April 8, 2010 – Daily Brief

By Jeff — Jeff Wilson

G&L Files campaign disclosure forms with City Hall after Boydston and Gauny complain. Also Gauny says the fact that the California Republican Assembly supports him and didn’t disclose at City Hall is different SIGNAL
In a comment on SCVTalk yesterday, Johnny Pride, posting from Europe, says Sheriff’s officials told him to get out of town because Santa Clarita is a “family town.” He also seems to allege that someone poisoned and killed his dog, vandalized his car, and is harassing him. Pride says he’s been fired from his job and he went to Europe to stay with a friend.
The US Navy says candidate David Henriquez served in the navy for about 1 month, directly contradicting Henriquez claims that he was some sort of clandestine naval Jack Bauer. Seriously why do we have so many characters in this Council election? SIGNAL
Parents are upset about the new pastor of OLPH church in Newhall named Fr. Richard Martini. Martini was accused of sexual abuse by a former student of his in 1990-91. He was exonerated of the charges but signed on to a $60 million church abuse settlement case. More distressing to OLPH parents is the allegation that the Archdiocese asked them to keep quiet about the allegations. SIGNAL, OLPH STATEMENT
Hungry Valley Recreation area murder victim identified as 46 year old Fidel Cisneros. He died of a gunshot wound to the head KHTS
Henry Mayo Hospital says construction on the new hospital building is targeted to start in 2013 with completion in 2015 and will house up to 120 beds. Is this in reaction to Boydston and Gauny’s continued claims that expansion plan offers no guaranteed hospital building? KHTS
City Council election returns live and in your face next Tuesday at City Hall and on Channel 20, the hottest ticket in town. Unfortunately I won’t be able to do a live blog from City Hall this year WRB
Why didn’t California get Race to the Top education funding? LA Weekly takes a look and includes an observation from Cameron Smyth on how Republicans agreed with President Obama for once LA WEEKLY
An initiative to ban divorce in California has failed to qualify for the November ballot. The institute of marriage is still under assault, as a result LAist
Letter writer says Cross Valley Connector is a “con job” that will open up the center of the city to new development. Corporate welfare in other words. SIGNAL
Joe Messina, speaking for himself and not the Hart Board, says goal number 1 for the Hart District was to keep Castaic students together. The next step forward in Castaic High will be to obtain factual, impartial information WRB

Comments (99)

cashApril 8, 2010 at 9:01 am

I think it would be great if the minority community could produce a good candidate.

Spineflower2April 8, 2010 at 9:18 am

By “minority” do you mean taxpayers? http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Nearly-half-of-US-households-apf-1105567323.html?x=0&.v=1

Timothy MyersApril 8, 2010 at 9:02 am

Jeff: I interpreted JP’s comment to mean he went to an (unnamed) small town and after the local sheriff warned him to get out of town his car got vandalized and his dog died. Then he decamped to Europe.

Spineflower2April 8, 2010 at 9:16 am

That was also my interpretation.

JOHNNY PRIDEApril 8, 2010 at 10:12 am

Yes Jeffery, it’s clear that you are intentionally mis quoting me to make me look bad. Or you can’t read\copy and paste. You tell us which one it is? And why leave out the rest of the comment I left. It was the best part.

Timothy MyersApril 8, 2010 at 10:23 am

But are you the real JP because the actual JP has told the media that people have hijacked his electronic presentation to defame him? I’m getting a headache.

JeffApril 8, 2010 at 10:29 am

I emailed you three weeks ago asking to interview you. Never heard a response. This is the daily brief. Entries are kept to a minimum. I got the meat of your complaint and didn’t even repeat the allegations against you.

JOHNNY PRIDEApril 8, 2010 at 11:58 am

Jeff, If you were nice to me from the start of my campaign, I would have happily given you an interview. However, you chose to make fun of me and turn my campaign into a laughing joke. “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” Why don’t you focus your energy on supporting your community members who are trying to make our city a better place? Please spread the love and positive energy! You will receive the same love and support back at you…

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 2:29 pm

Like or not Johnny “Pride,” he is a member of what amounts to local “media” essentially. You can’t whine about being misrepresented by him when you ignore his requests for an interview, too late. I hope you didn’t do what they say you did because I like to try to believe the best of people until proven otherwise. But if you did… karma owes you a lot more bad experiences than have taken place so far.

JOHNNY PRIDEApril 8, 2010 at 3:21 pm

I’m curious why Jeff and Timmothy have so much interest in the city’s issues. Yet don’t run for council. Is it because you lack the leadership skills? Let everybody know your reason… Also, I am not one to whine and talk about problems. I solve and fix an issue rather than sit on a blog site all day talking badly about others and local problems. Get off of your worn out sofa, stop complaining about issues and go find solutions and actually fix something you don’t like. You guys are like a fat kid on a sports team. You didn’t actually contribute to the teams victory. Both of you are all talk and no walk… It’s a shame to see you waste your time on this earth accomplishing nothing more than a very unpopular gossip blog. Why don’t you guys run for council?

DamageincApril 8, 2010 at 4:20 pm

Call the whaaaaaambulance you sick basTURD. Quit blaming everyone else for your shit. We know why you left town, you are just pulling a Roman Polowski! Rape Santa Clarita children then escape justice because you know damn well your mutant DNA filled dribble dribbles are all over those little girls panties! We all know, you will never set foot in Santa Clarita again because the authorities will be waiting for you at the airport. I laughed at Johnny Pride’s agenda, dog park in every city? Please! Automatic waterer because it brings people together! Hahaha! How can anyone respect a grown man with a mini dog? You carry that thing in your man purse? You make Paris Hilton look brilliant! What is next for Johnny Pride? Well Africa ofcourse land of child rape… Apparently you must have signed up for the super adventure club. I do hope your fate is the same as chef.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 4:47 pm

“You guys are like a fat kid on a sports team. You didn’t actually contribute to the teams victory. ” Nice to know the caliber of thinking we had in a city council candidate. Sounds like regardless of the other charge and whether or not it’s valid, we certainly dodged a bullet without your “leadership.”

JOHNNY PRIDEApril 8, 2010 at 11:24 pm

Damageinc Actually I am in a country that has excellent relations with the U.S. so if a warrant were issued this country would easily arrest me and hand me over. So, know your facts. I’m not running from anything. Whats your real name Damageinc? Based on your last comment, I am coming back now. I just booked an immediate return flight to come back and will find you. My genius computer friend is already working on tracking you down based on your IP address to locate you, I am going to love the look on your face when I find you… Good luck! Jeff you still have not told us why you don’t have the ability to run for city council. Are you lazy? Lack leadership skills? Jeff, why am I finding that you are leaving comments in other names on here to spark interest on your site. That’s sad that you have to use made up commenters in order to keep interest on here. How many people are you on here? There are more than one characters that are comming from your same IP address. Please share your reasons. I’m waiting… I would love to meet you too Jeff…

JeffApril 8, 2010 at 11:28 pm

Jeff you still have not told us why you don’t have the ability to run for city council. Are you lazy? Lack leadership skills? Why would I run for City Council? My interests are politics, writing, history, bicycling, cooking, and sometimes fashion. Oh. And yo-yo’s, amateur radio and technology. “Jeff, why am I finding that you are leaving comments in other names on here to spark interest on your site. That’s sad that you have to use made up commenters in order to keep interest on here. How many people are you on here? There are more than one characters that are comming from your same IP address. Please share your reasons.” You of all people accusing me of sock puppetry? Nice bluff. I post under my own name. Johnny: you say you are falsely accused. What actually happened that night? Who is orchestrating this plot against you?

ClaudeApril 9, 2010 at 12:09 am

Jeff I don’t get it, if politics is one of your interest wouldn’t you want to be involved in them, and be a part of city council?

DamageincApril 9, 2010 at 12:13 am

Hahahaha come and get it whoever you are. No way this is Johnny pride, funny stuff though.

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 9:03 am

Feel special being the first to comment today. Was on for the first time on Sunday when I challenged David Gauny regarding the hypocrisy between his attack on one IE while not mentioning another IE which supported him. He responded and claimed it was different and provided the secretary of state website to look at their filing in Sacramento. As of yesterday the CRA IE group has not filed with the City Clerk, but Gauny says that is okay because they were funded by membership funds. NOT TRUE! The very same report in Sacramento he forwarded us to shows $5,000 donated by local developer Larry Rasmussen and his friends. This was filed there on March 24. Since then I have received a second mailer from this group. So more money has been raised? We don’t know because nothing has been filed. Both IE’s should have been filed on time with the City. The Integrity Group has done it. CRA has not. And the CRA donors have pending projets in the City while the Integrity group received funds from G&L who has an approved project. In fact,Gauny, Boydston and their friends cost the City and Hospital hundreds of thousands of dollors in legal fees during the past year with their law suit. This delayed the hospital expansion. And they lost on every issue in court. Are they going to appeal if Gauny or Boydston get elected and further delay hospital expansion? How can you vote for Gauny or Boydston after reading this?

cashApril 8, 2010 at 9:13 am

Did you mean the expansion of medical office buildings. Do you recall the experts like Craig Peters saying there was a shortage of medical office space? He lied then and and the vacancy rate for such space has worsened. Now to save face, hospital management is claiming they will not complete construction of hospital space for several years. Gauny and Boyston were right about the fraud known as the hospital expansion. Why would you vote for anyone that was duped by G&L.

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 9:19 am

My point, which you ignored, was that Gauny is being hypocritical on the IE issue. Do you think it is okay for Rasmussen special interests to fund an IE for Gauny and not report it to the City? And for Gauny to claim it came from membership fees when he knows it didn’t? That is my issue

cashApril 8, 2010 at 9:30 am

I did not ignore your issue. I merely offered a different view of the situation. Would it help you if I told you that Larry was one of only a handful that attended Ferry’s last swearing in ceremony as mayor. Larry is already well connected and like many of use probably does not want to over look the shortcoming of the sitting council. This council is a joke and has outlived its usefulness to the residents.

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 9:33 am

Please tell what of the following is a joke? $11 million budget reserve in spite of the state stealing money Activities Center Expansion Cross Valley Connector Completed Newhall Library getting ready to go Hiring freeze at City Hall Specifically what do you want done differently?

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 9:23 am

A) I don’t believe there is any evidence to support your statement: “In fact,Gauny, Boydston and their friends cost the City and Hospital hundreds of thousands of dollors in legal fees during the past year with their law suit.” Those with the actual lawsuit may in fact be friends of Gauny and Boydston but neither one of them are participants in the lawsuit. B) Not sure how Gauny actually believes himself when he talks out of both sides of his mouth that way. Before throwing stones at an opposing group for not filing I would make sure your own housekeeping is up to date. The arguments as to why these groups are different are flimsy and absurd, the fact is that both groups are REQUIRED to file with the city. Don’t hold a press conference bashing the other side for not doing so when you are receiving support from a group who hasn’t either. And Mr. Gauny has trouble understanding, and seems hurt by the notion that many do not find him to be all that genuine?

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 9:28 am

Well, at least you think I was 50% correct. I do believe if Gauny and Boydston had opposed the lawsuit it would not have been filed. I guess we will never know.

Alan FerdmanApril 8, 2010 at 9:58 am

Love SC 50% complete? That is not good enough. If you do not have the facts, you should not spread the rumor. Gauny and Boydston deserve an apology from you.

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 10:48 am

Alan, Did not say I agreed with the assessment. So you agree that Gauny’s IE should have a different standard that the other IE?

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:12 am

I do think you were 50% correct… and I think you were 50% fabricated, personally I wouldn’t be OK with such an average when spreading rumors or dealing with things that can be fact checked… the only way I would be excited about your average of .500 is if I were a Pro Baseball hitter, it would make me millions.

David GaunyApril 9, 2010 at 7:50 am

IN CASE YOU’RE NOT ALERTED TO MY OTHER POST ON THIS, THE FOLLOWING IS MY RESPONSE TO “B” IN YOUR POST: Again I will post the link: http://www.fppc.ca.gov/index.php?id=19 Look at the very last scenario: committees that support candidates within a single city (aka LOCAL committees) must file with the city clerk. CIG has supported local CITY candidates 100% of the time and that’s why they need to file in the CITY. CRA is a state PAC, supporting candidates in multiple jurisdictions (cities and counties), so it files with the state. Again, my complaint is transparency. This is what I am complaining about with this group and I am right to do so – it has been repeated many times. CRA has had no violations in this matter so I am not a hypocrite or any of the other names and insinuations you’ve made about me in previous posts. Having said this, if the city has the ability, I would consider requiring all PACs involved in our elections to file locally so residents can obtain the documents locally. My concern is that the voting public knows who is funding candidate campaigns. Period. If I offended you, I apologize. However, you’ve made some fairly damning accusations about me repeatedly in this public forum. You need to expect that I will defend myself just as aggressively, especially when your facts are wrong. I’m a person hoping to make a difference for the better in our city. I know expect a certain degree of bashing and I have no problem with disagreement. But assuming the best in someone rather than the worst is a better way to start a dialog, especially when attacking one’s character.

Silence DogoodApril 8, 2010 at 12:15 pm

Quote from Love SC: “In fact,Gauny, Boydston and their friends cost the City and Hospital hundreds of thousands of dollors in legal fees during the past year with their law suit.” You are a liar. Neither Gauny nor Boydston participated in a lawsuit. I wish this blog had an ‘ignore’ button for those who distribute lies. Obviously ‘Love SC’ is working for the incumbents. THROW THE INCUMBENT BUMS OUT!

scvfanApril 8, 2010 at 2:13 pm

Hey ummmm – you need to fact check a bit. Boydston has sued the City. Check it out.

scvfanApril 8, 2010 at 2:15 pm

Not about the hospital but about other issues.

David GaunyApril 8, 2010 at 1:17 pm

You have posted this for three days now. I encourage you to go here and educate yourself: http://www.fppc.ca.gov/index.php?id=19 The CRA is a STATE Independent Expenditure Committee, NOT a local committee as is the case with Citizens for Integrity in Government. As such they are required to file ONLY with the STATE. The informaiton is then put online where everyone can see it. CIG is only supporting city candidates but filing as a COUNTY committee so they don’t have to file or show local voters where the money comes from. This makes the situation different. One is transparent, one is not. That’s the issue I’ve raised. Money always comes from some source so the contributors are less of an issue to me than the method. The problem is that voters where the election is held have a legal right to know who is providing it and this PAC has repeatedly hid that information from us. So, please vote for Gauny because he supports transparency. He also strives to educate himself on an issue before he goes on the offensive. And he uses his real name and stands by his statements.

David GaunyApril 8, 2010 at 1:18 pm

CoastalSageApril 8, 2010 at 9:04 pm

There is a long tradition in Santa Clarita of Independent Expenditure Committees operating totally under the radar, and not doing proper filings at the Santa Clarita City Clerk’s office. Typically, the more secretive Independent Expenditure Committees fund phone banking which occurs outside of the City. In the last 10 or so years, the biggest donors to these below the radar Independent Expenditure Committees have been: Waste Management, Bermite’s owner Santa Clarita LLC aka Myla Bobrow, G&L Realty and the always reliable IEC donor Larry Rasmussen. Larry likes to quietly spread his money around, so it will be useful to candidates he thinks will help his projects and long term goals. Then, based on his past history, at the last minute Larry makes a nominal donation to the candidates he worries might win, and who he has not previously funded. That way, regardless of whoever wins, Larry can say “I supported you”. Bottom line, there are usually more secretive Independent Expenditure Committees operating in Santa Clarita than most people know about.

DubiousApril 8, 2010 at 9:21 am

Neither Gauny nor Boydston was part of the lawsuit. Every time I heard Gauny and Boydston speak they emphasized the need for stronger language and a stronger commitment to the construction of an actual hospital building in the G&L/HMNMH Master Plan. What we got was a commitment to medical office buildings and their accompanying parking structures. In spite of all that the incumbents say, the Developer’s Agreement, which they approved, still has that infamous “No Obligation to Develop” clause.

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 9:31 am

Please read the approval and plan. 1st Medical office building will be used at least 50%, and probably more, by Hospital uses currently in the Hospital. This frees up space there, which is much more restricted by the State and costly to build, for new ICU beds and other special services. 2nd Medical office building also has speciality centers to more economically provide health services. AND NOT FINAL MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING UNTIL THE HOSPITAL EXPANSION IS BEING BUILT. DELAY IN HOSPITAL EXPANSION, NO FINAL MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING OR THE NECESSARY PARKING. It is all about enhanced health care and not having to go through the Newhall Pass for emergency or ICU or special care.

Alan FerdmanApril 8, 2010 at 10:15 am

Love SC. Do you work for the city? Any services that can be moved out of the Hospital when the G&L Office Buildings have been built could be moved off-site today, or yesterday for that matter. With the current medical vacancy rate on the west side, why if Henry Mayo and G&L were serious about helping the community, are they not maximizing that strategy already? I support expanding the hospital, while at the same time do not believe the additional office buildings, on that site, are required to maximize our valley’s medical services.

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 10:50 am

Don’t work for the City. Just a citizen. Live near the hospital and it has save family members life. Hope you continue to get more services in Canyon Country, like the new medical office the City you oppose just approved. Just don’t think we can wait 20 years for a new hospital somewhere else.

Alan FerdmanApril 8, 2010 at 11:21 am

Love SC. My comment about your need to apologize was in reference to your allegations that Gauny and Boydston were involved with the G&L lawsuit. In reference to playing by the same rules, I more than agree. Everyone should play by the same rules. That includes how all the candidates conduct their campaign, and how the city and press should remain neutral and consistent. I do not know where you get your information from, but you need a full time fact checker. To set the record straight, I do not oppose the city, but I am not a mindless cheerleader either. I spoke at the council and supported the Medical Office complex on Sierra Highway in Canyon Country. It is a good project and will be very beneficial for the area.

David GaunyApril 8, 2010 at 1:23 pm

LOVE SC… I’ve refuted your misinformation regarding the PAC issue above (twice, accidentally) You’ve been a bit venomous with me and now I see where you’re coming from. Your facts are again wrong on the hospital issue but first, put your pants on… your agenda is showing.

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 4:47 pm

David, Not sure anyone will see this since it is in the middle of all these comments, but here goes. The Integrity group is not a local pac. There are no local pacs. It is either filed with the County or the State. You found out the information, so what was hiding? The CRA group has spent no money on anybody for over a year. They just raised money from local developers and interesst groups for you. I don’t think that is wrong. What is wrong is conplaining about one group when another group is doing the same thing and benfits you. Finally, I hope that your rudeness was simply due to the pressure of the campagin and not who you really are and how you will act to those who disagree with you if you are elected.

David GaunyApril 9, 2010 at 7:18 am

Again I will post the link: http://www.fppc.ca.gov/index.php?id=19 Look at the very last scenario: committees that support candidates within a single city (aka LOCAL committees) must file with the city clerk. CIG has supported local CITY candidates 100% of the time and that’s why they need to file in the CITY. CRA is a state PAC, supporting candidates in multiple jurisdictions (cities and counties), so it files with the state. Again, my complaint is transparency. This is what I am complaining about with this group and I am right to do so – it has been repeated many times. CRA has had no violations in this matter so I am not a hypocrite or any of the other names and insinuations you’ve made about me in previous posts. Having said this, if the city has the ability, I would consider requiring all PACs involved in our elections to file locally so residents can obtain the documents locally. My concern is that the voting public knows who is funding candidate campaigns. Period. If I offended you, I apologize. However, you’ve made some fairly damning accusations about me repeatedly in this public forum. You need to expect that I will defend myself just as aggressively, especially when your facts are wrong. I’m a person hoping to make a difference for the better in our city. I know expect a certain degree of bashing and I have no problem with disagreement. But assuming the best in someone rather than the worst is a better way to start a dialog, especially when attacking one’s character.

Sterling KingApril 8, 2010 at 9:21 pm

LOL, “Put your pants on, your agenda is showing” Dave, that was great!

CoastalSageApril 8, 2010 at 9:07 pm

What Dubious says is absolutely true. And to add the real bell ringer, if a developer files a Chapter 11 bankruptcy he/it can reject the entire Development Agreement with impunity, but still obtain the re-zoning, conditional use permit, and other land use entitlements which the City or County granted “in return” for the promises in the Development Agreement. My view: No City should sign a Development Agreement because there is only one beneficiary in the real world: The subdivider/developer and his successor owners.

Spineflower2April 8, 2010 at 9:49 am

Weste: “ I voted to expand health care services in the SCV” McLean: “ I voted for the (hospital) master plan to expand health care services for our residents.” The nearly identical wording suggests prior rehearsal, perhaps of a script written by G&L…

CoastalSageApril 8, 2010 at 9:12 pm

Ms. McLean is not the brightest bulb on the stage. In her first election campaign, she expressed “surprise” when an Independent Expenditure Committee aggressively supported her, with mailers. That Independent Expenditure Committee’s goal to keep the much smarter John Grannis off the council, because he supported aggressive enforcement of soil/groundwater clean up laws against the out-of-state land owner who funded much of the Independent Expenditure Committee’s mailers. The real tip-off that Ms. McLean had been actively involved with that Independent Expenditure Committee was that they used the same “head shot photo” of Ms. McLean that Ms. McLean herself used in her own campaign literature. One would think IEP campaign managers and candidates would be smarter than that.

cashApril 8, 2010 at 9:52 am

Please tell what of the following is a joke? It is all a joke if you give the council credit for this. Ken Pulskamp deserves whatever credit is do. What would I do different, here are three. Do not build a library in DTN; no credit given for the hiring freeze, unless you’re willing to accept there has been a decline in service to the taxpayers, otherwise the staff is not needed in the first place; make the transit district more cost efficient.

cashApril 8, 2010 at 10:20 am

Two more: stop the fraud associated with how Weste passed the open space initiative and stop wasting million on Cemex. Million spent to protect the business owners of two local cement companies. One that lives in Sand Canyon and the other that lives in Placerita Canyon. Both well connected with the council.

Spineflower2April 8, 2010 at 10:38 am

Two more: 1) Stop cherry-picking annexations and re-apply to LAFCO for the entire west side; breaking up SCV communities selfuishly for tax money is NOT in the interests of the SCV. 2) Take an active role in opposing Newhall Ranch, at least at the scale and proximity to the river current plans include. What that project will do to traffic, water, schools, and the river is also NOT in the interests of the SCV. Both problems are the result of selfishness and sell-out-ness to developers by the incumbents. Oh, and a third… drop OVOV and call it the developer sell-oit that it truly is.

cashApril 8, 2010 at 10:48 am

Agreed! The promoter of Awesometown owns Newhall Ranch. No chance the council will fight Newhall Land Development, AKA Newhall Land and Farming. This even though we all know there is a “clean” water shortage.

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 10:51 am

Does that include Ben Curtis from PCPOA who hates the City and the incumbents. Come on now.

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:00 am

What do you think. We all know he is troubled with Weste and why! Seems Ben can get upset if things don’t appear to go his way. Cashing in and giving in are not the same.

CoastalSageApril 8, 2010 at 9:19 pm

Cash, I respectfully disagree with you on the Cemex mine issue. I have read the 3″ of objections which professional engineers made to the Environmental Impact Statement for the project. Development and use of the Cemex mine will inexorably gridlock the 14 Freeway. Even worse, the airborne particulate matter from the mine will blow INTO Santa Clarita during the Santa Ana winds. At the public hearing against the mine, a very legitimate non-political physician from Canyon Country testified about the horrible lung diseases this particulate matter from the mine would create, as well as how it would exacerbate the serious childhood asthma cases in Canyon Country’s kids. Unless the Joanne Darcy Library has thrown the document away, the massive book of comments against the Cemex Mine, prepared as part of the EIR process, are completely convincing that it is a meritless project which the City should fight on behalf of its residents. As to the County, they “threw the World Series” and “took a dive” in rejecting the permits for the mine at the Board of Supervisors, without giving Cemex its “due process” and then the County Counsel completely rolled over and sided with Cemex when the matter was litigated in Federal Court. The reason I know the Board of Supervisors “took a dive” is because I was there to watch it happen, and knew it was a dive from the moment I saw it happen.

lvogelApril 8, 2010 at 10:53 am

I’ve stated this before and I do so again; the ‘building’ that is planned for that small area, currently housing our one and only HOSPITAL, will only benefit G & L in the long run! Because G & L own the land where most of the building will be done (again, in a very small area), they will be making money and they are not required to provide HOSPITAL SERVICES! Only the first MOB, which will provide offices for the executives and admin.services…that would be the 50% that is being referred to as ‘required’ in that first MOB! I urged our council to just walk around that area (because it’s a very quick and easy stroll) and imagine the amount of BUILDING that is being asked to go in there. The remaining BUILDINGS have NOTHING to do with the hospital. Any doctor or medical office in this valley can provide those necessary services that is claimed to be needed in that SMALL AREA! My fear is that when all is built (or even during construction) it will be seen and determined that this is a monstrosity and G & L are the only ones gaining from this. Remember, eminent domain is always an option if this does become too massive and the city feels a need to make more room! BUILD ANOTHER HOSPITAL!

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:06 am

The quality of life is already changed for those that live near the hospital. Sirens blasting to the hospital are none stop it seems. I understand the importance of emergency response, just think the hospital is in the wrong location. Once the heliport is built the noise wii be worse and life less safe with copters flying overhead. The safety record for medical copters is terrible, if not deadly.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:17 am

Just as a question… is the “right” location for a hospital, just somebody else’s neighborhood?

CCApril 8, 2010 at 11:20 am

First of all, there is NO GUARANTEE of a hospital. The locals were not protesting a HOSPITAL. They were protesting a plethora of office buildings with NO GUARANTEE of a hospital. Second of all, don’t you think the size and general layout of our city deserve another hospital? Or do you advocate people in Canyon Country sitting in traffic to make it to the trauma center?

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:27 am

CC, my response had NOTHING to do with the expansion project, or saying there is no need for another hospital. My response was specific to Cash talking about the misery of living near a hospital, not medical office building, but a hospital with all of the sirens etc. I am saying that NO ONE ever is happy with a hospital or other such things going in next door to them. As you point out in your other post EVERYBODY has a NIMBY approach to such a thing. You say that the homeowners should have a say, and they should, but homeowners can’t have the power to veto a hospital in their neighborhoods or hospitals would never get built anywhere but the middle of the desert or woods. BTW people will always say that they had no say in a given issue if a decision is made which runs contrary to their desires once they have had a “say.” And nearly every decision runs contrary to some groups desires so every item of the sort will have a group saying they were not given a “say.”

CC RepubApril 8, 2010 at 1:16 pm

Love Santa Clarita says: April 8, 2010 at 9:03 “As of yesterday the CRA IE group has not filed with the City Clerk, but Gauny says that is okay because they were funded by membership funds. NOT TRUE! The very same report in Sacramento he forwarded us to shows $5,000 donated by local developer Larry Rasmussen and his friends. The Integrity Group has done it.” So what? Marsha McLean and Weste and Ferry have all been taking Rasmussen money for years, NOW it is a problem for these whiners ONLY because a big chunk of Rasmussen money is going to a challenger. “In fact,Gauny, Boydston and their friends cost the City and Hospital hundreds of thousands of dollors in legal fees during the past year with their law suit. This delayed the hospital expansion.” There is no hospital expansion, only office buildings. And Marsha is lying through her teeth when she says there is an agreement to put a hospital expansion in. COME ON, MARSHA – show us that agreement, show us where G&L has agreed to put in an ACTUAL hospital expansion. No such agreement exists, and Marsha knows it. The ONLY agreement that exists is an agreement for G&L that says they DON’T have to build a hospital expansion. “Are they going to appeal if Gauny or Boydston get elected and further delay hospital expansion?” What hospital expansion? Are you so stupid (like Marsha) that you don’t know the difference between a hospital expansion and medical office buildings? Or are you just a liar like Marsha? How can you vote for Gauny or Boydston after reading this?” Hell, I’d vote for my DOG before I’d vote for Marsha and Frank and Laurene because ALL THE INCUMBENTS NEED TO GO! How can YOU vote fOr a liar like those three? Marsha has always contended that there is nothing the city can do about illegal immigration, she has said that to us many times over the years when people have complained to City Council about day-laboroer problems. Yet on a mailer, Buck McKeon LIES for those three and says, ” Laurene Weste, Frank Ferry, and Marsha McLean continue to confront the issue in washington and in our neighborhoods.” OH REALLY? What a lie, and if Marsha is so honest, why not admit FROM HER COUNCIL SEAT that she has never done anything to “confront” illegal immigration instead of allowing such a lie to continue? That entire mailer is a bunch of lies, and Buck McKeon is the biggest liar of all. THAY is why a lot of us would vote for ANYBODY but incumbents. And if the challengers play like the incumbents, all of a sudden the incumbents start whining, even though ALL the incumbents have been corrupt, bought jerks for years. Hey Marsha, wasn’t that Waste Management money that bought you your seat? I remember a few editorials about “the seat that trash bought.” And there has been nothing but trash in it ever since. Time to go, ALL OF YOU! NO INCUMBENTS, DUMP THE BUMS!

Love Santa ClaritaApril 8, 2010 at 11:26 am

Vogel and Cash want the hospital closed even thought it has been there for decades. I live in the area. The Summit has 5 ways in an out that keep you from every driving past the hospital. The helicopters were there before. Let’s just make the plan work.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:31 am

You may be right… or are you only 50% right this time too? I just wonder, since you seemed to be OK with that percentage, which half of what you say is valid?

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:32 am

I did not say I want the hospital closed. I live here when the hospital was built and my children were born there. Try to follow along LSC. I oppose the expansion of medical office buildings. As far as sirens are concerned, emergency vehicles already have an access problem, hence the need to use sirens all the way to the emergency room door.

IHeartSCVApril 8, 2010 at 11:37 am

You are misrepresenting several City and HMNMH issues: you are wrong about the building triggers for the third MOB; I don’t think you can say the City has an $11M reserve when it’s going to have to pay out $20M for the Whittaker-Bermite case; Gauny wasn’t on the hospital suit, etc. We could easily see just two new medical office buildings go up with no significant progress on the hospital. Additionally, please stop abusing apostrophes.

lvogelApril 8, 2010 at 11:52 am

No one has said we want the hospital closed, Love Santa Clarita. As I stated, I have lived here for over 20 years and bought knowing there was a hospital right next door, in my backyard. I bought knowing it was a trauma center and there was a helipad, right next door, in my backyard. I am a patient regularly at the current MOB and have been a patient several times at the hospital and the surgical center, right next door, in my backyard. I have supported and have been thankful for that hospital right next door, in my backyard. When I’ve heard helicopters and ambulances going to that hospital, I think about the person in need of urgent medical care at that hospital right next door, in my backyard. After looking at the plans for the area with the MOB’s and parking structures to be built, do you honestly believe that we should just make it ‘work’? You have looked at the plans, right? You’ve attended the meetings and saw the visuals of the buildings (all of them, not just the ‘first’ building and parking structure to have the helipad)? I have never said I don’t want the hospital. I have never said I want the hospital closed. Please don’t mistate my concerns or what I ‘WANT’!

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:27 am

Answer is no. The hospital belongs in a more industrial/commercial area.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:29 am

You’re right, why centralize a hospital so people can get to it when it’s needed, instead put it on the farthest outskirts of a community… say north of Castaic perhaps… here’s hoping for speedy ambulances!

CCApril 8, 2010 at 11:18 am

Obviously you have never put your life savings in a home only to have it devalued by an absurd project. I’ll bet someday you too will be a NIMBY. Frankly, every property owner should have a voice in what gets built around them.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:34 am

Yep, gotta love those Pitchess sirens right Nickeldime? But now that i live near there, I think it should be moved… to Stevenson Ranch perhaps

lvogelApril 8, 2010 at 11:24 am

Since buying ‘near’ the hospital over 20 years ago, the valley has grown tremendously and traffic in and around the hospitals proximity has become at times frustrating; but, it will only get worse with the G&L’s plans. There was helicopter traffic when we first moved here. The hospital at the time was able to accommodate those trauma patients; that is no longer the case and it hasn’t been able to function as a trauma center for years! With so many areas within our valley that can ACCOMMODATE a full size trauma center, why has the city not looked into this YEARS ago when they knew our city was growing so fast?! Why was the ball dropped and the work not done when it should have been? I got a little miffed when I read in the paper that Mr.Gauny only faught this building because it would ruin his view from his backyard!! I knew about this HUGE project prior to Mr.Gauny’s very active (and appreciated) involvement. This has nothing to do with a persons view, Mr. Ferry!! This has to do with a realty companies want to make a ‘BUTT LOAD OF MONEY’ and using the valleys ONLY hospital as a way to make it!

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:37 am

Jeff J, do you need a geography lesson? The hospitala is very poorly located to serve the city of Santa Clarita. It was originally built to serve the needs of the community of Valencia, etc..

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 1:53 pm

You apparently need a “sticking to one argument” lesson Cash. Because this one again has you arguing against keeping this hospital apparently. I never said we didn’t need an additional hospital cash, merely that no one is going to be happy with it being in their back yard. As for the traffic Ivogel, you really think it’s better if you built it North of Castaic, which is what my “speedy Ambulances” references was about? If so I think that’s hilarious, if not, then you again are misrepresenting what I am actually arguing about and trying to insert me into another debate entirely in your desperate attempt to be a part of THIS discussion.

lvogelApril 8, 2010 at 11:38 am

Speedy ambulances, Jeff J? Are you joking?! With the traffic as bad as it is now, speedy is not something that will occur when this project gets underway and is completed! The traffic is a nightmare right now, trying to get to that area. You don’t think it’ll get worse…really?

lvogelApril 8, 2010 at 3:09 pm

I was not considering Castaic, Jeff J, so I appologize for not picking up on that reference. My point was that it takes ambulances longer to get to the hospital then it ever did, due to the traffic increase and that traffice will on increase more in the future. I witnessed last week an ambulance trying to get down Orchard in the morning and it got stuck due to the all the lanes being jammed with work/school traffic. I personally would like to see an additional hospital on the other side of this valley (Canyon Country). I will try not to misrepresent your arguments, Jeff J, however to state, “your desperate attempt to be a part of THIS discussion”, is rather unfair. The discussion is the hospital, and again, if I jumped into a discussion about building one in Castaic, my apologies. Keep in mind that HMNMH has been an important part of my LIFE, and I would never want to see it close, just an additional one which may help our emergency vehicles in the long run.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 4:27 pm

Honestly Ivogel, we seem to be in agreement, which is what I have been trying to say, sorry for the amped up tone of the last response but again, we have been arguing completely different things, it just felt like you were trying to make it seem as though I were arguing in favor of the expansion or against an additional hospital which I am not… and I don’t disagree with you regarding the need for an additional hospital in CC. Again, the reference to building one in Castaic was tongue in cheek, ie maybe North of Castaic… say the Grapevine, might be the only place you wouldn’t encounter a NIMBY response from the residents, but then it would not be practical to get to, thus the dilemma/ sarcasm.

lvogelApril 8, 2010 at 4:44 pm

I guess I’m a bit sensitive to the ‘nimby’ reference, Jeff J. See, my concern is not with a hospital, but the G&L plan to build in a residential area (which already is suffering from traffic problems) and using the hospital as a way to make money. I have never considered myself or those that have opposed this as nimbys. I think that if the city really cared about the ‘hospital’ needs of this valley, they’d help the hospital (or build another in an un-incorporated area, close to a freeway where traffic tends to move over more quickly) and they would not be concerned with G & L. This topic has always ‘amped’ me up, hence the lack of humor or sarcasm I may have with it. I often wonder how many that support this (truly believing that this is all for the hospital’s good), commute or travel that corridor daily. BTW, did you ever take a look at the cute little video they had at a council meeting a couple years back? UNBELIEVABLE!!! It was so disproportional and I couldn’t believe that it was taken seriously.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 4:54 pm

I think we got off on the wrong foot Ivogel, arguing two completely separate things. I know that there are legitimate issues with all of the things you are saying.

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:25 am

Poor Council governing would be appropriate if you want to call names.

AnnetteApril 8, 2010 at 11:31 am

Vote for TimBen Boydston! He does not have a PAC

Timothy MyersApril 8, 2010 at 11:35 am

I did already!

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:41 am

Annette, I am personally reminded of the movie Brewster’s Millions and am longing for a “None of the above” option. I know it doesn’t work in practice, but would love to see the slate wiped clean and a group that included just common ordinary citizens… not “politicians” or those who desire to be “politicians.” Just my humble opinion though, carry on

AnnetteApril 8, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Thanks Jeff, I will carry on… TimBen in 10 No PAC’s allowed

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 1:54 pm

Again ND, I think that falls under “those who desire to be “politicians.”” And I am all for term limits.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 2:37 pm

No I get you entirely ND, I am completely aware that what I would like to see doesn’t exist. And to clarify, I want to elect those who don’t desire to be “politicians,” ie lifers, not looking for those who don’t desire to go into the political arena and shake things up for the common good, I believe there is a difference, I just don’t believe many (if any) actually succeed at staying above the fray. I agree with your point BTW, most, if not all of them do indeed “go there.” It’s the ones I can smell it on before they even “get there” that have me most worried, the ones that don’t even seem good at hiding that all they really want is to be a politician. The double speak, the disingenuous statements, the spin, the Oaths if elected not being representative of past behavior or track record, etc. I don’t think I lack rationality, but I know that my outlook is overly idealistic.

lvogelApril 8, 2010 at 11:33 am

JOHN B and JEFF J: This amount of building doesn’t belong in anyones neighborhoos, PERIOD!! The neighbors of HMNMH bought KNOWING there was a hospital in their backyard. The hospital and current MOB’S are welcomed. Many people (including myself) appreciate and have used the facilities in that area. Our concern is the amount of bulding (and whether or not that area can handle all that traffic and concrete); the amount of traffic (that has become a problem with the amount of bulding there already); the effect it will have on our environment (noise and air pollution, sewage included); the prospect of eminent domain. ALL IN THE NAME OF MONEY!! Beds have already been added to the hospital. Admin offices have been moved and the other 50% of the first MOB doesn’t have to be hospital related. The other 2 MOB’S (on the G&L side) are not required to benefit the hospital AT ALL!

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:37 am

Again Ivogel, read the text I wrote, it was specific to Cash’s bitching about living near a hospital at all, not in any way endorsing the expansion project. Thanks.

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:43 am

You jumped to conclusion lacking the facts.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:50 am

No, I came to a conclusion based on the “facts” of your statements which still exist in print, but here is the quotation that I was responding to “Sirens blasting to the hospital are none stop it seems. I understand the importance of emergency response, just think the hospital is in the wrong location.” This post by you had nothing to do with the expansion but just the idea that you don’t like living near a hospital, fair enough… move… or live with it. I think the fact is that you are likely so used to arguing against the hospital under the guise of just being upset about the expansion that you accidentally left your guard down and revealed your NIMBY feelings in general, it’s ok, it happens.

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:54 am

Let me spell it out for you. it is an access issue.

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:42 am

Yes I did say industrial/commercial, and as this valley population grows,[unfortuantely], the current location will become even less desirable. A place like Center Point would seem to be a better location.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:45 am

Gosh Cash, I indeed apologize to have trotted into “your” area six years ago to become one of the “unfortunate” growths as I moved my family here. Please excuse the disturbance we have created for you and yours, hope there is forgiveness in our future. Until then you might try Frazier Park, I don’t think we parasites are likely to be spreading all the way up there for a while… but you never know!

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:49 am

Don’t think much of yourself or your family do you. Are you playing the role of the victim now in hopes I will feel sorry for you? I don’t recall suggesting you move.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 1:59 pm

Actually Cash, it’s called humor. Not looking for any sympathy guess I need to use smiley faces so you know the difference. But I am a part of the valley population growth which you label as unfortunate, how does that not include me? If not who does it include? Who is OK in your book, to move into your valley?

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 11:42 am

Hmmm, that does seem correct ND, he did say that. I then suggested north of Castaic and… well never mind, it’s all there in print above to be re-read, no need to cliff note it here

cashApril 8, 2010 at 11:46 am

North of Castaic would make little sense. Much like relying on the current location for the future. Especially once the current location become nothing but medical office buildings.

Jeff JApril 8, 2010 at 2:02 pm

Yeah, but at least those pesky sirens are out your back yard <—– Please note smiley face Cash, not looking to victimize anybody <—- Smiley face again to assign tone to previous comment

CC RepubApril 8, 2010 at 1:19 pm

CC Repub says: Your comment is awaiting moderation. April 8, 2010 at 1:16 pmLove Santa Clarita says: April 8, 2010 at 9:03 “As of yesterday the CRA IE group has not filed with the City Clerk, but Gauny says that is okay because they were funded by membership funds. NOT TRUE! The very same report in Sacramento he forwarded us to shows $5,000 donated by local developer Larry Rasmussen and his friends. The Integrity Group has done it.” So what? Marsha McLean and Weste and Ferry have all been taking Rasmussen money for years, NOW it is a problem for these whiners ONLY because a big chunk of Rasmussen money is going to a challenger. “In fact,Gauny, Boydston and their friends cost the City and Hospital hundreds of thousands of dollors in legal fees during the past year with their law suit. This delayed the hospital expansion.” There is no hospital expansion, only office buildings. And Marsha is lying through her teeth when she says there is an agreement to put a hospital expansion in. COME ON, MARSHA – show us that agreement, show us where G&L has agreed to put in an ACTUAL hospital expansion. No such agreement exists, and Marsha knows it. The ONLY agreement that exists is an agreement for G&L that says they DON’T have to build a hospital expansion. “Are they going to appeal if Gauny or Boydston get elected and further delay hospital expansion?” What hospital expansion? Are you so stupid (like Marsha) that you don’t know the difference between a hospital expansion and medical office buildings? Or are you just a liar like Marsha? How can you vote for Gauny or Boydston after reading this?” Hell, I’d vote for my DOG before I’d vote for Marsha and Frank and Laurene because ALL THE INCUMBENTS NEED TO GO! How can YOU vote fOr a liar like those three? Marsha has always contended that there is nothing the city can do about illegal immigration, she has said that to us many times over the years when people have complained to City Council about day-laboroer problems. Yet on a mailer, Buck McKeon LIES for those three and says, ” Laurene Weste, Frank Ferry, and Marsha McLean continue to confront the issue in washington and in our neighborhoods.” OH REALLY? What a lie, and if Marsha is so honest, why not admit FROM HER COUNCIL SEAT that she has never done anything to “confront” illegal immigration instead of allowing such a lie to continue? That entire mailer is a bunch of lies, and Buck McKeon is the biggest liar of all. THAY is why a lot of us would vote for ANYBODY but incumbents. And if the challengers play like the incumbents, all of a sudden the incumbents start whining, even though ALL the incumbents have been corrupt, bought jerks for years. Hey Marsha, wasn’t that Waste Management money that bought you your seat? I remember a few editorials about “the seat that trash bought.” And there has been nothing but trash in it ever since. Time to go, ALL OF YOU! NO INCUMBENTS, DUMP THE BUMS!

CoastalSageApril 8, 2010 at 9:26 pm

CC: I doubt Marsha has ever read the Development Agreement, let alone understands the nuances of its words, in terms of their legal impact. In addition to the trash people, I believe Whittaker Bermite’s owner and Larry Rasmussen are long time supporters of Marsha. Some people like to elect City Councilpersons who are gullible.

LStaedtlerApril 8, 2010 at 2:01 pm

Reading over the numerous posts, I want to add in my two cents. I think most agree that where the Hospital is now located is not the ideal place for the whole Santa Clarita Valley. However, that is our only hospital and is very unlikely that it will move. Whose fault is it that the hospital hasnt grown with the Valley? I’m not too sure. Is it Henry Mayo? Is it the County (remember this area wasnt a City until 87 and a lot of development was approved by the County)? Is it the City? I would say that all three are at fault to some degree. Is the current expansion plan ideal? I’ll be honest, I dont know much about the details. Maybe there is too much office space being included for the amount of additional beds being included. However, I have no doubt that the expansion will ultimately help the healthcare in the Valley. I do feel that Henry Mayo’s timeline for opening the hospital expansion by 2015 is optimistic. I believe that the plans are reviewed by the state and have to follow the strictist seismic building codes and heard that it takes years to just approve plans. So maybe they already started that process.

CoastalSageApril 8, 2010 at 9:31 pm

The Providence group of hospitals, owned and run by Catholic Health Care West, have long said they were going to build a hospital in Santa Clarita, but have never gotten the money together to do so. During the last 6 years they spent their money building big new hospitals in other cities, where they thought they would have more foot traffic and revenue growth. That new building program backfired, and the Providence hospitals are cutting back major services at many of their hospitals nationwide, such as eliminating maternity and neonatal ICU departments, eliminating pediatric departments, etc. As a result don’t expect the building of a hospital by Providence in Santa Clarita any time soon. That’s too bad, because I really liked them. Their doctors at Holy Cross saved my life many years ago and their nurses were wonderful to me.

Kate P.April 12, 2010 at 9:49 am

Msgr Paul Montoya has been reassigned to Christ the King as of July 1. It appears that Msgr. Martini is his replacement.