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 19
1880 - Pico Oil Spring Mine Section 2 patented by R.F. Baker and Edward F. Beale [story]
E.F. Beale


Now and Then in the SCV
| Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014

darrylmanzer_blacktieI know those of us who supported Measure S will be gracious in defeat as I hope those who worked for its failure will be in victory … Nope, didn’t happen. Already got the first sarcastic post asking, “Can you hear us now?”

So now we have the billboards for at least another year. What is another year in waiting for something the city has been after since the city started? We can wait some more. I just hope Metro and Allvision can wait, too.

Those who helped defeat Measure S never grasped the idea that the city cannot negotiate directly with the billboard companies. It is in the state billboard law. The billboard owners AND the property owner, in this case Metro, are entitled to be compensated if billboards are to be removed. The city cannot negotiate actions on land it does not own without the property owner’s consent. Did TimBen tell you otherwise?

But that doesn’t matter now, and I suppose the new negotiations will be open and not “in the back rooms of City Hall” next time. I guess all such negotiations should happen in the council chambers. I’m sure Metro and Allvision will like that. Not. I hope they will show up again.

But the law also dictates that we wait a year before a “substantially similar” ordinance is offered. That gives the electronic billboard companies plenty of time to get signs installed outside of the Santa Clarita city limits. Stand by, all you folks on the west side – and how about along the 14 before you get to the city? We were going to have three. Now I’ll bet there will be a lot more. Not in the city but in other areas of private, unincorporated parts of the SCV.

They may have been coming anyway in time, but I believe this will speed up the installation of lots of electronic boards.

So I congratulate the winners. You convinced the voters that what you wanted was right. That is what you wanted. Now that you got it, what are you going to do? Where is your better deal? Remember, to comply with state law, if you want to remove billboards along the train tracks, you have to negotiate with Metro and by extension the company that Metro contracts with for billboard maintenance – Allvision. You have a year to figure it out.

How about five electronic billboards for 20 years, or maybe 10 for 10 years? The possibilities are endless. Maybe a bunch of them arranged like the old Burma-Shave signs.

There were some winners besides the obvious in this matter, and those are all of the folks who got paid to gather signatures. That is water under the bridge now. Go home, folks. There is nothing to see here. The city had to spend more than $200,000 on an election and it gets nothing in return. The old signs stand. No money comes to the city from the new signs that ARE coming. Well, less than nothing.

First it was the Dodgers not making it to the World Series, and now this. When will the misery end? I’m sure we will hear hours of talk about it at the next City Council meeting – from TimBen Boydston. He really has to learn not to gloat after such accomplishments. We shall see.

There were a couple of good results in this election. First and foremost: Sen. Steve Knight is going to be our next congressman. We will be represented by someone who actually lives in the district and has a great record of service in the state Legislature. Congratulations, Steve. I know you’ll do us proud.

We also decided that Scott Wilk will be returning to Sacramento as our rep in the Assembly, and up in the Antelope Valley, Tom Lackey will join him. Tom should thank Lancaster Mayor Rex Parris for endorsing his opponent. That may have been the reason he beat Steve Fox.

We are also getting a new sheriff here in the wonderful land of Laconia, aka L.A. county. Finally someone to replace the Dread Sherbacca and at the same time not someone with 21 indictments against him like his opponent. Congratulations, Mr. – er, Sheriff McDonnell.

Another little matter to discuss. If you didn’t vote, please don’t gripe about the election results. You gave up that right when you decided you were too busy to vote or didn’t send in your ballot. Well done. Not.

Now I’m tired. Very tired. Let’s shake hands and move on to the next election. It looks like it will be a real humdinger. What with the elephants running all of Congress, it means maybe the gridlock is over. Well, I’m afraid it might just move to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The guy who lives there said the election results don’t prove the people don’t like his policies. Really, Mr. President? How else can you explain the results? I’m baffled about what he has said.

So there you have it, folks. Billboards remain standing for at least a year. Howard “Take the Buck” McKeon’s clone is NOT going to be our representative. Scott Wilk remains our Assemblyman, and Chief McDonnell becomes Sheriff McDonnell.

We’re also going to do something about our water supply and set aside funds for a rainy day. (What is a rainy day? I slept through most of the last little rain storm.) There won’t be sobriety checkpoints for doctors, and Saugus school district voters approved new bonds. All of our major elected state officials remain in the Democratic Party, and my least favorite Governor Moonbeam gave a neat victory speech in which for once, I understood what he was saying. Does that mean he did?

Oh, my. What a day … night … and now morning. Sleep well, my friends.

 

 

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.

20 Comments

  1. Michael Lee Rhodes says:

    Gracious in defeat? I don’t think that means what you think it means. lol
    Dogs and cats, living together .. MASS HYSTERIA!

  2. Scott Ervin Scott Ervin says:

    Gracious in defeat! lol
    Umm. No.

  3. Linda Perera Linda Perera says:

    Better than a 50 year contract… WHO SIGNS A 50 YEAR CONTRACT

  4. Kai Ellis Kai Ellis says:

    A lot of the billboards are going down anyway. that deal was already made!

  5. John Fortman John Fortman says:

    A twelve point margin of victory is not just convincing the voters. It is being on the right side of the issue.

  6. Honestly would you have voted no if a billboard was in your front yard!

  7. So a huge commentary still trying to convince everyone that they did the wrong thing is “being gracious in defeat”? Sir, you ignored our posts and questions, and are obviously so out of touch with the majority of people in the SCV. A statement such as “do you hear us now?” is a very legitimate response to someone like you who states a position and completely ignores those who question it…as if you aren’t “hearing” them. So…be gracious yourself and accept defeat and drop it.

  8. Donald Hicks Donald Hicks says:

    Digital billboards are a bad idea. And the people who live in the scv just told ya so. Maybe our city council will listen up now…they are supposed to “represent” the voice of the city..no?

  9. Lee says:

    The will of the people, Darryl…the will of the people.

    If this teaches us anything, it is that sometimes the people read the fineprint and decide they don’t like the deal, even if those in authority tell them they will.

    If there is a good deal to be had…and it has to be with Metro and Allvision…they will come back with something a bit more palatable for the good people of Santa Clarita. Let’s start with something that doesn’t last 50 years and something that doesn’t involve the middleman getting their money from gross while the city gets its money from net.

    Our leaders can do better on our behalf…and the people just told them that.

    It’s the will of the people, Darryl…

  10. J. Boyd says:

    if the author thinks the comment “Can you hear us now?” is ungracious and sarcastic, then he is way too sensitive to be involved in politics. He conveniently ignores the larger issue, which is that the billboard deal was negotiated in secret without an open bidding process. For this reason alone, Measure S deserved defeat. The Santa Clarita Valley should be no one’s private playground.

    • SCVNews.com says:

      Just for the record, it was a Metro deal involving Metro property, and there was an open bidding process when Metro selected Allvision as its sole-source billboard service provider. Any agreement involving Metro property still has to be a “Metro deal” because state law entitles Metro to compensation if billboards are to be removed from its property.

  11. Daniel Konz Daniel Konz says:

    Everyone is complaining about billboards, and I’m just sitting here cleaning up all the many election signs people posted on my property without asking for approval..!

    Beautify our cities corridors my butt..!

    Hypocrites..!

  12. Kim Sloan Kim Sloan says:

    I want to see a Cheesecake Factory in Santa Clarita, and I could care less about Billboards! I want to have more places for entertainment, and no graffiti in Canyon Country, can you do that? I would like to see happier drivers, who aren’t rude, and pushy, and better stores at the mall. Hey it’s only a few weeks until Christmas/Hannukah, a girl can dream right? haha

  13. Silvie Faust Silvie Faust says:

    Lol hahah baaaa baaaa baaa….

  14. Measure S was a loser and anyone who supported it is a super loser!

  15. Steve Petzold says:

    I have a request for several people to accompany me to the Metro Executive Committee meeting today downtown at 11:30 am. I plan to report on the Allvision connection to Yes S, IG report denial , and try to get the letter or determine the form of communication that Metro’s Board told Allvision to stand down during the referendum.
    With the Edwards deal finalized , the revenue stream will be reduced to Metro. I believe that the revenue from Metro billboard leases is so small that after administration is considered, Metro may actually lose money. Any private company would have just “closed the billboard division” and taken down the billboards to focus on their core mission.
    Yes or NO on S this is an important meeting to attend. In all likelihood I will ride Metro downtown.
    Darryl Manzer and Leon Worden…this is your opportunity to test the wild statements you spew over at SCVNEWS with big boys downtown….let’s get together and ride the rails to Metro. I’m willing, are you?
    Steve Petzold

  16. I have a request for several people to accompany me to the Metro Executive Committee meeting today downtown at 11:30 am. I plan to report on the Allvision connection to Yes S, IG report, and try to get the letter or determine the form of communication that Metro’s Board told Allvision to stand down during the referendum.
    With the Edwards deal finalized , the revenue stream will be reduced to Metro. I believe that the revenue from Metro billboard leases is so small that after administration is considered, Metro may actually lose money. Any private company would have just “closed the billboard division” to focus on their core mission.
    Yes or NO on S this is an important meeting to attend. In all likelihood I will ride Metro downtown.
    Darryl Manzer and Leon Worden…this is your opportunity to test the wild statements you spew over at SCVNEWS with big boys downtown….let’s get together and ride the rails to Metro. I’m willing, are you?
    Steve Petzold

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
Tuesday, Apr 16, 2024
Supervisor Barger issued the following statement today, after the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to implement the Rental Housing Habitability Program
Monday, Apr 15, 2024
Cowboy Festival weekend is upon us!
Thursday, Apr 11, 2024
Have you ever wanted to journey to another country to experience an array of new and unique cultures and customs?
Tuesday, Apr 9, 2024
In bustling Santa Clarita, where many residents lead busy lives and often feel divided and disconnected, there is a growing need for spaces that bring people together, fostering community and hope.
Monday, Apr 8, 2024
Each spring the city of Santa Clarita proudly showcases its cowboy culture and pays homage to its rich Western heritage during the one-of-a-kind Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival.
Thursday, Apr 4, 2024
Springtime, with all its blossoms and lovely weather is a popular time to get married. If you are looking to say “I do” at this picturesque time of year, look no further than City Hall Ceremonies.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Youth in Los Angeles County foster care as young as 13 can open their own checking and savings accounts without an adult co-owner through the Youth Access Banking program.
Foster Youth Access Banking Program Available in L.A. County
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m. The council will meet at City Hall, City Council Chambers, Items on the agenda include: Measure H funding, awarding construction contracts for traffic improvements and updating criteria for speed hump installation or removal.
April 23: City Council to Discuss Measure H Funds, Traffic Improvements
Visit Vasquez Rock Natural Area and Nature Center for a Day at The Rocks, a family fun event and tribal celebration of the Village of Mapipinga. A Day at The Rocks will be held Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 27: Day at The Rocks Family Fun Event
Princess Cruises, headquartered in Valencia, and ship builder Fincantieri of Monfalcone, Italy have announced the mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the next Sphere Class ship, Star Princess.
Princess Cruises Postpones Delivery of Star Princess, Inaugural Cruises Cancelled
1880 - Pico Oil Spring Mine Section 2 patented by R.F. Baker and Edward F. Beale [story]
E.F. Beale
The Master's University men's golf team shot a 13-under 275 to finish second at the Golden State Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championships held at Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West, Ariz.
TMU Men’s Golf Places 2nd, Women 5th at GSAC Championships
Join local nonprofit Project Sebastian for an exhilarating day of racing and community support at its Rare Warrior 24 race on Saturday, June 1, at Heritage Park in the heart of Santa Clarita.
June 1: Rare Warrior 24 Race Benefiting Project Sebastian
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station Station deputies will be taking part in the “DEA National Drug Take Back Day,” Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the SCV Sheriff’s Station, located at 26201 Golden Valley Road.
April 27: Drug Take Back Day at SCV Sheriff’s Station
The College of the Canyons Center for Civic and Community Engagement—in collaboration with COC’s Golden Z Club—invites the community to attend the Nonprofit Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 30.
April 30: COC Hosts Nonprofit Community Resource Fair
College of the Canyons made quick work of visiting L.A. Valley College in a shortened 11-3 home victory that came on a day in which the program unveiled its newly named Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room during a pre-game dedication ceremony.
Lady Cougs Outslug L.A. Valley 11-3
For aspiring scientists at The Master’s University, taking up a student research project is no small commitment.
Retired Professor Continues to Mentor Aspiring TMU Scientists
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is warning residents not to use a Vietnamese herbal ointment called “Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu” (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) because it contains lead and can be fatal.
Public Health Urges Residents to Avoid Vietnamese Hemorrhoid Cream
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a California Apprenticeship Summit Wednesday to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities and career technical education pathways that connect California’s youth to high-wage, high-growth career opportunities.
State Apprenticeship Summit Connects Youth to High-Wage Opportunities
College of the Canyons student-athletes Nichole Muro (softball) and Angelo Aleman (baseball) have been named the COC Athletic Department's Women's and Men's Student-Athletes of the Week for the period running April 8-13.
COC Names Nichole Muro, Angelo Aleman Athletes of the Week
California State Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, announced Wednesday his bill improving transparency between parents and schools’ sexual education curricula passed out of the Senate Education Committee.
Wilk’s Sex Education Transparency Bill Clears Senate Committee
1945 - Actors Harry & Olive Carey sell Saugus ranch after 29 years; now Tesoro del Valle [story]
Carey Ranch
The 76.6-mile-long Antelope Valley Line has the third-highest ridership in Metrolink’s system with an estimated average of 9,000 passengers daily. However, the uneven terrain and single-tracking along the line in some areas forces trains to travel at a slower speed which results in an estimated travel time of approximately one hour between Santa Clarita and Union Station.
Metrolink to Hold Public Meetings on AV Line Capacity, Improvements
Team Dragon Eyes, affectionately known as TDE, is gearing up to host its highly anticipated Fifth Annual Dragonboat Festival race on Saturday, June 1 at Castaic Lake, Lower Lagoon.
June 1: Team Dragon Eyes to Host Fifth Annual Dragonboat Festival Race
This year marks the 20th year that the city of Santa Clarita has been hosting the annual Bike to Work Challenge. The community is invited to celebrate by riding a bike to work the week of May 13, and stopping by a pit stop on Thursday, May 16.
Party at the Pit Stop, City Paves Way for 20th Annual Bike to Work Challenge
Ready to take control of your financial future? Join the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs Center for Financial Empowerment for the next installment in the Lunch & Learn Financial Capability Month webinar series, "Understanding Credit.
Online Financial Workshops with County DCBA
The Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band will perform a "Starry Might" concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday May 4. The concert, under the direction of Tim Durand, will be held at the Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 Main St., Newhall, CA 91321.
May 4: SCV Concert Band Presents ‘Starry Night’ at CTG
After a record-setting 2023 combatting organized retail crime, the California Highway Patrol continues to aggressively disrupt and dismantle illegal operations throughout California.
CHP Continues Organized Retail Crime Crackdown, Recovers $4.2M in Goods
Celebrate Earth Day on Monday, April 22 with California State Parks at any of the 280 unique park units across the state. State Parks has numerous Earth Day-themed events planned. They include in-person activities such as guided walks and hikes, workdays and a bioblitz, as well as virtual programming with a live dive broadcast exploring the hidden world of the ocean.
April 22: Celebrate Earth Day at California State Parks
1930 - Telephone switchboard operator Louise Gipe, heroine of the 1928 St. Francis Dam disaster, tries & fails to kill herself over an unrequited love [story]
Louise Gipe
SCVNews.com