Cover Story
Turkey Day the SLO County way
Why did the pilgrim’s pants fall down? Because he wore his buckle on his hat. Ah, the collective groan. Doesn’t that feel better? After all, # Thanksgiving is among our hokiest of holidays, the time of year when people gather to overeat and thank their higher power of choice for their good fortune. No gifts,…
There’s horse-trading going on at the White House
Whereas the media has begun to echo the White House version of Rumsfeld’s departure (i.e. “The Decider decided”), no doubt the new Dem leadership had a lot to do with it. In fact, it’s not difficult to imagine Pelosi, Reid, and others in a conference call with Bush, Cheney, and Rove, in which the new…
Northern (County) exposure
North County outdoor enthusiasts have a new reason to rejoice: Coastal Outfitters, an outdoor-equipment store north of the grade, opened its doors close to a year ago. Now, with feet firmly planted, the shop wants to be your source for hard-to-find items, special orders, and the cutting edge in outdoor equipment. Owner James Crow, an…
Raise your glass for water treatment operators and more
Thanks to Kathy Johnston for a nice article about drinking water (“The secret life of water,” Nov. 16). It was a pleasure to talk with her recently about this important topic. I would like to make sure that your readers know about the critical role that our water treatment operators have in producing the clean,…
Homelessness is a death sentence
There have been numerous hard-hitting, well-researched stories in New Times that point to great human and civil injustices in Paradise. Reader response to these very wrenching, human stories is either angry justifications for the inequity or apathy. The “them or us” rationalizations in “Homeless story shouldn’t have attacked hospitals” (Nov. 16) sadly encourage inhumanity and…
Look at today’s savages
I thought the Dark Ages were over. Any church that rails against homosexuality has blood on its hands for the beating, murder, and suicide of gay and lesbian youth. The recent Catholic church’s as well as others’ condemnation of homosexuality perpetuates the approval of this bloodshed. I have been to Native American Indian religious ceremonies.…
Bad vibrations
An 8.1 magnitude quake offshore of the Japanese island of Etorofu prompted a tsunami advisory in Hawaii and parts of the Pacific coastline, but, fearing a panic, the National Weather Service retracted the advisory at 6:45 a.m. on Nov. 18. A few hours later, a tidal surge struck California. The only reported damage occurred in…
Atascadero planning commissioner resigns
Atascadero Planning Commissioner Bob Kelley resigned on Nov. 10, three days after losing his bid for a seat on the Atascadero City Council. Kelley placed third out of four candidates behind Mayor Tom O’Malley and Planning Commissioner Ellen Beraud. “The City Council has done a 180, and there is no reason for me to stay,”…
You need to get out more
To all you clueless people like Chris Von Der Lohe (“You’ve saved us a trip,” Nov. 16): The lifestyle of Orange County started with Madonna and his Home Depot. I think you need to get out more and enjoy the butterflies. Steve Moulter San Luis Obispo
The Democrats are dreaming
If the Dems think that they can rely on Lieberman to vote for withdrawal from Iraq, or to put legislative pressure on the administration and, in turn, Israel to seek a negotiated settlement to the Palestinian conflict, they are dreaming. Lieberman has consistently backed right-wingers in this country and Israel who opt for military solutions…
Holidays challenge blood centers
It’s not a shortage, so don’t call it that. There’s no crisis, so try not to use that word, either. In fact, according to at least one press release from United Blood Services, the “local blood supply is currently ample and steady.” Great, right? Well, maybe not. Despite the current donation levels, the blood situation…
Some people treat bikes and cars differently
In defense of Kylie Mendonca’s “Bike tickets are lame” (Nov. 9), it is not so outlandish to consider how traffic laws could apply differently to the automobile, the bicycle, and the pedestrian. Others do. Google “Idaho bike laws” and look at No. 49-720. It reads “A person operating a bicycle … approaching a stop sign…
Bird may not be the word
This is something like a public service announcement from your friendly, neighborhood Shredder. I could tell you to quit smoking. I could tell you to Just say no. I could tell you to flex your power by shutting your lights off when you’re not in the room, or to buckle up even if you’re just…
Thanks for the photo contest memories
This was my first time entering the contest, and I only did so at the last minute due to the persistence of my wife, Mary. Your staff really went all out to make the event a memorable occasion. I was impressed by the many images that were displayed, and understand there were more than 500…
Police shoot mountain lion in downtown SLO
# A San Luis Obispo Police officer standing on the roof of a residence at 1031 Walnut St. shot a mountain lion shortly before 8 a.m. on Nov. 17. Earlier that morning, the young male cat was sighted behind the San Luis Obispo City Hall and around the intersection of Peach and Osos streets. Police…
Party activities lead to arrest
Sheriff’s deputies arrested Troy McGee, 18, on suspicion of felony vandalism after he allegedly struck an unidentified victim’s car with a shovel on Nov. 18 at around 4 a.m., said Sheriff’s Commander Robin Weckerly. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the victim attempted to attend a party at 4310 North River Road in rural Paso Robles…
Los Osos must fight for an affordable solution
As SLO County is about to take over the dreaded Los Osos sewer plan again, I have to ask myself some questions. Why should I vote for a tax assessment on my home when the amount is absolutely unaffordable per month? I refuse to tax myself out of my home! How will the local economy…
Offshore drilling near Vandenberg could pose safety risk
The proposed offshore expansion of an oil drilling operation near Vandenberg Air Force Base could pose a serious risk to the environment, according to a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) recently released by Santa Barbara County. Houston-based Plains, Exploration, and Production Company (PXP) is seeking state and county approval to expand the Point Pedernales Project,…
Don’t kid yourself about Congress
Some people may think that the election will bring about necessary changes in government policy, the war will end, the mistakes that have been made will be rectified. Don’t kid yourself! Newly elected members of Congress are already preparing to make as few changes as possible. They are going for “bipartisanship.” The margin of power…
Congratulations, drive-by media
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, the subversive drive-by media were finally successful in the defeat of the Republican Party in both the House and Senate. This has been a sustained battle since 1994, when the Republicans took control of Congress. The drive-by media, in association with the communistic Democratic Party, distorted the news daily in order…
Porn debate piques interest of thousands
On Nov. 16, Ron Jeremy, perhaps the most famous adult film star in history, and hip, young, online pastor Craig Gross met at Cal Poly’s Chumash Auditorium to sort out the fact and fiction, the hype and horror surrounding the adult film industry. Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) hosted the debate as part of a True…
Stop gloating and do something
Democrats! This is no time for gloating. Get off your fannies and get our young men and women out of the Middle East. For every death, 10 other of our military people are maimed for life! It is past time to stop pointing fingers. Get us out of that no-win situation pronto! Roy Berger Arroyo…
