KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
As Black Lives Matter protests break out across the Santa Clarita Valley and throughout the country, KHTS is starting the conversation to increase understanding for those on all sides of the issue.
https://www.facebook.com/khtsradio/videos/180941313349838/?v=180941313349838
Jim Ventress, who served as the CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club for over 30 years, joined “Eye on the Valley” host Matt Watson to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement in Santa Clarita.
In all of his time in Santa Clarita, Ventress said that while this is “by far” the most socially active he has seen the community, he wanted to correct some misinformation about local protesters.
“Some of the people in Santa Clarita need to understand, these are peaceful protesters. They are not rioters, they are not looters,” Ventress said. “Some people have been making those comments, it is just wrong. These young people are here for the right reasons.”
Ventress encouraged the young demonstrators to channel their efforts, and not have their movement influenced by those just wishing to cause harm.
“Don’t be influenced by an agitator,” Ventress said. “Question those who you do not agree with. Keep the movement going, but peacefully.”
As a prominent person of color in the community, Ventress said it brings hope to see these large demonstrations in Santa Clarita.
“For people of color, to see so many people out there, sometimes it brings tears to your eyes,” Ventress said. “This is America, this is who we are, and everybody is coming together to say ‘We have a problem, and we are going to deal with it.’”
Ventress discussed the need for police reform, but added that in the over week-long of protests in Santa Clarita, there have been no altercations with law enforcement and demonstrators.
“When it was all over, you saw those young people high-fiving the officers, and I was thinking, ‘If we keep this up we are going to be alright,’” Ventress said. “There are some officers, that need some training, some need to go, but I have some officers that are neighbors. They just want to go home to their families at the end of the day.”
The community leader encouraged both sides to “listen effectively,” using the 80 percent listening and 20 percent speaking method.
“What we need right now is effective listening,” Ventress said. “We’re coming up with ideas and making things happen. That is what you are seeing nationally, and I think we are seeing some of that locally.”
Ventress has been involved in the Santa Clarita community for three decades and has seen the valley grow, not only in population but diversity as well.
“The diversity is the biggest thing, this is the most diverse we have ever been,” Ventress said. “As we grow, we are still holding onto that ‘small-town feel.’ That didn’t happen by accident, it was coordinated by the city, county and our school districts.”
Ventress encouraged those listening to “invite everyone to the table,” with representation from all demographic groups that make up the community.
These conversations are set to continue on in the coming weeks, months and even years in the Santa Clarita Valley. Watson and KHTS are trying to start some of these discussions.
“Jim has had his finger on the pulse of our community since the mid-80s,” Watson said. “He provides a very unique perspective, and has such a firm, steady influence on the community.”
In the coming weeks, more guests, such as Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth, are set to start the conversation about the Black Lives Matter and other issues in the Santa Clarita Valley.
KHTS Radio co-owners are in discussions with prominent members of the community to facilitate these discussions.
All of these interviews are expected to be streamed on Facebook Live as well as on the radio at 98.1 FM and AM 1220.
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One thing never mentioned is that BLM is an actual MARXIST organization. They use “racism” charges as a way to infiltrate positions of power. We are “too racist” to have our police, “too racist” to protect our way of life “too racist” for anything. Solution? Must give it to the marxists.. of course.. this is a strategy used by people who had no hand in building the town last 30 years to get power and influence. We invite people to join our community who compliment us, but to oppose and steal from us should not be tolerated. And I’m personally offended by all these people who come here saying our city is racist when YOU are the actual subverter. All lives matter here, not just black lives.
Is it possible to start the conversation, with a police officers union, instead if just BLM? This is the best speech ever regarding 10 days of the media villianizing them law enforcement. See video below.
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2020/06/we-are-not-derek-chauvin.php a conversation with the NYPD
Great idea! This has been a one sided conversation all week. Id love to defund our political leaders who allow this to continue. Time for new leadership.