Opinion

The Santa Maria Police Department has received some much deserved criticism lately for its inability to stop gang-related crime. Each day I read about new acts of violence being committed against innocent citizens, and I’m outraged. While I know our peace officers have their hands full in combating crime, their efforts are not enough these […]

During the last Santa Maria City Council meeting, several residents spoke about the need for a gang injunction. Amen! For many years, Santa Maria has been plagued by gang-related violence, with the last, most memorable, and spectacular demonstration having been made in the middle of the day just last month. Several gang members terrorized Santa […]

I see that Holiday Trees has once again returned to Skyway and Highway 135. But, to be fair, it appears the sign refers to the name of the company (Orcutt Holiday Trees). However, that sounds like an oxymoron to me to have a company called Holiday Trees selling Christmas trees. Don’t they understand that it’s […]

Health should not be a business for profit. Health should be a right. No person should suffer because the money one has does not allow the cure. All humans of the female persuasion should have the right of abortion. It is odd some politicians would take away this right but not want to support the […]

The gang bangers in this town have been getting away with terrorizing our neighborhoods for too long, and it’s time for our local police department to adopt another tactic to help eradicate this public threat. Though I bought my home new nearly 25 years ago, the street I live on is now no longer safe. […]

The American military men and women who were killed at Fort Hood were given an appropriate national memorial service. One could not miss the event because it was widely covered in the media. One could not avoid feeling sad and deeply moved. As I observed the extended news coverage of the Texas tragedy and memorial, […]

Focus needs to be on health care and the millions of Americans who need real reform. Leave abortion where it ought to be: a private decision between a woman and her doctor. Conservatives shouldn’t be hijacking health care to legislate on reproductive rights. The amendment would be a major shift in U.S. policy. It doesn’t […]

  I just wanted to say that I love the “arty” newspaper racks that have been appearing all over town! They are eye-catching and beautiful, a great way for artists to show off their work, and a super recycling idea! I think you should have them all painted … in due time, of course. Having […]

During a recent Santa Maria City Council meeting, several members from the public came out to speak about the need for a gang injunction. I couldn’t agree more. Since the California State Supreme Court upheld the use of gang injunctions in 1997, many cities have adopted this powerful tool. So, what exactly is a gang […]

Your article in the Nov. 26 issue of the Sun, titled “Activists claim harassment,” shows just once again just how biased and bigoted the Sun is against the military and American defense. At the age of 75, I am one of many who stand on the “other side of the gate,” the Right Side, and […]