For several years, politicians in Sacramento have used smoke and mirrors to hide the serious problems facing California’s economy. We’ve seen too many clever accounting tricks, slick press conferences, and empty promises. With unemployment at a nation-leading 14 percent and a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall, we need to send someone to the State Legislature who will […]
Katcho can do it
Posted inOpinion
Like footballer, like lieutenant governor
Abel Maldonado blaming his aged father and family for delinquent income tax leans makes about as much sense as Reggie Bush blaming his father for living in a house rent free. At least Reggie Bush returned his Heisman Trophy.
Posted inOpinion
We need Dirk Starbuck on the Lompoc City Council
I am voting for Dirk Starbuck for the Lompoc City Council. Dirk is a fourth-generation Lompocan who graduated from Lompoc High School prior to spending 20 years in the Navy defending our country. He returned to Lompoc and opened a small business: The Muffler Shop. Dirk is committed to Lompoc; he loves his hometown and […]
Posted inOpinion
We must protect American citizens
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer asked President Obama to do his job, put 10,000 military troops on Arizona borders to stop illegal immigration, drug cartels, and thugs from every undesirable Third World country coming in to the USA—including those who want to kill Americans: white, brown, black, yellow; color doesn’t matter. All Americans could be a […]
Posted inNews
All in a year’s work
It’s already been a year since the inception of the Santa Barbara County Youth Corps; to celebrate, members are going to be throwing quite the anniversary party. The events will recognize the achievements of Youth Corps members at the organization’s three Santa Barbara County sites. “It’s an opportunity for the corps members to show what […]
Posted inOpinion
Who’s your favorite explorer, fictional or real?
Marty Walsh business management “Captain Kirk, to go where no man’s gone before—he’s the ultimate explorer.” Barbara Walsh explorer “Myself. That’s why we’re here: to explore.” Hailey Jimenez explorer aficionado “Dora the Explorer.” Angelina Jimenez caretaker “Moses, because he went to unknown territory unafraid.”
Posted inNews
Tales from the underground
At 6:11 p.m. on the afternoon of Sept. 9 in San Bruno, all hell broke loose. At that moment, a natural gas line burst in the Bay Area city, igniting a fireball that incinerated a neighborhood of 37 homes and killed eight people. It also prompted a firestorm of scrutiny for the state’s entire network […]
Posted inNews
Hobnobbing With Helen
At a few minutes after 5:30 p.m., all is quiet and serene on the Santa Maria Country Club’s gorgeous, pristine golf course. The fleet of electric golf carts has returned to the garage. After a hard day on the hot links, golfers enjoy cold drinks in the bar. Then, everyone flocks to the veranda. All […]
Posted inNews
Community Notebook 10.07
TUESDAY, OCT. 12 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 511 E. Lakeside Parkway, suite 141, Santa Maria. Agendas are available at santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Guadalupe City Council has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in […]
Posted inNews
Authorities reveal identity of suspected Santa Margarita homicide victim
San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department officials have released the identity of the suspected homicide victim found on Sept. 26 by firefighters responding to a brushfire on Parkhill Road off Highway 58 in Santa Margarita. The body of Santa Maria resident Dystiny Myers, 15, was burned beyond recognition, but authorities were able to identify the remains […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch 10.07
Santa Maria City Council member Mike Cordero announced recently in a press release his decision to endorse candidate Terri Zuniga for a seat on the Santa Maria City Council. “Terri knows this community well and has spent her life serving those in need. Her ability to reach out to youth and families in crisis to […]
Posted inNews
Locals want hate to stop
In the early morning hours of Sept. 16, so the reports say, 24-year-old Curtis Martin knocked on the window of the Denny’s Restaurant on East Main Street in Santa Maria to ask if he could use the bathroom. The restaurant was closed for maintenance, but a Denny’s employee reportedly came outside to talk to him. […]