What a mess. Blame it on Republican deregulation if it makes you feel better. Who was in charge? All indicators point to Democrats. However, both parties are to blame, mostly “liberal” Democrats. The finger has rightfully been pointed to Wall Street by both irresponsible parties, Fannie May and Freddie Mac included, for making careless loans. […]
Opinion
In the future, go absentee
If you are as sick as I am of listening to the constant political rhetoric as election time nears, here is the solution: We all should register absentee ballots, pass a federal law that says “as soon as all the absentee ballots are in, the election is over.” Then we will no longer have to […]
What’s the worst bicycle accident you’ve been in?
Brenda Lee mother “Ran into the back of a car and hit my ‘personal area.’ What’s worse, I hit the same car in the same spot two weeks later.” Lewis Height retired from Shell Oil “Never had a bike. I grew up during the Depression.” Mary Height retiree “I fell off my granddaughter’s bike and […]
John MacKinnon will bring change, here and now
As Election Day nears, we may all agree great leadership is needed now more than ever before. The call for change rings louder and louder in my ears as each presidential candidate exclaims he’s the “one change” that will address the challenging problems we face. As I see it, a “change” we need to make […]
Jed Beebe is qualified, committed, and a beautiful musician
Jed Beebe is running for judge of the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County. Over the last 10 years, I’ve worked with him and known him personally, as a friend and a neighbor. If elected, Jed will be a remarkable judge. With more than 30 years of legal experience, including the last 18 years as […]
Vote no on Measure A and its new tax
On the ballot is Measure A, a proposed 30-year tax. Measure A is on the ballot because Measure D, passed many years ago to fund roads as a temporary tax, is about to expire. Some have said that Measure A is not a new tax. As noted above, Measure D is temporary and about to […]
Have you ever done any volunteer work?
Nancy Slattery retiree “I painted 23 pairs of cowboy boots for SLO Hospice.” Gene Slattery part-time math teacher “I volunteered to be a gunner’s mate during World War II.” Nancy Gruenberger student “[I] answered phones for KGDP Christian Radio.” Mike Andrendakis photographer “[I did] missionary work for the LDS Church.”
Remember American Hoovervilles
The Great Depression made a lasting impression on our family and many American families. Farming in middle America, my mother’s family had just lost my grandfather when bad times hit. Grandmother, unable to keep farming, and my mother, who was forced to quit school, went to work sewing in one of President Franklin Roosevelt’s make-work […]
What’s your favorite drink?
Debbie Jo Scruggs fitness manager “Margarita. It’s the girliest drink that gets me f—d up.” Jean Teran substitute teacher “Red wine. For health reasons.” Joy Greenwood Costco employee “Rancho Sisquoc Cabernet. I like the taste.” Tammy Stokes cook “Coors Lite. Because it’s made in the Rockies.”
Explain conservatives to me
I’m a little confused. Would someone please explain to me what exactly a “conservative” conserves? What can they lay their hands on and say, “This is what we stand for”—is it the American way of life? That question only raises these questions: Which Americans? And what “way of life?” I always understood that to be […]
‘The angry left’
The president spoke of the “angry left” during his convention speech the other day. I cannot speak for all, but I am angry. I am angry because at the end of your two terms as “steward” of the country, you leave us and our children and grandchildren with a $10 trillion debt. I am angry […]
Do you have some problem with Lompoc?
I write this letter with great concern. I have never had a reason to contact any editor of any newspaper to complain of the unprofessional ethics and insensitivity of an article that was allowed to be printed in their newspaper. This is a first for me—but I feel that it is absolutely necessary that you […]

