Now, the usual local eco-terrorists are trying to convince residents again that a well thought-out project should be stopped. It is the same old broken record and is reminiscent of that meeting last year. Here is what I wrote about the meeting last June:  

I have been very picky and choosey over the years as to what community meetings or events to attend and which are not worth my time. As a community volunteer you have to manage your participation or it becomes an all consuming and overwhelming situation. Even the monthly homeowners association, which I attended monthly, has dropped down to every couple of months unless there is a pressing issue.

But last week I decided to do a little civic duty and attend the Army Corp of Engineers public meeting on the Newhall Ranch development.

You see the folks at Newhall Land have been attending our community meetings regularly and have kept our community abreast of the Newhall Ranch project including taking seriously any concerns and/or suggestions that our residents or community leadership may have had. They have, as well, supported the community over the years through thick and thin. This was my chance to reciprocate a little.

Pulling into the parking lot at the Rancho Pico Jr. High School, where the meeting was scheduled in the multipurpose room, I saw a group of protesters with placards in front of the entrance. Alright, it was more like a group of 20-25 milling about and most of them were unfamiliar looking. In other words they were people from outside the West Ranch area and in some instances outside of the Santa Clarita Valley.

I have to give the Army Corps of Engineers credit for dealing with loons, crack-pots and generally erratic, unstable individuals at these types of meetings. They truly get to see the concentrated and sometimes demented underbelly of a community.

Note to Congressman McKeon: Consider extending combat pay to the Army Corps of Engineer soldiers for enduring excruciating community meetings populated with a lopsided number of miscreants and halfwits.     

Once the meeting got underway, I observed a disproportionate absence of decorum. Members of the audience, mostly those associated with the environmental groups, were prone to shouting out comments and questions without regard for courtesy. Simply raising your hand would have sufficed.

Honestly, at one point I thought I might have stumbled into a Tourette Syndrome support group meeting. 

One woman came in and sat in the last row, furthest from the speakers, and started blurting out in a snarling tone; “I can’t hear you”, to the speaker several times. After about the third time I turned and suggested, as did several others, that she might want to move up closer. She didn’t.

Note to Newhall Land: For the next round of community meetings consider buying a half dozen or so “Lee Majors Bionic Ear” pieces to have on hand for cranky elderly folks who are hearing impaired and insist on sitting in the back row. It will be the best $14.95 you’ll ever spend!

During a discussion of the Santa Clara River another woman, to my sheer astonishment, shouted out; “What’s a tributary?” My God I thought, how could a woman apparently in her 40’s come to a meeting which is discussing the possible mitigations to the river not know what a tributary was!

I immediately thought that; a) this person may have been unconscious much of her life; b) she must have grown up on some other planet without any water; and c) she will never be eligible to be a contestant of Jeopardy.

Honestly, how do you become an adult and not know the definition of a “tributary”?  

It was precisely at that moment that I closed my eyes hoping to be magically transported to my home where I could cork a bottle of wine and turn it into a tributary to my brain.

No sooner than the definition of a tributary was somewhat explained by the speaker than another member of the audience, a Ted Kaczynski looking character, shouted out; “what, you don’t trust Mother Nature?” An odd question but one I pondered for a moment anyway.

Sure Mother Nature gives us bountiful harvests, picturesque sun rises and sunsets but she also gives us earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, volcanoes, lightening induced wildfires, rouge waves and tsunamis. So no, I don’t trust Mother Nature much because she can be an unpredictable bitch.

Note to Army Corps of Engineers: Consider administering an intelligence test to individuals attending these public meetings. Ask question like; what’s a tributary?; or is Mother Nature a real person: True or False? It will help weed out the imbeciles and allow the meetings to run a bit more smoothly.  

 I have to say, the Ted Kaczynski looking character was a bit scary. He was taking copious notes right from the get go and at one point I thought that he was writing, in long hand, some kind of hallucinatory manifesto. He was one angry bastard!

Fortunately at this point the presentation was nearing the end and the comment period would start. I thought this was handled well in that they called three speakers at a time and then each would speak in secession. Essentially, the moderator only called out the speaker order after every third person as apposed to after each one.

I was reminded of a valuable lesson that evening from Larry Mankin, the CEO of the SCV Chamber of Commerce; get to these meetings early, fill out you speaker card immediately and turn it in right away. The speakers are taken in order of requests received so if you hand in your request first, you speak first. 

I was so envious of Larry because he got to speak first and shortly thereafter was able to leave. Me, I had to sit through a block of speakers regurgitating much of the same misinformation about water, land mitigations, development in general, and that damn weed, the San Fernando Spineflower.

Note to Environmental groups: It’s called the San Fernando Spineflower not the Santa Clarita Valley Spineflower and therefore should be repatriated to the valley south of us from whence it came. We could round up some volunteers to excavate the weeds from the Newhall Ranch property and redistribute them from our car windows as we drive around the San Fernando Valley.  

Some of the speakers were articulate and others completely unprepared. I suspected that several of the speakers really didn’t even know much about what they were saying, they were just mindless parrots. 

But generally, it was a hostel crowd of carpetbaggers many of whom came up from Los Angeles and the Valley to rail against the Newhall Ranch Project. Of course, the usual local suspects were present many of whom have become cartoons around Santa Clarita, neither taken serious, nor viewed as productive, and mostly laughed at.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if these environmental terrorists just decided one day to take the tact of meeting with the developers to initiate an open and honest dialogue with the intention of trying to find common ground and a way to create a win/win for all? The millions in legal fees that would be saved could actually be used to set aside even more open space!

The Newhall Ranch Project is setting aside 65% of the property to be preserved as natural open space, never to be disturbed by development, ever. There is a thoughtfulness going into the project that is intelligent; unlike the planning and building circus that occurred in areas of the San Fernando Valley years ago.

But I am convinced that if the project set aside 95% of the land as open space that many of these whack-jobs would be doing exactly the same thing in trying to prevent any building on the remaining 5%.

Those tactics have to stop because they are not productive nor is it accomplishing anything other than increasing the cost of homes, commercial space and hurting the local environment. The amount of time and resources being wasted battling these Eco-terrorists is in fact having a greater impact on our environment with missed opportunities to preserve more natural resources using the funds that otherwise are being spent on the relentless and often fruitless lawsuits.

By the way, the meeting on Thursday night June 11, 2009, was attended by about 50 or so people. There were about 25 that represented the Army Corps, Newhall Land’s employees and consultants, Fish and Game, and two Sheriffs Deputies. The other 25 or so ran the spectrum from legitimate, rational environmentalists to halfwit idiots.

What is sad about the attendance is that if local residents like something they are more apt to stay home and not come to these types of meetings just to say “hey I like this!” It’s sort of a “if it doesn’t affect me, I don’t need to speak up” kind of attitude. It is just as important to come out and support projects and issues that you like as it for the ones you don’t.

Note to self: Consider organizing a protest against environmental terrorists at the next local Army Corp of Engineering community meeting replete with placards supporting the open space of the Newhall Ranch Project, new homes, jobs, and maybe even burn an effigy of that Spineflower weed.

We need a real blast of grounded reality to show that commerce and environmental stewardship can coexist together benefiting our community, business and our valley wide ecosystem. It’s not an “either/or” proposition.  Now is the time to turn the tables on these interloping environmental carpetbaggers!!!

That meeting was a circus filled with individuals that were hell-bent on stopping any development. I would much rather look at each project on its own merits and determine how it will benefit our community. The Newhall Ranch project is a smart, well thought-out plan that will allow for 65% of the land to be set aside as open space in perpetuity and for more than 18,000 oak trees to be left intact and protected. It is vital that our community fully support this project which will allow for most of the natural beauty of the west side of Santa Clarita Valley to left intact.

The Army Corps of Engineers has extended the comment period for the Newhall Ranch project through Aug. 4, 2010. Don’t let outside interests dictate policy or development in our community. Please take a moment to write a letter of support for this valuable regional project that will bring local jobs, reduce freeway commuter traffic which in turn is good for the environment and many other benefits for our valley  and the local economy. The letters should be addressed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch, Attn: CESPL-RG-2003-01264- AOA, 2151 Alessandro Drive, #110, Ventura, CA 93001.

Dave Bossert-Commentary

Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.

Presentations will include:

• Medical Services provided by the North East Valley Health Corporation presented by Hector Godoy.
• The latest information on the Sanitation District proposal and how much it is going to cost you. ($296 per year in 4 years and $650 per year in 2025?) Have you have sent in your protest letter yet?
• An update on progress of the Material Recycling Facility Site Selection Committee.
• An update on the Extreme Neighborhood Makover in Saugus.

What’s in the future for the Canyon Country Advisory Committee?  Will the city reconsider and continue to sponsor the CCAC by providing a meeting location? Will the CCAC be forced to privatize and find another venue?  What does it all mean?  One thing for sure; with every door that closes, another opens.  No matter what happens, the CCAC will continue to support our community.

As always, “Together We Can Make A Difference” For more information contact Alan Ferdman Chair, Canyon Country Advisory Committee at 661 713-9344

Approximately 350 students from seven local junior high schools are anticipated to attend the Youth Summit to learn about the importance of respect for themselves, each other, and the community. Hands-on activities will incorporate team building and self expression to illustrate the event’s title concept, “Respecting Ourselves and Respecting Each Other.”

Informational presentations at the event will focus on important local youth aspects, such as graffiti awareness and government participation.  In addition to an opening address provided by Councilmember Laurie Ender, the Summit will also include “break out sessions,” which encourage youth attendees to break out of their groups and interact with other kids they may not know.

“Through family education, character education, and teen leadership, the City strives to continually enhance the quality of life for its citizens,” said Councilmember Laurie Ender. “The City’s 2009 Youth Summit provides local youth with the opportunity to get to know fellow students, as well as establish rapport and mutual support for each other and the community.”

The 2009 Youth Summit is geared toward assisting local youth in building self esteem and developing important leadership skills to encourage positive contributions to Santa Clarita schools and the community. The event is part of the City of Santa Clarita’s Youth and Family Programs, which identify resources and collaborate with community partners to strengthen youth and families. 

The City’s Sports Complex Activities Center is located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway. For more information about the upcoming Youth Summit 2009, contact Janine Prado, Community Services Administrator for the City’s Communtiy Services division, at (661) 250-3716, or visit www.santa-clarita.com.

• If you have been waiting for information about a major medical facility being built in Canyon Country then this is a meeting you will want to attend. 

 Mark Oliver, Jim Tanner, Dr. Michael Corben, Dr. Chace Unruh, and Doug Hammonds will be presenting plans for the Canyon Hills Medical Center.  With over 100,000 square feet dedicated to comprehensive medical services it will be the largest medical center in the valley creating over 400 high paying medical jobs for the Canyon Country area.

• Mike Cruz and Maria Gutzeit, candidates for the Newhall Water Board will be on hand to introduce themselves and tell us about themselves.
• Kevin Tanoian will be presenting the City of Santa Clarita’s LMD Improvement Plan
• Al Ferdman will provide an update on the Extreme Neighborhood Makeover in Saugus and the City Council Election CCAC “Meet the Candidate” Sessions.

Plus much more; as Alan always says “Together We Can Make A Difference”. For more information contact Alan Ferdman, Chair, Canyon Country Advisory Committee at 661-713-9344

Special Note:  The new Activities Center Parking lot located just past the Activities Center is OPEN.

Every weekend in October, the Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into Fright Fest, a terrifying scream park for some, yet tame enough for the entire family.  Wander through haunted mazes, watch spooky live shows and experience roller coasters in the dark, including the infamous roller coaster Colossus, which will run backwards in honor of the spooky event. Kids can participate in craft areas, costume contests, and even roam areas for trick-or-treating.  Check out www.SixFlags.com/MagicMountain for more Fright Fest information.  

One of the most adored fall family traditions in the Santa Clarita Valley is the Halloween Pumpkin Festival at Lombardi Ranch.  Complete with music and face painting, this local gem offers fall harvest entertainment for kids of all ages.  Pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a train ride through the ranch, enjoy face painting, or take a stroll through the incredible corn maze featuring “Scarecrow Alley.”  For a full calendar of events happening at Lombardi Ranch throughout the fall season, log on to LombardiRanch.com or call (661) 296-8697.

On Friday and Saturday nights in October, check out the Heritage Haunt’s Nightmares of Newhall.  Take a tour through this historic property turned haunted house and witness paranormal activity first hand.  This exciting event boasts two large scare zones, a haunted pirate ship, a haunted hay ride, and four new decorated homes.  Visit SCVHaunt.com or call (661) 254-1275 for additional details.

Families won’t want to miss the annual Haunted Jailhouse and Halloween Carnival hosted by the Santa Clarita Valley Sherriff’s station on Sunday, October 25.  This Santa Clarita tradition includes a haunted jail tour, game booths, food, clowns, and a costume contest.  For additional details, visit SCVSheriff.com or call (661) 799-5804.

For additional information about Santa Clarita’s spooktacular Halloween events, as well as details about annual events and year-round attractions, click here: Santa Clarita Guide

This month, the City of Santa Clarita will join more than 42 countries worldwide in celebrating International Bike and Walk to School Month, which promotes forgoing cars in favor of walking or biking to school.

Each child who arrives at a participating school by bike or foot on October 21 will receive a sticker to wear on their shirt to record their participation.  Each class per grade with the highest participation will be rewarded with an in-class party.  All kids who walk or bike to school for the event will be entered into a raffle, with one kid from each school randomly selected to receive a new bike.

“Due to current weather conditions, the City is postponing the three Walk and Bike to School events scheduled for October 14 to October 21 to allow for optimum participation and safety,” said a City official. “The event is a great way to alleviate congestion around schools and reduce automobile emissions.”

For more information on the City’s local participation in the International Bike and Walk to School Month, contact Ian Pari, Senior Traffic Engineer for the City’s, Traffic and Transportation Planning division, at (661) 284-1402, or visit www.santa-clarita.com.

Many may already have their absentee mail-in ballot sitting on a desk or counter. The few minutes it will take to fill out will have a profound effect on the future change, if any, in the governance of the unincorporated west side communities of the Santa Clarita Valley. 

Our communities are being asked three simple questions:

1. Do you support areas in the Santa Clarita Valley including Sunset Pointe, Stevenson Ranch, Southern Oaks, Westridge, Tesoro, Castaic, and Val Verde remain as official communities in unincorporated Los Angeles County? YES or NO
2. Do you support areas in the Santa Clarita Valley including Sunset Pointe, Stevenson Ranch, Southern Oaks, Westridge, Tesoro, Castaic, and Val Verde incorporate into a new separate city? YES or NO
3. Do you support areas in the Santa Clarita Valley including Sunset Pointe, Stevenson Ranch, Southern Oaks, Westridge, Tesoro, Castaic, and Val Verde negotiate an annexation into the City of Santa Clarita? YES or NO

Many in the community leadership were disappointed in how the ballet was worded. But this is the way Los Angeles County Counsel insisted the ballot had to be based on some previous court rulings. That’s it; that’s what we have to work with!

That said, it is very important, in order to get an accurate pulse of the community that you answer yes to one of these three questions and no to the other two questions. If you answer no or yes to all three questions it will only skew the results and your vote will be meaningless. So remember, only answer YES to one of the questions you agree with and NO to the other two choices.

The more registered voters that participate in this advisory vote the better. It would be a real shame if only 5% or 10% of voters offer an opinion by casting their ballots. Do you want a small group making this important decision for everyone or would you want to be a part of it?

Well, the answer is obvious to me in that I would like to see as many people weigh in on this decision as possible. As I have said in past commentaries; it is not about which option people chose but rather it is in fact about the process of educating the residents so that they are informed enough to make an intelligent choice.

Let the chips fall where they may!

Once the vote is completed there will certainly be some data mining that will happen. Each of the three study areas, West Ranch, Castaic, and Tesoro, will know exactly what their respective communities would like to see as far as governance is concerned. If the choice is anything other than staying in unincorporated L.A. County it will be years before any change actually takes place. That is just the reality and nature of the process.

So if you have a mail-in ballot take the time to fill it out and mail it or make sure you schedule time to go to your respective polling place and cast your ballot. Do your community a favor and talk to your neighbors about this advisory vote and ask them to participate in the process.

If you need more information all the reports and community meeting notes are posted online here at The Beacon. At the top of the home page there is a header called “Community Reports” and if you click on that it will bring up a window. The new window will allow you to read the entire reports or if you’re pressed for time you can just read the executive summary which gives a good overview of the report.

Have your voice heard; be a part of the process and exercise you right to vote in this November’s election.

And don’t forget about the school and water board elections too!

Dave Bossert- Commentary

Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.

(Posted with permission from The Signal)

But at least two neighborhood conflicts have reportedly escalated to violence in the past several months: Last month an argument over parking spots in Castaic allegedly led to a stabbing; earlier this year a resident of Valencia Bridgeport claimed a neighbor shot him in the arm after a lengthy dispute over pets and property lines.

“We’ve seen from the little, minor things all the way up to serious neighborhood disputes,” said Los Angeles County sheriff’s Sgt. Darren Harris.

Read more here: Feuds are on decline

(From the New York Times)

In what has become a ritual, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has swooped down on a handful of troubled lenders almost every Friday, seizing 98 since January alone and putting their assets into the hands of another bank.

While the parade of failures still represents a mere fraction of America’s small banks, it underscores a growing divide between them and large institutions like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and U.S. Bancorp, which are slowly growing stronger as the economy improves.

Burdened by worsening commercial real estate loans, many small banks’ troubles are just beginning. Many analysts say that the now-toxic loans could sink hundreds of small lenders over the next few years and place a significant drag on the economy.

Already, the bank failures are placing enormous strain on the F.D.I.C. and its fund, which keeps depositors whole. Flush with more than $50 billion only two years ago, the fund recently fell into the red.

Read more here: Small Banks Fail at Growing Rate, Straining F.D.I.C.

(From KHTS AM 1220)

The council chambers at Santa Clarita City Hall was the setting, where about 50 residents, along with city and county officials, pondered boundaries, services, taxes, land use and timelines.

The residents of West Ranch, Castaic and Tesoro del Valle will be asked to express their preference from a choice of three governance options: to incorporate into its own city, annex into the city of Santa Clarita or maintain the status quo and leave everything the same.

Read more here: Westside Options Forum Held at City Hall