I have to agree with Aaron Ochs’ opinion piece on 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg (“SLO County Supervisor Ortiz-Legg missed the mark by honoring Mike Brown,” May 15). No one who deliberately and continuously disrupts a public meeting should be applauded. Ms. Ortiz-Legg represents the district where I reside, but she certainly does not represent my opinions. She lost my vote and confidence when she voted to approve the Dana Reserve, destroying more than 4,000 mature oak trees and the habitat they helped to preserve. How many habitats like this do we have to give up? Can it be replaced? Why couldn’t the developer modify his plans?
I also believe 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding was wrong to request an exemption for fireworks sales in Oceano (“Oceano residents asked to be carved out of new county fireworks ordinance,” May 15). While the church he wants to support uses the fireworks money for a good cause, it is also very dangerous. You have a church selling something that is dangerous, no matter what they call it (safe and sane) to the environment and to people, especially children.
We live in an area that is extremely dry in July, almost anything can set off a dangerous fire. Everything in our environment and world is changing, so why not change the way we celebrate our Independence Day. Why isn’t it enough to have parades, good food, music, friends, and allow the professionals to set off the fireworks? Sometimes common sense needs to prevail.
Sharon Roberts
San Luis Obispo
This article appears in May 29 – Jun 8, 2025.