Letters To The Editor

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 […]

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 […]

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.  […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

No matter how many solar panels and wind turbines cover the land, the power produced when these two sources are not available could not come close to supplying the amount of energy needed. With that said, where will the extra source of power come from? The two most reliable sources would be fossil fuels and […]

The Santa Barbara County board of education should be the shining example of transparency for all school boards and provide greater public access.  Four months ago, given our county school board oversees a budget that exceeds $100 million. I suggested that our board meetings be video recorded and archived on the Santa Barbara County Education […]