Category Archives: Opinion

Observations on our budget

The City of Santa Clarita should be commended for its disciplined approach to fiscal management.  Despite continued pressure on tax revenues, the City has assembled a balanced budget that has no notable cuts to City services while aligning expenses accordingly. … Continue reading

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Déjà vu all over again

The issue appeared suddenly on the radar of Santa Claritans.  Soon after, a City Council meeting was held to discuss, and possibly move the issue forward.

Posted in City Hall, Opinion | 18 Comments

Disgusted with the whole lot of them (except Bob Kellar)

Tonight’s proceedings at the Council chambers of the City of Santa Clarita were breathtaking. The City has voted 4-1 to takeover Santa Clarita’s three County-run and County-staffed public libraries, outsource them to a for-profit company that faced no competition in … Continue reading

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Library notes

So there was no let up over the weekend with library news and rumors. Let me update as we head toward Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Library privatization not so bad in Ventura County The Signal article today on the Calabassas … Continue reading

Posted in City Hall, Media, News, Opinion | 43 Comments

City Staff Details Library Takeover Plan for Council

Well, our long hot mildly-warm summer debating the City’s proposed library takeover is nearing its climax. The City Council agenda for Tuesday, August 24, has a new business agenda item with lots of interesting details about the City’s proposal. For … Continue reading

Posted in Business, City Hall, Economy, News, Opinion, Politics | 85 Comments

A Tea Party I can get behind

This Flickr set of World War II style propaganda posters with a modern twist courtesy of the Chamomile Tea Party is  making the rounds today. I particularly liked this one: The poster seems to get to the heart of the … Continue reading

Posted in Misc., Opinion, Politics | 22 Comments

Just another day in Awesometown. Unless you want to take a picture in Bridgeport.

Note: this is a guest column submitted to SCVTalk by Valencia-based photographer Laurie Sachs of Laurie Sachs Photography. Yesterday ugly, obtrusive signs stating: showed up at the corner of McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road as well as various locations leading … Continue reading

Posted in Opinion | 56 Comments

Mad Skillz

Every time there’s a fire in the SCV, I look up and salute the skilled pilots of the LA County Fire Department as they commence their aerial attacks. Here’s why: Equally impressive are the red helicopters of the Los Angeles … Continue reading

Posted in Media, Opinion | 1 Comment

The City’s Credibility problem

The City Council’s summer recess has given me some time to ponder the interesting matter of the library takeover proposal. Though the City has promised it can deliver more hours and services if it takes over the library, the public … Continue reading

Posted in City Hall, Opinion | 58 Comments

Roger Gitlin, Repugnant Racist

Signal columnist and anti-immigration activist Roger Gitlin loves to send emails. Getting snagged onto his list is the stuff of local legend.  Rub shoulders with the guy and before you know it, your inbox is getting peppered with his nativist screed … Continue reading

Posted in Opinion, Politics | 52 Comments