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
September 19
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house


Now and Then in the SCV | Commentary by Darryl Manzer
| Tuesday, Oct 7, 2014

darrylmanzer_blacktieHear ye! Hear ye! All ye citizens of the town of Castaic: Know ye that your Town Council is seeking people who want to join that merry group by election in November. You must file your application for the election by October 15 – next week.

I’m hoping that maybe this time, folks will elect Castaic Area Town Council members who are more interested in the community as a whole and not what some company can give them at the expense of the First Amendment rights of just about every citizen of Castaic.

This is a great opportunity to have a Castaic Area Town Council that will listen to the entire town area and not just the money being offered by the Chiquita Canyon Landfill.

Hey, I can dream can’t I? Judging by the last election, not many people voted, and there wasn’t a single seat that was a contested race. This means the current council wasn’t really elected, since nobody ran against the folks now serving. Some volunteered, and next thing you know, the election was called off and all of those who applied became members. At least that is what I read in the Town Council notes on their website.

So I guess they really speak for the people, don’t they? Few volunteered for the job, and nobody got to vote. Sometimes that is considered just a little strange.

Six of the 10 folks on the council voted to accept the money from Chiquita. None of the six lives near the dump. But what does it matter? We don’t know how they were elected because at least some of them were just reappointed and continued to serve.

I’d really like to know how many folks voted in the election of the Castaic Area Town Council the time before last. If it was anything like a West Ranch Town Council meeting a few years back, the total vote count was around 74, if my memory serves me right. Was that anything like the Castaic Area Town Council’s last balloting? Just how many people vote for the Castaic Area Town Council, anyway? What percentage of the Castaic area population takes the time to vote for a “council” that is advisory and has no real power?

But it makes some folks feel like a real community to know they have a Town Council advising the county supervisors about the concerns they have – unless it is the community of Val Verde. That part of greater Castaic may as will have duct tape covering their mouths. They have no real voice as long as the rest of the Town Council acts on the offer of money and not on the welfare of Val Verde.

So, I ask you, this Castaic Area Town Council that has had elections in the past – just how many people voted in your last election? Was it a few thousand? A few hundred? Or just around 74 like your counterparts in West Ranch a few years back?

I’ve not been able to find the results of your last election. I did find the results of the races you’ve held that were sponsored by the dump. That seems to be a very important subject on your website. But to have your own election results not posted is another strange little part of the Castaic Area Town Council.

Along with posting your election results, you should also post your Form 700s that by law you’re required to submit. I only ask this because six of the 10 members of the Castaic Area Town Council who voted for the landfill expansion would certainly have to have a payoff of some kind to ignore the facts of pollution, illegal dumping of material not allowed by the current permit, the stink and smells that are rivaled only by the smell of those six voting in favor.

Maybe I’m giving too much weight to the real input the Castaic Area Town Council has from the community. Maybe the community of greater Castaic doesn’t know about the dump or the council, or doesn’t care one way or the other.

In researching an article about the West Ranch Town Council a few years ago, I found that most folks care little about what a town council does. They are usually more worried about what an HOA can do.

I love the way the Los Angeles County supervisors can point at the various town councils dotting the L.A. County map and say, “See? We have folks who help us listen to the people.”

No, they don’t. Town councils are really just a way for the supervisors to look like they’re listening. If they really wanted input from folks, they would provide funding to operate the councils. If the supervisors provided operating funds, the councils wouldn’t have to accept “gifts” from companies like Chiquita.

Imagine if there weren’t a promise of money for the Castaic Area Town Council to consider. Imagine if they had to vote on the dump expansion based on the facts of past performance.

If y’all can elect four new Town Council members in the Castaic area who will do that, I urge you to vote for them.

Land use should be based on the merits of the use requested and not on how much money the “developer” is willing to give for the community to shut up about the development.

If it were a real elected office, that person would be prosecuted for fraud, graft, corruption and all sorts of other things.

But the Castaic Area Town Council has proven it only wants money and not justice. Maybe the hundred or so folks who vote on new council members will remember that.

One thing for sure: It appears the current Castaic Area Town Council and maybe the future members won’t have a “mandate” from the community.

 

Darryl Manzer grew up in the Pico Canyon oil town of Mentryville in the 1960s and attended Hart High School. After a career in the U.S. Navy he returned to live in the Santa Clarita Valley. He can be reached at dmanzer@scvhistory.com. His older commentaries are archived at DManzer.com; his newer commentaries can be accessed [here]. Watch his walking tour of Mentryville [here].

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.

1 Comment

  1. Susie Evans says:

    OK, am I missing something? Their email said there was a $50 filing fee. For a voluntary non-paid position?

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
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.
Friday, Sep 13, 2024
As a father of three, I understand firsthand the importance of guiding our children through open communication and keeping them engaged in extracurricular activities and sports to foster their growth.
Thursday, Sep 12, 2024
You may have noticed that things look a little different around our city. Maybe you noticed the motion sensor lights at our parks, or the solar panels being installed in city parking lots.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
California State  Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is urging residents to prepare an emergency evacuation plan as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire and several other wildfires continue to pose a serious threat to High Desert and foothill communities.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
As we approach the November 2024 elections, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The choices we make at the ballot box will shape the future of our city, state and nation. Yet, in an era where soundbites often substitute for substantive discussion, how can voters truly grasp the complexities of the issues at hand?
Friday, Sep 6, 2024
As scorching triple-digit temperatures engulf Los Angeles County throughout the weekend and excessive heat warnings have been issued for many communities in Los Angeles County’s Fifth District, I urge residents to do their part to lessen the threat of wildfires.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team has received a $300,000 grant from NASA’s Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success program.
COC Receives $300,000 NASA Grant to Expand Student Access to STEM Fields
Bring along a furry friend to the Santa Clarita Child & Family Center's Purple Walk Domestic Violence Awareness 5K on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8-11 a.m. at the Center’s main facility 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Oct. 5: 5K Purple Walk Dogs Against Domestic Violence
Written and directed by Braddon Mendelson, produced by Heather Mendelson, and co-produced by Olive Branch Theatricals and Noisivision Studios, "Provenance" will take stage at the The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29.
Sept. 27-29: Braddon Mendelson to Present ‘Provenance’ at The MAIN
The Master's women's volleyball team opened Great Southwest Athletic Conference play on the road in Prescott, Ariz. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, defeating the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles in straight sets 28-26, 25-22, 25-18.
TMU Women’s Volleyball Opens Conference Play with Road Win
College of the Canyons freshman Sahya Kitabatake shot a two-under-par round of 70 to tie for medalist honors while helping the Cougars place fourth at the Western State Conference tournament at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo on Monday, Sept. 16.
Kitabatake Medals, Canyons Women Take Fourth at Sterling Hills Golf Club
One of the city of Santa Clarita community’s most cherished parks, David March Park is set to expand, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., 28310 North Via Joyce Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 with a groundbreaking ceremony.
Sept. 26: Community Invited to David March Park Expansion Groundbreaking
SRD Straightening Reigns, a therapeutic organization offering equine assisted psychotherapy, has been awarded $278,870 from the California State budget to improve mental health services.
California Awards $278,870 in Funding to SRD Straightening Reins
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill the board seat in Area 5, effective immediately, at its special Wednesday, Sept. 18 meeting.
COC Board of Trustees Appoints Carlos Guerrero to Area 5 Seat
California Institute of the Arts alums Alyssa Dressman Lehner and Clara Plestis captured Emmy Awards at the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Two Calartians Win 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Valencia High School's Choir will hold a fall concert, "Broadway, Movies & Media" at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at the Saugus High School Theatre, 21900 Centurion Way, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Sept. 26-27: Valencia High Choir Presents Fall Concert ‘Broadway, Movies & Media’
As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.
Bill Miranda | Santa Clarita Arts, a Journey Through Creativity
The California Department of Public Health is encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated this season to protect themselves and loved ones from respiratory viruses.
CDPH: Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library in collaboration with Santa Clarita Valley Libraries will have a silent Book Auction beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, through 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
Sept. 30: Public Libraries to Host Silent Book Auctions
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house
The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.
Joint Assistance Centers Open for Residents Impacted by Bridge, Line Fires
Valencia Gynecology Associates, owned by longtime Santa Clarita Valley OB-GYN physician Don Nishiguchi, MD, has joined the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital network. 
Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
Sept. 21: JCI Invites All Veterans to Upcoming Resource Fair
A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
Sept. 21: All Valley Showcase Comes to Valencia High
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station has announced the lineup for its inaugural “Year-End Bash” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7: CSUN Owned 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound Announces “Year End Bash” Lineup featuring Ben Gibbard
The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
TMU Women Win, Men Place Second at XC Invitational
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
LASD Announces New Policy on Law Enforcement Gangs
The biology department at California State University, Northridge has stayed committed to promoting STEM research carried out by K-12 students and teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
CSUN Student Research Journal Celebrates 28 Years of Inspiring Scientific Imagination
Did you know the SCVEDC has an interactive, online tool that provides themed virtual tours of the amazing features the community has to offer? 
SCVEDC Offers Virtual Business Tours of the Santa Clarita Valley
California Institute of the Arts alum and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton (Film/Video 1979) was honored with the 2,788th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CalArts Alum Tim Burton Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
SCVNews.com