In yet another generational skirmish, Generation Z is now characterizing us boomers as “angry” for unreasonably resisting their demands that we shuffle off to the graveyard and bequeath them our homes and assets. Perhaps they are just confusing the term “angry” with the word “no,” which they are apparently just now hearing for the first […]
Commentaries
Posted inOpinion
The state supersedes local control when it comes to ADUs and your quality of life
All you people out there who worked hard all your lives to live in a single-family neighborhood or think you’re safe from increased congestion in a homeowners association (HOA) managed development, get ready for a relatively new state law that can impact your quality of life. On June 10, the Lompoc Planning Commission debated a […]
Posted inOpinion
The Oceano Dunes is paid for by your gas taxes
A common argument for continuing driving and off-roading on the Oceano beach and dunes is that if vehicles go away, then the off-highway vehicle (OHV) funds that protect the snowy plover will go away too. Probably, yes, some of it will go away. But so would the biggest threat to the snowy plover and the […]
Posted inOpinion
It will be another few weeks before we learn our next leaders, candidates for local, state, and federal races
As everyone who pays attention to California politics knows, elections are never resolved on Election Day. It’s always weeks and sometimes months before the final tally is complete. But initially, it appears that Democrats are satisfied with the pitiful condition of our state and county as they continue to support politicians who couldn’t care less […]
Posted inOpinion
Oceano and endangered species deserve a peaceful safe beach
It doesn’t happen often, but it happened recently: The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA) south of Arroyo Grande Creek was closed to off-highway vehicles and became a safe place for pedestrians. But the closure was temporary. The Oceano Dunes re-opened May 21 to off-road vehicles. Why was the Oceano Dunes closed to vehicles? […]
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc Fire Department’s unresolved ‘at risk’ conditions will only worsen its service over time
On May 5, the Lompoc City Council received a sobering presentation by interim Fire Chief Kevin Shay. Chief Shay reported that the Lompoc City Fire Department has the two busiest fire stations in Santa Barbara County. The three fire units and nine crew members respond to more than 5,300 calls for service each year—that’s an […]
Posted inOpinion
Local veterans shouldn’t have to prove that their illnesses are a direct result of their service
National Military Appreciation Month—celebrated every May—serves as a reminder of Americans’ commitment to honoring the sacrifices and contributions of troops and their families in Santa Barbara County, California, and beyond. Through an array of events, communities come together to express gratitude to those who willingly devoted their lives to safeguard the nation. But what has […]
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc City Council has a potentially costly rebate program audit and investigation on its hands
The city of Lompoc, like almost every other government from the federal level down to small towns like ours, has a problem managing how tax money is distributed to folks applying for rebates, grants, or any other form of government subsidy. This time it’s Lompoc’s conservation rebate program that’s being examined for what some think […]
Posted inOpinion
Trump takes on the pope, and it’s not a good look
It’s been two months since the president precipitated his brutal air war against Iran. This “little excursion” has morphed into a regional war with devastating consequences for virtually everyone: to the unfortunate Lebanese, caught in the cross fire; to every one of the petro-states on both sides of the Persian Gulf; and to every nation […]
Posted inOpinion
Santa Maria City Council’s appointment process is seriously flawed
Ricardo Batalla was chosen to represent the voters of District 1 on the City Council by Mayor Alice Patino and Councilmembers Gloria Flores and Maribel Aguilera at the April 7 council meeting. I wish Mr. Batalla, father of three and director of youth development at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, the very best. He will […]
Posted inOpinion
Sinking ship: Politicians are swamping the state’s financial future
If I were a state or local government employee in California, I would be concerned about my future retirement plan. Many local governments are suffering budget deficits; we read about these budget shortfalls regularly as revenue (tax-based funds) decreases and expenses increase. The Independent Institute’s website says, “Legislative analyst Gabe Petek, in his overview of […]
Posted inOpinion
Community members should not let themselves be silenced
On March 12, the Santa Maria Sun newspaper published a signed opinion column by Roy Reed about the election for Santa Barbara County District 5 supervisor (“Know before you vote”). At first glance, it seemed like a simple, straightforward opinion. Still, when you read it carefully, it reveals something deeper: the power of language to […]
