Opinion Archives - Page 258 of 319

I’m dancing the foreclosure shuffle

Try mortgage modification with a bank that has sold the loan

by MARIA V. EYLES November 16, 2011August 31, 2022

By mid-morning, I slump onto my desk, which is littered with documents, notes, and phone numbers on sticky tags. The so-called “loan modification” people at one of the major banks have me limp as a rabbit in a wildcat’s mouth, shaking out my strength, savings, time, and resolve, while their foreclosure attorneys declare another victory […]

Opinion

Should we listen to movie stars when they talk about political issues?

by Sun Staff November 10, 2011January 26, 2023

Troy Hajjar student “Listen to what they have to say, but [know] they are not always right.” Christina Rosales waitress “If they know what they are talking about.” Kevin Hunt cashier “Not really. People should look at multiple views.” Richard Tisdel commercial real estate agent “No way, no how. Just because you are well known […]

Opinion

Protect dogs–and other drivers

Laurette Timms

by Atascadero November 9, 2011August 31, 2022

To folks who drive with loose dogs on the back bed of pickup trucks: Please stop. Crate them or keep them inside. One-hundred-thousand dogs are killed annually because they jump or fall off the back. Just recently, we were driving north on Rt. 101 in Atascadero behind a pickup with a loose dog in the […]

Opinion

How’s this for a killer agenda?

Cambria

by D. Duane Wall II November 9, 2011August 31, 2022

Fox News (aka FOX-GOP Propaganda and Fundraising) has been running a fairly vicious repeating segment claiming that First Lady Michelle Obama is receiving three times the press coverage than former First Lady Laura Bush did. Apparently these “media mentions” include the daily kamikaze assaults on Ms. Obama’s character orchestrated by Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, Michelle […]

Opinion

We should find out if seeding works

San Luis Obispo

by Jeanne Blackwell November 9, 2011August 31, 2022

That was a great article on cloud seeding (“Weather or not,” Sept. 29) by Kathy Johnston. That is what I call news journalism. It brings up some very interesting questions also, like is Santa Barbara coordinating with the national seeding program? Because sometimes we could be getting double, triple doses of the seeding effect, and […]

Opinion

I’ve got questions about the sweet taste of silver

Huasna Valley Association

by Ron Skinner November 9, 2011August 31, 2022

In response to the Sun article “Weather or not” (Sept. 29), the agricultural community of Huasna certainly appreciates winter rainfall but asks the question: Was Santa Barbara County Water Agency seeding clouds during the heavy rains of 1998, 2000, and 2005 when there was excessive run off and flooding? Sure, Santa Barbara County benefited from […]

Opinion

Leave your thanks

by Sun Staff November 9, 2011August 31, 2022

Is there a noticeable lack of autumn leaves in your yard or in your neighborhood? If so, don’t worry that you’ll miss out on the colorful fall staple. To create a homemade substitute, find a brown paper bag and cut out a variety of leaf shapes. Once you’ve got a big enough pile, color the […]

Opinion

Is daylight savings time a good idea or bad?

by Sun Staff November 3, 2011January 26, 2023

Liz Peña cashier “It’s good because it saves energy and power.” Valerie Johnson Jamba Juice team member “I’ve never really thought about it.” Ryan Barr laborer “I really don’t mind. It kinda sucks having to change the clocks all the time.” Milt Oglesby disabled veteran “It’s OK.”

Opinion

What is more important: prosecuting BP or prosecuting medical marijuana providers?

The rich and powerful are above the rule of law

by JACQUELINE MARCUS November 1, 2011August 17, 2023

I made a bet, after 11 rig workers died from the grossly negligent BP explosion on the oil-drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico, that Attorney General Eric Holder would throw around the phrase “criminal investigations” to appease the public for a while, but with time would pretend the largest oil spill in history, and […]

Opinion

What gives you the heebie-jeebies?

by Sun Staff October 27, 2011January 26, 2023

James Lind student “Spiders. They’re freaky looking.” Miguel Hernandez retail “When I have to pick up my dad at the hospital.” Andrew Cruz retired “Finances. Money is always an issue.” Rovi Butcher senior center director “Strangers talking to me.”

Opinion

Shame’s last name is Obama

Santa Maria

by Robert Scot October 25, 2011June 9, 2024

Make no mistake, and do not be deceived by the Pravda-like salivating of the mass media; “Occupy Wall Street” is no grassroots silent majority middle America movement. “Occupy” is a finely groomed movement in search of a message. Whereas two years ago, much to the chagrin of the administration’s hip-pocketed talking heads, the Tea Party […]

Opinion

Former supe Harrell Fletcher deserves an honor

Santa Maria

by TORU MIYOSHI October 25, 2011August 31, 2022

It was my honor and privilege to serve as Santa Barbara county supervisor for eight years. I am writing to propose the Santa Barbara County Government Center at Betteravia and Miller be named after the late Harrell Fletcher. Although we had some philosophical differences, he was always a gentleman and did not allow our differences […]