Mr. George Hansen makes the stretch that birds died because we use gasoline in our cars (“Dead seabirds are the harbinger of a preventable future,” May 28). A few other things to consider: 1) He may want to discard his wetsuit, flip-flops, and sunglasses, which may also contain petroleum. 2) Elevated seawater temperatures may be […]
Opinion
Posted inLetters To The Editor
The Oceano airport needs to evolve
Oceano is a community divided—literally—by a land-heavy, low-utility, extremely costly fixed-wing airport: Oceano Airport L52. So, is closure the best option? We think not. We propose modernization over maintenance. It’s an option that will take us past the same tired story of Oceano being abused by wealthier interests with a blind eye to the environment […]
Posted inOpinion
Que syrah!
In no surprise to anyone who followed the mildly controversial roll-out of the Santa Barbara County Vintner’s Association running the county’s winery business improvement district (for a small fee, of course), Flying Goat Cellars finally sued the county over the deal. It could have been Stephen Pepe who pulled the trigger—after all, the Clos Pepe […]
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc Fire Department’s unresolved ‘at risk’ conditions will only worsen its service over time
On May 5, the Lompoc City Council received a sobering presentation by interim Fire Chief Kevin Shay. Chief Shay reported that the Lompoc City Fire Department has the two busiest fire stations in Santa Barbara County. The three fire units and nine crew members respond to more than 5,300 calls for service each year—that’s an […]
Posted inOpinion
Jimmy Paulding is a real leader
As a senior registered as No Party Preference, I study the issues and listen carefully to debates and radio interviews. I vote for the candidate, not the political party. Mr. Paulding is the clear winner. He was enthusiastic and well prepared at the League of Women Voters debate forum. Mr. Verdin was bored and only […]
Posted inOpinion
Dead seabirds are the harbingers of apreventable future
I’ve been seeing a lot of dead seabirds on Pismo Beach lately. Most of them were common murres—those handsome black birds with white throats and stout, black beaks. There were also some dead cormorants, and even a whimbrel, with its long downcurved bill. As I walked up the beach carrying my surfboard, I counted seven […]
Posted inOpinion
Spiritual problems
Now might be the time for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to take a long hard look at the way St. Joseph High School Principal Erinn Dougherty has managed the Orcutt Catholic school over the past eight years. Dougherty’s on administrative leave pending a decision the archdiocese will make after reviewing what she told students—allegedly—while […]
Posted inOpinion
Local veterans shouldn’t have to prove that their illnesses are a direct result of their service
National Military Appreciation Month—celebrated every May—serves as a reminder of Americans’ commitment to honoring the sacrifices and contributions of troops and their families in Santa Barbara County, California, and beyond. Through an array of events, communities come together to express gratitude to those who willingly devoted their lives to safeguard the nation. But what has […]
Posted inOpinion
Vote for Supervisor Paulding
I’m a 13-year resident of Nipomo, which has no city government. The SLO County Board of Supervisors is very important, as this is our only political representation. Jimmy Paulding continues to be my choice as our South County supervisor. He is honest, hardworking, well informed by involvement with citizens to work on county problems. He […]
Posted inOpinion
My vote is with Adam Verdin
Public safety is the most fundamental duty of county government, yet it often feels like our law enforcement and firefighters are being asked to do more with less. When our first responders lack the resources they need, it’s a failure of accountability by the SLO County Board of Supervisors. Adam Verdin has made public safety […]
Posted inOpinion
Defecation station
Is there a way to have a civilized discussion about excrement and urine? The city of Solvang attempted it—but giggles ruled the day. Because you can’t talk about bodily functions with turning into a child. Apparently, it’s legal in that city to do your business in a public space because there aren’t any rules in […]
Posted inOpinion
Lompoc City Council has a potentially costly rebate program audit and investigation on its hands
The city of Lompoc, like almost every other government from the federal level down to small towns like ours, has a problem managing how tax money is distributed to folks applying for rebates, grants, or any other form of government subsidy. This time it’s Lompoc’s conservation rebate program that’s being examined for what some think […]
