If ever the maxim of fighting fire with fire presented a fitting action, it’s in these desperate times. Texas mid-decade and against rules reshaped the state district map, a move intended to add more Republicans to Congress when Trump asked for five more seats. A move that suppresses the votes of brown and Black residents. […]
Opinion
Posted inOpinion
Should government regulate ‘hate speech’?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution “guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.” Taking it literally, this means you can say anything you want about anything or anybody, sometimes. One exception is that you can’t shout “fire” in a crowded theater unless there really is a fire in progress. The […]
Posted inOpinion
The good fight
If my boss offered me a raise that was less than 20 cents an hour, I’d be offended. That’s why I’m empathetic to the plight of Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s classified employees, who took a look at the district’s offer of a 1 percent raise and decided it was time for a mediator to step […]
Posted inOpinion
What has America become?
So, what do you call this thing that is now America? Gangs of uniformed thugs with hidden faces roam city streets picking on random minorities and disappearing them in violation of long-established law and their civil rights. Colleges pressured to indoctrinate students in only right-wing thought. Cuts to anything that might even resemble reason or […]
Posted inCanary
Government control
Does the county have any control over the federal government? What about the state? No. That’s the answer I’m going to go with. What have we done as a state? We’ve banned Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents from conducting their business at state courthouses—as in, arresting people. According to CalMatters, officers are doing it regardless. […]
Posted inOpinion
A lesson, warning, and proposal for the Nipomo Mesa
I got to know the late Harold Miossi shortly after settling here after finishing grad school at Cal in 1976. I had the privilege of enjoying his occasional company until his death in 2006. Harold’s name graces two fine concert venues—the PAC at Cal Poly and the CPAC at Cuesta College—as well as the city’s […]
Posted inCanary
Something fishy
Some punishments go too far. Like the prison sentences our justice system once assigned to criminal offenders caught with marijuana thanks to the “war on drugs.” They were aggressive. And aggressive is exactly how the Central Coast Youth Football League is being when it comes to the Orcutt Youth Football League. It’s confusing, but the […]
Posted inOpinion
Democrats are taking down our once golden state bit by bit
For decades California has had a single political party running the show in Sacramento; this had led to a steady decay in education, infrastructure, and public safety; a massive growth in the homeless population; outrageous cost for housing; and ineffective use of taxpayer dollars. Two recent actions by our elected officials point out how bit […]
Posted inLetters To The Editor
Choosing our Earth
On July 19, the world lost a visionary teacher, scholar, and beloved friend: Joanna Macy (1929-2025). A guiding light in systems thinking, deep ecology, and Buddhist philosophy, Joanna touched countless lives with her intellect, her heart, and her unwavering commitment to life on Earth. On Aug. 15, 2025, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize formalized an agreement […]
Posted inOpinion
Central Coast has an affordable-housing lockout, not a market
The Central Coast doesn’t have a housing shortage—we have an affordability shortage (“The Central Coast desperately needs to build its way out of the housing crisis,” Aug. 14). A quick look at today’s housing market tells the real story. On Aug. 4, 2025, Zillow showed 1,407 homes and lots priced over $1 million in our […]
Posted inOpinion
It’s time for Americans to speak truth to power
On Aug. 25 Israel attacked Nasser Medical Complex, the largest health facility in southern Gaza, and murdered 20 innocent people. They used what is called a “double tap.” First they attacked the fourth floor stairway of the hospital with a drone strike, killing two and injuring dozens. The attack gathered rescuers, aid workers, doctors, and […]
Posted inOpinion
Crossy road
Happy Pedestrian Safety Month! Did you know that was a thing? I didn’t. But I’m not a pedestrian. Well, this winged wanderer just got another reason to be glad I’m neither a driver nor a walker. Local police are starting to enforce a new law this month, one that went into effect in January. The […]
