I applaud the Parks and Recreation Commission considering banning tobacco products in our parks. Parks are frequented by families, especially those with small children. Children are influenced in various ways by secondhand smoke. Not only is the smoke an issue, there are cigarette butts which are also a nuisance. Most of our parks are also […]
Opinion
Posted inOpinion
Proposition 49 works
Legislators want to cut funding that improves kids’ academic skills and reduces crime
Six years ago, California voters passed Proposition 49, which created thousands of new after-school programs, invested in public safety, and guaranteed that funding would not be subject to political whims. However, the State Legislature is now attempting to repeal Proposition 49, through another ballot initiative. At risk are more than 3,800 after-school programs that keep […]
Posted inOpinion
What is the best thing you’ve done with your time this summer?
May Silvio cashier “I enrolled for classes early.” Danielle Del Valle store manager “I went to a Queen Mary tattoo convention.” George Cann retired “We planted a little garden and played with our great-grandchildren.” Chris Wise manager “I’m going to a concert in San Francisco: Rock the Bells.”
Posted inOpinion
Civilize society: Overhaul taxes
Arroyo Grande
John McCain, in one of his recent campaign speeches, claimed that, by the end of his presidency, he will have won the war in Iraq, balanced the budget, and brought Osama bin Laden to justice. All this will have been accomplished without raising taxes. First, what we’ve had in Iraq for the last five years […]
Posted inOpinion
Thanks from the Indians
Santa Maria Indians C.E.O.
As the Santa Maria Indians’ 65th season draws to a close, we would like to thank all of the Tribes’ supporters from around the county for your continued support. The Indians, as many know, are the longest-running semi-pro baseball team in California, and one of only two teams from the Golden State to win the […]
Posted inOpinion
Legalize – and tax – marijuana
Nipomo
The so-called “War on Drugs” in regards to marijuana has failed. We spend a fortune on trying to control it, while at the same time filling our overcrowded prisons with inmates. The only thing that has resulted from all this attempt at control has made growing it very lucrative—one plant is worth $4,000. Marijuana has […]
Posted inOpinion
Extend compassion to more than dogs and cats
Santa Maria
As a veterinarian, I consider my role to be that of an advocate for all animals. As such, I was very disappointed by the article “Opposition groups say Proposition 2 is something to cluck about” (July 31). Proposition 2 is a very modest initiative to improve the welfare of those animals most of us would […]
Posted inOpinion
Who’s your least favorite superhero?
Vince LaRocco firefighter “I would say Batman. I never took to him.” Katherine Carbone office manager “Batman. He seems depressing.” RaeVen Washington-Richardson student “Batman’s sidekick, Robin. His clothes are not good.” David Post sales person “The Incredible Hulk. He doesn’t have a cool air.”
Posted inOpinion
We could get a two-for-one change
Arroyo Grande
When Barack Obama becomes president, wouldn’t it be great if he declares he is becoming a Muslim, thereby breaking two stupid prejudice barriers?
Posted inOpinion
Make Santa Maria’s arts community more visible
Santa Maria
I am a freelance writer who contributes to the Sun, but as a visual artist I want to say that I appreciated Shelly Cone’s piece (“Where is the art?”) in the July 17 issue. I particularly want to applaud Craig Shafer’s comment: “I don’t care if you’re blue collar, white collar, or blue blood, it’s […]
Posted inOpinion
The world needs a well-though-out energy plan
Lompoc
T. Boone Pickens’ investments to solve the oil crisis will do nothing to provide more, cheaper gasoline for the 200 million cars in the United States. Only more oil development will solve that problem. All power sources pollute in some way. Which pollutes the least and is the easiest to manage is the question and […]
Posted inOpinion
Sun freelancer was a delight on the diamond
Seattle
My name is Jim “Woody” Roland, who John so kindly mentioned in his Fantasy Camp story (“It’s never too late to play ball,” July 24). Just wanted to say that John was a delight to spend time with over the weekend. His enthusiasm in participating and covering the game as a writer for the Sun […]
