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 6
1820 - '49er diarist William Lewis Manly born in Vermont [story]
William Lewis Manly


Now and Then in the SCV | Commentary by Darryl Manzer
| Monday, Sep 15, 2014

darrylmanzer_blacktieI took a day off and did some much-needed work around the place. I guess I’d best catch up on some of the topics I love.

Last Thursday night in Val Verde, the Val Verde Civic Association held a vote among those present, polling whether they were for or against the expansion of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. With the attendance much greater than a “normal” meeting, 112 people voted to stop the expansion and 0 – zero – voted to approve it. That is a pretty large, representative sample of the population.

The vote came on the heels of a last-minute effort by the dump to convince the folks of Val Verde they should vote yes.

Just a thought, folks: What if the dump used all of the money it gives away to pay for the equipment necessary to operate the place in compliance instead?

Oh, the billboards came up as a subject again. A self-named group called “Citizens Against Billboard Blight” (CABB) has yet to realize that if it gets its way, none of the current billboards will be removed along the Metrolink tracks. So if they are against “billboard blight,” what is their point? We get to keep it?

CABB also invited me, or a sitting City Council member, to participate in a debate with folks about the billboards. Sorry. All y’all know how I stand on the subject. I declined – and apparently so did the council member. Not minutes later, there appeared on Facebook picture of a “billboard” that said we refused.

That’s right. They used an electronic billboard. Think about it. The whole Internet is electronic. But no harm, no foul.

Flier generated by/on behalf of the landfill company and distributed throughout Val Verde. The public saw through the ruse.

Flier generated by/on behalf of the landfill company and distributed throughout Val Verde. The public saw through the ruse.

Another one of my frequent subjects is the California high-speed rail route through our valley. Now read carefully and understand. THERE IS NO STATION planned for anyplace in the SCV. The high-speed train will not stop in our valley unless it breaks down. There never has been a stationed planned for us. The stations are or were planned for Palmdale, at one time San Fernando, Burbank and downtown Los Angeles. Nothing here. The Santa Clarita City Council, Acton and Agua Dulce are not doing anything to remove a planned stop here, because there never was one. They did send a rather strongly worded letter to move the tracks to a tunnel between Palmdale and Burbank.

Another bit of information came my way. It appears Los Angeles County gets to pick which town councils – as well as committees and other folks elected or appointed by the county – have to have their members file financial disclosure statements, or the infamous Form 700. This is required under the Political Reform Act, which says “most state and local government officials and employees (must) publicly disclose their personal assets and income.” Well guess what? (Please take note, you folks on the Agua Dulce Town Council:) A letter to the VVCAC and CATC indicated they are not required to obey that law. News to us in the real world.

Is it hot enough for all y’all? This isn’t unusual for our valley. I remember a day in July 1970 when it was someplace around 110 degrees. I was in my dress uniform getting married. Needless to say, it was warm. But this is a dry heat. I do so love our summer evenings when we can sit outside and get a little cooler. Try that in the hot and humid areas back East. Remember that those neat electric bug zappers were invented for those flying critters that bite. When I lived in Virginia and Kentucky, we would buy a new one or two every year.

I’ve always hoped those things would work on politicians, door-to-door sales folks and those peddling various religious beliefs. I think for pests that size, we couldn’t afford the electricity bill.

I want to thank those of you who recommended folks for my weekly “Extraordinary Citizen” spotlight on Saturdays. I get to meet some wonderful folks and let them have some recognition which, for the most part, they say they really don’t want. They’re happy just contributing without fanfare.

My recent piece about the roundabout was not meant to be serious. All y’all will know when I’m serious about something. I actually do some research and … no, that isn’t how you’ll know … but you will know. I know those statues and stuff at Green Landscape Nursery wouldn’t work. They are too inexpensive and are thus prone to common sense. Not a way the government does things like public art.

Never forget that an elephant started out as a mouse but soon it had to be made in accordance with government regulations.

No, government does things just a little differently because it must be held accountable to the people. At least we like to think so. That idea is true except for the president of the United States along with Congress (both houses), the attorney general of the U.S. and each state, plus most governors (Jerry included).

Then there are the non-government folks who also seem to be unaccountable to anyone like the Chiquita Canyon Landfill, various defense contractors and CEMEX. Just some examples of folks who never let the law, regulations, common sense or promises get in the way of profits.

Just some more reasons I love this country.

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 and his commentaries are archived at DManzer.com. 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.

6 Comments

  1. Greg Kimura says:

    I appreciate you keeping up on the progress of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill expansion.

    You are correct, that the vote was 112 against the expansion of the landfill.

  2. Susie Evans says:

    Just to set the record straight….the DEIR was only published in English. The flyer that John Musella, the public relations agency representative for Chiquita Canyon Landfill, put out was in both English and Spanish and hand delivered to almost every house in Val Verde the day of our vote. If you look at the flyer it is extremely deceiving, it is not from any resident of Val Verde.

  3. jaime briano says:

    If they were to purchase new equipment to be within compliance,pretty sure it could come out of the millions they stand to make each year.

  4. Susie Evans says:

    Don’t you think that would be a novel concept for them?

  5. Greg Kimura says:

    I am not sure it’s simply equipment they need to purchase and operate to keep the odors down. Their odor control isn’t working and in the Draft EIR, they will not incorporate new means of odor control.

    I also am very concerned about the particulate matter coming from the landfill. If so, what can they do to insure that our community is safe and that they don’t add air pollution to our community?

  6. Greg Kimura says:

    Why would an organization need to put out propaganda to trick people? I have been asking myself this since I received the landfill’s flier about a week ago. As I look at the flier (the one in the article above), I notice in bold print at the bottom, Val Verde Civic Association. My organization did not put this out, but at first glance, it seems like it came from the VVCA. So why try to deceive people. I have my own thoughts on this and I’m sure you do too.

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, Apr 3, 2025
Arbor Day is more than just a celebration, it’s a commitment to our future. Every year, communities across the world come together to plant trees, promote environmental stewardship and enhance the landscapes that make our cities and towns more beautiful and livable.
Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025
One of the things that makes the city of Santa Clarita such a great place to live, work and play, is the wide range of amenities we offer our community.
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2025
Howdy, Santa Clarita! It’s time to dust off those boots and round up the family because the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is riding back into William S. Hart Park April 12-13, for two full days of western fun you won’t want to miss!
Monday, Mar 31, 2025
From our fun and friendly staff that run our Recreation and Community Services programs, to our Building and Safety team that make sure all developments are up to code, to our Communications team who bring all the trending, informational videos to social media, our staff is hard at work ensuring that the city of Santa Clarita continues to be a great place to live, work and play.
Thursday, Mar 27, 2025
Our family has called Santa Clarita home since 1972 and I take great pride in our city’s beautiful paseos, scenic trails and vibrant neighborhoods.
Wednesday, Mar 26, 2025
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger strongly supports Public Works’ recent request to FEMA for the inclusion of debris removal from commercial, residential, and non-residential properties impacted by the Eaton, Hurst, Palisades, and Sunset Fires. Barger issued the following statement today:

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1820 - '49er diarist William Lewis Manly born in Vermont [story]
William Lewis Manly
1970, minutes before midnight - Newhall Incident: 4 officers murdered in worst-ever CHP slaying [story]
Newhall Incident
The Santa Clarita Valley Family History & Genealogy Fair, an annual free genealogy fair hosted by the Valencia FamilySearch Center, will be held on Saturday, April 26, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
April 26: SCV Family History, Genealogy Fair
The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector reminds Santa Clarita Valley residents that the second installment of the 2024-25 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes delinquent if not paid by Thursday, April 10.
April 10: Second Half of L.A. County Property Taxes Due
The 52nd Annual Frontier Toyota Henry Mayo Golf Classic will host a $20 per ball Helicopter Golf Ball Drop at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 at Valencia Country Club.
May 10: Frontier Toyota Henry Mayo Golf Classic Golf Ball Drop
California State Park enthusiasts from across the state have nominated their favorite state parks, and now it’s time to decide. State Parks has gathered the top nominations, and now it is time for you to determine the Best of California’s State Parks.
April 11: Deadline to Vote in Best of California State Parks Poll Nears
Residents wanting to wear their Santa Clarita pride can now shop online at the city of Santa Clarita City Store. The store offers a variety of city-branded merchandise options, including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, totes and more.
Santa Clarita Opens Online Merchandise Store
Explore the world by traveling to the Canyon Country Community Center for the Celebrate event series. Experience different customs and cultures, no plane ticket needed.
Travel the World in 2025 with the Celebrate Passport
After three successful years guiding the Teton Ranch Conservancy, Executive Director Jaron Cramer will be stepping down from his position effective Friday, April 18.
Tejon Ranch Conservancy Leadership Transition Announced
The Santa Clarita City Council will meet in open session on Tuesday, April 8 at City Hall to consider sending a letter, signed by all city council members, to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors regarding Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy vacancies and encouraging the board to make investments in enhancing LASD retention and strengthening recruitment efforts.
April 8: City Council to Discuss Letter on LASD Vacancies to County Supes
1893 - Large earthquake centered in Pico Canyon; locals believed oil drilling caused it [story]
map
California State University, Northridge’s Department of Theatre will host Native Voices, the only professional theatre company in the United States devoted to bringing Indigenous playwrights, 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, to perform “To Indigeneity and Beyond!”
April 7: Native Voices to Perform at CSUN
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced that Anthony Eslao, a senior at Golden Valley High School, has been awarded the distinguished California Scholarship Federation Seymour Award. Additionally, Matthew Thomas De Guzman, also from Golden Valley, has been recognized as a Seymour Award finalist.
Golden Valley Student Wins CSF Seymour Award
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo’s bill, D-Chatsworth, the Expediting State Housing Permits Act (AB 301) was passed as part of a major package of housing legislation aimed at tackling the state’s housing crisis.
Schiavo Joins Forces with Rivas to Expedite Housing Development
The Department of Water Resources conducted the all-important April snow survey on Wednesday, April 2, the fourth measurement of the season at Phillips Station.
DWR April Snow Survey Shows California at 110% of Average
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites you to an elegant evening of wine, dinner and song atthe annual Cabaret & Cabernet benefit “The Beat Goes On,” on Saturday, April 26, 5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.
April  26: ‘The Beat Goes On’ Master Chorale Cabaret & Cabernet Benefit
Visit the Santa Clarita Public Library Valencia branch, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 for a "Alice's Looking Glass" crafting session.
April 8: ‘Alice’s Looking Glass’ Craft Session at Valencia Library
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce for a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at Monarch Beauty Academy, Thursday, April 24 at 4 p.m.
April 24: Monarch Beauty Academy Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
For the third year in a row, The Master's University's basketball player Kaleb Lowery has been named an NAIA All-American, this time on the First Team.
Lowery Named First Team All-American
Lief Labs, a premier formulation and product development innovator and manufacturer of dietary supplements, has announced the launch of its 2025 Brand Boost Guide which offers tips, guidance and resources to support dietary supplement brands in identifying potential sales growth and risk management strategies.
Lief Labs Launches 2025 Brand Boost Guide
The Master's University men's volleyball team completed the sweep of its old rival with a 25-11, 25-21, 25-19 controlling of the Arizona Christian Firestorm Saturday afternoon, March 29 in Glendale, Arizona.
Mustangs Complete Sweep on Arizona Trip
Arbor Day is more than just a celebration, it’s a commitment to our future. Every year, communities across the world come together to plant trees, promote environmental stewardship and enhance the landscapes that make our cities and towns more beautiful and livable.
Jason Gibbs | Celebrate Arbor Day in Santa Clarita
April 30 will be the final day for submitting comments regarding the updating of Los Angeles County Floodplain Management.
April 30: Deadline for Comments on Floodplain Management
Among several important issues presented at its Tuesday, April 8 regular board meeting, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will hear recommendations on establishing a unified permitting authority for the Altadena One-Stop Recovery Permitting Center relating to properties impacted by the Eaton Fire.
April 8: Supes to Consider Altadena One-Stop Recovery Permitting Center
SCVNews.com