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February 24, 2011· scvtalk.com · WordPress (SCVTalk 3.0) · Wayback capture

February 24, 2011 – Daily Brief

By Jeff — Jeff Wilson

Image not recoveredsnowreally.png

Snow on Saturday? What?

  • As the COLA Public Library winds down operations at three branches in the SCV this year, it will stop allowing patrons to order resources from other County branches on March 14. But you can still place orders for materials to be delivered to the Agua Dulce or Castaic libraries, and the County is looking at establishing a temporary facility or library kiosk machine in Stevenson Ranch. One correction to the Signal article: the Council voted 4-1 to leave the County system, not unanimously SIGNAL, SIGNAL
  • The city’s purchase of 90 acres of property in Wildwood Canyon south of Newhall will open up that area to equestrians, bicyclists and hikers according to Laurene Weste. The total cost of the property was $500k and was paid for with Open Space district money. Pretty cool SIGNAL
  • Confirmed: Apple Inc., maker of the iPad, iPhone and a forgotten computer system called the Mac, is coming to the Valencia Town Center possibly by mid-September 2011 says a blog that follows Apple’s retail stores. I think this says something about the culture of the SCV but I’m not sure what it is yet APPLE BLOG (ht: reader Bruce)
  • Business owner accuses the City of Santa Clarita of being business unfriendly after a sign twirler ordinance that passed in recent years has lead him to being fined $2,000. Some young people also complain that sign twirling/human directional activities are the only work they can find in the SCV KHTS
  • Oh wow, please make it so: The Los Angeles Transit Coalition wants Mayor Villagraigosa’s 10/30 transit plan to include a rail corridor from Sylmar to Long Beach along the entire 405 freeway. The Coalition says such a rail system would allow commuters in the SCV, AV, and SFV a rapid way to commute to west side jobs LA IST
  • California stands to win big either way when the Defense Department finally selects a replacement for its aging fleet of aerial tanker aircraft. The decade-long competition between Boeing and Airbus for the next generation tanker may finally wrap up soon, and California stands to gain 4,500 or 5,200 jobs respectively. Some companies in the SCV would benefit too LA TIMES
  • Cute: Justin Bieber, the Canadian pop sensation, gave Ellen Degeneres a lock of his hair yesterday. Ellen says she’s going to auction off the Bieb’s magical hair and donate the proceeds to the Gentle Barn, an SCV animal-rescue center COOL
  • Speaking of cool (literally) things from Canada, the National Weather Service is predicting snow accumulation for the Santa Clarita Valley on Saturday. A chill wind from the north shall bring the white stuff to the SCV for an unprecedented second time this year, causing locals to go mad and our freeways to become a mess, thus saith the NWS
  • Will the poor SCV Food Truck festival be postponed again?
  • 40 year old SCV man facing five years in federal prison after hiring workers to scrape asbestos from an apartment building he owned in the SFV. Only he didn’t tell the workers they were clearing asbestos, nor did he provide for safe removal of the poisonous material SIGNAL
  • Apartment rentals in the SCV cost between $1,400 and $1,500 per month on average. Also young people are more likely to rent these days rather than own according to some rental sites the Signal talked to SIGNAL
  • Meanwhile, the blogger at the Awesometown blog is really really really excited about NLF’s new Lavello development. Adding fuel to Mike’s SCV mental geography series, the blog says the Lavello homes -between 2,400 and 2,900 sq. ft. – are located in “Valencia’s premiere village of West Creek,” an area of town I think of as Pitchess East. AWESOMETOWN
  • It’s a sad state of affairs in America when a 99 year old man -who once hopped trains during the Great Depressesion- has no economic security to speak of and may be homeless by the time he turns 100 in December SIGNAL
  • Ruh-roh: The price of a barrel of oil is back above $100 again as concerns over Middle East stability grow. Will it reach $140+ like it did in 2008? Gas topped out in the SCV at about $4.50 a gallon at the time LA TIMES
  • Bon Voyage and Godspeed Space Shuttle Discovery: the last Discovery shuttle mission should blasts off from Cape Canaveral today. Is it too much to hope they’ll land at Edwards for old times sake? There will be two more launches after this, then that’s it for the shuttle program. CNN has a great video compilation of all 132 shuttle launches from Columbia & Challenger (RIP) to all the rest CNN
  • During a visit to Pakistan earlier this month, Congressman Buck McKeon bluntly warned Pakistan of consequences if it fails to release an American CIA officer charged with shooting two men. SALON.COM
  • I totally missed this excellent George Will column on the “tall affable” Buck McKeon and how our Congressman is fairing as the head of the Armed Services Committee, a 62 member committee with 13 freshmen members, some of whom are Tea Party-backed and want to cut defense WAPO
  • Grumpy old Bill Reynolds whines about bike lanes and parking at COC in an LTE that advises the City to rip the Rockwell bike lanes out and let cars park along Rockwell. I see people (including myself) use the bike lanes on Rockwell all the time. SIGNAL
  • LTE writer says the City shouldn’t waste $30-$35 million on a new library in Newhall, but ought to instead build a transitional care unit for seniors. SIGNAL

 

Comments (84)

  1. Jim FarleyFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:59 am
    While the Open Space tax assessment is still very problematic (illegal, not proportional, and numerous other reasons previously discussed) I have to acknowledge that the city is so far keeping to its promise on land purchases. The audit panel including Alan Ferdman and Spence Leafdale are also doing a good job keeping the city in check. The Wildwood Canyon purchase looks like a real good one.
  2. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:27 am
    Great City Brief. I love the Jim holt piece. Does Bill Reynold think everyone forgets he was one of the voices against the park structure? Trying to protect his view. Then he is mad because those pesky kids park in his neighborhood, then attacks the “expensive” bike lanes that help cut down on traffic. This guy is as sharp as a bowling ball. He figures if he doesn’t like something or doesn’t use it, then it must be useless. This guy is a waste of skin.
  3. Bill ReynoldsFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:40 am
    Hey lil Natie, AKA: Blazing Munk, a parking structure at COC could not possibly block my view and I would be perfectly happy if they had built one there. Try getting your facts straight, knucklehead.
  4. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:52 am
    Bill, you are absolutely correct about the COC situation. Additionally, bike lanes are a huge waste of money, especially in these economic times. They are seldom used and when they are, the riders often fail to follow the traffic laws. Not to worry, the pain is headed our way and even those in silly spandex are going to feel it in their purse.
  5. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:00 am
    That is idiotic I am riding my bike more then ever because of these economic times and to cross train for running. There is no reason bike lanes shouldn’t be everywhere especially on Newhall Ave. You know what efffit I am riding in the street don’t like it tough put in a bike lane.
  6. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:06 am
    You a two of your friends! Remember what I said, the bike lanes are a waste of money!
  7. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:27 am
    You are a waste of skin.
  8. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:32 am
    This issue is bike lanes, and they are still a waste of money, especially when sidewalks already exist and the city now allows riding on sidewalks.
  9. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:53 am
    There are no sidewalks on Newhall ave either. I ran 6 mile look and probably had 50 yards of sidewalk. You are clueless. When is the last time you walk anywhere?
  10. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:58 am
    Hey nat, there are many locations where both exist.
  11. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:44 am
    And more places where neither exist. I am sure sidewalks are a waste of money because you walk no where screw those who do. I was forced to run 3 miles in the gutter because neither existed! There was a spot for a side walk and six lanes of traffic but alas no sidewalk or bike lane.
  12. Linda SFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:24 am
    Bike Lanes are great. The new ones in the Industral Center are being used all the time. I work on Avenue Stanford and see many daily. Plus, it helped with cars making lefts into and out of driveways as there is now a center median to use which didnt exist before. The Bike lanes have been on Rockwell for at least a dozen years and are not new so I’m not sure what the complaint is about. They’re more visible now since the repaving but they existed next to curb before the repaving because I use them all the time for many years. I dont see any traffic issue on Rockwell. Sure it gets a little busy when school time starts but there are two lanes at the bottom parking lots.
  13. JeffFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:31 am
    “They are seldom used and when they are, the riders often fail to follow the traffic laws.” By that logic, we ought to prohibit cars travelling on streets too since drivers often break the law.
  14. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:34 am
    So now two wrongs make it right. The lanes are a waste of taxpayer dollars.
  15. JeffFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:37 am
    I’m a taxpayer and I say they are not a waste of my dollars.
  16. Bill ReynoldsFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:39 am
    Hey Jeff, it would be interesting to know just how many tax dollars have been spent creating bike lanes. I’m tellin’ ya, I never see any bike riders on Rockwell.
  17. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:55 am
    So you admit you don’t know how much it cost. Yet you ACT like you do. Definition of ignorance!
  18. Bill ReynoldsFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:09 am
    Nate you idiot, no matter how many $$’s are spent, it’s a waste of money! Moron…
  19. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:48 am
    Yeah because painting a line on the road is just so much money! Bumper sticker on bill’s H3 I Support the troops buy the most gas I can from the Muslims they fight. HA! You are weak and once again OWNED!
  20. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:40 am
    When you begin to pay a significant registration fee for your bike, significant enough to cover the cost of your bike lanes, I may begin to appreciate your argument. For now your bucket has a hole in it.
  21. JeffFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:41 am
    Why would I need to pay registration for my bike? I pay gas, property, and sales taxes just like everyone else.
  22. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:45 am
    The anwser is obvious Jeff.
  23. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:56 am
    When there are side walks on every street I will appreciate yours.
  24. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:57 am
    That is funny because when it came up you were admitly against it saying “if you paid for a view wouldn’t you protect it” Try telling the truth it is easier to remember what you said from day to day. (also I meant daily brief not city brief)
  25. Bill ReynoldsFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:43 am
    Nate, I may have said that… “if” a homeowner who paid extra $$’s for a view lot and then later complained that his view was being ruined. Who wouldn’t complain? I do not have such a view lot so it wasn’t me who complained.
  26. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:59 am
    Go pick on some kids I think there are some having a little fun somewhere!
  27. MikeFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:10 am
    Bill, IIRC, you admitted on this very site that you were part of the fight against the COC parking lot years ago. Parking along Rockwell, aside from being very dangerous, would do very little to help the parking situation at COC. They need a lot more than that.
  28. Bill ReynoldsFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:18 am
    Mike, you are wrong. Parking problems at COC has a very long history… as it does throughout SCV. If bicycling is so popular, why aren’t COC students riding bikes to school? Like I said, those bike lanes along Rockwell are miserably underutilized.
  29. Linda SFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:26 am
    Complain to the state about the parking. COC is a state facility and therefore do not need to follow City standards such as parking ratios. That’s the bad thing about COC. They’re immune to local standards.
  30. Bill ReynoldsFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:37 am
    Good point, Linda S.
  31. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:30 am
    Because entitled douche bags like you make it unsafe to ride bikes without a bike lane because you believe YOU alone paid for the rode.
  32. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:57 am
    You know ho many out and out lies I have caught this guy in…
  33. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:46 am
    Bill, does Nate know you can snap a neck with one hand?
  34. Bill ReynoldsFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:08 am
    Haha… very funny Cash! But it’s true Nate is a wimp.
  35. Bill ReynoldsFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:10 am
    Correction, Nate is a lying wimp.
  36. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:56 am
    Bill you have had your chance you didn’t even have th balls to look me in the eye… Step up or Shut up.
  37. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:58 am
    Doesn’t mean much coming from the guy hiding behind his computer.
  38. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:46 am
    Hey Bill, Those Muslims you hate so much called they said get on your knees they require servicing again. HA!
  39. Mr PerezFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:27 pm
    Shhhhhh, I am getting offended here.
  40. MikeFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:44 am
    Apple store coming to Awesometown? Score one for SCVtalk on the scoop two weeks ago. Hey Thomas, in your face!
  41. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:01 am
    Looks like the rumor mill was right again!
  42. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:45 am
    Sorry but NLF does not build homes. The company name is no longer NLF, the name is Newhall Land Development. The new homes mentioned herein are Lennar Homes. Newhall Land Development is struggling and seems to be worried about its cash burn, they continue to lay off employees. They moved to the new location for among other reasons, to take advantage of the freebies offered by the Enterprise Zone. The company is far from what it once was, more than the change in name.
  43. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:54 am
    New-home sales in January drop 12.6 pct New-home sales in January drop sharp 12.6 pct. as US housing sector falters
  44. TimBen BoydstonFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:17 am
    Light rail in freeway corridors excellent idea. “High speed rail’ in the middle of nowhere, not so much.
  45. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:27 am
    TB, I believe that the statistics indicate that less that 3% of the commuting public use public transportation. When gas reaches over 5.00 per gallon and people max out car pool opportunitues, perhaps having more trains will begin to make sense. Now, not so much.
  46. JeffFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:35 am
    So essentially you are saying it makes sense to invest in rail now for the days ahead (which might be this summer) when gas is priced $5/gallon. Wow Cash, you’ve progressed a lot in your views. Must be my blog’s influence on you.
  47. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:44 am
    You misunderstand, I am saying public transportation will not make economic sense in your life time.
  48. JeffFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:48 am
    Huh? You just said $5/gallon would be the catalyst that compels people to try public transit. I’m telling you that could be a reality by summer. Are you that insulated from gas prices cash old boy? Do you have a butler who fills up your SUV for you?
  49. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:02 am
    …… and car pools are maxed out. I know you are fair and balanced Jeff. BTW, I have no SUV.
  50. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:58 am
    Things are changing go with it or get out of the way…
  51. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:10 am
    and not for the better. Open your young eyes nat, and look beyond your nose.
  52. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:39 pm
    I know we need more engineers and scientist. (making it harder to get an education isn’t a smart idea) I know we need to cut fuel consumption and find other forms. (making it easier and safer to take bikes is just logical) I know that 25% of fuel consumed is in vehicles and the rest is plastics and petroleum based fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides. (Everyone is focused only on the fuel because they see money going in their gas tanks. The probably is bigger we have a disposable society seriously individually wrapped slices of cheese? That is OIL) I can keep going. Having a few bike lanes through out the city doesn’t encourage someone to ride their bike. Sure it is nice to have one when you DO, risking your life to get to it shouldn’t be the cost.
  53. CCFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:14 am
    But it has to be planned and paid for in our lifetime Cash. Every developing nation in the world has superior public transportation than we do right here in the strongest nation on earth. But I guess the good news is that China can someday outsource it’s jobs to a developing nation right here in Awesometown.
  54. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:28 am
    We can’t build enough trains to make a meaningful difference.
  55. CCFebruary 24, 2011 at 4:28 pm
    Tell that to Tokyo
  56. TimBen BoydstonFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:50 am
    Los Angeles has been developed along the freeway corridors. Since light rail takes time to build (due to planning, locating and buying station properties) it makes good sense to put the network in now. The path of travel remains constant and gives the consumer the choice as to when to switch. Denver is doing a good job with this. With the explosion of the world economies will come higher gas prices. If there is major unrest which disrupts the energy supply lines, there could be very rapid increases. It is critical that we have alternative public transportaion in place so that our economy is not ruined by these disruptions.
  57. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:07 am
    I don’t think it will be trains TB. Alternative fuel source perhaps. There will need to be a cultural change before trains will be embraced. I say this as one that enjoys usning the train for long trips. Besides, when gas reaches $5.00/gl our economy will tank and there will be no money for trains.
  58. CCFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:15 am
    Alternative fuel won’t get you through the Newhall pass any quicker.
  59. cashFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:22 am
    Newhall pass is the least of our worries.
  60. Jim FarleyFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:40 am
    I’ve lived in tjhe SCV since 1982 and can’t ever remember snow being part of a forecast days before. Every snow event has been a surprise. I’d love to see snow again this Saturday. Let’s hope the forecast doesn’t jinx it.
  61. Lori RivasFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:47 am
    The Signal’s reporting error on the “unanimous vote” of Council on leaving COLA comes right out of the City’s official minutes of the 8/24 meeting. Yup. The City records of the 8/24 meeting say that the Council voted unanimously. Way to re-write history and/or have selective hearing and memory. I mean, seriously, who could forget that Kellar voted against the motion?
  62. JeffFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:49 am
    Whoa. For real? Link me.
  63. Lori RivasFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:00 pm
    I have a hard copy; Jeff found the link: http://apps.santa-clarita.com/agendas/ViewMinutes.aspx?MeetingID=195 Scroll to item 15, and read how “the Council adopted the motion by unanimous consent.”
  64. Lori RivasFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:05 pm
    I see my mistake now — the Council voted unanimously to close the public hearing, but on the next page, the minutes reflect the vote for the actual item, with Kellar voting against the measure. So sorry. My mistake. I was looking at a hard copy, of which I only have one page, not the entire document, as provided with the link, which lists the item vote on the next page. Sincerest apologies.
  65. Lori RivasFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:57 am
    Okay. Let me find it and scan it. I was just reading it yesterday.
  66. Mr PerezFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:59 am
    I am confused over the congestion at COC if they have reported that they are cutting classes left and right. Wouldnt a decrease in classes translate into a decrease in students at the campus??? And I ride my bike almost everyday to work, albeit on the paseos. I prefer to work out at every available chance I get since my job demands it as does me not wanting to grow up into some fat ass and also wanting to save money on gas and help lower my effin’ carbon footprint. I also feel more alive and intune with the world when I ride as opposed to sitting in my car all the time.
  67. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:51 am
    People are cramming into classes, some that they don’t need.
  68. KellyFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:14 am
    Yippee, an Apple store, very cool and fabulous!! Now, if only we could get a Crocs and Lush store, a Malibu Seafood, ah, now we’re talking! Got that Westfield Aussies?? I love bike lanes, especially the view on Sunday AMs of all the weekend warriors in spandex. Great post, thank you!
  69. CCFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:17 am
    Yeah, I’m a big fan of spandex watching
  70. navigatorFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:32 am
    Too many DON’T BELONG in spandex!……just sayin.
  71. Joe GrandeFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:30 am
    So, it’s easier to get to COC by bicycle than by automobile. What’s the problem? These are collage kids, I’m sure they can figure it out.
  72. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:50 am
    Exactly what is the problem? In Bill Reynold’s world it doesn’t cost anything to take Bike Lanes out it only costs to put Bike lanes in…
  73. Bill ReynoldsFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:26 pm
    You are an idiot, Lil Natie. Ha!
  74. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:56 pm
    Owned
  75. Berta González-HarperFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:31 pm
    @Jeff or whomever: Thank you for removing comments posted that referenced knees and servicing. In my opinion, comments like that are in poor taste, disgusting, offensive, and should not be allowed to pollute this site regardless of whether I do or do not agree with the target of such comments, or the person posting them.
  76. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:54 pm
    @Berta, Perhaps you would have preferred more lady like lingo like “choke the dog shit out of you” Or the numerous time you have physically threatened people on this site. Get off your high horse.
  77. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:55 pm
    Oh yes let’s not forget the times you were making Dick jokes at Gang Fang. You have ZERO room to talk high and mighty to anyone.
  78. navigatorFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:00 pm
    She has a point Nate. It should be applied to everyone. Some of us may just be old but we still have class. Our idea of decorum is somewhat different than that of today’s youth. We were raised with soap in our mouth instead of s–t.
  79. NateFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:28 pm
    Then she OF ALL PEOPLE should walk the walk. NO?
  80. gregory molineriFebruary 24, 2011 at 4:27 pm
    What Nate? No one can understand you because you still have s–t in your mouth. Follow Navigator’s suggestion: try soap and become a grownup. Your defense of GangFag is also laughable. The only thing you two add to this site is name-calling. Soap works on chicken shit too. Try a bunch.
  81. Berta González-HarperFebruary 24, 2011 at 11:56 pm
    @Nate: I walk the walk every day of my life, and have since before you were even a twinkle in your daddy’s eye. Vile comments like the ones you made today, and just as vile ones you have made about me are why I expressed that uncontrollable desire. You and a few others make the most insulting, obnoxious and vile comments, but only while hiding behind your keyboard. You and all of your aliases know what I look like and so does Gang Fang since you have made many derogatory comments regarding my appearance. You have been at venues where I was also, could have said whatever you wanted to my face, chose not to. At the time, I had no idea who you were or what you looked like since you were only posting under one of your many pseudonyms. I do now. Repeat some of the garbage you have spewed about me to my face, my offer stands. Nobody talks to me that way… There are plenty of people who disagree with each other on this site without resorting to the level of nastiness you and Gang Fang exhibit. @ Navigator and gregory molineri nice to know there still are some decent guys out there that will not condone Nate’s unacceptable behavior. Thanks for the back up.
  82. JerryFebruary 25, 2011 at 11:37 am
    Another message from Berta’s favorite fan, Berta.
  83. Joe GrandeFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:13 pm
    Just learned of Las Rocas B&G next door to the library in Castaic. Can’t wait to try it.
  84. Coastal SageFebruary 24, 2011 at 11:25 pm
    Sometimes Jeff has “all the answers”. At last night’s meet and greet between Lewis Operating Company owner, staff and lobbyists, and SCV activists, concerning the potential “partnership” between Lewis and the city, several of the Lewis people, including its owner, said they wanted to develop apartments on Bermite. The Bermite property is currently zoned for about 3000 residences, roughly 50/50 between multifamily and single family. I was wondering why Lewis Operating Co. would want to spend time and capital on the Bermite redevelopment. But now I get it, because as Jeff says “Apartment rentals in the SCV cost between $1,400 and $1,500 per month on average. “

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