Jacquelyn Casarez student “I like to go to the beach, usually Avila or Grover—the dunes are too windy.” John Black student “I like to hang out at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center. We play pool or go swimming. Sometimes we go to the movies.” Adrien Flores student “I go to the mall. We always go […]
Opinion
Posted inOpinion
The middle of the road trumps extremism
A stretch in facts and logic distorts the purpose of a useful proposed law
Extremism in recent years seems to pop its ugly head up again and again, both locally and nationally. The vast majority of American voters tends to want America to tread down the middle of the road and not to veer off either to the extreme left or right. Today, according to recent polls, we see […]
Posted inOpinion
Should Neverland be made into a museum like Graceland?
Nolan Kruse student “Yeah, because Elvis was the King of Rock and Michael Jackson was the King of Pop.” Dillian F. maintenance and construction worker “No, it should be made into an amusement park because it already has most of the attractions and MJ would have wanted it that way.” Shaun Neer unemployed “No. Don’t […]
Posted inOpinion
Cor blimy! I’m married to a Brit!
Independence Day reflections on life with someone from across the pond
The Fourth of July has special significance at my house. That’s because I am married to an English gentleman who, although he arrived in the United States in the 1960s and became a naturalized citizen, continues to live the lifestyle of a true Brit. While I run about draping the porch in American flags, he […]
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How did you celebrate the beginning of summer?
Ashley Hylton mother/housewife “I went and played volleyball with my friends. … We suck.” Tyler Mugg student “I went to a mewithoutYou concert and met Aaron Weiss.” Tim Mugg driver “I went to a mewithoutYou concert as well.” Janelle Harter Crossroads Junior High School administrative assistant “I went to my Bible study group, and it […]
Posted inOpinion
Remember our common goal
San Luis Obispo
I have the privilege to have a best friend who is Iranian. I have many times heard about the struggles that the people of Iran suffer through on a daily basis. It is no secret to us, what is going on in that country, especially after the events of the election. Last night, we were […]
Posted inOpinion
Maybe a voluntary wage decrease would help
Grover Beach
The state of California budget is at least $21 billion in the red, according to our governor. Educators are being laid off or put on leave due to the budget shortfall. People are so unhappy in California that many are moving to other states. Industries are moving to states where taxation is less burdensome. Our […]
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How did we survive so long without the fearmongers?
Santa Maria
Both the media and universities have discovered that the most profitable enterprise is to generate and perpetuate fear. The present big effort is to convince the public that people are responsible for weather change, and that sometime in the future we will suffer from oceans rising, famine, and a lot of problems and losses they […]
Posted inOpinion
Vandalism gives us all a bad name
Santa Maria
I have to comment on the recent filth I saw after the wonderful event the beloved Santa Maria Elks hosted. It makes our community look awful, and it is the work of most likely one individual. It is the vandalism of private and public property. If someone is interested in getting their name out on […]
Posted inOpinion
Protect Californians: Stop the severe cuts
Santa Maria
We all know the recession has hit California hard and our state budget is reeling. But it will only stunt California’s recovery to drain $24 billion from the state’s economy, as the governor’s latest budget proposes. What’s more, it will be harder for struggling Californians to get back on their feet because the cuts target […]
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What is the best advice your father ever gave you?
Donna Pigeon and Avery retired/part-time police dispatcher “To be the best I can be, and to follow my heart.” Cassie Starr student “To always try.” Jesse Starr Student “Don’t ever give up.” Brian Starr A father “To treat everyone with respect.”
Posted inOpinion
Jailbait or just a date?
Society’s changing sexual standards create a confusing environment for the young and vulnerable
Recently, the former principal of Tunnell Elementary School in Santa Maria, Brookann Collier, pleaded guilty to three felony charges arising from a sexual relationship she had with a teenage girl. She reached a plea bargain that will result in her serving one year in county jail, five years on probation, and the surrender of her […]