header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
April 19
1880 - Pico Oil Spring Mine Section 2 patented by R.F. Baker and Edward F. Beale [story]
E.F. Beale


Commentary by Diana Shaw
| Monday, Sep 1, 2014

mug_dianashawAfter reading an Orange County Register article that seemed to say Sen. Steve Knight voted against a bill to ban the sale of Confederate flags on state property because the ACLU took the position it would not pass constitutional muster, I told some of my Democratic friends I was impressed by Sen. Knight’s backbone.

I confess I read only the article, not the bill as passed, and that was a big mistake.

In a piece of superb journalism, SCV’s very own Mike Devlin vetted the OC Register article as I did not. Devlin noted that ACLU representative Peter Eliasberg actually said the state was within its right to ban its own sale of the item, “but to say any person who comes on state property can’t – I just don’t think it’ll survive judicial scrutiny.”

Then Devlin read the bill as passed (as I did not) and discussed it with Peter Eliasberg himself. The bill addresses only sales by the state of California, and Eliasberg, as quoted in the OC Register’s misleading article, says that is just fine.

My bad for reading only the article referred to by Knight and not the actual bill. Of course, I’m not paid by the taxpayers to read bills. Steve Knight is.

I’m a Democrat and a former candidate for the 38th Assembly District. I am frustrated by the new top-two primary system where all of the candidates are thrown into a heap for the first pass, and the November election is between the top two vote-getters.

The rules are so strict that a November voter doesn’t even have the right to write in a candidate’s name. Isn’t writing in “Mickey Mouse” a time-honored American tradition?

The system also locks out third-party contenders who might not have a chance of winning but deserve to have their voices heard up until election day.

It disenfranchises people who have moved after the primary but before the general election, and people who come of age after the primary. And darn, I was willing to work hard to get every vote I could for Democrat Dr. Lee Rogers, a great candidate who was well on his way toward raising enough money to get our message across in a Democratic-versus-Republican race, and raising his profile with independents and others watching the 25th Congressional District.

As difficult as it might be for me, I wondered whether one of the top-two Republicans should get my vote.

Thanks to Mr. Knight for reminding me there is a reason to withhold my vote from both him AND Tony Strickland, who is famously supported by money from the Koch brothers and big oil (they want to drill off the coast). I won’t contribute to putting someone in office who will obsessively and without rationale caucus against Obama.

The argument that Knight, from Palmdale, will benefit our area as a “local” holds about as much water as arguments that McKeon had our backs. Can anyone say “Elsmere Canyon”? How many years in a row did McKeon “sponsor” bills but never work to get a necessary co-sponsor to stop the dump and its attack on our environment and property values?

When either Knight or Strickland works to end the top-two primary system, when either candidate commits to support women’s reproductive rights, support the ACA, re-institute the Voting Rights Act in its entirety, ensure passage of reasonable immigration reform, tax oil producers like the rest of the oil states do, yada, yada, I’ll think about it. It ain’t gonna happen.

Knight refused to vote against the sale of the Confederate flag by the state of California on taxpayer property. The flag is a symbol of treason, racism and the death of 600,000 Americans. The flap he created is a reminder of the constituency he seeks to serve and the duplicity in which he is willing to indulge.

His behavior is an outrage, and I apologize to my Democratic friends for falling for it. I’m now convinced more than ever that my decision to abstain from voting for either Republican candidate for the 25th Congressional District is the way to go.

 

Diana Shaw, a former Democratic candidate for state Assembly, has lived in the Santa Clarita Valley since 1988.

Editor’s note: In 1996, legislation coauthored by U.S. Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, and U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., thwarted the siting of a dump in Elsmere Canyon (Newhall) by barring the Secretary of Agriculture from transferring Angeles National Forest land for use as a landfill.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

7 Comments

  1. Bonnie Eaton says:

    It’s about time we heard from you. Thanks for telling it like it is.

  2. Ted Lawrence says:

    The top two is important, because it forces people to vote for individuals, not for parties and you can see by what you write here why that is important. Democrats don’t have a great choice in this election, but even before the open primary, Strickland received a commendation from the League of Conservation Voters for a bill he authored to help clean up groundwater, has a great record on animal rights and for years has talked about toning down the rhetoric in Washington so that both sides could at least move forward on the area’s they agree on. The choice isn’t great, but at least you have one and for Democrats it should be easy to vote for Tony Strickland for Congress.

  3. Will you end voter registration this Fall?

  4. I’m with you, Diane. We really ought to have a write-in capability on the ballot to at least vent our frustration with the two non-choices we have been given. To be honest, I’d rather see our district unrepresented in Congress altogether than have either of these guys in office.

  5. Diana Shaw says:

    I’d like to thank the editor for pointing out that the Elsmere Canyon issue has been resolved. Elsmere Canyon was a landfill issue that was resolved after a few years of intense efforts by many SCV residents. What I should have mentioned in this context was the pending Cemex Mine. To the best of my knowledge, despite similar efforts by SCV residents, the situation has not yet been resolved to the benefit of our community, despite many, many years of effort by our City Council, action groups, and empty promises by Congressman McKeon.

    Also, to Ted Lawrence: I am thrilled that the League of Conservation Voters commended Strickland. Based on your comment, I hopefully looked up Strickland’s environmental history on the non-partisan site Project Vote Smart. In 2013 Strickland got a 7% ranking by the League. This is NOT a reason to vote for him.

  6. Anonymous says:

    We understand that there are Democrats who heard Lee Rogers endorse Knight for the 25th Congressional District after conceding to the two Republicans. However, we believe the voters in our area should have the opportunity to hear the congressional candidates make their bids. The better of the two candidates should become the winner. This doesn’t mean that the Democrats need to hold their noses as they vote. Being an informed voter hopefully makes you a decided voters. If an opportunity is provided whereby we can hear and question our candidates than voters should take advantage of this. He who can handle the heat should be able to step forward because Congress is not for sissies and there are larger issues at stake. We need to hammer at these two guys to see whom can best represent us. Air out all “he is a carpetbagger” and “he is a daddies’ boy” arguments all need to be publically addressed. As for the confederate flag argument, Shaw brings up, needs to be addressed also. The first thing that goes through my mind, “what in the hell was he thinking,” comes loud and clear. Is this a question of not knowing, laziness to know the issue, or the inability to read bills? We can only hope with Rogers’ endorsement this isn’t a sign of what is to come. . . and no at this time, we haven’t chosen to support Strickland either. But Knights confederacy stance does raise ire . What history class did he miss? Last we heard September 17, 2014 Mint Canyon Moose Banquet Room, 18000 Sierra Highway in Canyon Country 7:00pm-9:00pm is the next schedules debate! Does anyone else have any other dates and times voters can here the candidates? We are willing to post. Write us at crazycatherder@att.net Minerva L Williams and Todd L. Hoover

  7. Ed Galindo says:

    With Mixed emotions I will cast a vote for a Repub. It was our own fault for not getting out the vote for Lee. But, the sleeping lion will awaken and when he does the Latino Community in the Antelope Valley will have its representative. Our Rep’s, currently in Sacramento, indicate they can deal with Tony. That’
    s good enough for me!

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Tuesday, Apr 16, 2024
Supervisor Barger issued the following statement today, after the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to implement the Rental Housing Habitability Program
Monday, Apr 15, 2024
Cowboy Festival weekend is upon us!
Thursday, Apr 11, 2024
Have you ever wanted to journey to another country to experience an array of new and unique cultures and customs?
Tuesday, Apr 9, 2024
In bustling Santa Clarita, where many residents lead busy lives and often feel divided and disconnected, there is a growing need for spaces that bring people together, fostering community and hope.
Monday, Apr 8, 2024
Each spring the city of Santa Clarita proudly showcases its cowboy culture and pays homage to its rich Western heritage during the one-of-a-kind Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival.
Thursday, Apr 4, 2024
Springtime, with all its blossoms and lovely weather is a popular time to get married. If you are looking to say “I do” at this picturesque time of year, look no further than City Hall Ceremonies.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita is set to ignite innovation and transformation with its VIA Workforce Development Conference 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Valencia on Thursday, May 16. Jorge Marquez, chairman of the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board, has been added to the list of speakers appearing at the event. He will serve as the opening speaker at the conference.
May 16: VIA Adds County Leader to Workforce Development Speakers List
The city of Santaw Clarita will host the Free To Be Me Festival for its third year at an exciting new location. On Sunday, May 5, from noon to 3 p.m., celebrate Santa Clarita’s special needs communities and their families at West Creek Park, 24247 Village Circle Drive, Valencia, CA 91354.
May 5: ‘Free to Be Me Festival’ at West Creek Park
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and its regional partners have held the first of several upcoming rapid response events to urgently connect soon-to-be laid off local workers, impacted by the recent bankruptcy and closure of dozens of local 99 Cents Only Stores, to critical workforce services.
L.A. County Offers Help for Workers of 99 Cents Only Stores
Youth in Los Angeles County foster care as young as 13 can open their own checking and savings accounts without an adult co-owner through the Youth Access Banking program.
Foster Youth Access Banking Program Available in L.A. County
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m. The council will meet at City Hall, City Council Chambers, Items on the agenda include: Measure H funding, awarding construction contracts for traffic improvements and updating criteria for speed hump installation or removal.
April 23: City Council to Discuss Measure H Funds, Traffic Improvements
Visit Vasquez Rock Natural Area and Nature Center for a Day at The Rocks, a family fun event and tribal celebration of the Village of Mapipinga. A Day at The Rocks will be held Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 27: Day at The Rocks Family Fun Event
Princess Cruises, headquartered in Valencia, and ship builder Fincantieri of Monfalcone, Italy have announced the mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the next Sphere Class ship, Star Princess.
Princess Cruises Postpones Delivery of Star Princess, Inaugural Cruises Cancelled
1880 - Pico Oil Spring Mine Section 2 patented by R.F. Baker and Edward F. Beale [story]
E.F. Beale
The Master's University men's golf team shot a 13-under 275 to finish second at the Golden State Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championships held at Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West, Ariz.
TMU Men’s Golf Places 2nd, Women 5th at GSAC Championships
Join local nonprofit Project Sebastian for an exhilarating day of racing and community support at its Rare Warrior 24 race on Saturday, June 1, at Heritage Park in the heart of Santa Clarita.
June 1: Rare Warrior 24 Race Benefiting Project Sebastian
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station Station deputies will be taking part in the “DEA National Drug Take Back Day,” Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the SCV Sheriff’s Station, located at 26201 Golden Valley Road.
April 27: Drug Take Back Day at SCV Sheriff’s Station
The College of the Canyons Center for Civic and Community Engagement—in collaboration with COC’s Golden Z Club—invites the community to attend the Nonprofit Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 30.
April 30: COC Hosts Nonprofit Community Resource Fair
College of the Canyons made quick work of visiting L.A. Valley College in a shortened 11-3 home victory that came on a day in which the program unveiled its newly named Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room during a pre-game dedication ceremony.
Lady Cougs Outslug L.A. Valley 11-3
For aspiring scientists at The Master’s University, taking up a student research project is no small commitment.
Retired Professor Continues to Mentor Aspiring TMU Scientists
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is warning residents not to use a Vietnamese herbal ointment called “Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu” (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) because it contains lead and can be fatal.
Public Health Urges Residents to Avoid Vietnamese Hemorrhoid Cream
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a California Apprenticeship Summit Wednesday to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities and career technical education pathways that connect California’s youth to high-wage, high-growth career opportunities.
State Apprenticeship Summit Connects Youth to High-Wage Opportunities
College of the Canyons student-athletes Nichole Muro (softball) and Angelo Aleman (baseball) have been named the COC Athletic Department's Women's and Men's Student-Athletes of the Week for the period running April 8-13.
COC Names Nichole Muro, Angelo Aleman Athletes of the Week
California State Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, announced Wednesday his bill improving transparency between parents and schools’ sexual education curricula passed out of the Senate Education Committee.
Wilk’s Sex Education Transparency Bill Clears Senate Committee
1945 - Actors Harry & Olive Carey sell Saugus ranch after 29 years; now Tesoro del Valle [story]
Carey Ranch
The 76.6-mile-long Antelope Valley Line has the third-highest ridership in Metrolink’s system with an estimated average of 9,000 passengers daily. However, the uneven terrain and single-tracking along the line in some areas forces trains to travel at a slower speed which results in an estimated travel time of approximately one hour between Santa Clarita and Union Station.
Metrolink to Hold Public Meetings on AV Line Capacity, Improvements
Team Dragon Eyes, affectionately known as TDE, is gearing up to host its highly anticipated Fifth Annual Dragonboat Festival race on Saturday, June 1 at Castaic Lake, Lower Lagoon.
June 1: Team Dragon Eyes to Host Fifth Annual Dragonboat Festival Race
This year marks the 20th year that the city of Santa Clarita has been hosting the annual Bike to Work Challenge. The community is invited to celebrate by riding a bike to work the week of May 13, and stopping by a pit stop on Thursday, May 16.
Party at the Pit Stop, City Paves Way for 20th Annual Bike to Work Challenge
Ready to take control of your financial future? Join the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs Center for Financial Empowerment for the next installment in the Lunch & Learn Financial Capability Month webinar series, "Understanding Credit.
Online Financial Workshops with County DCBA
The Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band will perform a "Starry Might" concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday May 4. The concert, under the direction of Tim Durand, will be held at the Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 Main St., Newhall, CA 91321.
May 4: SCV Concert Band Presents ‘Starry Night’ at CTG
SCVNews.com