Andrew Klock residue scientist “A hot fudge sundae. It has a little bit of everything.” Garrett Ensor chemist “A Twinkie, because they’re good forever, just like me!” Jackie Swider residue technician “A Twinkie, because they’re good forever, just like me!”
Opinion
Posted inOpinion
Build roads, not bombs
We are squandering our national fortune on weaponry and troops
The con job goes on. Throughout the Cold War, the CIA and our government consciously misrepresented the military prowess of the Soviet Union, exaggerating their military strength. They did this, of course, to justify a continuation of our obscene military budgets, to continue to feed the fat-and-sassy corporate culture that fed off the military budget. […]
Posted inOpinion
What is your favorite book?
Gale Hall caregiver “Nathan’s Run. It involves a child who has been wrongly accused and it’s about how he clears his name and it’s just very emotional.” Ron Winters fire and security alarm associate “Lord of the Rings. It’s that kind of fantasy and monsters [book] that takes you out of reality to another world, […]
Posted inOpinion
Who needs redevelopment districts?
Communities need not sacrifice their souls to large-scale developers
Good riddance to redevelopment districts, thanks to our new governor and the Legislature, who justifiably eliminated them to end an enormous drain on public resources, despite howls from municipal bureaucrats throughout the state. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that annually more than $5 billion of redevelopment money in California was not used for redevelopment […]
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They should listen to us, not Wall Street
Los Osos
I used to look forward to the 4th of July. I used to be patriotic, used to have faith in our government, used to be proud to be an American. But somewhere along the way, I’ve lost that feeling—along with my house, my business, my 401k, my pension. We are now more than halfway through […]
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What recovery?
Orcutt
Obama’s in trouble. With 230,000 fewer jobs, 430,000 May unemployment applicants, home equities at 1948 levels, 15 million unemployed, and 47 million on food stamps, he says he’s not worried about another recession. It’s just that the economy’s worse than he thought, and the recovery’s going to take longer than expected. What recovery? There’s been […]
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Speak up: ‘War is not the answer’
Santa Maria
It is heartening that a majority of Americans now have grown so weary of financing the endless war in the Middle East, and of sacrificing our precious sons and daughters, that a serious decision to bring it to an end is urgent. Too many people have now suffered economically, morally, and physically. We now understand […]
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What are your plans for the Fourth of July weekend?
Ryan Martin Student “I’m going to hang out with family and watch fireworks.” Joseph Osorno salesman “I’ll probably watch fireworks, or go to the beach and barbecue.” Lori Sexty nanny “I’m going to the Sea Venture Hotel for dinner and watching fireworks with some friends.” Alex Limon unemployed “I’m just going to barbecue with the […]
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Tour Hearst Castle
Enjoy a California gem that sparkles despite cutbacks
Cars jammed U.S. Highway 1 on a June day 53 years ago as the gates of Hearst Castle first opened to the public. Some 40 million visitors have since marveled at the castle’s spectacular location, collections, and history. I was privileged to know and work with Bob Doyle, a guide who began leading tours there […]
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If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
David Peasley maintenance “Strength, because it comes with health.” [image-2] Jacob Maza Pac Sun associate “Flight, because gas prices suck.” [image-3] Quetzalli Mitchell (pictured with father Ernest) student “Lightning, because it’s powerful.” [image-4] Ray Heath retired “Flight, so I could get places faster and there’d be no traffic.”
Posted inOpinion
Ban fireworks–they attract crime
Santa Maria
Santa Maria has become a breeding ground for crime and criminals. On Aug. 19, 2008, at the City Council meeting, all the reasons were given to ban the sale of fireworks. I quote: “Illegal fireworks put such a burden on the police and fire department. … By banning fireworks, it would make it much easier […]
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Get this ‘inconvenient truth’
San Luis Obispo
If someone wrote to your paper suggesting the shutdown of Hoover Dam, imagine the uproar. You’d call the men in white coats. Well, here is an “inconvenient truth”: Hoover Dam produces about 4 billion KWH annually, but Diablo Canyon produces about 18 billion KWH annually.
