Although neither a birder nor an ornithologist, I am a fan of The Canary opinion column in the Santa Maria Sun. It’s snappy and entertaining. But recently it bordered on the bird-brained (Aug. 24, “On the record”). This bird looks and sounds yellow. It ought not to quake and quiver. Refuse to be caged by […]
Letters To The Editor
The truth of Trump is worse than an incorrect quote
I read with interest Clive Pinder’s letter in Sept. 7 edition of the Sun (“We’re entitled to our opinions, not our own facts”). According to The Hill, CNN.com, Politico, and PBS, Trump’s Truth Social response (Dec. 5, 2022) to losing the 2020 election was to state in all caps: “MASSIVE AND WIDESPREAD FRAUD AND DECEPTION” […]
Live more simply, save the planet
I do not know the author of “The Sea is Boiling,” Sept. 14. I imagine we would get along, as I share the same concerns about climate change. The small actions suggested are all good ideas, as we must all do something to steer us from disaster. But I was struck that the writer has […]
The quote was an error but the point is the same
After submitting my letter (“An open letter to the secretary of state,” Aug. 31), I discovered that I had included a quote I attributed to Donald Trump that was in error. My bad, “to err is human.” Subsequently, this error was pointed out to me, first by the editor, and again by Mr. Clive Pinder […]
Boycotts work, and we can boycott Big Carrot
If you are outraged by the Carrot Kingpins, Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms, seeking to hog water rights at the expense of Cuyama residents and their school, then boycott all their products. We can buy fresh and delicious carrots at our local farmers’ markets. Remember that the late Cesar Chavez organized the Wrath of Grapes […]
We’re entitled to our opinions, not our own facts
I read Stephen Siemsen’s letter in the latest edition of the Sun, “An open letter to the secretary of state,” (Aug. 31). His use of a quote he attributes to President Trump caught my eye. It seemed too outrageous not to have been covered by mainstream media, especially as media these days are driven by […]
One topic is missing from the Oceano Dunes off-roading debate
I would like to comment on Adam Verdin’s letter (“Is it time we all shift our thinking on Oceano?” Aug. 10). He seems desirous of compromise about driving on local beaches and Oceano Dunes. Of his many points, I will address one and an unmentioned other. As a former economist, the economic study Verdin refers […]
A word to the unwise about California’s clean energy
The California Energy Commission recently released its data on California in-state capacity and generation for 2022. According to its figures, clean energy (non-carbon-emitting) sources amounted to 50 percent of in-state power generation. But clean energy production has the potential to improve greatly because large hydro is currently producing far below its capacity and Diablo Canyon […]
Our local leadersare selling us out to transplants, visitors
For years I have been hearing that California has a “housing crisis.” Where is this growing demand for housing coming from? It appears to me that what California actually has is a “population crisis.” The marketing forces imposed on locals by an ever-increasing population of nonnatives is driving up the cost of existing housing and […]
The cartoonist crossed the line
Your local political cartoonist (Mayfield) needs to take a vacation. Normally his conservative cartoons are corny, but I understand they are a counterpoint to also running the liberal This Modern World every other week. However, the cartoon in the Aug. 3 Sun was over the top—who needs to open the editorial page to see a […]
Slavery is not a thing of the past
Wake up, people! Slavery is not a thing of the past but very much alive. Definition of slavery: Anyone who makes a claim upon yourself or your property is making you a slave. A slave is a victim of any who claims authority over another. “We the People” have become slaves of those who have […]
We need the Dana Reserve project
I support the housing development known as the Dana Reserve in Nipomo. Our area is in desperate need of housing, especially affordable housing for young, working adults. This neighborhood will directly address this need by providing a significant number of affordable housing units, which will enable young people like my own kids to find suitable […]

