Proposition 16 is total rubbish, a disgrace to the democratic process. PG&E is sponsoring the proposition to prevent municipalities from getting into the energy business to compete with the company. It would require a two-thirds vote by municipal residents to approve funding for local public power projects, which we all know would be the kiss […]
Opinion
Posted inOpinion
Vote for Patino, vote for experience
As a longtime activist in Santa Maria, I will be voting for Alice Patino for 5th District supervisor. She is the most sensible and the most responsible candidate for the 5th District. Alice’s character is above reproach. Her connection to the local community cannot be matched! Her countless hours of involvement on committees and commissions […]
Posted inOpinion
Dear media: No more circuses
A cartoon on the opinion page of a recent edition of The Tribune said it all about the state of the news media these days: Against a backdrop of wars, fires, violence, meteor attacks, and all sorts of other disasters, the newscaster says, “But first the latest on Tiger.” The media focus so much attention […]
Posted inOpinion
Hunting and pecking
It’s here, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here! I love elections. I love the election time of year and what elections represent and getting to know candidates and exercising freedom and the right to vote and basically everything else about it. Elections! Yeah! I love it all, except one thing: Elections tend to […]
Posted inOpinion
What would you like to do over the summer?
Elizabeth Pearson customer service “Travel to San Diego, New Orleans, and Santa Cruz, so I can see people and get out of town.” Courtney Yee cashier “I would like to write the next ‘Great American Novel’.” Valor McConnell customer service “Learn Tagalog because I will be going to the Philippines next summer, and I will […]
Posted inOpinion
Sophisticated bamboozle
PG&E’s attempts to protect its monopoly are troubling
There is chicanery afoot in California in its worst form, which will keep us from meeting our evolving energy needs in a changing world. Here in California, as is true in the rest of the country, we need to be free as citizens to explore other sources of energy. Many communities are now choosing to […]
Posted inOpinion
Should Orcutt hold a Farmer’s Market on Saturdays?
Jeremiah Carroll barista “Absolutely. There will be more people in Orcutt, and it would stimulate the economy. Plus, I like apricots.” Steve Tummolo management “Yes, because Tuesdays and Wednesdays are inconvenient for the working public.” Carl Nietman retired sheriff “Yes, because it would bring the people of Orcutt closer together and create a ‘homey’ feeling. […]
Posted inOpinion
Diablo license renewal should be carefully considered
Atascadero
Thank you to Lois Capps, the SLO County Board of Supervisors, California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, Sierra Club, City of Morro Bay, Mothers for Peace, and Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility: Thank you all for speaking out for the citizens of SLO County. The sensible, reasonable, and necessary seismic studies regarding earthquake faults that […]
Posted inOpinion
Stop badmouthing rich businesspeople
Arroyo Grande
It’s really starting to bug me how often I seem to hear the wealthy and successful demonized for being … well, wealthy and successful. These comments astonish me because I think most of us aspire to such things. Successful (wealthy) businesspeople and those who aspire to be successful (wealthy) businesspeople represent the engine of our […]
Posted inOpinion
I’d rather be in sheep’s clothing than be an ignorant sheep
Santa Maria
Ignorance demands rebuttal, and in this case, I must challenge Roy Berger (“No-tax groups are really un-American,” May 13). Because I or others like me are against taxes does not make us racists. What was the original Tea Party about, Roy? Taxes, not race. When you can’t argue your side with facts, Roy, and must […]
Posted inOpinion
Etta Waterfield’s the one
Santa Maria
If increased taxes concern your readers, Etta Waterfield is the candidate for the 33rd Assembly District seat most skilled to fight for constituents in Sacramento. Her election would contribute fresh, non-political ideas and common sense at the capitol. Her experience and knowledge as a former director of economic development and as a Santa Maria planning […]
Posted inOpinion
Joyce Dudley made the election an easy decision
Santa Maria
Elections season is in full swing, and along with countless signs around town the commercials are now rolling in. A radio spot promoting Joyce Dudley for Santa Barbara County District Attorney made me chuckle and gave me insight into the best candidate for the job. The ad cites Ms. Dudley’s experience and the number of […]
