Seth Steiner, Los Alamos

I’m eager to see how much national treasure will be looted by President Trump and his swamp critter pals on their way out the door in the next 2 1/2 months: billions in no-bid contracts? Artwork? Everything with a presidential seal? Historical furnishings? Pencils/paper clips? For a karmically appropriate Inauguration Day gesture, Joe Biden could […]

I grew up around policemen who were friends and colleagues of my dad. He was “on the job” for 33 years, a superior officer, in every sense, with the NYPD. I think I know something about good cops, effective policing, and fine character.  I have met and spoken with Jim Thomas, a former sheriff now […]

The mission statement of CalGEM (California Geologic Energy Management Division) reads as follows, “CalGEM prioritizes protecting public health, safety, and the environment in its oversight of the oil, natural gas, and geothermal industries, while working to help California achieve its climate change and clean energy goals.” Failure to thoroughly deliver on its mission is not […]

CalGEM is embarked on an effort to write new rules. These will impact the health and well-being of all who live, work, play, and attend school in Cat Canyon. The creation of a 2,500-foot buffer zone separating oil drilling and infrastructure from homes and schools is crucial. In Cat Canyon one school’s water well is […]

Follow the money. We can all access official campaign contribution information by going online. It’s at sbcvote.com. When I did recently, it became clear that Joan Hartmann, our county supervisor, has received contributions from lots of average folks. Bruce Porter, however, is getting his contributions from a very small group, a handful of wealthy donors […]

During Bruce Porter’s previous attempt to become a Santa Barbara County supervisor, I attended some of his public events. They were tightly controlled appearances where his credentials were recited but he took few questions. His campaign office does not return phone calls. And just last week, Mr. Porter was the only candidate who chose not […]

Aera Energy wants us to green-light its plan to radically ramp up oil operations in Cat Canyon. The company is jointly owned by Exxon and Shell. As you read this, Exxon is awaiting, probably in vain, a major court verdict in a suit that charges it has lied to the public for decades. Exxon knew […]

This matter concerns an attempt to foist on us oil leasing and hydraulic fracturing in 1.6 million acres of our federally protected public lands here on the Central Coast. Supervisor Gregg Hart’s resolution opposing further dangerous oil operations here aims to protect us all. We can hope that a measure of wisdom and courage will […]

It is interesting, and hopeful, to note that Allan Hancock College does not support new oil development in Cat Canyon or elsewhere in our county. For several years, the college president has spoken in favor of Big Oil. And he did this as if he were the official voice of the school. Now, after recently […]

Allan Hancock College is a widely and deeply appreciated asset to our community. It offers opportunities leading to successful and satisfying lives for so many. But why has it allowed its name to be associated with controversial efforts that may risk the economic future of its students and the health of their families? The college […]