Letters To The Editor

I am writing on behalf of WE Watch, an environmental watchdog group in the Santa Ynez Valley formerly known as Women’s Environmental Watch. The organization was founded in the early 1990s to help develop the valley-wide community plan. Now, members of both genders work to promote the sustainability of the Santa Ynez Valley, its natural […]

We’re all very much aware of the tactic of discrediting the person instead of his argument, that’s what liberals have been doing for decades. Unable to win in the arena of ideas, they’ve become the undisputed masters of this technique. It’s impossible to argue with them because while you’re thinking of your next point, they’re […]

There is a looming crisis coming to Santa Barbara County. Forecasters are predicting low county revenue to affect many county departments for several years to come. County financial officers are stating high personnel costs are the main factor among other issues. The Board of Supervisors are going to have to make serious decisions on what […]

In the publication from Jan. 26 of the Sun, I know I am late in responding, but Mr. Gale McNeeley’s so-called poem (“A poem for Inauguration Day”) needs to be addressed. This piece was so ridiculous, disgusting, obnoxious, and so un-American, that I was sick to my stomach reading through it. Free speech gets so […]

I wish to thank Hector Sanchez for championing the right to choose our own councilperson from our own neighborhood in 2018, 2020, and beyond. He did this by challenging the way Santa Maria has elected its leaders since 1905. The city of Santa Barbara recently fought California election law, which supports district elections in cities […]

Oscar Wilde once said, “Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.” In the case of Santa Maria, it is the proposition of Santa Barbara Councilman Jason Dominguez, and losing council candidate Hector Sanchez, who are the “people” who are threatening to bludgeon the people of Santa Maria into […]

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” “Like father, like son.” Take your pick of folk phrases that sum up the characterization that parents influence their children as adults. For years Tony Cravello Sr. had pledged support, provided donations, and was an ambassador of good will to the people around him in his community […]

When George Washington was elected in 1789 as our first president, he was aware he would be setting a precedent for presidents who would follow. He chose the title, “Mr. President,” over the more majestic names proposed by the Senate. For his inauguration, he had his tailor make him a simple suit of brown broadcloth. […]

Imagine getting a billing statement, two years later, from the hospital for treating an emergency health problem for “$101,600 total charges.” Does your heart flutter? The next line sums, “insurance payments and adjustments $100,900.” Your amount due is the difference of $700. You breathe a sigh of relief and say, “Thank God for Medicare!” You […]

The war that’s being waged by the Trump haters is a disgrace. Having lost everything in the last election, how do they react? Instead of giving this president any kind of chance to restore the fabric and identity of America, they riot, mock, ridicule, lie, vilify anyone who dares to disagree, beat people up who […]

The city of Buellton has an elected mayor to represent the city, an elected City Council to decide the city’s direction, and a city manager that carries out directives of the council and the policies and ordinances of the city. It is concerning to me that our mayor and two of our council members have […]

I am the lady who was thrown out of the Santa Maria City Council meeting a couple of weeks ago (Feb. 21). I don’t usually attend the council meetings, but I wanted to be there to support the resolution, which would begin the process to transition to district-based city elections. The city attorney and city […]