Author Archives: Venturan

El Camino HS shooting hoax and the SCV connection*

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Venturan

Many folks come to Santa Clarita from SFV to escape gridlock and urban malaise. Unfortunately, it appears one of our own has caused just that south of the Newhall Pass. UPDATE: Daily News and The Signal have more on the SCV … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime, News, Opinion | 24 Comments

Strickland and the ‘Crash Tax’

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Venturan

Last year, Huntington Beach joined a handful of cities in imposing what has become known as a ‘crash tax.’ In short, it’s a fee levied to non-residents when they cause an accident in a given city. The tax is designed … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Opinion, Politics | 26 Comments

Crown Vic, we salute you! Now for a replacement…

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Venturan

2011 marks the final year of production of Ford’s venerable “Panther” platform, known to many as the Crown Victoria, Lincoln Towncar and Mercury Grand Marquis, a platform that has been serving law enforcement and the general public for over 30 … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime, Humor, Transportation | 17 Comments

Snow in SCV: Send in your best pics

Posted on January 2, 2011 by Venturan

New post with pics here! We had the privilege of seeing the white stuff coming up and over the Newhall Pass this afternoon – and noticed quite a few cars stopped off the side of the freeway, cameraphones in hand … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc. | 1 Comment

Creekside’s future

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Venturan

While waiting for a discount car wash today, I walked our famed auto mall on Creekside.  It is, in a word, depressing. The foot traffic stood in stark contrast to the ads screaming end-of-the-year deals but it was the vacant … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Opinion | 71 Comments

“Day of reckoning” for cities and states

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Venturan

CBS News 60 Minutes aired a piece last night on what may be the next chapter in the financial mess, broken state and local governments: Among many issues raised is the impending expiration of federal stimulus dollars to state and … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, News | 23 Comments

The library tax and reflections on apathy

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Venturan

I agree with Jeff – the phone polling on a parcel tax is just the latest evidence that deciding to privatize our libraries was poorly planned by City Hall. Al Ferdman has done some simple math and finds the numbers … Continue reading →

Posted in Opinion, Politics | 25 Comments

Message from the Ferry Family

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Venturan

In response to the many well-wishes on SCVTalk and elsewhere, the Ferry Family passed along this note: Thank you to the amazing community members and friends of Frank Ferry. He is staying strong, as is his family. His family appreciates … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc. | Comments Off

What recession?

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Venturan

Complaining about the price of movie tickets is as American as, well, bitching about the weather. We rarely go to the silver screen, but the kids were DYING to see Tangled 3D.  We arrived at Town Center early, got to … Continue reading →

Posted in Complaint Dept., Economy | 24 Comments

Tesoro Pick-up Stix closed

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Venturan

It wasn’t long ago north SCV-ers lamented the closure of Starbucks in this very center.  Now Pick-up Stix, something of a bridge between the Panda Express and New Moon gap, has suddenly shut their Tesoro doors.  The Stevenson Ranch store … Continue reading →

Posted in SCV Good Eats | 8 Comments