Columnists

When I talk with families across the Santa Clarita Valley, I hear the same thing again and again: We chose to live here because it’s safe.  People come here for

By David Hegg Edmund Burke, the 18th-century British statesman, is the first one credited with saying, “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” It looks like we

Californians don’t need another study to tell us that life here is becoming unaffordable. We already feel it every day. Our state has the highest cost of living in the

On any given day, there is a given day. Every blank space on the calendar comes with some sort of “National” or “Official” warning on the label.  Let’s take today,

When I was in high school, one of the books I read for an English course was Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” a novel that tells the story of how

One of the most important parts of my job as a member of Congress is making sure our community gets its fair share of federal resources, and reflecting our district’s

By David Hegg Sometimes things we hear all the time can slowly creep into our belief system as though they were true. But, as a general rule, most general rules

I’ve been on those road trips. A snowy highway. A van packed full of kids, hockey gear and parents. Eagerly anticipating the games ahead, and yes, the road-trip highjinks in

I’ve been driving up and down Santa Clarita’s longest-existing typographical error since I was a kid. Bouquet Canyon Road would unofficially shut down, allowing Basque shepherds to cross with sheep

This last Saturday, we staged a long-overdue cleaning of Carrie’s closet.  We have lived in our home for nearly 38 years, and over time things accumulate. Almost nothing in that

Just before New Year’s, our Mighty Signal posted my first five Top Ten legislative wishes for 2026.  These include mandating manufacturers to develop products that enable comprehensive recycling, changing residency

By David Hegg “How did that happen?” I find myself asking that question far too often these days. How did a good guy get involved in illegal activity? How did

Once I had the neatest conversation with Chuck Norris. You know. Karate guy? Movie and TV star? One of Earth’s toughest people? I was sports editor then and it couldn’t

Tuesday’s Signal was a masterclass in why a vibrant local newspaper is still essential to civic life and democracy. That edition was chock-a-block with insights, from hard news to opinion

Happy New Year, readers! I hope you had a wonderful celebration over the holiday, and enjoyed moments of peace, joy and love with family, pets, or really whatever your style

Like most Americans, I was appalled to learn about the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Her actions were not a capital

By David Hegg When we ask the question of what distinguishes mankind from the rest of creation, one of the more precise answers usually included is the presence and activity

The academic in me has always been fascinated by the judicial system. A co-equal branch of government, independent and crafted to be the safeguard against the potential tyranny of unchecked

Like many of you, our wish is to ring in the New Year with energy and optimism. Unfortunately, last January began with the destructive Hurst and Hughes fires surrounding Santa

Years ago, I borrowed a wonderful and highly recommended book from my daughter’s teacher. Ken Lavner was light years beyond a gifted mentor — brilliant, light-hearted, unbudgingly firm, strong and