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
March 15
1942 - Emery Whilton's Florafaunium opens in Lebec [story]
Florafaunium


Commentary by Steve Lee
| Monday, Sep 21, 2015

steveleeAt the Sept. 16 meeting of the Castaic Area Town Council, with nine board members present and an audience of 25, a resident of Val Verde named Susie Evans requested that Greg Kimura, the representative for Val Verde, be recalled.

The board was in shock. The sitting president did not know how even to approach a recall, saying, “I want to make sure we do it right.”

You might ask: “Why does anyone want to recall their representative?” Well, according to the residents, they do not feel represented.

At a recent meeting, a resident asked when the Castaic Area Town Council was going to vote on sending a letter to Supervisor Antonovich’s office. The letter was requesting that Antonovich stand up to the Chiquita Canyon Landfill and demand that it no longer accept deadly and toxic chemicals.

Representative Kimura said, “The letter has been tabled.” The very next week the Town Council voted 8-1 not to send the letter. Kimura stated to his constituents that his job is to vote the greater good of Castaic. Apparently even if it means harm to the residents of Val Verde, he must vote for the will of the Castaic Area Town Council.

I do not know how the greater good of Castaic is to allow a landfill to take questionable substances. The landfill is located within 800 feet of the residents of Val Verde. The landfill will be within 300 feet of the proposed Newhall Ranch housing development of 21,000 homes.

Believe it or not, the board then discussed whom they should represent. The president, John Kunak, stated: “It is a Castaic Town Council. We work on this as a council. …When it comes to council, you have to represent CATC.”

Lloyd Carder, the representative for Hasley Hills, did not agree. “If one of us ignores what our residents want, I should expect to get the heat. … We do have to show some favoritism to our constituents.”

Flo Lawrence, who represents one of the districts farthest from the landfill, replied: “Do I have to listen and vote for what my constituents want? When there is a small vocal group … we will make votes based on what’s best for Castaic, not our constituents.”

Steve Howse, a frustrated resident of Val Verde, commented to me during the meeting: “Apparently the minority does not matter; the CATC has to speak for the quiet majority. How do you know what the quiet majority wants if they never speak up?”

Flo Lawrence said, “The letter (for recall) has no grounds,” which is something that should not happen during the recall proceedings. Article 15, Section C states: “Neither the Castaic Area Town Council Inc, nor the Election Committee, shall judge the petition for recall.”

Has the Castaic Area Town Council always been pro-landfill? Was it always best for Val Verde to endure the stench, sickness and possible side effects from so many chemicals? Well, not the last time the landfill tried to expand. The Town Council was against the expansion; they even wrote a lengthy response to the 2005 draft environmental impact report stating their concerns about the chemicals in the landfill, along with the health of surrounding residents.

You might ask: “Why is it good for Castaic as a whole now?” Well, it is the promise of $300,000 a year. Now it is good for all Castaic. See the logic.

The major problem is that votes can be bought. Supervisor Antonovich relies on town councils to represent their constituents so he can get a fair assessment of how the people are leaning in any given district. The Castaic Area Town Council bylaws demand the same of its sitting board members.

Article 4, Section 2 states: “Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities of the Castaic Area Town Council Inc. shall include the following:

“C. Strive to accurately mirror in its policies and actions the positions and concerns of the residents of the Castaic areas.”

The residents of Val Verde have not been mirrored. The residents of Hasley Hills have not been mirrored. The residents of Live Oaks have not been mirrored. The landfill has been mirrored.

If the board does not mirror the residents of each of the five districts, then how does Antonovich do his job effectively? He will not know what the people want. Representatives ignored the will of the people, first by not notifying them of future votes and even lying about future votes, and second by taking the stance that only those opposed speak for the minority.

The Val Verde recall has a long road ahead of it. There is no major store to sit outside of. Each petitioner will have to knock door-to-door. They are just mad enough to do it. Greg Kimura was not voted into office; he ran unopposed, so no vote took place.

The recall will require 20 percent of eligible voters. I wish them success in their fight to get fair representation. Maybe more communities will start to demand that they, too, get represented.

 

Steve Lee is a resident of Val Verde.

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.

8 Comments

  1. Lexiebee2010 says:

    Yea! Way to go! I for one hopes this puts a major road block in the expansion of that foul smelling dump!

  2. Abigail says:

    Well if anyone is curious where Mr Kimura really stands on the landfill subject, just watch him in an advertisement piece for the landfill.

    http://signalscv.vidcaster.com/4quG/life-in-val-verde-with-the-cbfc/

    To sum it up, Val Verde would be crime ridden if it did not have the dumps money. He claims the money pays for programs in Val Verde that it would not get without the money. These programs are the only reason crime is low in Val Verde – nothing to do with a good police force, active parents, and the 3 strikes law. This is what he states and obviously believes seeing he is not a paid employee. He is a volunteer on the CATC board. The majority of the people in Val Verde do not believe this at all.

    Oh, and he is NOT the president of the Val Verde Civic Association (VVCA) as the new advertisement claims, and has not been for months. Currently the VVCA is out of commission because it lost its 501c4 status due to not filing year after year after year. Yes, this did happen on his watch too.

    He could be the world’s greatest man when it comes to many other subjects, but I don’t agree with his politics for Val Verde. Refusing to represent your own region the way the majority of people are calling for. Just wrong for me.

  3. Mr. Val Verde says:

    Abigail is being too kind. Currently the VVCA is out of commission because it lost its 501c4 status due to not filing year after year after year. In fact, he was informing people that he was doing all this, filing and renewing, when he was not. Irresponsible and neglecting his responsibilities, plus lying about it all! If you know any attorneys that have some time available, contact Val Verde residents, please!!

  4. Richard Hood says:

    Has anyone explained how the CATC can enter into a legal agreement with either the county or landfill, when the same county says the CATC has zero standing or authority – not being in any way a part of county government?

  5. Josh says:

    They are a 501(c)(3) whose bylaws (I assume) allow them to enter into contracts, like most any other business or charity. They do the 5k every year on county land, so it’s safe to assume contacts are entered into with both county and private parties for that, it’s the same concept.

  6. Sara Jones says:

    What about the possibility of annexation into the City of Santa Clarita. That would take care of the recall issue and the CATC…just a thought.

  7. Richard Hood says:

    Thanks Josh – you could be right. Then again, there are many 501’s that have no authority over the communities they are located in. I don’t think they can enter into contracts as a political”advisory only” council – unlike incorporated cites with their own legal staffs and ability to legislate. The CATC lacks all such authority – this might be a way to negate all such agreements with the dump. CATC only advises Antonovich’s office, and I believe only the county can contract with the dump. The county may be hiding behind the CATC’s votes, but one of Antonovich’s deputies was quoted as saying that CATC has no connection with county government. No authority. Seems like a possible slam dunk if we had legal representation, which I suggest, as we have no other kind to help us.

  8. Caesar says:

    Greg Kimura has done a good job of hiding the truth so far but the people of Val Verde are done accepting his lies. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9g-avdbICaw This video will show you the true Greg Kimura as he threatens to have his neighbors deported and their jobs and homes taken from them.

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
Friday, Mar 14, 2025
After the January wildfires, the county began a review to assess our evacuation policies and emergency alert systems. The state has also commissioned a review of our preparedness efforts, immediate response to the fires and the recovery time frame of the incident.
Thursday, Mar 13, 2025
As you drive through Santa Clarita, you may have noticed something exciting, new projects are taking shape all around the city.
Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025
Our community is rich with history, blending the spirit of the Old West with the history of our great nation, especially in our parks. When Santa Clarita incorporated in 1987, we only had eight parks. Today, we are home to more than three dozen, and this year, we are excited to welcome not just two new parks.
Thursday, Mar 6, 2025
In response to proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs by the federal administration, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo issued a statement which is available for press interviews after the legislative session today or by phone and video.
Thursday, Mar 6, 2025
Throughout my entire life, I have surrounded myself with animals, whether it is my beloved donkey, cattle dogs or horses, animals truly do have incredible personalities and dynamic feelings.
Monday, Mar 3, 2025
Recent wildfires in Altadena, Pacific Palisades and just north of us in Castaic, have been a stark reminder of the ever-present fire threat in Southern California. As we begin the new year, these devastating events highlight the importance of always being prepared.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1942 - Emery Whilton's Florafaunium opens in Lebec [story]
Florafaunium
Today in SCV History (March 15)
After the January wildfires, the county began a review to assess our evacuation policies and emergency alert systems. The state has also commissioned a review of our preparedness efforts, immediate response to the fires and the recovery time frame of the incident.
Kathryn Barger | Wildfire Analysis
Island Pacific Santa Clarita is gearing up for a celebration of National Lumpia Day with a lumpia-eating contest on Saturday, March 15, from 3-6:30 p.m.
March 15: Lumpia Eating Contest at Island Pacific Santa Clarita
The regular meeting of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board of Trustees will be held Tuesday, March 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
March 18: Saugus School Board to Receive Measure EE Annual Report
After a successful pilot program in the Saugus Union School District, School Day Café has expanded the use of a new, eco-friendly serving tray option across all Santa Clarita Valley elementary schools.
SCV Elementary School Lunches Offered on Eco-friendly Serving Trays
In support of “Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life,” the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency is developing a Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan to establish a comprehensive water conservation strategy.
March 26: SCV Water Hosts Public Workshop on Water Use Efficiency Plan
College of the Canyons Women's Tennis got back in the win column with an 8-1 conference road win at Glendale College.
Canyons Gets Back in the Win Column 8-1 at Glendale
The Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer invites the community to join the annual "Walk 4 MHF Help Kids Fight Cancer" to help raise awareness and support local families affected by childhood cancer.
April 5: Annual Walk 4 MHF Help Kids Fight Cancer at Central Park
The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society has announced that the St. Francis Dam Tour scheduled for Saturday, March 15 has been postponed until Saturday, April 26.
March 15: St. Francis Dam Tour Postponed Due to Rain
The city of Santa Clarita is enhancing local roadways with the upcoming 2024-2025 Citywide Major Thoroughfare Median Refurbishment Project on Plum Canyon Road.
City of Santa Clarita to Refurbish Plum Canyon Road Medians
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is preparing for the annual fundraising Celebrity Waiter Dinner to be held Saturday, April 26 at the Bella Vida Senior Center.
April 26: Celebrity Waiter Dinner to Feature ‘Broadway Lights’ Theme
2000 - Time capsule buried at Newhall Metrolink station [Station Grand Opening Video]
Newhall Metrolink
As you drive through Santa Clarita, you may have noticed something exciting, new projects are taking shape all around the city.
Patsy Ayala | From Groundbreakings to Grand Openings
The Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley 16th Annual Wine Affair: Wine, Beer and Cheer Big Hat Bash will be held Sunday, April 6 on Main Street in Old Town Newhall from noon to 5 p.m.
April 6: The 16th Annual Wine Affair Big Hat Bash
The city of Santa Clarita's art exhibition, "Saddle Up Santa Clarita" will run through Wednesday, May 14 at Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355.
‘Saddle Up Santa Clarita’ Art Exhibition in City Hall
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced that 10 high school seniors have been named National Merit Scholarship Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Hart District Announces National Merit Scholarship Finalists
The Master's University Theater Arts presents 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde Fridays and Saturdays, March 21-29 at The Master's University, Music Recital Hall at 24736 Quigley Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
March 21-29: TMU Theater Arts Presents ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’
Beginning Monday, March 17, at 6 a.m., Jet will be hosting “Jet into Work,” on 88.5-FM, The SoCal Sound which will lend a fun and upbeat start to listeners’ mornings.
The SoCal Sound to Present ‘Jet into Work’ Radio Show
Safely dispose of household hazardous waste and electronic waste for free 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the College of the Canyons Valencia Campus, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
April 5: Free HHW, E-Waste Disposal at COC
The Music Center has announced 113 of Southern California’s most talented high school students have advanced in The Music Center’s 37th Annual Spotlight program, which includes three students from the Santa Clarita Valley.
Three from SCV Earn Music Center Spotlight Recognition
The track and field teams at The Master's University began their 2025 outdoor campaign at the Occidental Spring Break Classic on Saturday, March 8. Multiple qualifiers were added and a school record fell in the men's 4x100m relay.
TMU Track Opens Outdoor Season at Oxy
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has announced the introduction of the Roads to Resilience Act, AB 1132, a piece of legislation designed to prioritize the needs of communities disproportionately impacted by climate disasters.
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Improve Evacuation in At-Risk Areas
College of the Canyons baseball claimed its first conference win in a 10-5 affair over Citrus College at Mike Gillespie Field on Tuesday, March 10.
Cougars Pick Up First Conference Win 10-5 Over Citrus
Opera America, a nonprofit that supports opera in the United States, recently announced the 2025 recipients of two of its prestigious distinctions: the 2025 Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize and the Discovery Grants from its Opera Grants for Women Composers program.
CalArtians Named Opera America 2025 Prize Winners, Grantees
SCVNews.com