Santa Clarita City Council members:
* Approved construction of a 108,000 square-foot medical office building in Canyon Country that would be the largest medical office building in Santa Clarita. Plans also call for construction of a four-story, 541-space parking structure.
* Set aside $30,000 for a report to determine the feasibility of building a convention center in Santa Clarita.
* Set aside about $400,000 to install new sprinkler control systems along city medians.
* Increased Fire District fees by about 4 cents per square foot for new construction in Santa Clarita. The fee is used to pay for new fire stations and will take affect March 1.
Signal Staff Writer
jrandles@the-signal.com
661-259-1234 x519
Posted: Jan. 26, 2010 10:53 p.m.
In the hours leading up to Tuesday night’s Santa Clarita City Council meeting, the outside of City Hall was turned into an emotional powder keg as Minutemen groups and immigrant support groups clashed — a culmination after more than a week’s worth of controversy over Councilman Bob Kellar’s comments at an anti-illegal immigration rally.
The Minutemen and their supporters held signs calling Kellar “an American Hero.”
Members of the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition, and other immigrant support groups, held signs saying “Fire ‘proud racist’ Bob Keller (sic) now!”
Kellar’s speech last week has been polarizing — drawing praise and criticism from people on either side of the debate. Some have said Kellar’s words have been taken out of context; others say his speech violated the city’s code of ethics adopted in May 2008.
Outside of City Hall, some demonstrators got into each others’ faces, yelled and pointed fingers at each other.
“Minutemen are a dying breed,” said Carlos Alvarez, 23, from Los Angeles.
“Racists say get back, we say fight back,” he and others chanted.
“Are you an American citizen?” responded Mountain Minutemen founder Robert Crooks, 59, from Canyon Country.
“Do you have a green card?” Crooks said.
Several television crews and photographers recorded the altercations as the drama unfolded. Several Los Angeles television media outlets descended on Santa Clarita to cover Tuesday’s meeting.
The meeting
Before the council meeting began, Bob Kellar emerged from a door near the dais.
Almost exactly half of the people in the audience stood up to give him applause. The other half sat silently.
Kellar shot a grin at the crowd before disappearing behind another door.
Outside the Council chambers, men and women talked about their distrust for the government.
“They’re going to take our guns away,” one man said.
Another man, Ed Ventresca of Santa Clarita, wore a shirt saying, “Stop the New World Order.”
The John Birch Society member passed out literature saying liberalism is an evil conspiracy to destroy the United States of America.
By the time the City Council convened, people were standing in the hallway outside of the chambers because the building was so crowded.
Most people waited until the end of the meeting to comment about Kellar’s remarks.
Public comment
Mayor Laurene Weste said during the meeting that she expected the public comment portion of the meeting to last at least two hours.
Most of the audience cheered when speakers came up to support Kellar. The immigrant groups that had protested for hours before, did not attend the meeting.
A few times Weste and Councilman Frank Ferry had to tell the audience to remain quiet and refrain from applauding or booing.
Local activist Bruce McFarland drew hisses from the crowd while he gave a speech critical of Kellar’s remarks.
“I will comment about Bob’s apparent stupidity on the matter at a later time,” McFarland said.
“I still call upon the Council to censure Bob Kellar for violating the code of ethics,” he said.
After his speech, a woman in the audience cursed at McFarland.
“I want to remind you that a group of Boy Scouts are in the crowd,” Weste said.
A few city Council candidates also gave prepared statements to the council.
Candidate TimBen Boydston told the Council that Kellar unintentionally violated the city’s code of ethics by not clearly stating he was not representing the city of Santa Clarita.
“The assertion that Mr. Kellar made using the term racist is not appropriate in any context,” Boydston said. “It is inflammatory.”
In an interview during a break at the meeting, Kellar said he doesn’t think he will apologize for how he phrased his comments at the rally.
“The reason I say that is maybe it takes a little something to address an important issue,” Kellar said.
Boydston, who worked on the code of ethics when he was on the City Council in 2008, asked Kellar to apologize for his remarks so the matter could be put to rest.
In previous reports, City Attorney Carl Newton said he thought it was clear Kellar was giving his own passionate opinion and did not violate the code, citing the First Amendment.
During his speech, Boydston called on the council to form a citizen’s task force that could make recommendations to Council members on how Santa Clarita can address local issues related to illegal immigration.
Council candidate David Gauny told the Council he supports Kellar’s stand against illegal immigration and that his speech has been taken out of context.
While addressing the Council, he criticized Weste for not taking a stand on the illegal immigration issue and Council members Ferry and Laurie Ender for being critical about how Kellar discussed the issue.
Gauny told the Council to take a stand on illegal immigration before April’s Council election.
In an interview during the meeting, Gauny said Kellar probably should have made it more clear that he was not representing Santa Clarita at the rally.
“He should have said it was his own opinion,” Gauny said. “It was not his intent to be divisive or malicious.”
Kellar endorsed Gauny’s run for a seat on the council.
In an interview Monday, Council candidate Harrison Katz, who also addressed the Council, said he agreed that the problem wasn’t Kellar’s stance against illegal immigration, it’s the “divisive rhetoric” Kellar used to explain his position that’s the problem.
“Anytime you call yourself a proud racist, it’s a mistake,” Katz said. “It brings embarrassment to our community.
“It was a very stupid comment,” he said.
Roger Gitlin, the leader of the Santa Clarita Valley Independent Minutemen, told the Council in a prepared statement to add a Council agenda item clarifying the city’s stance on illegal immigration.
“Santa Clarita voters want to know where you stand (on illegal immigration) and they want to know before the April, 2010 election,” Gitlin said.
Officials from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station said they actually expected more people to show up. Deputy Laurie Baylis, who provides security at Council meetings, said there is usually only one deputy at a meeting. Last night there were three.
“I wish this many people came to every City Council meeting,” Baylis said.
Signal City Editor Brandon Lowrey contributed to this report.
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January 27, 2010 - 10:11 AM
I am voting for Councilman Bob Kellar the next time he is up for re-election!!!
January 27, 2010 - 03:33 PM
He is retiring in 2012
January 27, 2010 - 05:29 PM
I would like to know if Kellar supported the 3 Wal-Marts in our valley. Wal-Mart loves illegal immigrants.
January 27, 2010 - 07:39 PM
It just goes to show how stupid the immigration lovers are. They make signs that don't even spell Bob's last name correct. Just stay on your side of the boarder!
January 27, 2010 - 08:56 PM
Really? People are upset because someone (Bob Kellar) had the guts to speak out and say that ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (note the word Illegal!) is not a good thing. If the "undocumented worker" falls into that category, then I say, if the shoe fits, wear it! I also would say that the statement by Jorge Garcia that "most immigrants, regardless of where they come from or what language they speak, try to learn English" - I'm not sure where he lives, but I can tell you that I worked in Van Nuys for years and have lived in the SCV for 17 yrs and there are an awful lot of people who don't speak English (or try) and they are from many countries, but still here ILLEGALLY! Our borders need to be secured...anyone, from any country could come into the US.
Yes, most of our ancestors emmigrated to this country from somewhere else, but they learned, not only the language, but the pride and respect of this country and our flag, that so many Americans have given their lives or served in our Armed Forces to defend so WE have the freedoms we enjoy today, and became legal citizens of the United States.
Come on, people, make sure your politicians are ENFORCING THE LAWS!!!!!, not changing them to get votes etc. And by the way, why are all the voting materials printed in other languages if, in order to vote, you have to be a US citizen, and to be a citizen you are suppose to read, write and speak the English language?
A concerned US citizen in Canyon Country
January 27, 2010 - 09:11 PM
all of u kellar lovers are ignorant. first of all why is he a hero? because hes a proud racist? stupid.
theres more hard woking immagrants than any of you.
were at a different time now its not the stupid days when everyone hated everyone else...look around we have an amazing black presedent.although he is not an immagrant but it comes to show how much other races have come so far. soon enough hispanic decent will be as powerful. all of u kellar lovers can kiss my ass!
January 27, 2010 - 10:22 PM
"Carlos Alvarez, 23, of Los Angeles" is holding the picket sign in the first photo; the misspelled "KELLER" sign.
I love it! They bused in protesters from LA? I just love it.
My family supports Councilman Bob Kellar all the way!
As the US born child of LEGAL immigrants who came to this country in 1954 after waiting several yrs and via the quota system, I have a serious problem with ILLEGAL immigration and the adverse effects on our community, state and country. Though breaking the law, ILLEGALS are rewarded with free education, subsidized housing, free medical care, welfare, WIC, food stamps, etc. Our very own poor and low income people have to vie for the limited and finite subsidized housing (agencies are not allowed to request applicant's status?) Medical care at the ER for illegals? I'm on Sup Mike Antonovich's mailing list and get this newsletters. Have you ever taken a look at the COST OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION to County of LA?
What is the cost for children of illegal immigrants? As an example, here is the cost for Jun 2009, by the Dept of Social Services in LA County, from the website for our LA County Supervisor, Michael D. Antonovich
http://antonovich.lacounty.gov/Pages/...
WELFARE COSTS FOR CHILDREN OF ILLEGAL ALIENS IN L.A. COUNTY OVER $48 MILLION IN JUNE
This is insane and irresponsible stewardship of TAXPAYER money.
Though I could not attend last night's City Council meeting on 1-26-10, I'm so glad that other supporters of Bob Kellar FAR OUTWEIGHED the opponents who are trying to throw him off city council.
January 27, 2010 - 10:28 PM
To “The Girl Next Door,” I think you need SPELL CHECK.
In addition, I won't kiss your a-- but Obama is as close to an immigrant as possible :
*** he was born of an foreign father, a Moslem Kenyan.
*** his mom re-married a Moslem Indonesian and moved with young Obama there.
*** Obama lived in Indonesia for several yrs and attended school there.
*** he eventually went to live with his grandparents in Hawaii because his free spirited (aka hippie) mom choose to travel the world rather than make roots and raise HER child.
BUT THAT'S ANOTHER STORY.
January 27, 2010 - 11:32 PM
Adios USA,Hola third world cesspool.We are no longer a melting pot,we are a powder keg waiting to explode!TICK.TICK.TICK.BOOM!
January 28, 2010 - 01:41 AM
thegirlnextdoor,
What is the definition of a racist?
January 28, 2010 - 01:28 PM
girlnextdoor,
From Thorndike Barnhart Dictionary--Racism--"belief that a particular race, especially one's own, is superior to other races." Can anyone show me with Kellar's statement that he is saying that his own race is superior?
January 28, 2010 - 08:14 PM
I just wish all these "proud racists" would focus their energy in actually contributing something more valuable to this community rather than spreading their unwarranted hate.
But instead they choose to focus their contributions by indulging themselves in a life of unnecessary excess. White does not mean better, helping others in need make you a better person and a better citizen. Direct your anger toward issues that can make our country great. Illegal immigration does not even cause a fraction of the harm that an underfunded education system create. But go ahead, rant about how better your white race is than all the other ethnicities in the world. It did wonders for the Romans and the Nazis.
I am still not sure why these "proud racists" feel a sense of entitlement when these great nation was built by immigrants and kidnapped slaves. Maybe it just gives you "proud racists" out there a reason to wake up everyday because it's so hard to deal with your own short-comings. If that's the case then knock yourselves out while those of us who want to prosper and make this an even better America carry your lazy and whiny racist asses through this recession.
January 28, 2010 - 08:20 PM
Oh, almost forgot. If you are interested in building an even better Santa Clarita, pull your money out of the large banks and deposit it to your local community bank. They still won't be your friends, but at least the money they invest will have a larger impact here, in our community you all care so much about. The change you want does not come from Washington, it comes from you.
January 29, 2010 - 02:48 AM
Jorge,
Thank you for saying something smart.
I wish some of you "proud racist" knew whats its like to live the lives some immagrants live. Especially with people like you around.
January 29, 2010 - 01:09 PM
You think illegal immigration doesnt harm this country? Who make up more then half of the gangs out here? Illegals! Your obviously to ignorant to listen to all the points we have made on why we agree with Bob Kellar. Were not Nazi's, were just sick and tired of graffiti on the walls, not being able to have our children play outside because of all the "illegals" who try to rape or molest. If you have read the newspaper of this previously happening, yes, they have been either illegal or some how got their hands on a green card. Can you be that blind walking around Santa Clarita ? All the crappy parts of the city are because illegal immigrants have infested it. No matter how much money we put towards improving our city, it will always stay the way it is because we have people who dont care about where they live destroying it.
January 29, 2010 - 01:11 PM
Oh ya , " tear" for having the poor little immigrants living their lives around us. If they dont like it then leave!
January 29, 2010 - 04:09 PM
girlnextdoor,
Funny how you and Jorge can throw out statements without backing them up! Is it hate to want to have people obey the law?
You don't know a thing about any of us and yet you can make such statements because of a post on a website? Amazing. It's almost impossible to carry on a conversation because your not engaging in a meaningful conversation--just making accusations. How about contributing to the community as you put it by actually reasoning through this with some actual facts??
January 29, 2010 - 04:23 PM
Jorge,
I would venture to say that those people (of all races) who choose to obey the law are the ones who are truly going to turn this country's economy around (by paying taxes, being responsible citizens etc..), not those who make excuses for breaking the law. It would be logical to think that if you break the law in staying in the U.S. illegally, that your going to continue to break other laws of our country. What other conclusion could be made? How can you trust someone like that? That's the whole point, if your not willing to become a citizen, how are we to know that this person can be trusted? This is for anyone coming into this country from Russia, Canada, Mexico or wherever.
January 29, 2010 - 08:35 PM
This just got exciting!
So you stand by a paid politician who calls himself a "proud racist" (and please don't insult my intelligence by arguing that this was taken out of context) and I'm the ignorant one?
Well let me tell you some thing about my immigrant life in this country. I came here in 94 with a visitor's visa, that visa expired and I remained in this country because my own country wouldn't provide all the possibilities this great nation did. So for a period of 1 year I was what you call, a "criminal". Contrary to your beliefs, I along with many other immigrants, was not going around "raping or molesting your children". Through perseverance and hard work I got my education, residency and later on my citizenship. I am now 29 and now gross in between 160-200k a year contributing more in various taxes than 95% of the U.S. population.
So when you say that it's immigrants that are, as you call it "infesting" your streets with graffiti and what not your entire argument falls apart. Are you not aware that "criminals" come in all colors and sizes? It is unfair for you to argue that simply because one is an immigrant, you are automatically, the scum of the earth. Those very hurtful statements with which you seem to generalize all those who don't look or speak like you simply feed into the further decline of this nation you love so dearly.
Your time is better spent raising your own children with the values that make one a better person, respect for one another, and education. Not by being glued to your TV when you get home after work, not by going out and spending all your money on things you don't need.
On the subject of children, you really believe that our education system is not hindering the further progress of this country? I'll let you do your own research so you can draw your own conclusion as to where our children stand compared to the rest of the world. The children are our future, our children is our only hope, not your blind bigotry.
If in your mind you are thinking "Why can't things be like before?" Before when exactly? before civil rights? before women could vote? before you could be judge, jury, and executioner? or when you were a child yourself?
What is it that you are so angry about? This is a better America than it was 100 years ago, 50 years ago, even 20 years ago.
I know we can't change any of your deep seated beliefs that you were brought up with, but that doesn't mean you are not wrong for believing in them.
Don't get me wrong, everybody should come into this country through its proper channels, but what you are arguing goes beyond that and we all know it. You are not better than others simply because the color of your skin, you become better than some by the words you speak and the actions you take.
Look, I know that most of you are good people at heart and have good intentions, so let's all focus on what matters most, our children. It's our only hope.
January 29, 2010 - 08:56 PM
One last thing, putting money towards a problem is not the sole solution. I can see that by your statement that you believe that money fixes everything. It doesn't, a lot of times it simply worsens it. You think obeying the laws is the only requierment to be a good person? You don't trust those who are not citizens? I think that says more about you than it does about all the illegal immigrants combined. Try getting out of you cocoon more often, and by that I don't mean go to Hawaii. Your problems are so minuscule compared to the real issues. But keep whining, while I and many more immigrants like myself pay for your social security because your just so busy being engulfed in oppressing the rights of others.
F the poor, F the needy, F all those who don't agree with you! Keep telling yourself your a good Christian, God will reward you well.
February 01, 2010 - 11:24 AM
You sound so pathetic . I would love for you to meet with the people who are on Kellars side, we would shut you up so fast! I dont need you to tell me "Your sure were good people at heart" when you shouldnt even be here!
February 01, 2010 - 11:17 PM
Lol, I love your counter argument. "you should meet us in person so we could shut you up". Hahahahaha - it's ok, don't worry, I didn't steal your job, you obviously wouldn't have the brain power. You have just shown how obtuse and ignorant you really are. Enjoy the rest of your miserable life as a racist bigot.
February 05, 2010 - 01:07 PM
LiveLoveLaugh -- You have shown your true colors by telling a Citizen (Jorge) that he should not even be in this coutry. Interesting. I wonder what your real agenda is. Oh wait, I already know that it is HATE!! Yeah...LiveLoveLaugh, every citizen deserves to be in this country. People like you do not!
Additionally, unless you are a Native American, even your ancestors are immigrants!! Yes!!
So take a look at your user name and learn to LOVE a little more!!
February 05, 2010 - 06:36 PM
I love the people that deserve to be here. Your not the one to tell me what to do. Im entitled to my own opinion! You just dont like what you here, therefor you have to make yourself feel better by writing a pathetic comment like that! Call me a racist all you want! If you only knew my family history, you would know like I do, that you dont belong here!
February 05, 2010 - 08:40 PM
LiveLoveLaugh -- Unless you are Native American, than you too are the descendant of an immigrant. And my point was that I could not comprehend how you could tell another "legal", working citizen that he did not belong here, simply because he did not share your views. That is truly sad.
February 08, 2010 - 01:02 PM
No whats said is how you can sit here and defend them while they keep popping children out just so they cant get deported. Whats sad is how Santa Clarita is starting to look like the valley because people like you can careless how dirty people are living around you. God Bless Bob Kellar, now maybe people will see how these illegals are making our city turn into CRAP!!
February 09, 2010 - 01:44 PM
First of all the comment about “popping out children”, what factual evidence do you have that the motivation for having children is to be able to stay in the country? Are you a parent? If so, what was your motivation for having children? From your blessing of Bob Kellar, I gather you must be a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ. If the illegal you speak of are Latino, these Latino's are almost certainly Christian, like you and believe the same order of God, "Go fourth and multiply". Second, your comment about "dirty" people, that is such a racist comment. That comment is so bad and idiotic, that it's useless to argue you about that. What I want to know is what your definition of crap is? And if you are equating the Santa Clarita Valley turning into the Valley, then maybe we should be thankful for that, because the property value is higher out there and it seems to be the residence of choice for the upper middle class and upper class. This might even help raise the property value of your trailer? Just a thought.
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