I Heart, with his characteristic sarcasm and wit, systematically dismantles today’s Signal editorial on the library takeover:
You didn’t back the County of Los Angeles Library System because it has ably served Santa Clarita for decades. No, you were scared into your position by thuggish librarians intent on spreading literacy with a side of lies. Meanwhile, it was Mayor Pro-tem Marsha McLean who offered a refreshing message of hope: “Cracks are forming!”[2]. You heard about severe restrictions on inter-library loans, the potential for new fees, and the loss of one-of-a-kind resources, but this was propaganda spread by questionable sources, like the County Librarian. You just lacked the basic reasoning skills necessary to critically evaluate these misleading messages. Thank goodness Leon and the gang at Creekside are on the case.
This widespread ignorance also explains why the dozens of comments given at the City Council meeting on the library takeover didn’t matter. According to The Signal editorial board, “They [the City Council] didn’t need three hours of testimony. Were their minds made up before the meeting? Yes…” You may think you know what you want, but it’s best to let the City Council and The Signal (their opinions typically indistinguishable) decide what’s best for you.
Only thing I’d like to add is that we here on SCVTalk (and in letters to the editor, the discussion forum and elsewhere) were questioning the takeover move way before SEIU unions got involved. We wanted some simple questions answered: Will unincorporated residents have check in/check out privileges at new City libraries? Will we have the same access to County resources we do now? Will the City be able to collect the special library tax (it now appears the answer is no, just like the 1999 City study said)? Why did the city treat our libraries, a valued local institution, like just one more line item to optimize in a budget? Why didn’t they hire a real librarian in, say, the Spring, to add some credibility to their takeover? Why did we have to choose between listening to our well-regarded County Librarian and Darren Hernandez, a finance guy? Why did this idea go from zero to light speed in a mere 50+ days when the City has deliberated for years over matters of far less importance?
Don’t depend on The Signal to answer those questions for you; their editorial makes it clear which side of the debate they are on, and they, at least the editorial staff, have contempt for anyone who dares raise questions about this move.
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