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March 16, 2012· scvtalk.com · WordPress (SCVTalk 3.0) · Wayback capture

March 16, 2012 – Daily Brief

By IHeartSCV

  • Firefighters responded to a mobile home fire close to their station. A woman and her son were outside of their home, but when they saw signs of the fire, the 6-year-old child tried to run down the hallway (to save his things?), leading to minor burns. SIGNAL has full details. For photos, visit SCVNews.
  • Homeless Claritans get brief reprieve: the shelter is staying open a little while longer because of the rain. SIGNAL
  • Don’t like your smart meter? A proposal presented this week would let homeowners use the original meters for a one-time fee of $75 and an extra $10 per month. SIGNAL
  • Cam Noltemeyer wants you to think about the unintentional science experiment that is Santa Clarita’s groundwater, with perchlorate and VOCs courtesy of Whittaker-Bermite. Glug, gulp.
  • Castaic Lake Water Agency announces contest for ideas on conserving water. $5K front yard makeover goes to winner. CLWA
  • Before Awesometown, there was Ratsburg. Find out more in John Boston’s Time Ranger at WRB
  • Z6Mag covers trend of people selling their spots in line for the iPad 3, which comes out today. A Craigslist ad offers the top spot in Santa Clarita’s line for $500+. And don’t even think about scamming this guy(gal?): “I will be checking to see if the money is real, in front of everyone. So, you better think TWICE before you hand me fake money.” Amusing…and, one hopes, a satiric statement on Applemania and not a real ad.
  • Happy St. Patrick’s Day Eve. I’d mention that I’m 50% Irish, but I know you 100% don’t care, so instead, here’s an article about green-dyed food and drink USA Today

Comments (52)

  1. NateMarch 16, 2012 at 8:08 am
    Had friend call me this morning saying he was getting his morning coffee on bouquet and saw the Verizon store was fully staffed and opened 2 hours early and they hadn’t sold one iPad at that time.
  2. AdamMarch 16, 2012 at 8:15 am
    Yeah I didn’t even realize it was releasing today until I read this. I think the market is already so saturated with tablts and phones that a simple new release isn’t going to get the crowds going like it used to. Plus you can now buy Apple products at the apple store, best buy, AT&T, & Verizon. Not really the same as a few years back when your purchase points were very limited.
  3. NateMarch 16, 2012 at 8:22 am
    It is the least exciting apple release in recent memory. Apple customers don’t typically get excited about improved specs.
  4. mikeMarch 16, 2012 at 9:10 am
    Steve Jobs, inventor Tim Cook, upgrader #features
  5. NateMarch 16, 2012 at 9:51 am
    That is the truth… These upgrades did not warrant an apple event. The guy is trying way to hard.
  6. mikeMarch 16, 2012 at 9:57 am
    I think it’s a serious upgrade, and I think the retina display is a very big deal (did you know that sites will be able to enable >72dpi images for iPads now?), and it puts Apple far ahead of their closest competitor, who is still lagging behind the last iPad, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen something profoundly new. And I’m hungry for it.
  7. ToddMarch 16, 2012 at 12:46 pm
    Agreed… but I have to admit… I’d like to see it come with a price reduction. Economy of scale doesn’t apply to fruit products???
  8. NateMarch 16, 2012 at 12:56 pm
    Free market…
  9. mikeMarch 16, 2012 at 1:35 pm
    It’s more for the same price. They’re selling the iPad 2 for $100 less, FWIW. As for the economies of scale, it’s in full effect. A big reason why Apple has had such a strong position with the iPad is that no one has been able to make something genuinely comparable for less money. Same story (until very recently) with the MacBook Air.
  10. mikeMarch 16, 2012 at 9:08 am
    I’m 62.5% Irish, so naturally there is a lot of Catholicism and alcoholism in my family. But as a teetotaling Protestant, I sit this one out.
  11. Phil EllisMarch 16, 2012 at 9:18 am
    Irish = Catholic = Alcoholic Protestant = teetotaler = stereotyping
  12. mikeMarch 16, 2012 at 9:26 am
    True. But they know I kid. Once you pass the 61% threshold, self-effacing stereotypes are OK, if done in jest. I will be wearing green, however: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/05/seeing-green/
  13. mikeMarch 16, 2012 at 9:28 am
    I’m also allowed to make fun of Saugus. If only I could find something worth mentioning in Saugus.
  14. ScottEMarch 16, 2012 at 9:33 am
    I might have been offended by that, except for the fact that I live in, ahem, North Valencha.
  15. Phil EllisMarch 16, 2012 at 10:34 am
    I hear they carry Velveeta Cheese in the gourmet food section.
  16. AdamMarch 16, 2012 at 2:50 pm
    Uhhh, Spudnuts Doughnuts… The very best doughnut shop in the world happens to be in Saugus.
  17. ToddMarch 16, 2012 at 9:32 am
    Who’s sterotyping. Sounded 100% anectdotal to me. In his family there are many Irish Catholics who happen to be alcoholic. However, Mike, who happens to be Protestant, is a teetotaler. OK, perhaps the “naturally” comment has something to do with a stereotype, but its not him stereotyping… he’s acknowledging the stereotype. As 1/10th or less Irish, but significantly more Scottish, and a tiny bit Native American, and a spiritual Protestant, married to a nice Jewish girl, I’m gonna go out, grab some Guinness, bring it home and make myself an Irish car bomb or two, and watch some NCAA Basketball all while grilling some meat in the rain. #stereotypebreaker
  18. Phil EllisMarch 16, 2012 at 10:44 am
    I would be careful with that Scottish ancestry as other than the Picts, the Scots came from Ireland. My ancestry contains Irish, Scot and Welsh (and probably some Briton) but with conquests, slavery and migrations I am sure these all have put put through the blender at the “puree” level. Don’t get me started on the Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Normans and Romans (who were quite a blend themselves). While not as much of a melting pot as the USA, the British Isles are quite blended. BTW, St. Patty came from Briton, enslaved by Irish raiders.
  19. BertaMarch 16, 2012 at 11:12 am
    Is anyone else having a problem using the thumbs up/down feature? I have been unable to use this function for several days. An email to Jeff Wilson has received no response. So, whoever has the keys to this buggy, what is the problem and how can I fix it? Or do I need to post LONG (hee hee) responses to every comment instead of a simple thumbs up/down response? Thank you.
  20. Capt. GeneMarch 16, 2012 at 11:39 am
    Me too.
  21. AlpinerMarch 16, 2012 at 3:48 pm
    Me three!
  22. AnnetteMarch 16, 2012 at 7:03 pm
    Me four
  23. Cheryl PhillipsMarch 16, 2012 at 7:05 pm
    Me, too!
  24. ToddMarch 18, 2012 at 8:53 am
    Looks like they’re gone now for me as well. Bummer. I always enjoyed the haters coming in and “thumbsing down” me no matter what I would say. “Good Morning” – 0 Thumbs Up, 45 Thumbs Down.
  25. Mr PerezMarch 16, 2012 at 9:33 pm
    Did you just say “the keys to this buggy”? HAHAHA
  26. Mr PerezMarch 16, 2012 at 3:45 pm
    Protestant whisky? #TheWire That stuff would get you shot in my fam, the Irish side that is.
  27. Lori RivasMarch 16, 2012 at 9:40 am
    Two questions: Why are sections of the (seemingly) perfectly acceptable sidewalks in Old Orchard being knocked out and redone, while just across Lyons, there are neighborhoods without sidewalks? One person I talked to suggested something about being wheelchair accessible, but the sidewalk “repairs” are not just on corners that need ramps. Second, what is the motivation to hide crime and drug abuse and suicide attempts? I know that standard response is to make our community seem safe, and therefore attract more business, but when does that secrecy need to be exposed? Where is the line between privacy and public good? Especially as it relates to our schools and children?
  28. mikeMarch 16, 2012 at 10:01 am
    I could be wrong, but IIRC, the area south of Lyons is designated as rural or some such, and going back some time, the residents have resisted things like sidewalks that would compromise the character of the neighborhood. The lack of sidewalks along Newhall Ave on the segment near SR14 is another matter. I’ve heard that they’ve added some, but I haven’t been by there recently.
  29. Lori RivasMarch 16, 2012 at 10:11 am
    Some blocks have sidewalks, some don’t. Around my home, the blocks that meet up with Lyins do not have sidewalks, while the blocks farther in, do have sidewalks. And, yes, I believe the area is, or was, designated some sort of real which allows the keeping of a wider range of animals. Or so I’ve heard.
  30. GibsonMarch 16, 2012 at 1:52 pm
    I found this at the 12/13/11 Council Meeting. The list of locations is also an attachment to the Agenda Report. “The annual concrete rehabilitation program consists of three annual efforts awarded under one contract to make the most efficient use of available funding. The sidewalk repair program will construct new wheelchair ramps and replace existing damaged sidewalk. The curb and gutter program will improve the drainage flow into local stormdrains, thereby improving stormwater quality and eliminating ponding water, and the access ramp program will serve our disabled community through the installation of new access ramps, while meeting the requirements outlined in Title 21 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition to these programs, repairs to the concrete pathways along the City’s paseos are required. The attached list of locations was generated by residents’ requests to the Public Works Department and the City Manager’s Office or were areas identified by staff as needing restoration. Substantial constraints and controls have been established in the construction documents to reduce potential impacts on local traffic and homeowners during the construction phase. Construction is scheduled to begin January 2012 and is anticipated to be complete within 90 working days following the Notice to Proceed. Staff will appoint inspectors to ensure proper work performance by the contractor and to handle daily field issues.”
  31. Lori RivasMarch 16, 2012 at 2:18 pm
    Thanks for the info. I’m going to look at the report.
  32. ToddMarch 16, 2012 at 10:44 am
    Could also be that the funding comes from a “safe route to schools” grant… which only allows improvements on designates streets leading to/from schools. Not exactly sure how that works, has to do with the street type designation and such. But if they’re grant funded, it could very well be restricted. As to suicide attempts… it used to be a long held practice in journalism (and was even in the SPJ code of ethics, IIRC) that there was no reporting on suicides. Ever. I’m certain thats been relaxed, but I don’t hold a grudge for not reporting it. Drug abuse, again, kinda sorta isn’t news. I’m of the libertarian stance that what you do in your own home is your own business. Other crimes (serious/violent or not…) I can’t explain other than it hurts real estate and business and as such those interests lean on TMS to keep it quiet or they take their advertising dollar elsewhere.
  33. Lori RivasMarch 16, 2012 at 2:28 pm
    Right. I’m with you on most of that. What I am thinking through is when under-reporting then leads to a lack of services, or impacts the public in some other way. Like, if a school does not report suicide attempts, then, perhaps, the public does not see/understand the need for a suicide hotline, or other such services. IOW, when is privacy trumped by the greater good? Unless a crime is committed, maybe never, but something I’m thinking about. But, as a parent, who entrusted your child into the care of a school, wouldn’t you want to know if the school was experiencing a trend of issues? As a parent, wouldn’t you want all the tools to help your child individually, rather than some school official making a corporate decision for a generic student populace? As a homeschooler, maybe I just don’t get it, but how much are parents willing to cede to school officials in the care of their children?
  34. Phil EllisMarch 16, 2012 at 2:24 pm
    Old Orchard was built by Newhall. Their neighborhoods have better amenities such as sidewalks and paseos. Re your second questions, do you have any references re this claim? I don’t recall seeing anything on this.
  35. Lori RivasMarch 16, 2012 at 2:32 pm
    Phil, the developer of Old Orchard is not the issue. My question was why city tax dollars are being spent to upgrade sidewalks when other neighborhoods don’t even have sidewalks. Yes, I have information on the second point, but I am thinking about the ethical issues of divulging.
  36. Phil EllisMarch 16, 2012 at 3:33 pm
    If you are referring to the Sheriff’s Dept., I can’t offer any rationale for not reporting, but if you are asking about schools, they have to maintain student confidentiality. But crimes of vandalism and burglaries are traditionally reported. We see them all too often.
  37. LarMccMarch 16, 2012 at 11:18 am
    What has everybody experienced with their smart meters? I opted out due to concerns about increases to my bill. I have read reports on line of customers bills jumping up to 400% after the change out. I am skeptical this is true, but am curious what others here have experienced. Has anyone noticed substantial fluctuations in their bills? With this news that the PUC will allow people to change back, it will be interesting to see how many do this.
  38. BertaMarch 16, 2012 at 11:31 am
    LarMcc I had an electronic Edison meter put in after a remodel/addition a few years ago, which was recently swapped out for a ‘smart meter” when I was not on the premises. Edison just showed up that day and my brother let the representative into my yard without question. Nevertheless, so far I have no complaints. I originally chose to install the electronic meter for the convenience of all parties since I have four alert dogs, if you get my drift. I have monitored both my usage and charges since both the electronic and smart meters were installed and have not had any difference that I could not account for via weather or holiday lighting.
  39. Alan FerdmanMarch 16, 2012 at 1:42 pm
    As I understand it, the issue of Smart Meters and greatly increased bills are from other areas where their electric company changed the rate structure from tiered monthly rates to tiered rates per “time of day” usage, charging more during peak usage hours than off hours. SCE, when presenting at the CCAC, indicated their current plan is to stay with the current rate structure. As long as that remains true, you should not see any substantial difference in your bill due to switching meter types.
  40. Phil EllisMarch 16, 2012 at 2:22 pm
    I have seen no billing changes since installation of my Smart Meter.
  41. PetzMarch 16, 2012 at 4:05 pm
    Ditto that
  42. ScottMarch 16, 2012 at 5:20 pm
    My first bill with the smart meter was about 200% of my prior bills. An email to Edison, some response that they would “read” the meter and then more following up on my part (you would think they would be better about this) meant that the bill went back to what it should be (apparently this smart meter wasn’t so smart) but this rigamarole lasted a whole billing cycle so I still owed double on my next payment.
  43. PetzMarch 16, 2012 at 4:06 pm
    Not to rain on your parade, but the KONY producer seems to be in a bit of legal trouble.
  44. Mr PerezMarch 16, 2012 at 5:08 pm
    I believe Mike has video of you doing far worse Petz
  45. Timothy Myers SRMarch 17, 2012 at 5:35 am
    Petz: Do you have a “Free Joseph Kony” T-shirt? On the naked rampage, drugs are a terrible thing. You have noticed that the nice “code” for a drug or alcohol induced rampage is “exhaustion.”
  46. PetzMarch 16, 2012 at 4:09 pm
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/co-founder-of-group-behind-kony-2012-video-detained-hospitalized-after-san-diego-incident/2012/03/16/gIQAUNIHHS_story.html
  47. Mr PerezMarch 16, 2012 at 9:32 pm
    Cain/Kony 2012?
  48. BrianBMarch 16, 2012 at 9:05 pm
    Adam you are correct. Spudbuts is amazing!
  49. coasterMarch 17, 2012 at 5:04 am
    I have called Edison about 4 times to get the Smart Meter installed and I am not on anyones list – I have dogs also and want to make sure they are in the house before they come. I think I’m the only one in my area that has not had the upgrade.
  50. PetzMarch 17, 2012 at 6:20 am
    http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad42/rgarayzar/photo2.jpg
  51. Mr PerezMarch 18, 2012 at 11:11 pm
    By posting this picture you are seemingly implying that America has done this before to justify a war(s).
  52. Mr PerezMarch 18, 2012 at 11:13 pm
    And I end the night with this #TheWire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nus8PGZzVw

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