a manner which attacks others on a forum without in any way listening to the arguments proposed by his or her peers. He will spark of such an argument via the use of ad hominem attacks (i.e. ‘you’re nothing but a fanboy’ is a popular phrase) with no substance or relevence to back them up as well as straw man arguments, which he uses to simply avoid addressing the essence of the issue.”
This pretty much matches you exactly. Try shutting your pie hole and listening for a change.
No you just sling mud in the newspaper. Cheap shots not worthy of a rebuttal.
Those of us that know TimBen understand his style. You can find it on his sleeve.
It has taken work to uncover, but we now know your style.
I like TimBens much better.
HOW COME MY POSTS ARE AWAITING MODERATION AND THEN BEING DELETED? THEIR CONTENT IS NO MORE OFFENSIVE THAN OTHERS POSTED HERE!
TEN BUCKS SAYS THEY AREN’T GETTING DELETED, YOUR BROWSER IS JUST LOOSING THE INFORMATION THAT LINKS YOUR POST TO YOUR COMPUTER!!
Mike is probably correct. He usually is. Name and email have to be entered. I have experience this.
Nickel I don’t aspire to public office at this point in my life as I have enough self awareness to recognize I don’t have the appropriate temperament .I do however want to contribute to my community, city, neighborhood, country, etc. I call things as I see them, something nearly impossible to do when you are in public office without getting someone’s shorts in a bunch. I don’t mince words and I don’t submit to bullies and cowards. I admire those who are able to be more diplomatic and I’m working on it but don’t hold out much hope.
Cash: My name is Berta González-Harper. If you must insult me, please use my full name. If you choose to remove one, my ex (Mr. Harper) can go. My papa would appreciate it, thanks.
snafu
I am glad you got a laugh out of the exchange. It is pretty funny.
I have enjoyed bringing the real Ms. Gonzalez to life.
My best goes out to the ex Mr. Gonzalez.
Insulted! It is easy to see how TimBem may have ruffled feathers.
Geez Cash, you can’t even read!
The worst thing to happen to TimBen is that Cash is supporting him.
Well said Money.