The leader of a local grassroots group recently had her e-mail hacked and has since received calls from friends asking if she is in some financial trouble. In an e-mail to the media, Dianne Howes reported, “My e-mail address was stolen. Do not send money. I am fine!” Howes added that the technical glitch won’t slow down her group’s efforts to hold “Freedom Rallies” throughout March all over Northern Santa Barbara County. “We are dedicated to support and elect principled, conservative leaders who advocate lower taxes, smaller government, free enterprise, energy independence, strong national security, and the Constitution,” Howes said in the e-mail. “These candidates must be willing to push bold Conservative ideals that set them apart from the Progressives—both Democrats and Republicans—in the race. NO MORE RINOs [Republicans In Name Only] in California!” The first rally will be held on March 6 from 11 a.m. to noon at the corner of Central and H streets in Lompoc. There will be another rally in Santa Maria on March 13 at the corner of Betteravia and Bradley roads from 11 a.m. to noon. The last rally will be held on March 20 from 11 a.m. to noon in Solvang at the corner of Mission Drive and Alisal Road. After-rally lunches are scheduled after each event, where commemorative T-shirts will be on sale for $20. For more information, contact Howes at 598-8375 or diannehowes@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Mar 4-11, 2010.