Santa Maria Sun / News

Cover Story

Phillips 66 refinery employee appointed to APCD hearing board in 6-5 vote, leading to concerns about potential conflict of interest

For the last two decades, Cal Poly environmental engineering professor Yarrow Nelson has served as a member of the SLO County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) hearing board, using his background in scientific research to help the district navigate air pollution conflicts and emergencies, including the ongoing dust mitigation efforts at the Oceano Dunes.  But Nelson’s most recent three-year term expired at the end of July, and in a move surprising to many community members, the APCD board of directors vo... [ Read Article ]

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Santa Maria Sun / Opinion

Commentary

Lompoc City Council member receives funds from city homebuyers loan program

 I have been following Lompoc politics for about 30 years; anytime an elected official had a monetary interest or conducted business with the city, he/she would always recuse themselves from any discussion pertaining to their business interest. I have also been following City Council meetings closely for the last six years; Councilman Victor Vega hasn’t expressed a lot of interest in most items that come befor... [ Read More ]

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