Those obviously conservative readers who took offense to my Nov. 18 commentary concerning the 500-pound gorilla (the budget of the defense department) obviously missed something. In the article, I cited a quote from Donald Rumsfeld—you know, the Secretary of Defense in the Bush Administration—who in essence said the Pentagon and its costs are among the […]
More people than me are worried about the gorilla
Posted inOpinion
Check your family tree
After reading Justin M. Ruhge’s opinion letter (“Sophisticated defense doesn’t come cheap,” Dec. 2) I felt compelled to submit a response. Mr. Ruhge’s proclamations were some of the most ignorant, misguided statements I have read in some time. Mr. Ruhge makes a number of offensive assertions, including accusations that “The Muslims have been the menace […]
Posted inOpinion
This is why the rest of the world hates Americans
Regarding “Sophisticated defense doesn’t come cheap” by Justin Ruhge (Dec. 2): As a Canadian traveling through the area, I was appalled by the statements made in this letter and the fact it was even published. “The Muslims must be defeated with focus and determination by freedom-loving people in the world.” How do you “defeat” a […]
Posted inOpinion
Beware peacocks parading as patriots
I’m glad Mr. Ruhge is retired from his 40-year military and aerospace career. Good riddance. In his Dec. 2 letter (“Sophisticated defense doesn’t come cheap”), he repeatedly exhibits an odious and blatant religious bigotry against adherents to Islam and an ideology constituting a threat to our national security. He conjures “The Muslim threat to the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Clubs & Meetings
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS for men meets in San Luis Obispo and Grover Beach. Men interested in attending may contact representatives: 550-6718 or not_moses@fastmail.fm. ALL-AMERICAN QUILTERS’ GUILD meets […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Spiritual
BAHA’I interfaith worship services are the second Sunday of each month. Info: 489-4172. Children’s classes are the first Saturday of each month. Info: 937-9451. Study circles about The Life of the Spirit are ongoing in Santa Maria. For questions, dates, and times: 614-0963. Info: 937-9451. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH holds worship services Sundays with Holy Communion […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Farmers Markets
SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and bee pollen, breads and pastries, plants and flower bouquets, fresh fruits and vegetables. ORCUTT Corner of Clark and Bradley, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh honey, flowers, and eggs, along with fresh fruits and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Barbecues
ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include tri-tip, chicken, beef kabobs, chicken adobo, salad, rice, and bread. Meals cost $6. Info: 922-3422 or 922-3799. FILIPINO CATHOLIC SOCIETY, under the direction of St. Mary’s Church and St. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Health
ONGOING THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR BALANCE AND HEALING offers free energy balancing sessions from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Sierra Vista Hospital, 1010 Murray Ave., SLO. Info: 438-4347 or globalalliance.ws. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meeting the first Monday of each […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Art
THE LOMPOC MUSEUM presents “All Aboard: America’s Romance with Railroading,” featuring historic photographs, railroad memorabilia, vintage model train cars and structures, and a working model railroad through Jan. 2 , Lompoc Museum, 200 South H St., Lompoc. More info: 736-3888, lompocmuseum@verizon.net. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the exhibit “The Pull of the Past” featuring […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Learning
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the Valley Speaks with Victor Tognazzini and his program “Scene Around Santa Maria” Dec. 11 11 a.m., Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S McClelland St., Santa Maria. More info: 925-0994, Ext. 117, dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Attempting to Understand Chinese Culture; My Trip to China” with […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Recreation
MEGA HOLIDAY ICE SKATING features a real outdoor ice rink with skates to rent, music, and holiday ambiance Dec. 10 through Jan. 9 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Santa Maria Town Center, Broadway and Cook Street, Santa Maria. More info: 260-2247, kstegall7@yahoo.com. ONGOING A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE with four-on-four teams, no […]