Say, do you plan to vote in the primary elections? I’m voting for Ron Paul, a Republican. We have open primaries in California, so anyone can vote for any party. He wants to legalize all drugs! He’s got my vote. The only way to successfully “end the war on drugs” is to legalize them all. […]
Vote for Ron Paul; win the war on drugs
Posted inOpinion
Vote for someone willing to take on the Federal Reserve
The last president to stand up to the Federal Reserve was President Kennedy in 1963, when he signed Executive Order 11110, which is still in effect today, but has been ignored by all U.S. presidents since then. I encourage anyone who is reading this to do a quick Internet search of who owns the Federal […]
Posted inOpinion
Protest Santa Maria’s proposed rate increases
Via a recent mailing as required by Proposition 218, the city of Santa Maria has notified me and other property owners and tenants of their intent to increase our water and sewer rates by 16 percent over the next three years. Details were not given in the mailing that would justify raising our rates at […]
Posted inNews
Under pressure
They’re often hailed as heroes facing extraordinary dangers to save others from harm’s way. But after the fanfare dies down, they’re left with only the stark reminder of the fragility of life and the memory of things that most people never have to see in their lifetimes. Sometimes, there’s no recognition for their efforts. Sometimes, […]
Posted inNews
Chief under fire
As the city struggles to make sense of the death of Albert Covarrubias Jr.—the third on-duty Santa Maria police officer shot by colleagues in less than two months—some community members are saying enough is enough. Culminating a week of rapidly evolving developments, the public had its first chance to address city leaders on Feb. 7. […]
Posted inNews
What do you do with a problem like LHCDC?
The Lompoc Warming Center lives up to its name. It’s a cold, blustery weeknight in mid-January. As the winter daylight wanes, people slowly trudge through the center’s doors. Each person is bundled in a thick coat or parka and a fuzzy hat or gloves. [image-2] “It looks like we’re going to get some rain,” says […]
Posted inOpinion
What is your favorite restaurant?
Laury Leman outside sales “I like lots of places, because I like food. [I] would have to say Pepper Garcia’s at the airport.” Kathi Peoples chief of Motion Media, Vandenberg Air Force Base “We don’t go out a lot, but I love the Hitching Post.” Dawn Guggia “Grandy. That means grandma!” “Trattoria Uliveto in Orcutt […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
What’s on Deck?
Thursday, Feb. 9 Boys’ Basketball Orcutt Academy @ North County Christian TBA Boys’ Soccer Lompoc @ Morro Bay 3:30 p.m. Santa Ynez @ Templeton 5:30 p.m. Girls’ Basketball Orcutt Academy @ Cabrillo TBA Girls’ Soccer Morro Bay @ Lompoc 3:30 p.m. Templeton @ Santa Ynez 5:30 p.m. Girls’ Water […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
On the roster
• Los Flores Ranch Nature Walks: Starting Feb. 11, Santa Maria residents will be able to experience Los Flores Ranch Park for free, with guided nature walks held the second Saturday of each month. The walks start promptly at 9 a.m. and are approximately two hours in length. Participants will learn about oak trees, plant […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Undefeated welterweight headlines next ShoBox
Showtime Boxing announced Puerto Rican welterweight Thomas Dulorme would be headlining the next edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, held Feb. 17 at Chumash Casino. Dulorme (13-0, 10 KO) will face 27-year-old Mexican Jose Reynoso (15-3-1, 2 KO) in the night’s main event. The eight-round televised opener matches middleweights Michael Oliveria (16-0, 12 KO) of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Try out for soccer club
The Coastal Valley Soccer Club (CVSC) will be holding several tryouts for potential players in the Central Coast Soccer League (CCSL) and Coast Soccer League (CSL) until March 3. Open tryouts for boys ages 9 to 17 will be held 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 11, 25, and March 3 at Crossroads Field on […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Special Olympics kicks off
The Special Olympics Northern Santa Barbara County is preparing for its spring/summer sports season in Santa Maria and Lompoc, offering aquatics, track and field, basketball, bocce ball, and golf. The free programs are designed to allow people with intellectual disabilities to develop physical fitness, social skills, and increased self-esteem. Athletes must be at least 8 […]