After 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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With school ending and summer break just around the corner, the Santa Clarita Public Library has everything you need to keep your family busy and engaged with reading, crafts and outdoor programs.
Baseball season is officially back! As a Southern California native, I grew up as an avid Dodger fan and I continue that tradition whenever I take my family to a game. There is no feeling that compares to entering Dodger Stadium and hearing the sound of cheering fans and the smell of fresh-cut grass and of course, Dodger Dogs!
This month, the city shines the spotlight on the friendly staff in the Building and Safety Division. May is Building and Safety Month and the 2022 theme is “Safety for All: Codes in Action.” This month builds awareness about the importance of building codes in ensuring safety in the spaces in which we live, work and learn.
For years, the city of Santa Clarita has been recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community by The League of American Bicyclists. We are proud to offer cyclists more than 100 miles of off-street trails to ride throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.
When was the last time you enjoyed the great outdoors in Santa Clarita? With over 80 miles of scenic hiking trails and more than 126 miles of beautiful off-street trails to enjoy, our city is not short on outdoor activities that can get you moving.
Nestled near the eastern edge of California State University, Northridge campus, as the California Towhee softly calls, sits an often-overlooked environmental gem in the heart of the San Fernando Valley - CSUN’s Botanic Garden.
The city of Santa Clarita’s Film Office released the 16 productions currently filming in the Santa Clarita Valley for the week of Monday, May 23 - Sunday, May 29.
To honor the memory of longtime community leader Charlotte Kleeman, a celebration of life will be held Friday, June 3, at the College of the Canyons University Center, located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, beginning at 2 p.m.
The William S. Hart Union High School District Governing Board unanimously approved the appointment of Bryan Wilson as the new principal of Golden Oak Adult School.
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College of the Canyons student Isabella Solorio is among 100 students from across the nation to have been selected as a 2022 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholar.
Visit newly opened MB2 Entertainment at the site of the former Mountasia on June 5 to support Carousel Ranch. Purchase a play card and a percentage of your purchase will benefit Carousel Ranch. Visit and have fun while donating to a worthwhile cause, the clients of Carousel Ranch and the equestrian therapy and vocational training programs.
The city of Santa Clarita's Human Relations Roundtable speaker series “Community Voices” continued by celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on Friday, May 20.
California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly and Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, issued a joint statement supporting the recommendation by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices and the Federal Food and Drug Administration to authorize use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11 at least five months after completing their primary series.
Did you know that trash, chemicals and other pollutants that are left on the ground can wash through the City’s storm drain system and into the Santa Clara River?
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold a regular meeting Tuesday, May 24, beginning with a special/closed session at 5 p.m., followed immediately by open session at 6 p.m.
With school ending and summer break just around the corner, the Santa Clarita Public Library has everything you need to keep your family busy and engaged with reading, crafts and outdoor programs.
Feeling the need to act, members of the Santa Clarita Human Relations Roundtable, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Congregation Beth Shalom, NAACP Santa Clarita, Higher Vision Church and the Islamic Center of Santa Clarita Valley decided to gather with community members to mark and reflect on the May 14 shooting in Buffalo, N.Y.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is working with state and national partners on an international outbreak of monkeypox. On May 19 the Centers for Disease Control confirmed a case of monkeypox in the United States in Massachusetts.
The father/son legacy continues after 40 years at Valley Institute of Prosthetics and Orthotics established in 1982. The company serves the Central Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley with the highest quality orthotic and prosthetic devices for patients to regain functionality.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control is aware of the public’s desire to visit our animal care centers without an appointment. In response Animal Care and Control is adopting new public visitation hours for unscheduled visits just in time for National Pet Adoption Weekend, May 20-22.
Join the fun this summer and sign up for a class at Los Angeles county Parks. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn something new, make new friends and discover new talents.
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7 Comments
It’s about time we heard from you. Thanks for telling it like it is.
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.
Will you end voter registration this Fall?
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.
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.
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
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!