Our county wants to improve the Oceano County Airport by adding a lounge bar, more parking, and a bigger campground for its users. The Oceano Beach Community Association (OBCA) opposes this project. SLO County, and Oceano in particular, does not need this airport. We already have an airport 20 miles to the north, San Luis […]
Letters To The Editor
Avoid the ‘unavoidable’
Regarding your July 14 article titled “The price of housing”: We hope that the developers of the so-called Dana “Reserve” (the question remains as to what they are in fact “reserving” or “preserving”) will return to their prior top development priorities of “open space uses within the oak woodlands.” “Do a smaller project and leave […]
In response to ‘The price of housing,’ we really don’t need more houses
These are very very stressful times. Green open spaces are known to make peace with your heart and soul and body. Many scientific studies show that the benefits of open green community space is space well spent for the well-being and happiness of the community. Driving around town, I noticed when I come to an […]
Our fundamental freedoms are coming under attack
This is a scary moment. The Supreme Court just dismantled abortion rights across America. As a result, 26 states could outlaw abortion, including 13 that have passed “trigger” laws to take effect immediately after the court overturns Roe v. Wade. This news should set off alarm bells for all Americans. Our fundamental freedoms are coming […]
Fed government must stop sticking nose in states’ business
The original idea of federalism was the promise of limited government. A federal government would offer the separate states collective power to raise and keep a military for protection. Collectively we would have leverage for trade. As a collective we would be recognized as a country to negotiate deals with the rest of the world. […]
Massive mixed-use project downtown needs approval of the people
Imagine an apartment complex, almost the size of the senior center near the second corner of the four corners of a downtown “that draws people there to shop, recreate, and in the end also produce tax revenue.” NOT! Then let’s imagine room for 100 to 200 parking spaces to accommodate the said occupants of the […]
Is our voting system reliable?
I have always voted in person at my local voting precinct in Lompoc, except during the pandemic when I mistakenly thought it would have long lines. It did not. Both times, we had mail-in ballots sent to all registered voters in the county. In addition, two booklets were sent to all, including a sample ballot […]
Ignorance isn’t bliss
John Donegan is fortunate that, as far as I know, there are no state laws that make it a crime to be ignorant. Else, he’d be in danger of being incarcerated. His diatribe (“A medical miracle,” New Times, June 9) about Merck’s decision to update its legendary “manual” to reflect 21st century thinking by replacing […]
A hundred percent renewable energy for how long?
There have been opinions written lately about the grid experiencing 100 percent renewable energy but no mention of when or how long this occurred. The grid needs reliable, sustainable energy, not just spotty, occasional renewables that cannot fulfill the need for consistency. Renewable energy is not 100 percent unless it’s 100 percent all the time, […]
Salcido is tested and true
During this difficult and contentious election season, it’s refreshing to see a candidate who enjoys overwhelming bipartisan support throughout Santa Barbara County. Susan Salcido, who is running for reelection as county superintendent of schools, is that candidate. Dr. Salcido has been tested in crisis management to the extreme. In 2017 (the year she took office) […]
Sheriff Brown represents the finest in law enforcement
Sheriff Bill Brown is clearly the most qualified candidate! Brown has earned my vote because he has the experience, integrity, and proven track record of doing a stellar job for Santa Barbara County. He is a brilliant leader who has successfully led us through challenging times. He has implemented new and innovative programs to reduce […]
Diablo Canyon is a roadblock to distributing green energy
Will Gov. Newsom turn his back on the residents, businesses, economy, and environment of the Central Coast for $6 billion from the federal government? The stakes are high on his proposed application for this handout to Diablo Canyon, the last standing nuclear generating plant in California. He is willing to spend this money propping up […]

