KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Dozens of young activists from Santa Clarita gathered in Valencia on Friday to call for the resignation of Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar over comments made 10 years ago that have resurfaced as Black Lives Matter protests continue throughout the country.
Photo by Michael Brown/KHTS News.
On Friday, dozens of young activists from Santa Clarita gathered at the corner of Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway to call for the resignation of Kellar.
“Our goal here is to get Bob Kellar to resign,” said Cassidy Bensko, 17, a high school activist and one of the organizers of the demonstration. “But not only to get Bob Kellar to resign, but at least to get the City Council to pressure him to resign or to condemn his actions.”
In 2010, Kellar was at an anti-illegal immigration rally where he described how he had previously quoted President Theodore Roosevelt, advocating for “one flag, one language.”
“You know, the only thing I heard back from a couple of people? ‘Bob, you sound like a racist,’” Kellar said during the rally. “I said, ‘That’s good. If that’s what you think I am, because I happen to believe in America, I’m a proud racist. You’re darn right I am.’”
Those comments brought a spotlight on Santa Clarita, with several news organizations from outside of the valley reporting on the statements at the time.
Ten years later, the comments are circulating once again, with residents calling for Kellar to step down. An online petition titled “The Resignation of City Councilman Bob Kellar” has garnered over 35,000 signatures as of Friday afternoon.
Bensko said that even though Kellar is set to retire in November, it would be a symbolic measure for him to resign.
“He has been in office for far too long,” Bensko said. “I genuinely don’t believe that him retiring at the end of November is enough.”
Furthermore, Bensko called upon the entire City Council to condemn racism in the community and Kellar’s comments.
“I want (the City Council) to know that they’re also being held accountable and that their silence is compliance,” Bensko said. “Just because they didn’t say that they’re proud racists, that their being apologists for a proud racist is just as problematic.”
The youth leader was seven years old when the now infamous comment was made, and looking at them now, she says that they are “disgusting.”
“When you see it, it’s just like ‘How can someone be that blatantly racist and xenophobic and still have power over a community that is diverse and getting even more diverse every single day?’” Bensko said.
Demonstrators also passed out stickers that had the entirety of Kellar’s comments printed on them in response to accusations that they are taking the councilman’s words out of context.
“When you read it in context, it’s just as bad, if not worse,” Bensko said.
After an hour of protest, demonstrators marched to the corner of Valencia Blvd. and Magic Mountain Parkway, gathering at the same spot Kellar made his comments ten years prior.
Photo by Michael Brown/KHTS News.
Ed. Note: Devon Miller contributed to this article.
Sponsored Articles
KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Mr. Barlavi needs to go too! He’s an embarrassment to SUSD.
But… racism is fake, right? Yeah, that’s right, I seen it on YouTube.
Michael Brown, why did you waste the public’s time & KHTS $ on these naive, brainwashed, foolish children?!?! The phrase ILLEGAL aliens and ONE FLAG?? is honest, proper and something we should all strive to do and be proud of!!! AMERICANS who don’t/won’t tolerate lawbreakers/crime!! These ignorant children should be studying and get the damn antisocial media off their mindless faces!
JoJo, you sound like a broken record. PEOPLE are not illegal. What a joke; Americans don’t tolerate lawbreakers/crime and yet they elected with Putin’s help the most corrupt, ethically and morally challenged criminal ever in Trump!! You don’t’ like the message of the impassioned young people, then get the hell out of the way. You are ignorant and small minded; step aside windbag CHANGE is coming.
Geez, Alice, you sound like such a sweet lady. Sure your comments will get you invited to many Christmas parties. Got any facts to back up your assertions?
Do share 🙂
These days, facts to someone who believes your comments are like kryptonite to Superman.
Enjoy the day, be well, and chill…
Wow! Get a grip Alice and do some fact checking…and TAKE YOUR MEDS!
It’s not illegal to be a person, but it is illegal to break the law. Crossing the border without permission is illegal and dangerous to our country. As an immigrant myself, I got in line went thru the process and eventually was allowed in. LEGALLY.
Stop obsessing over breaking the law. Support the development of a path to citizenship or work permits so breaking the law becomes irrelevant. Business depends on migrants, especially agribusiness. Migrants are working here to put food on your table and mow your lawns and clean your houses. If the economy doesn’t want them, they go back. If agribusiness doesn’t have them available here, agribusiness leaves and starts growing in Mexico. Study the subject. You’re being distracted by people who benefit from you getting riled up. If you really want to get rid of migrants work on the economies and social structure of Central America. The U.S. has been pouring billions into Afghanistan for a gazillion years. Shouldn’t we be helping our neighbors, whose population risks everything to come here to work.
Alice and Denny sound like the most racist people in scv the white haters destroying white lives because of racist hate. These parents should be ashamed of these kids destroying someone’s life and reputation when he has hurt no one. Its time to turn off the internet for kids they don’t need it and they sure don’t need social media.
Go clutch your pearls Karen while getting your much “needed” mani-pedi. Your embrace of a man who espouses racist beliefs is all so revealing.
Mom, you live in an upside-down alternate universe when you point to those of us that have recognized racism and decried it repeatedly then you call us racist; mom upside-down=wow!
Alice; try getting citizenship in Canada. See how easy it is. There is a process and procedure. #getaclue
Alice wake up, Trump has done more good for this country than you will ever see
Right on, JoJo! Bob, you are a patriot, don’t cave in like all the rest! Because of you we have the beautiful city that all the rest of the cities in California strive to be like! They’re going after you because you’re low hanging fruit they can reach! I don’t see them standing out front of ABC studios and demanding Jimmy Kimmel resign his show for doing black face!
J.C, & JoJo
Spot on! Echo your comments! It’s a good day.
I am with you J.C. Bob you better stand strong and don’t let these young fools run you out of town you are doing a great job. You white people don’t call me a racist because I am a Mexican.
Hey where are all you new puritans who waste your time here when you could really be making a difference to the family in S.Carolina who just had their 7 year old black daughter shot and killed by a black man just released from jail hours earlier? Where are your BLM COHORTS…for this black life? Silence on your part and the Marxist and Democrats you represent. Why? Because that would take real effort..virtue signaling is all you’re good for because it makes “you” feel good.
Oh yeah I forgot..your choice news source won’t show her story because it doesn’t fit this narrative of your EASY TARGET CHAOS..look her up and stand for something instead of being posers for your selfies. Aaliyah Norris..S.Carolina..if life really matters to any of you and leave this good human, Bob Keller alone..go after your man Bill Miranda..you won’t do that because he bends to easily..he fits your Marxist Agenda..maybe he will be the new homeopathic police force who will show up with the social workers to negotiate with only the protection of his pen and note pad?
Go do something real charitable and stand for this little girl. Hey where are all you feminists? Again silence
It is the weak minded being led by a false narrative. Even BLM supporters thinks people like this are an embarrassment to our race! They are too foolish to realize their own ignorance!
Absolutely!
I could not agree more…
Protestors are as crazy as the virus! Bob Kellar is one of the best and this city is lucky to have him.
‘Bout time! Shoulda got rid of this jerk years ago, but NOOO! Y’all say you want change around here, but you keep voting for the SAME idiot! LOL! Go figure! ?
Hey keep supporting this mayhem and next they’ll be at the local library burning our books…this is the new snowflake Puritanism movement..spoiled babies hear a word they don’t like so you better take them out of the game.
Bob Kellar we are on to this push to create destruction..the trolls…look no further than downtown metro cities and choose your preference of living. All those areas would be 100% improved with leadership like Bob Kellar. The democrat leaders & George Soros cronies in those areas exploit the people who live there. And the posers demanding this can all tell us why they don’t live there too? Why don’t you all live in the metro areas? Look at the elected officials in those area to lay your blame games.
We don’t play by your rules..hit the road. Go collect your lunch money from George or mommy and do your non 1691 history homework..and watch the movie “Uncle Tom” before you keep hurting people you think you’re helping.
So, 10 years ago this man made a statement and some SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD “Protestor” & Co who cannot even vote yet is going to dictate that this man should be taken out of his office is today???
Apparently she needs to take a class next year that deals with how to understand sarcasm.
Hmmmm, I wonder if she even know who Theodore Roosevelt is……
Umm, guess we should forgive Hitler, Mao and Stalin, after all it’s been soooo long.
Alice it’s not forgetting them it’s not becoming one of them! What is forgiveness? Isn’t our justice system set to judge accordingly and make murder the only crime sentencing w/o statue of limitations? When words spoken become crimes we all might as well lock ourselves up because there won’t be a human alive who won’t be offensive.
Sour people are always offended because they’re insatiable people. Enough is never enough and when these same people can decide who lives or dies…our elderly will be the first they dispose ..they voted it in..it’s called “death with dignity” because the elderly have no real purpose to them…be very cautious in who you defend.::MAO, HITLER CHE LENIN MARX has not patience for anyone who didn’t conform…nor do these Puritan Snowflakes…they must be exposed for who they are…they don’t even know the world which they attempt to bring their own suffering!
ALICE in wonderland : He made a NON racist statement of pride with freedom of speech!! You’re comparing hideous crimes to non-divisive pride in togetherness as one, Americans!!
You need to move to Russia, N. Korea, China, etc. Your mindless chatter is ridiculous!!
I have known Bob Kellar for many years and never found him to be a racist, but then again I actually understand what the term means. I also had the benefit of an education not an indoctrination and am able to listen to an entire statement and understand context without editing things to fit my own personal agenda to destroy a good man. Perhaps if these folks utilized their time doing something constructive instead of trying to find offense where none exists and protesting over some imagined injury they would have more credibility but as it stands this obnoxious cancellation and destruction culture they illustrate so well is tiresome and a waste of everyone’s time. Stay strong Bob and do not let the mob influence your actions, they only get their way if you allow their tantrums to get you to resign. We the people elected you to serve your full term, we did not vote to allow a mob of ignoramuses to force you to resign nullifying our vote. These “protestors” can vote for their choice in the next election, I know I will and am sorry you are not seeking reelection.
Well said Berta! Thank you
He is honorable, and has been a positive factor in developing the wonderful city we are fortunate to enjoy living in. He is not racist. Sad to see the ignorance in our young. Clearly their indoctrination is not on par with education.
We the people have the right to recall, peaceful assembly and freedom of expression too. Did you forget. BTW, saying you know a person doesn’t mean squat. I suppose you believe if you know a Black person or are friends with One you can’t be a racist, right? That’s not how reality works, never was and certainly will never be. WAKE UP
Well said! But don’t think the “far left “ will understand. You make very excellent points. I couldn’t of said this better. Raising a generation of Snowflakes is really sad.
Thank you ☺️
Why would someone be considered racist simply by advocating one language (official) in their country. I’m positive Roosevelt’s statement was not meant to stop other languages being spoken, but wanted one common language for all to communicate. There are about 50 countries that have English as their official language. Are countries like Singapore, Malta, and others racist simply for having an official language?
What has Bob done in recent years that supports his statement 10 years ago? Has he been a fair and responsible leader? I guess if you want to punish him for something 10 years ago that hasn’t happened since, then you need to punish the 17 year old activist for something she did at age 7.
Dear Miss Bensko,
You may want to think about starting your own organization that will invite criminal illegal aliens to take over the entire state after they take over your neighborhood. Illegal alien is the legal term for a person who crosses our border illegally and that in itself is a crime. Thus illegal aliens committed the crime of crossing the border illegally and that makes those persons criminals by definition. (Am I going too fast?) All of the displaced white racists can then live in tents on the sidewalks and protest the government for free food and illicit drugs.
You can call your new organization White Trash Matters
Just trying to help you out…
Biden said some pretty racist stuff and the left is eating him up. David Barlavi on our School Board is one of most openly anti-American public figure who refused to resign despite parents’ requests. So you think I care about a 17yr old’s opinion about a conservative man’s comment from ten years ago ?
Betty, I’m disappointed to see you call these young kids crazy. They have every right to do what they are doing. The facts are the facts… Bob Kellar said he was a “proud racist.” It doesn’t matter that it was 10 years ago. What he said IS unacceptable and deplorable. He’s proud to be an American… but that means one flag, one language, according to him. That’s not American at all. He’s retiring in November. It would be wise for him to step up to the plate and make a genuine apology to the citizens of the SCV before then. I know he’s a good guy. We all say stupid things. He should own his mistake and make it right.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh4ZUKJrSFY
These kids aren’t the kids they want you to believe they are…these are kids being exploited and trafficked by domestic terrorists…some as young as middle school. Why? Because they are live shields hiding the ones paying and promoting the abuse of their civil liberties ..using kids so they don’t get left with record and jail time. These people behind the scenes should be jailed for child abuse..and they’re groomed in middle, highschool and college/universities…know your facts.
Bob don’t worry I’m certain if the people who want to see you out pay close attention- it’s just a matter of time karma pays a visit in their own lives..people in glass house casting bricks cry hardest when the payback comes their way…because it will when we let them usher in a state full of insatiable and blemish free extremist’s who spend their time pointing fingers not realizing three of their own are pointing back at them…
Little immature KRISSY: Your taking his past and the current sentiment out of context! If we all can’t communicate in ONE language ENGLISH, how do we communicate as one, AMERICANS of all backgrounds/cultures?! We don’t want a Tower of Babel!! We from all cultures & backgrounds should be proud to be one, AMERICANS!! Stop supporting ruining peoples lives for an opinion =Freedom of Speech!!
Oh no BLM/ Democrats found a racist, even tho it was from ten years ago, we better board up the business’ I see a riot coming on.
Wait never mind they only riot when a black criminal gets abused.
But hey this 1 guy may make make us all believe that most white people are racist. Good job democrats
This girls parents should be ashamed of themselves for raising a child “activist” who has little to no life experience and is only doing their bidding.
One Flag, yes we live in the greatest country on earth and no one here should have an allegiance to any other country. If they do they are welcome to go live in that country.
As for one language, anyone who thinks someone living in America shouldn’t have to speak English is only doing a disservice to the immigrants. What do you think the odds are that an immigrant will be successful in America if they can’t even communicate with the majority of citizens? Anyone who doesn’t encourage immigrants to be fluent in English is only trying to make or keep them impoverished.
Leftist’s in our society don’t have facts on their side and actively resist even hearing the other side of an argument. Their go to is to just call whoever they disagree with a RACIST. That’s all you hear from the left and absolutely no facts to back up their racist claims. They have only watered down the meaning of the word racist to the point where it means nothing, except to them and their simple minds.
Hold the line Bob! Maybe you should consider sticking it out for a couple more years….
Barlavi is a fat pig. Keller is a true American!
One nation, one flag, one anthem, one language.
Time to fight back.
BLM is more racist than anyone, they are also criminals, they have destroyed more lives than the cops, if mr kellar is a racist then BLM is too. not one of those protesters know any thing about life. they are babies in some losers house that probably has no clue either. this whole BLM protesting is one giant political move because democrats can not figure out how to get my president out of office, the dems are paying these clowns.. wake up people..english is my only language.. try doing this in another country you would never last.. go ahead move to brazil see what happens to your butt.. if you come here DO IT RIGHT, stop taking advantage of the system.. that is why we are the crud hole of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA.
this is a ME generation and it makes me puke. our Governor is way worse than kellar.. WAKE up California
Well said! But don’t think the “far left “ will understand. You make very excellent points. I couldn’t of said this better. Raising a generation of Snowflakes is really sad.
Thank you ☺️
Yes ????Thank you! I would love to see these kids last one night down in South Central! They would be calling mom and dad after 2 minutes. Snowflakes!
Mr. Kellar,
This is no time to retire. Please reconsider. We need you to run for another term.
Sincerely,
Majority of Santa Clarita Residents
I totally agree Wayne. Mr. Keller may have some circumstances we are unaware of but, if not, this is no time to retire. We need strong conservative voices to stand up and stand by us in this time of need.
I guess you are unaware, but both your “conservatism” and Right wing Republicans are all on the way out!! Can you say Tea Party? LOL! Time to go back in your caves, never to be heard from again, lest you be so embarrassed to show your face again and be chastised and pelted with rocks! Begone! Back in the closet you go!!
#walkaway movement is exploding from so many people leaving the Democratic Party.
We’ll see ‘how many are leaving’ when the election is over in Nov! You’re full of if! LOL!
Bob Keller 2020! Mr. Keller is an upstanding citizen that has served our community for YEARS. Anyone smart enough to do the research can see all the money he has raised for The SCV Boys & Girls Club as well as the Domestic Violence Center! Have any of these protesters done anything about those important organizations for children? For survivors? No. What they are doing is spreading hate about another human being. How is that “making changes”? It isn’t. They have a whole Instagram page that needs to be removed (SCV for change) that is dedicated to spreading hate in the SCV & “organizing “ ways to waste their time when they could actually be doing something productive such as volunteering at the homeless shelters? Giving back to the community instead of being menace. The BLM has even said these small groups are not associated with their organization. Hmmm.
I bet these young people, who think they can redo the City’s budget, still live at home & have never balanced a bank account or paid rent? Insurance? Food on the table?
Please use your time more wisely. Your community will not allow Bob Keller to resign. We WILL fight back against your personal attacks on him & his livelihood. We are tired of all the “cheers” from your 3 man band & your repetitive calls to the City Council meetings. We can do the same . We will all call in & have “three “ of the same speakers repeat themselves until the bell rings & have our friends cheer in the background too! Wait, we aren’t children. Instead, we will be your role models & show you that Santa Clarita, which was here before you were born, will stand behind those that WE PUT ON OUR CITY COUNCIL. Bob Keller 2020!
You protestors need to go to Chicago where 100 black people were killed by other blacks and go demand justice there, especially since BLM didn’t say anything about that when it happened over Father’s Day weekend. The news is only reporting events where white kill blacks instead of where blacks kill blacks. When you go to college you will be asked to research your thesis, so please do that in that case. If you do, you will see the real truth instead of what BLM wants you to believe and you will see this group for who they really are.
Maybe you kids want to live in a town without police and safety but the rest of us don’t. You are welcome to have your opinion but so are the rest of us.
To young communist-in-making sheep, be broad/open minded and listen to others than your brainwashing teachers, etc.
Try some talk radio: local KFI 640 AM John & Ken 2-6 PM & Bill Handel 6-10 AM, then google for pod casts by Michael Savage & Rush Limbaugh!! Broaden your mind & hearts!
I would add Mark Levin, Dan Bongino, Larry Elder, and Sebaston Georka. Look for them on social media, podcasts and on the radio. They are all authors as well and can give some real insight to the destruction of America from within.
Thank you JoJo for your suggestion.
I liked John and Kent for awhile then they joined the Brainwashed right believing masks only work on doctors and Democrats are pushing this virus even though it’s spreading in every country. I do like the author’s you listed I have listened to some of them the black author Shelby Steele is very good too.
I’m 67 years old and have stood with these young people for 3 weeks and will continue to do so. They are socially conscious, articulate, and exercising their rights for the benefit of all people. I am proud of them and embarrassed by the racists attitudes that permeate SCV.
These kids need to go get life. Bob’s statement ten years ago was not saying that he was a racist, he was saying that fools were saying that because he said he was a proud American. From his quote I understand he was saying well, if that is your criteria then so be it. Bob is not a racist, he was using irony to get a point across.
That is something the white privileged little Woke ones of today can’t understand because they are not taught the English language in schools any more. So for the kiddies , irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It is a literary device, a situation in which there is a contrast between expectation and reality.
Perhaps the inexperienced and unworldly should endeavor to move out of Mom and Dads million dollar Valencia house and volunteer at something that might actually better the world rather than try to show all the other kiddies how Woke you are.
I’m 67 years old and I have stood with these young people for 3 weeks and will continue to do so. They are socially conscious, articulate, and exercising their rights to benefit all people. I am proud of them and embarrassed by the racist attitudes that permeate the SCV.
SCV Mom: You’re Children are lucky they have a level headed a Mom!! I’ve heard of Shelby Steele, I’ll now look her/him up, Thanks!
John and Ken don’t even believe in our role in global warming (climate change). They aren’t willing to even try to keep plastic out of our oceans by banning plastic straws.Their whole broadcast theme is “keep people from feeling guilty about anything they do.” They get their listeners that way. Definitely find more intelligent people to respect than John and Ken.
Hang in there Bob! You’re a good American and we need you in office! Thank you for all you’ve done for this city. Do not cave to the whiny left!
Do NOT CAVE Bob! Hang in there. Please reconsider your retirement!!
Excellent JoJo …adding some PRAGER University (google it) and Prager AM dial 870…9-12am ..get a real education not a indoctrination of the left who are using you the way they’ve used our black communities who are begging for this nonsense to stop because it destroys anything good they do have when their young are amped up on the anger they’re being fed. Shame on those leaders..and above Alice you showed your training by them…you used their key responses so we’re on to you trolls hoping to bait anger.
When the City of Santa Clarita was incorporated in ‘87 unfortunately when the “formation committee” wrote the articles of incorporation… they didn’t indicate a number of terms an elected individual can have max. I’m my opinion Bob Kellar said some things 10 years ago that he probably shouldn’t of said (for the exact reason this article is written). BUT there are always 2 sides to a coin… He was the sole person that planned the late Duane Harte’s funeral… for those who knew Duane Harte… he was beyond active in this community… NOBODY can fill Duane’s shoes… and that is the sole reason I have respect for Bob Keller… now council women like Laurene Weste… well she is the one that needs to resign. Actually Weste, McLean, and Keller need to go because… they have been on that City Council for over 20 years each consecutively… We NEED the young people to step up… there has to be change or guess what we will still be in the same place we were 5, 10, 20 years ago… it’s time for new people to run… and for the next generation… don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. ??
Mr. Kellar,
Thank you for your service to Santa Clarita. I met you once in the 1990s and found you to be a very genuine and humble person. I urge all people to think before they call for people’s resignation and to educate themselves on how it is a common practice to divide nations to conquer them. This is a time when we as human beings of all nationalities and religions, whether rich or poor, Republican or Democrat, men or women, etc. need to come together to ward off a force that is trying to dismantle not only our Great country but other countries around the world.