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
January 10
1847 - John C. Fremont & troops camp at today's Sierra Hwy. & Newhall Ave. en route to signing cease-fire agreement with Gen. Andres Pico [story]
John C. Fremont


Now and Then in the SCV | Commentary by Darryl Manzer
| Friday, Aug 22, 2014

darrylmanzer_blacktieTen rules for elected and appointed Los Angeles County town councils, commissions and committees:

1. Hold meetings to set an agenda for the public meetings and invite the company that wants you to vote positively on something it is proposing. Do this at a public restaurant if at all possible.

2. Take operating funds from a company the committee is supposed to be watching for the good of the community and when questioned, threaten to file suit against those who question.

3. No matter what the representative from the Los Angeles County supervisor’s office says, do not ever file a Form 700 in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown open meeting law. Volunteers don’t file those forms.

4. During public meetings of the council, committee or commission, make sure the folks who have a project they want to see approved get to tell you the vote should be delayed. Then delay the vote.

5. When an article in the media, be it print, electronic, radio or television, appears that is contrary to the desires of the council, committee and commission, write replies that say the writer is a liar and misleading people. Recommend another media outlet that runs big ads for the company being questioned. Assume nobody will notice that you don’t actually say what the lie or misleading information was.

6. Regardless of what the people most affected by a proposed project think, make sure you look at the money and not at the effects that it will have on the directly affected residents.

7. Threaten media outlets that run personal commentary if the individual writer is critical of slush funds going to a committee, council or commission.

8. A committee chairperson shall always sit in the back of the room at a meeting of a town council and make snide remarks and snicker at the speakers. Do this when sitting with a manager or other officer of the company that has a project the town council is reviewing and discussing.

9. All discussions in the media shall be based on what the committee, commission or town council can get out of the proposed project being discussed.

10. When the people will not be quiet and accept the project, always vote to take the money.

I am sure that nothing like the above “rules” have ever been used in any part of the SCV. Nope, never.

Those who know the truth of what I just wrote can always let me, your neighbors and maybe even our Los Angeles County supervisors know what you think. I hope so.

I cannot really believe what I’ve seen the past few weeks in some communities that are badly affected by a particular project and the company that runs the project.

It all comes down to money. Lots of money.

And as the company in question has asked that community many times, “What do you want?” The community still answers: “Shut down and go away.”

The company asks again, “What do you want?”

The answer doesn’t change. Ever.

The agreement said “shall” close by date certain, not “may” close. So just shut down and go away. Please.

 

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.

3 Comments

  1. Greg Kimura says:

    I recall my numerous bike rides at Chesebro in Agoura. There is a landfill there, but I can only think of one time I smelled it.

    Why can this landfill in Agoura control odors and Chiquita Canyon Landfill cannot?

    One may reason that it’s too expensive? It may also require additional work? Or could it be that the owners do care about the community and they are not doing everything in their power to control the odors?

    While we’re on the subject, why can Chiquita Canyon Landfill accept 3,600 tons of sludge, which is against their use permit, but people feel it’s okay, since a fine was not imposed? I thought a Notice of Violation meant something?

    Bottom line is that the illegal sludge is still in the Chiquita Canyon Landfill, all 3,600 tons of it. The community was promised that they would not accept this unwanted sludge, but they did. Ventura County banned it from the landfill and Chiquita swooped in to take it and the money, all $165,000.00 of it! Let me repeat that, $165,000.00 for taking in something that they promised they wouldn’t and was prohibited from accepting by the permit with the County of Los Angeles.

    Darryl, you are definitely on to something.

  2. Silvie Faust says:

    Gosh give it up please!!!

  3. Greg Kimura says:

    – I have been told that the smell between Ralph’s and Commerce Drive is from the Chiquita Canyon Landfill.

    – If this is true, why do the residents of Hasley Hills and Live Oak put up with it?

    – Are they unaware of the origin of the odors?

    – Do they know that they can call the AQMD at 1-800-CUT-SMOG 24 hours a day to file a complaint?

    – Do they know that the PR rep for Chiquita Canyon Landfill tells people that it comes from the sewage treatment plant near Magic Mountain?

    – For those real estate professionals, you may want to think twice about supporting the landfill expansion. The height will increase 143 feet and the bulk of the expansion will be toward Hasley Hills and Live Oak.

    – I don’t wish the odors on anyone. I just hope the people in Hasley Hills and Live Oak are preparing themselves for it.

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, Jan 9, 2025
With so many impressive city milestones, like groundbreakings for the Pioneer Oil Refinery and The Rink Sports Pavilion and the grand openings of the Valencia Community Center and Skyline Ranch Park, it’s no wonder that last year felt like a blur.
Monday, Jan 6, 2025
Located at Valencia Summit Park in the former YMCA building, the 12,000-square-foot Valencia Community Center is officially open for residents to visit.
Thursday, Jan 2, 2025
As we jump into the new year, the city of Santa Clarita has so much to be thankful for. The city’s 37 years of growth has brought the community top-notch events, a high quality of life and many amazing amenities.
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025
As we close out another year, let's take some time to celebrate and reflect on the progress we've made. It is this work we have done together that makes it such an honor to continue serving as your Assemblymember for another two years.
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025
The new year is a time to reset, while also setting goals for the next 12 months. Thanks to the leadership of our City Council, strategic planning has always been a key part of our City’s success.
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024
By sustaining its commitment to support healthy individuals and families in healthful communities, the California Department of Public Health recognizes the need to transform as public health advances and society evolves.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1847 - John C. Fremont & troops camp at today's Sierra Hwy. & Newhall Ave. en route to signing cease-fire agreement with Gen. Andres Pico [story]
John C. Fremont
Cal Fire and the Los Angeles County Fire Department have reported that fires in Los Angeles County have burned more than 33,000 acres and more than 9,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
UPDATE: Kenneth Fire Joins Growing List, National Guard to be Deployed
As Southern California communities face the devastating effects of wildfires, Child & Family Center stands ready to provide vital resources and support for parents and caregivers navigating these challenging times.
Child & Family Center Offers Support, Resources to Families Impacted by Fires
With so many impressive city milestones, like groundbreakings for the Pioneer Oil Refinery and The Rink Sports Pavilion and the grand openings of the Valencia Community Center and Skyline Ranch Park, it’s no wonder that last year felt like a blur.
Marsha McLean | Back to School, Back to Safety
The Santa Clarita Artists Association Gallery will showcase its first art show of 2025, "Signature You", Friday, Jan. 17 - Sunday, Feb. 16 with an opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 18, 5-8 p.m.
Jan. 17- Feb. 16: SCAA ‘Signature You’ Art Show
California Credit Union announced that it will offer special relief programs to support current members who have been impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires.
California Credit Union Offers L.A. Fires Relief Programs to Members
Finally Family Homes invite the community to a “Tiny Open House” event, 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 to celebrate the completion of the tiny house project.
Jan. 18: Finally Family Homes Hosts Open House
Connect with other businesses and attend the Valley Industry Association After Five networking mixer on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Valencia Town Center.
Jan. 23: VIA After Five Networking Mixer
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has published the agenda for its Tuesday, Jan. 14 regular board meeting, starting at 9:30 a.m. Among other topics there will be discussion of moving forward with recommendations to reimagine Los Angeles County's approach to human trafficking, as well as the annual abatement of hazardous vegetation.
In its second conference game of the season, The Master's University women's basketball team lost to the No. 19 Arizona Christian University Firestorm 62-56 at The MacArthur Center Wednesday evening, Jan. 8.
Lady Mustangs Fall to the Firestorm
In a rematch between the two teams that battled for the GSAC championship last season, No. 9-ranked The Master's University men's basketball team defeated No. 4 Arizona Christian 86-69 Wednesday night, Jan. 8 in The MacArthur Center.
No. 9 TMU Knocks off No. 4 ACU
The Wednesday, Jan. 8 scheduled contests between College of the Canyons women's and men's basketball vs. Antelope Valley College in the Cougar Cage were postponed due to wildfires in the region.
Canyons Women’s, Men’s Basketball Games Postponed
Los Angeles County Public Health reports the South Coast Air Quality Management District is advising of potential direct smoke impact from the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst Wildfires that has caused unhealthy air quality in Los Angeles County.
Public Health Smoke Advisory: Unhealthy Air Quality Declared Due to Wildfires
The devastating Palisades Fire destroyed historic buildings and multiple structures at two California State Parks on Tuesday, Jan. 7 including Will Rogers’ historic ranch house and buildings at Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Palisades Fire Destroys Historic Buildings at Will Rogers State Historic Park
1857 - Estimated 8.0 earthquake, SoCal's most recent "Big One," decimates Fort Tejon [story]
Tejon quake map
Cal Fire and the Los Angeles County Fire Department have reported that fires in Los Angeles County have burned more than 26,000 acres and more than 2,000 structures have been lost.
UPDATE: More Fires Break Out in Southern California
Cal Fire has reported that fires in Los Angeles County have burned more than 26,000, acres and more than 1,100 structures lost.
UPDATE: L.A. County Fires Exceed 26,000 Acres, 1,100+ Structures Lost
The National Day of Mourning to honor the late President Jimmy Carter isn't recognized as an official federal holiday, however, some organizations and businesses will be closed by the day of observance.
Jan. 9: No Mail Delivery on National Day of Mourning
Cal Fire reports a fire has broken out at 2:07 p.m. on the 5700 block of Soledad Canyon Road in Acton.
BREAKING: Fire Breaks Out in Acton
All For Kids is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
Jan. 16: All For Kids Virtual Orientations on Foster Care and Adoption
California Credit Union Foundation is encouraging college-bound students across Southern California to apply for its 2025 Student Scholarship Program.
California Credit Union Foundation Offering Scholarships to Students
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Board of Directors has selected Director Maria Gutzeit to serve as Board President in 2025, while Directors Bill Cooper and Gary Martin were selected to serve as Vice Presidents at the board’s regular meeting on Jan. 7.
SCV Water Elects Gutzeit Board President
In response to ongoing fires throughout Los Angeles County, DoorDash has activated its Severe Weather Protocol to pause operations in affected areas, including Santa Clarita.
DoorDash Service Remains Suspended in Santa Clarita, L.A. Areas
SCVNews.com