With respect to the article “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (June 24), illegal immigrants do indeed benefit from our social service programs: According to a United States General Accounting Office Report to Congressional Committees (see gao.gov/archive/1998/he98030.pdf) in fiscal year 1995, about $1.1 billion in AFDC and Food Stamp benefits were provided to households with an illegal alien parent […]
Opinion
Posted inOpinion
Do your civic duty: Vote by mail
Nipomo
Bill Denneen We had an expensive special election on June 22. It will be repeated Aug. 17 with the exact same candidates. Total cost? A million dollars. Like me, more than 60 percent of citizens will be voting by mail. Rather than hiring 650 people to cover polling places, voting should be by mail only. […]
Posted inOpinion
What do you think should be done about the Gulf oil spill?
Eric and Kristine Vogel boilermaker/administration “It should be cleaned up. We’ve got to cap it.” Diane Abbott Realtor “They should have input from the best scientists and the best of everyone who would like to help.” Pamela Alfaro owner, Pamela’s Embroidery Service “I wish that they would go there right now and dig another well […]
Posted inOpinion
Thanks, but still, what does illegal immigration cost?
Pacifica
Thank you for a somewhat balanced, lighthearted approach to what is a very difficult issue (“¿Cuanto cuesta?” June 24). Most articles I read take one side and ignore all the issues on the opposite side. The last six months or so I have been trying to become more informed regarding this issue. One thing I […]
Posted inOpinion
Cars don’t fit in the dune view
St. Petersburg, FL
During my first week here in California, I have been taken by its striking beauty. I had no doubt it would live up to its majestic reputation, but I had no idea that the mountains, always looming in sight, would provide such a spiritual, if you will, backdrop. We made our way up through southern […]
Posted inOpinion
Obama hates how great America is
Santa Maria
America’s economy is under siege by unemployment, housing, Afghanistan, illegal immigration, and a $13 trillion debt, and all Obama does is spend money, spew rhetoric, blame Bush, sue BP, and start a civil war in Arizona. His ratings are plunging, 62 percent of the people think the country’s going the wrong direction, and even his […]
Posted inOpinion
Our pesticide methodology stands
Berkeley
I read with interest your article on the pesticide drift study in Sisquoc (“A better alternative?” June 24)—in particular, the quote from Lea Brooks at the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) calling into question the validity of the sampling methods used: “When [DPR] and Air Resources Board conduct monitoring, we follow U.S. EPA protocols,” she […]
Posted inOpinion
Don’t bash immigrants
Grover Beach
Regarding your story “¿Cuanto cuesta?” (June 24): I wonder how many of your readers will consider the root cause of illegal immigration: the failure of source countries to provide their citizens with education, job opportunities, social services, and civil rights. We demonize poor people who risk their lives and leave their families for an insecure […]
Posted inOpinion
Where do you like to be on 4th of July?
Josh Kitchen cashier “With my girlfriend, and where they are playing Bruce Springsteen.” Beau Kinry student “Anywhere with karaoke, so I can sing ‘Born in the USA,’ which is the perfect song for 4th of July.” Jake Tully yogurt technician “At the beach. The beach is the epitome of summer, so why not?” Brittani Meza […]
Posted inOpinion
Create a path to local jobs
California’s financial plundering has forced me to think outside the box
As a mayor and a businessman who cares deeply about his city and county, I am concerned about our economic situation. On a state and national level it is bad, but on the local level, where we can really feel and see it, it is even worse. I gauge my opinion on the fact that […]
Posted inOpinion
What are your plans for the 4th of July?
Pat Sparrow minister “I am going to a local picnic and fireworks.” Alice McGonmigal Arroyo Grande Symphony and Santa Maria Philharmonic musician “I am a musician and will be participating in a musical ensemble playing marches and other songs for the flag.” Patti Bracamonte accounts payable “Going to Pismo Beach.” Nathan Lipscomb retired “We stay […]
Posted inOpinion
Santa Maria leaders must not care anymore
Santa Maria
San Luis Obispo just took a poll to find out how its residents feel about their city. Not surprisingly, 95 percent responded they were very happy where they live. And why shouldn’t they be? My husband and I have visited nearly every square mile of San Luis Obispo over the years and have found it […]
