Westside Reader March 2016

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8 • THE Reader Canyon Country Cemex Bill calls for re-opening of permitting process Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R- Santa Clarita, introduced AB 1986, which would re-open the permitting process of CEMEX’s proposed mega-mine. CEMEX’s mega mine would be larger than Irwindale and would wreak havoc on our environment and quality of life,” stated Wilk. “Our children and seniors won’t be able to breath, our roads will be choked daily with an additional 1,200 18-wheelers and the mega-mine will soak up our most precious resource, water. I’m committed to killing this project.” In 1990, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued two 10-year contracts to mine 56-million tons of aggregate from a site near Soledad Canyon Road and the 14 Freeway. Through the years there have been a number of owners, but the current owner is CEMEX. Last August, under pressure from Rep. Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, and California’s two U.S. Senators, the BLM announced it had canceled CEMEX’s Soledad Canyon mining contracts. However, CEMEX has appealed that decision and it could take as long as two years to get a final adjudication. Although a federal issue, there is a role for the state to play in the permitting process of the mega mine. Back in 1991, CEMEX’s predecessor-in-interest (Transit Mix Concrete) filed an application with the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for a water appropriation permit. The application requested 322 acre-feet of water per year from the Santa Clara River for use related to mining and industrial operations. Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R- Santa Clarita, introduced AB 1986, which would re-open the permitting process of CeMeX’s proposed mega-mine. Under current law, the administrative process allows for a protest period and the SWRCB is required to hold a hearing as long as a protest remains unresolved or there is a disputed material fact. No hearing was held and the SWRCB has essentially suspended activity on the application, although the status of the application is still considered active. Existing law requires the publication of a notice of application to appropriate water and requires protest to be filed within a certain period of time after publication of a notice of application. AB 1986 would amend the water code to require the publication of a new notice of application if the SWRCB has not rendered a final determination on an application within 20 years from its original filing date. The new notice would re-open the protest period and any other administrative processes, as if it were being undertaken for the first time. Wilk declared, “I’m hopeful that our community will prevail at the federal level to kill this ill-conceived project. AB 1986 is a ‘Plan B’ that would allow us to make the case with state regulators on why this mega mine doesn’t work in our community.” March 2016 Alleged car thief Josue hernandez was found stuck in a storm drain in the 1800 block of Walnut Springs Avenue, after being chased by an off-duty Ventura County sheriff's deputy. hernandez was arrested after being extricated by firefighters. Alleged Canyon Country car thief found in storm drain Aman who fled from a deputy in Canyon Country after allegedly trying to steal a car was found stuck in a storm drain and later arrested according to Lt. Derek Sabatini with the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station. The alleged thief was spotted by an offduty Ventura County sheriff's deputy attempting to steal a vehicle in the 1800 block of Goodvale Road, Sabatini Said. The man fled and the deputy chased after him, only to find him stuck in a storm drain in the 2700 block of Walnut Springs Avenue. The suspect, identified as Josue Hernandez, was extricated out of the drain by firefighters and then arrested.
March 2016 THE Reader • 9 Cowboy FeStiVal PreView Saddle Up By Jim Walker Staff Writer 2016 Cowboy Festival Schedule The Cowboy Festival proper is two days of Old West fun at William S. Hart Park and nearby venues. However, many related events and performances are scheduled during the days leading up to that weekend, some nearby and others offsite. For more event details visit http://cowboyfestival.org/schedule. Tickets A Single Day ticket to the festival includes free parking and round trip shuttle service to and from William S. Hart Park. The VIP Package includes admission to the William S. Hart Park event area both Saturday and Sunday, plus VIP Shuttle Service to and from William S. Hart Park and the shuttle site. It also includes access to the VIP Cantina both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and complimentary beverages and snacks with lunch served each day from noon to 3 p.m. You also get one Buckaroo Buck – one piece of Cowboy Festival merchandise (not redeemable for performer merchandise). If you have a wild West heart, legs that can curve around a saddle, or just a cowboy hat and boots you need to break out of the closet — you might want to block out April 20-24 on your calendar. That’s when the Cowboy Festival will kick up dust all around the SCV and beyond, and opportunities to wear, watch, taste, listen to and interact with the old West will abound. This, the 23rd year of cowboy celebration in Santa Clarita, brings the festival back to Old Town Newhall and Hart Park for the second year in a row. It’s a perfect setting, featuring a western atmosphere and history, as well as comfortable theaters in which to enjoy featured acts. Numerous related events, including special performances on Friday night at the Canyon Theatre Guild, Repertory East Playhouse and Hart Mansion, will usher in the big weekend — but on Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24, the Cowboy Festival will really fan the hammer at William S. Hart Park. Select acts will perform free on four stages, while visitors interact with historical figures such as buffalo soldiers, or watch blacksmiths at work. There will be old West food (and other food) for sale, as well as shopping for western-style items and Native American jewelry. Shuttles will take folks up the hill all day for free tours of the William S. Hart Mansion, and children’s activities will be plentiful. There will even be a cowboy encampment, as might be found on a cattle drive, complete with a chuck wagon. Festival Director Mike Fleming said filming of “Westworld” continues to occupy Melody Ranch, the former location of the Cowboy Festival, but that the Old Town Newhall location is actually better in many ways. “Ticketed shows, such as those that will be held at the CTG and REP, were part of the original model of the festival,” he said. And he added that many people have expressed their appreciation for live performances occurring PhoToS CoURTeSy CiTy oF SAnTA CLARiTA in such comfortable venues, with air conditioning and great sound systems. In addition to the theaters on Main Street, Fleming said Old Town Newhall, itself, is part of the experience. “For example, OutWest (Boutique and Cultural Center) is a really cool Western store and a big part of the festival,” he said. This being the second year of the festival taking place in Old Town Newhall and Hart Park, Fleming felt things would be even more efficient than last year. Regarding that, he See Saddle Up, page 14 Saturday, April 23 William S. Hart Park 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets: VIP Package $75. Single Day Adult, $10. Single Day Child (ages 3 to 12), $7. Children under 3 free. There will also be separately-ticketed performances at various times at nearby venues including the Canyon Theatre Guild and Repertory East Playhouse. Sunday, April 24 William S. Hart Park 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets: Single Day Adult, $10. Single Day Child (ages 3 to 12), $7. Children under 3 free. There will also be separately-ticketed performances at various times at nearby venues including the Canyon Theatre Guild and Repertory East Playhouse. See, Eat and Do The Cowboy Festival offers shopping for Old West-style items on Sutlers Row and Mercantile Row, and you can get a feel for the old days when you visit with living See Schedule, page 14
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Westside Reader March 2016

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