Central Coast News Mission (CCNM)

Strength In Numbers: Central Coast Unions

2010-07-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

California has long been the place where immigrants arrived from other countries looking to improve their life. In the 1860's, Chinese laborers built much of our state's mountainous railroad tracks and tunnels.

Central coast labor news today often centers on agricultural workers. Fieldworkers are exposed to methyl bromide in the strawberry fields. Many are Latinos and some are labeled "illegal" immigrants.

Other trades have Central Coast union representation, among them plumbers, carpenters, sheet metal workers, painters, engineers, pipe tradesmen and plasterers.

There are labor-related organizations with a state-wide service area which make policy affecting our local labor activity. You may never have heard of some of these before.

The Public Employment Relations Board is a quasi-judicial administrative agency charged with administering the collective bargaining statutes covering employees of California's public schools, colleges, and universities, employees of the State of California, employees of California local public agencies (cities, counties and special districts), trial court employees and supervisory employees of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Unions listed here are located in the Tri-county area:

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) central coast, representing construction management.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) representing building trades workers in San Luis Obispo and Ventura.

The California Applicants' Attorneys Association (CAAA) a statewide group dedicated to the protection of rights and benefits of California's injured and disabled workers and their families.

SBCTC: State Building & Construction Trades Council of California provide apprenticeship and training programs statewide.

Tri-Counties SMACNA Sheet Metal Contractors Trade Association

AFL: CIO!

IGC: LaborNet Directory

IUPAT representing over 140,000 members in the construction industry, such as, Painters, Drywall Finishers, Glaziers, Floor Coverers, and Sign and Display workers.

Sheet Metal Workers International Association, Union Local 273, Goleta

United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters

Pipe Trades Association

Laborers Locals, in Tri-County area

California Pipe Trades State Council

Plasterers & Cement Masons CA State Conference

Welcome to IBEW Local Union No.952, Ventura

Ted Kennedy Buried; Next Generation Heeds Call

2009-08-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

During a light afternoon rain shower, according to the New York Times: "The nation said final farewell on Saturday to Edward M. Kennedy, who used his privileged life to give consistent, passionate voice to the underprivileged for nearly a half-century as a United States senator from Massachusetts. He was the only one of four fabled Kennedy brothers to reach late adulthood, and he was remembered for making the most of it."

It is a testament to this last of the Kennnedy's in high public office that his eulogy was presented by our president, Barack Obama. Ted Kennedy's endorsement of Obama's candidacy was a moment where the "torch" was passed to Obama and the next generation. You knew it when it happened.

Some will say this wraps up the "Camelot" theme of the post-WWII Kennedy's. Yet Ted's own words live on, echoing even today, "the dream shall never die."

HR 3200 Helps North San Luis Obispo

2009-08-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Our final look at how our government can help us in north San Luis Obispo county via the House Resolution (HR 3200) also titled "America’s Affordable Health Choices Act."

Affordable is the keyword. It would provide significant benefits in the 22nd Congressional District represented by Congressman Kevin McCarthy. The district spans north San Luis Obispo county across to most of Kern county.

Up to 12,200 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees;

10,200 seniors would avoid the donut hole in Medicare Part D;

1,300 families could escape bankruptcy each year due to unaffordable health care costs; health care providers would receive payment for $48 million in uncompensated care each year and

107,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to high-quality, affordable health insurance.

A note about financial security. There have been 1,300 health care-related bankruptcies in the district in 2008, caused primarily by the health care costs not covered by insurance. The bill provides health insurance for almost every American and caps annual out-of-pocket costs at $10,000 per year, ensuring that no citizen will have to face financial ruin because of high health care costs.

Coverage of the uninsured? There are 130,000 uninsured individuals in the district, 17% of the district. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nationwide, 97% of all Americans will have insurance coverage when the bill takes effect. If this benchmark is reached in the district, 107,000 people who currently do not have health insurance will receive coverage.

Best of all, there's no deficit spending. The cost of health care reform under the legislation is fully paid for: half through making the Medicare and Medicaid program more efficient and half through a surtax on the income of the wealthiest individuals.

This surtax would affect only 2,710 households in the district. So less than one percent of all people living in this district would pay a little more to share the benefits this country has shared with them. 99.1% of all taxpayers in the district would not be affected by the surtax.

Surely these 2700 people (.9%) could have it in their heart to follow in the steps of the Great Healer and help those less fortunate than themselves. They might even smile more for having done a good deed for their fellow man--a deed which will last a long, long time.

HR 3200 Benefits For 24th Congressional District

2009-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here's the second summary of HR 3200 benefits for those of us fortunate to live on the Central Coast inside the blue line of the 24th Congressional District.

668,099 (est.) of your neighbors are represented by Congressman Elton Gallegly in this district, spanning from north Santa Barbara county (Lompoc) to Ventura and some of L.A. counties. Benefits for you:

Up to 15,000 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees;

10,000 seniors would avoid the donut hole in Medicare Part D;

1,000 families could escape bankruptcy each year due to unaffordable health care costs;

Health care providers would receive payment for $48 million in uncompensated care each year and

64,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to high-quality, affordable health insurance.

How do we pay for this? The cost of health care reform under the legislation is fully paid for: half through making the Medicare and Medicaid program more efficient and half through a surtax on the income of the wealthiest individuals.

That's 2.2% or 6,620 households and here's hoping these high net-worth people will decide the right thing to do is to "pay it forward."

Next: what the facts are in northern San Luis Obispo and the 22nd Congressional District.

HR 3200 Health Care Reform Benefits For You

2009-08-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Some staffers on the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce have been burning the midnight oil to get the facts straight for the Central Coast on HR 3200, also known as "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009."

They have crunched the numbers and for 639,088 people living in Lois Capps' 23rd Congressional District, the coastal areas of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, it breaks down like this:

Up to 15,700 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees;

4,100 seniors would avoid the donut hole in Medicare Part D;

350 families could escape bankruptcy each year due to unaffordable health care costs;

Health care providers would get payment for $50 million in uncompensated care each year and

148,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to high-quality, affordable health insurance.

I'll post what the picture looks like for our other two districts in the next two days. You're welcome!

Arnold: Let's Have A Garage Sale!

2009-08-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Probably had to happen. Call it out-of-the-box thinking or just a desperate move to grab tv time on the networks. The L.A. Times has the details.

Our Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is now using Craigslist and eBay to sell surplus state items. More than 500 state cars are on the auction block. Arnold has even autographed one of the car's visors and it sold for $1,625; the rest of the car went for $.01!

Heck, I'd buy an autographed copy of his 2008 proposed state budget, (even though not one of his original budget proposals has ever been passed without a summer's worth of wrangling.)

What we know in our hearts is this: Arnold makes a much better action movie hero than a governor. In the theater we get what we pay for.

Private Insurers Are The Death Panels

2009-08-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Those people protesting the "Obamacare" health insurance reform probably understand one thing. The private insurers such as UnitedHealth make money by denying treatment. Simple as that.

Here's a story from a syndicated, professional writer, Froma Harrop.

Hers is a heartbreaking story. I'm sure there are other wrenching tales from our neighbors here on the central coast, in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. Big towns, little towns.

The public option must be part of the legislation. Give people the choice to keep their own private insurance--or choose the option. Just ask yourself--can I really afford my health insurance now? Could I afford a 20% rise in cost next year?

You know the answer, the only one, must come from what we pass into legislation this year.

Together We Can Have Better Health Insurance!

2009-08-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

Show this YouTube clip to all of your friends. Then show it to any "tea-bag protesters" you also might know or be, ahem, related to.

Why we need Government-run, universal, socialized health insurance. Since "we" are the government, we can have this, but we have to work for it.

There's a bit of effort involved...much like it took effort to elect Barack which gave us this first chance to improve our life and world. There will be many other opportunities for improvement.

First, this test. Then the lesson follows. Welcome to the big school room of life.

Lois Capps Is Where The Action Is!

2009-08-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Some central coast conservatives question where Lois Capps is in the health care reform debate. Lemme show you:

Little more than ten days ago, on the 13th, Lois and her supporters were gathered at the intersection of Reason St. and Health Care Reform Avenue. Actually the address is in the 300 block of East Carrillo Street, where Capps' office is located.

Demonstrators showed they cared about their neighbors and family members by supporting President Obama's healthcare reform efforts now taking shape in Congress. Those supporting the president outnumbered those opposed.

When will Lois actually meet with the "teabaggers" and other protesters? Capps has stated she intends to hold a community forum in early September, preferably in a church where health care opponents presumably might be less rowdy and boisterous.

Heck, they might even bring their ability to reason and act like adults!

Just ask your parents or grandparents if Medicare and Social Security assistance is something they would prefer to live without. Oh, if your loved one is a veteran, ask if they would care if the Veterans Administration stopped all their health care treatment and prescription drug supply.

Not likely that any of the people you love would give up these successful programs that the governed--you and I and our parents or grandparents--voted to create.

In my case, I'm alive and have post-stroke medication and doctor's appointments at my central coast veterans clinic. Beats pushing daisies!

Does Lompoc Need A Walmart "Superstore?"

2009-08-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

Another question to pose: how many Lompoc grocery stores will close if Walmart expands its own grocery department and creates a "superstore?"

History shows us that's the among the possible consequences if the expansion is allowed. WalmartWatch puts it this way: "...the factor that Lompoc officials have ignored is that another big grocery store will lead to one or two empty grocery stores anyway. The “saturation” in Lompoc is not just liquor licenses---its grocery stores as well, and adding the new supercenter brings no added value to the Lompoc economy."

According to the Lompoc Record, the proposed expansion to a Super Walmart would add 47,000 square feet to the building by growing to the west and the north. Essentially expanding toward the airport. The automotive section would be rebuilt into store space, and the grocery section expanded to offer a wider variety of products.

Take a look at the project information and draft version of the Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) available at the Lompoc Public Library, at City Hall, and on the city’s Web site for review. The public review period ends Sept. 14. Review comments can be sent to Lucille T. Breese at the address shown above or l_breese@ci.lompoc.ca.us.

A scoping meeting, to identify the potential categories of environmental impacts the store expansion might cause, will be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday the 26th, at City Hall.

If enough Lompoc residents respond, the expansion can be stopped.

According to a list released this week by SprawlBusters.com, Wal-Mart Stores has abandoned a record-shattering 45 proposed projects over the past 10 months and another 19 Wal-Mart projects have been killed by local citizen's groups. In total, the world's largest retailer has suffered an historic loss of 64 projects.

During the early 2000s, Wal-Mart had as many as 350 “dark stores” on the market. The number of dead stores today is around 200.

Welcome Lompoc's New Mayor Siminski!

2009-08-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

Now I can stop holding my breath because the Lompoc City Council has named one of its own to fill the empty Mayor's office. On a 3-1 vote, they selected five-term councilman Mike Siminski for the post.

Siminski made it clear during the replacement process that he would not run for mayor in 2010.

The runner-up by (80 votes) in the last mayoral election, John Linn, said he'd continue to seek the city's highest elective office next year.

The tally for mayor last election shows 61.78% of the voters wanted someone other than Dick DeWees for the office. DeWees garnered 38.03% of the vote.

Newsstand Greg with Dave on KVEC 920AM

2009-08-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

From time to time, Dave Congalton invites me to be a guest on his afternoon talk show on AM 920, KVEC. He invited me this week to provide counterpoint to the volatile town hall meetings across the country this month.

The topic: how does using inappropriate language in a public forum affect the discussion of how to reform our current expensive health care system?

This also gives me the moment to introduce replays of my radio call-in comments and later, my own produced podcast episodes, right here!

Does Local Talk Radio Speak For You?

2009-08-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

What do you think of local AM radio? Is there a "hometown" host you listen to? Is there a philosophical spin to the type of talk you prefer? How important is it that listeners can call in? Do facts really matter?

According to published program schedules, with few exceptions*, the central coast has four or fewer hours each weekday anchored by informative, local listener call-in talk show programming. Total: little more than 20 afternoon hours a week.

The Central Coast of California has no local, call-in talk shows scheduled before noon. The out-of-town, big name, nationally syndicated programs are the morning rule on central coast AM radio. Does this really serve your public interest on the public (FCC regulated) airwaves?

Today's talk shows consist of a personality relating his/her own conservative or liberal philosophy. They may or may not take calls. You already know which is more often heard on local radio. Our stations in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria cannot seem to find a way to have a local talk show host for more than four afternoon hours a day.

Santa Barbara has even less--one weekday hour a day--on 1490AM KIST, "The Nick and Paul Show." Ventura county has it four times better with a four-hour local morning show on 1520AM, KVTA.

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*Ed note: San Luis Obispo has it better than most--but in the afternoon. While Dave Congalton is on 920AM KVEC from 3 to 7pm, Bill Benica is talking on 1340AM KYNS from 3 till 5pm.

Could You Pass The US Citizenship Test?

2009-08-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Lately in the broadcast and cable news channels, there is all this "birther" controversy challenging President Obama's birth status and therefore his eligibility to be qualified to hold the highest office in the land. Was Barack Obama born in the USA?

Is the president's birth certificate authentic? All questions about it have been proven false and it's been totally debunked as early as October, 2008, in the Chicago Tribune.

In any event, every US citizen knows the "birth" qualification for the office: “No Person except a natural born citizen, or a Citizen of the United States … shall be eligible to the Office of President.” Acts of Congress in 1790 and 1795 clarify that “the children of citizens of the United States … shall be considered as natural born citizens.”

All Americans are assumed to know the basics of their government and how it works. My question: could you pass the test for US Citizenship?

Go ahead, take the test. You'll be glad you did!

Remembering Dick DeWees

2009-08-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a tribute to the late Mayor, created by Inga McCullough.

Paying My Respects to Mr. DeWees

2009-08-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

The passing of our Lompoc mayor, Dick Dewees, late last Thursday came as a shock to me. He was 61 and had recent heart problems. I met him at a Lompoc Rotary meeting when he was a guest speaker.

The news spread far and wide throughout the state all day Friday. The Lompoc paper Friday edition had already gone to press, so Saturday featured a full front page memorial and condolences.

I did not know the man very well, but I respected his ability to handle the top job and campaign for it as often as he did: six times. He was a jovial man with a warm laugh and will be missed.

At the moment, city leadership continues with the City council which has 30 days to decide how to fill the now vacant mayor's seat. The council can either 1) appoint a new mayor, or 2) vote to spend $120,000 for a special election.

Councilwoman Ann Ruhge was quoted in the Lompoc Record issue dated July 19, saying that she "is seriously considering making a run for mayor." (At the moment, KSBY is the only news organization calling Mrs. Ruhge, Lompoc's "mayor pro-tem.")

Ruhge also stated she would not oppose Mayor DeWees if he should decide to run again. The 2010 city election is 16 months from now.

Central Coast Bank Bailout Picture

2009-07-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

Since we looked (last January) at the California and central coast banks on the receiving end of taxpayer bailout money, the list has expanded to 75 institutions.

Is your bank on this list? You might like to "work with them" on a new car loan or home down payment, knowing they have the money to lend.

They are lending, aren't they?

Atascadero: Santa Lucia Bancorp, $4 million

Goleta: Community West Bancshares, $15.6 million
Ojai: Ojai Community Bank, $2.1 million
Paso Robles: Heritage Oaks Bancorp, $21 million
San Luis Obispo: Mission Community Bancorp, $5.1 million
Santa Barbara: Pacific Capital Bancorp, $180.6 million
Simi Valley: Bank of America, NA, Mortgage servicer, $804.4 million
Simi Valley: Countrywide Home Loan Servicing, $5.2 billion
Thousand Oaks: California Oaks State Bank, $3.3 million

The total bailout committed to California-based institutions is $33.7 billion, which is 5.9% of the total bailout so far committed.

In January we counted five central coast banks accepting federal help.

Now, two California banks which accepted bailout money last December and January, have already returned it to the taxpayers.

Bank of Marin Bancorp got their $28 million bailout check last December, 2008; they returned it March 31, 2009. First ULB Corp received $4.9 million on January 23 and refunded it to the US Treasury April 22 of this year.

State Of Labor On Central Coast

2009-01-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

It's always good to start the New Year with a firm grasp of last year's economic facts for the state of California.

Unemployment and Labor statistics, for example. How bad or how good is the jobless rate? What's the change since last year? The US Bureau of Labor provides a handy reference in their website. The data is fresh from their October, 2008 tabulations.

Here's the info for the Central Coast. To make easier for you, I've set the following three links:

Santa Barbara-Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura.

The 100 Mile Per Gallon California Car

2009-01-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

The American auto industry may be in the throes of its reinvention, over the next painful transition years. But here's my bit to help us all through it.

Look on the bright side--there's an entrepreneurial, start-up car company that makes today what Detroit may not manage ever to do.

Build the 100 mpg car! It is the Aptera and is priced in the mid-$20,000 range; it's a winner.

One of Detroit's Big three could buy this company and make the car for the national market.

On second thought, Aptera would be better to stay away from the old mindset of Detroit. This is a complete reinvention of the automobile, from top to bottom, complete with a new company culture.

The inventors are headquartered in Vista, California and produce the composite body parts in Carlsbad, California. What fun and only from the west coast!

(I don't drive one of these yet, but would not turn down the opportunity to represent the manufacturer if asked.)

2009: Newest Bank Bailout News

2009-01-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Day! And an even happier new year for some bankers on the central coast.

Curious to know which central coast banks are getting federal "bailout" money? Here's a list, courtesy ProPublica.org:

>> Santa Lucia Bancorp, Atascadero: $4 million.
>> Pacific Capital Bank Santa Barbara, operating First Bank of San Luis Obispo: $188 million.
>> Community West Bancshares, Goleta: $15.6 million.
>> California Oaks State Bank, Thousand Oaks: $3.3 million.
>> Mission Community Bancorp, San Luis Obispo: $5.1 million.

Source material also from: US Department of the Treasury; Bloomberg; Dow Jones; and the companies.

Toasting The New Year!

2008-12-31T17:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you for visiting the NewsMission this year!

There will be more posts and perhaps even news will be reported here for the first time.

My resolution is to pour more into the CCNM and give you better reasons to keep coming back. This will be a year of change and rebuilding, locally and nationally.

What is your biggest New Year's resolution for 2009?

Lompoc's Hidden Value: LompocNet

2008-12-30T09:56:00.000-08:00

The big headline in the paper this morning screams Lompoc's Wi-Fi Internet service is losing money. Could there be a another side to the story?

Read it, do the math and you'll know there's only one conclusion. 750 more customers are needed for our municipal internet service to break even!

More advertising to reach potential customers about this value will get more sign-ups. More info here.

Following my own inspiration to support "local Lompoc" goods and services, here's my free ad for this bargain priced ($4.99/mo.) city wireless service.

Are there reception problems with LompocNet? One might like to get a strong signal at Ocean and H Streets, but reports tell us there's more work to be done on the signal strength of the system.

Let's see the City Council improve this situation while facing the honest truth in 2009!

Beyond The Usual In Lompoc

2008-12-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

Life between Santa Maria and Santa Barbara is interesting, especially the political life in Lompoc. Now, some change is in the air.

After ten years in the Mayor's office, my impression was that "the good old boys" running the city included city council, mayor and others. I thought that included the Lompoc Record columnist and outspoken local civic critic and long-time resident, Ron Fink.

Got a big surprise Saturday when I opened the Lompoc Record's letters to the editor page. Took me aback to see--in print--the Lompoc Mayor, Dick DeWees, disagree with "local activist" Ron Fink. I thought they were always on the same page.

DeWees, who narrowly won re-election in November, explained why he did not appoint Mr. Fink to the city planning commission.

The Mayor's problem, in his words, was how Mr. Fink's "columns frequently distort or manipulate facts, or provide misleading or inaccurate information."

Can't help agreeing that a newspaper columnist encourages people to view that columnist as an authority figure.

Public officials have the responsibility to "convey accurate information to the public they serve," wrote the Mayor. "Based upon his journalistic history, I am convinced that Mr. Fink would be unable to fulfill that obligation."

Mr. DeWees, thank you for knowing the importance of how real qualifications for office require an honest person who really can tell the public the unvarnished truth.

And thank you for saying it to Mr. Fink, in print!

2009 In A Center Left Country!

2008-12-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

Is America really a "center-right" country? Will Obama have to govern a country that "leans right?" Have you had enough of this national debate?

Yeah, so have I. Here's a fresh Zogby/Lear poll which asked 42 typology questions of 3,167 adults nationwide. 21 statements had majority support from the entire sample. (How would you answer these?)

The results reveal three groups: 41% Red, 34% Blue and 24% Purple.

Who are the "purples?"

"Purples" are a significant group (24%) who split their answers between "Red" and "Blue" points of view. (44% red, 56% blue).

Call them centrists if you like. Add it up and the results are clear: the USA leans center-left. 52% Blue vs 48% Red.

A sample of the 21 statements: "Foreigners who immigrate to America want the chance to work for a better life."

Green Shopping Helps Everyone

2008-12-29T11:12:00.000-08:00

How can you give everyone in your town a meaningful gift all at once? Eliminate the hassle of shopping for 3,000 of your nearby neighbors? Just do one simple thing (which yields green results!)

Buy everything you need from a locally owned business. That will do the trick and here's why, according to Stacy Mitchell author of Big Box Swindle:

"Of every $100 spent in a chain store, $14 goes back into the local economy...for a locally owned business, $45 goes back!"

Wow! This gives new meaning to being "Green:" good for the earth, your carbon footprint and your community's economy. It inspired me to post this while reading yesterday's USA Weekend insert in the Lompoc Record. Page 16.

Where to start? Here's a link to a "shop Lompoc" site to help you find the locally owned stores which stock what you may want in my neighborhood. To find where to buy locally in your town, search Google for the phrase "shop (your town)" and have a good, green time.

Seven Years Gone

2008-09-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

It's a sad thing that it has taken me almost a week to sum up my feelings about the alleged attack on America by Al-Qaeda in New York.

Seven years ago something terrible did happen in New York City. Two commercial airliners flew into the Twin Trade Towers and this country and the world have not been the same since.

Our local paper, The Lompoc Record, published an editorial on the topic, concluding we must "remind ourselves how strong we really are." That's noble. We must also remember who we really are; that we have faced worse foes and defeated them in WWII.

Although my deceased Dad was a Republican most of his life, he was also a populist that did not believe everything the government said was true. In the aftermath of the "official" explanation about the "single bullet theory" in JFK's assassination, I also began to learn our government could and would lie to its citizens.

To this day, I remain skeptical of the official US Government explanation of the events surrounding JFK's death and many more matters. Start with Operation Northwoods.

In view of the foregoing, I've got two questions to ask at this point: do you feel you are any more safe now, than you were September 10th, 2001? And, don't you have any questions about the events of that fateful morning?

Take The Social Justice Quiz!

2008-09-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Santa Barbara Progressive Coalition's Jon Williams says our Defense budget is "the great 'third rail' of American politics, isn't it?" and adds, "I haven't heard either candidate talk about slashing what we lavish on the military-industrial complex."

Neither have I, but here's a quick set of questions Jon sent from a friend in Indiana that might provoke some thought about the topic.

Twenty Questions: Social Justice Quiz 2008 (Answers Below)

by Bill Quigley
Bill is a human rights lawyer and law professor at Loyola University New Orleans. His email: quigley77 at gmail dot com

1. How many deaths are there world-wide each year due to acts of terrorism?
2. How many deaths are there world-wide each day due to poverty and malnutrition?
3. 1n 1965, CEOs in major companies made 24 times more than the average worker. In 1980, CEOs made 40 times more than the average worker. In 2007, CEOs earned how many times more than the average worker?
4. In how many of the over 3000 cities and counties in the US can a full-time worker who earns minimum wage afford to pay rent and utilities on a one-bedroom apartment?
5. In 1968, the minimum wage was $1.65 per hour. How much would the minimum wage be today if it had kept pace with inflation since 1968?
6. True or false? People in the United States spend nearly twice as much on pet food as the US government spends on aid to help foreign countries.
7. How many people in the world live on $2 a day or less?
8. How many people in the world do not have electricity?
9. People in the US consume 42 kilograms of meat per person per year. How much meat and grain do people in India and China eat?
10. How many cars does China have for every 1000 drivers? India? The U.S.?
11. How much grain is needed to fill a SUV tank with ethanol?
12. According to the Wall Street Journal, the richest 1% of Americans earns what percent of the nation’s adjusted gross income? 5%? 10%? 15%? 20%?
13. How many people does our government say are homeless in the US on any given day?
14. What percentage of people in homeless shelters are children?
15. How many veterans are homeless on any given night?
16. The military budget of the United States in 2008 is the largest in the world at $623 billion per year. How much larger is the US military budget than that of China, the second largest in the world?
17. The US military budget is larger than how many of the countries of the rest of the world combined?
18. Over the 28 year history of the Berlin Wall, 287 people perished trying to cross it. How many people have died in the last 4 years trying to cross the border between Arizona and Mexico?
19. India is ranked second in the world in gun ownership with 4 guns per 100 people. China is third with 3 firearms per 100 people. Which country is first and how many guns do they own?
20. What country leads the world in the incarceration of its citizens?

Answers to Social Justice Quiz 2008

1. 22,000. The U.S. State Department reported there were more than 22,000 deaths from terrorism last year. Over half of those killed or injured were Muslims. Source: Voice of America, May 2, 2008. “Terrorism Deaths Rose In 2007.”

2. About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). Poverty.com – Hunger and World Poverty. Every day, almost 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes--one child every five seconds. Bread for the World. Hunger Facts: International.

3. Today’s average CEO from a Fortune 500 company makes 364 times an average worker’s pay and over 70 times the pay of a four-star Army general. Executive Excess 2007, page 7, jointly published by Institute for Policy Studies and United for Fair Economy, August 29, 2007. 1965 numbers from State of Working America 2004-2005, Economic Policy Institute.

4. In no city or county in the entire USA can a full-time worker who earns minimum wage afford even a one bedroom rental. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) urges renters not to pay more than 30% of their income in rent. HUD also reports the fair market rent for each of the counties and cities in the US. Nationally, in order to rent a 2 bedroom apartment, one full-time worker in 2008 must earn $17.32 per hour. In fact, 81% of renters live in cities where the Fair Market Rent for a two bedroom rental is not even affordable with two minimum wage jobs. Source: Out of Reach 2007-2008, April 7, 2008, National Low-Income Housing Coalition.

5. Calculated in real (inflation adjusted) dollars, the 1968 minimum wage would have been worth $9.83 in 2007 dollars. Andrew Tobias, January 16, 2008. The federal minimum wage is $6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008 and $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.

6. True. The USA spends $43.4 billion on pet food annually. Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. The USA spent $23.5 billion in official foreign aid in 2006. The government of the USA gave the most of any country in the world in actual dollars. As a percentage of gross national income, the USA came in second to last among OECD donor countries and ranked number 20 at 0.18 percent behind Sweden at 1.02 percent and other countries such as Norway, Netherlands, Ireland, United Kingdom, Austria, France, Germany, Spain, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and others. This does not count private donations which, if included, may move the USA up as high as 6th. The Index of Global Philanthropy 2008, page 15, 19.

7. The World Bank reported in August 2008 that 2.6 billion people consume less than $2 a day. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DEC/Resources/Poverty-Brief-in-English.pdf

8. World-wide, 1.6 billion people do not have electricity. 2.5 billion people use wood, charcoal or animal dung for cooking. United Nations Human Development Report 2007/2008, pages 44-45.

9. People in the US lead the world in meat consumption at 42 kg per person per year compared to 1.6 kg in India and 5.9 kg in China. People in the US consume five times the grain (wheat, rice, rye, barley, etc.) as people in India, three times as much as people in China, and twice as much as people in Europe. “THE BLAME GAME: Who is behind the world food price crisis,” Oakland Institute, July 2008. (pdf)

10. China has 9 cars for every 1000 drivers. India has 11 cars for every 1000 drivers. The US has 1114 cars for every 1000 drivers. Iain Carson and Vijay V. Vaitheeswaran, Zoom: The Global Race to Fuel the Car of the Future (2007).

11. The grain needed to fill up a SUV tank with ethanol could feed a hungry person for a year. Lester Brown, CNN.Money.com, August 16, 2006

12. “According to the figures, the richest 1% reported 22% of the nation's total adjusted gross income in 2006. That is up from 21.2% a year earlier, and is the highest in the 19 years that the IRS has kept strictly comparable figures. The 1988 level was 15.2%. Earlier IRS data show the last year the share of income belonging to the top 1% was at such a high level as it was in 2006 was in 1929, but changes in measuring income make a precise comparison difficult.” Jesse Drucker, “Richest Americans See Their Income Share Grow,” Wall Street Journal, July 23, 2008, page A3.

13. 754,000 are homeless. About 338,000 homeless people are not in shelters (live on the streets, in cars, or in abandoned buildings) and 415,000 are in shelters on any given night. 2007 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Homeless Report to Congress, page iii and 23. The population of San Francisco is about 739,000.

14. HUD reports nearly 1 in 4 people in homeless shelters are children 17 or younger. Page iv – 2007 HUD Annual Homeless Report to Congress.

15. Over 100,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. About 18 percent of the adult homeless population is veterans. Page 32, 2007 HUD Homeless Report. This is about the same population as Green Bay Wisconsin.

16. Ten times. China’s military budget is $65 billion. The US military budget is nearly 10 times larger than the second leading military spender. GlobalSecurity.org

17. The US military budget of $623 billion is larger than the budgets of all the countries in the rest of the world put together. The total global military budget of the rest of the world is $500 billion. Russia’s military budget is $50 billion, South Korea’s is $21 billion, and Iran’s is $4.3 billion. GlobalSecurity.org

18. 1,268. At least 1,268 people have died along the border of Arizona and Mexico since 2004. The Arizona Daily Star keeps track of the reported deaths along the state border and reports 214 died in 2004, 241 in 2005, 216 in 2006, 237 in 2007, and 116 as of July 31, 2008. These numbers do not include the deaths along the California or Texas border. The Border Patrol reported that 400 people died in fiscal 2006-2007, 453 died in 2004-2005, and 494 died in 2004-2005. Source Associated Press, November 8, 2007.

19. The US is first in gun ownership world-wide with 90 guns for every 100 citizens. Laura MacInnis, “US Most Armed Country With 90 Guns Per 100 People.” Reuters, August 28, 2007.

20. The US jails 751 inmates per 100,000 people, the highest rate in the world. Russia is second with 627 per 100,000. England’s rate is 151, Germany is 88, and Japan is 63. The US has 2.3 million people behind bars, more than any country in the world. Adam Liptak, “Inmate Count in US Dwarfs Other Nations’” NYT, April 23, 2008.

The CCNM As A "Wordle!"

2008-09-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

One java app developer by the name of Jonathan Feinberg has created a word cloud tool and named it "the Wordle."

The little image here is what this whole CCNM blog page and posts looks like when pasted into the Wordle. Mighty cool, I think. Our image is part of their Gallery.

Try it yourself, make a great world-cloud picture, you'll have fun. It's licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

Who's Watching The Watchdog?

2008-09-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

Could not leave well enough alone, and last Friday I drove around lil' Lompoc and listened to the radio. Caught part of Andy Caldwell's radio show where he talked on the phone with a conservative mentor by the name of Richard Cochran.

Caldwell is also Santa Barbara County's so-called watchdog according to many observers. The Santa Maria Sun's 2008 annual "Best Of" edition names Caldwell "Best Community Watchdog."

The "watchdog" title has been used by Andy for years to describe his activities on behalf of COLAB. The acronym stands for the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business, the group of business honchos from each of these parts of our local economy.

When Andy mentioned that Lois Capps, representatives from SBCAN and other liberals won't appear on his radio show, my ears picked up. Now why would people who are usually promoting their latest fund-raiser refuse to go on the air and tell their story?

Could it be that Caldwell is not a "watchdog" at all, but in reality is a "lobbyist?"

"Foreign-Born" Would Be The Phrase You're Thinking Of?

2008-09-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

Since when does a news-talk station give two hours to a candidate running for Congress...and allow him to say whatever he wants? Free? I'm talking about two free hours disguised as a talk show.

Since today's Dave Congalton show on 920AM KVEC, when Matt Kokkonen discussed his chosen political issues. He had the microphone for two full propagandistic hours. Could not believe it!

One topic that prompted me to call in and disagree with Matt was the so-called "illegal immigrant" issue and its related one, that of granting benefits, including US citizenship to those born while on US soil.

Matt took some time to question the application of the 14th amendment, which states, in part: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside..."

He points out the line, "subject to the jurisdiction thereof..." and says it means if an alien resident crossed the US border (in an unlawful manner) with an intent to apply for social benefits, then that alien and any of its children born in the US should be ineligible for any social safety net dollars. No school lunch programs. No public health services. Nothing.

I told him that it is pointless to use a phrase such as "illegal immigrants." Kokkonen responded that he prefers the term, "unauthorized aliens." Same difference, eh?

Whatever term of residency status you want to apply, have we forgotten a person (in the US) is "innocent until proven guilty?" Until a legal judgement has been rendered otherwise in some court of law, any person as far as I know, is here lawfully.

And these foreign born deserve to be treated as I'd like to be treated, in fact, enjoying the same equal protections of the law as anyone else. Betcha the spirits of my immigrant forbears are smiling.

So, out with the name-calling phrases that imply something not proven!
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The American Dream And George Carlin

2008-06-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of gasoline prices exceeding $4.50 per gallon, you know something fundamentally important is happening to the American economy. It's happening to each of us. We are being squeezed as never before. Who's doing the "squeezing?" you might ask.

George Carlin has the response and further explains the "American dream" in this YouTube clip.

Just remember we are only seeing the beginning of rising oil and gasoline prices. And you know by now that prices on these commodities will NEVER go back to anything under $4.50/gallon in our lifetime. --Newsstand Greg

Uncovering The Truth In 2008

2008-03-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

Let's catch up: SLO County: One week after the pink slip, King Harris was rehired by the new ownership of KVEC 920am. Hope his week's vacation was enjoyable as the listeners sent their demands to the station, declaring "let the morning news be the King's domain!"

Santa Barbara County: The film "Citizen McCaw" premiered at the Arlington Theatre, Friday 3/7, produced by filmmaker Rod Lathim. It depicts the unraveling of a once-great community newspaper subject to the whims of a wealthy owner and staff reaction to it. No word if the "non-biased" owner of The Santa Barbara News Press was attending in disguise.

Welcome to New Journalism: UncoveredSLO.com is the new site where San Luis Obispo county residents can learn what's really happening behind closed doors. As the site puts it "Uncoveredslo.com examines and discusses issues ranging from government schemes to financial fraud, from the fleecing of the American taxpayer to the plight of the homeless."

Co-edited by Daniel Blackburn and Karen Velie, these two are looking under the rocks and shining the light of day on what they find. Seems to me they're keeping the spirit of journalism alive. This week's blockbuster story: how local investors appear to have lost millions of retirement dollars in shaky SLO county real estate developments.

Dressing up for 2008: Looking toward the right column you'll see three phrases that are prompting current news headlines delivered by Google. Local real estate conditions are a big item right now. If you'd like to see a different search phrase in the future, let me know with a comment. Thanks for reading. See ya back here soon.

How To Support The Troops

2007-12-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

One week ago today, before Christmas, the Santa Barbara city council unanimously passed a resolution calling for an end to combat operations in Iraq and withdrawal of American troops. The room was celebrating the accomplishment.

Perhaps there can be "Peace On Earth, Goodwill to Men." Consider this event part of a growing national groundswell. Our county seat has joined more than 300 other cities that have passed similar resolutions!

In fact, in June, The annual U.S. Conference of Mayors was held in Los Angeles and passed a "Bring Home the Troops resolution." (See page 200.)

According to the Santa Barbara Independent, "the (Santa Barbara city's) resolution was crafted by Councilmember Das Williams and Mayor Marty Blum, who are hoping it will persuade the State Legislature to enact a similar proclamation, which, in turn, will increase the pressure on any presidential aspirants seeking to win the hearts and minds of California voters in the state primary this February."

California cities and counties that have passed a resolution to end the Iraq War or a similar Peace Resolution:

Alameda County, Arcata, Berkeley, Coachella, Davis, Los Angeles, Marin County, Oakland, Richmond, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Sebastopol.

Will this energy soon spread to Lompoc, Santa Maria and cities in SLO county in 2008? (San Luis Obispo's city council passed an anti-war resolution in January of 2003.)
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Morninglory Music Moving On

2007-12-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

Just browsing the online Lompoc paper and this news hit me. Now there's no place in Lompoc I can visit and check the old and new music CD's and discover something great.

Morninglory Music on H Street is closing at the end of the year. I will miss the place.

Don't tell me "there's always Wal-Mart!" Yes, but it will be a cold day in you-know-where before I set foot in one. Got my reasons.

I first heard Jimmy Eat World and The Verve at Morninglory Music. The clerk must have had some extra sensory perception that these tunes would get me to buy the disc.

There's still a thrill in holding the little package, liner notes and graphics. Can't do that with an intangible mp3 file, but what the hey. If I really need the "strolling down the aisles" fix, I'll drive down to the Morninglory Music main store on State Street in Santa Barbara.

There's enough volume of record buyers to keep that store alive. And that will have to be enough for me.

Late Note: July 21 the Daily Sound reports the sad demise of the Santa Barbara Morninglory store on State Street.

What The Lompoc Grinch Sent To The Dump

2007-12-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

This is an estimated $4550 worth of new bunk beds, sitting sadly at the Lompoc dump.

Thirteen bunks and 26 new mattresses were donated to the Bridgehouse Homeless Shelter in Lompoc a day before Thanksgiving.

Godsend? For some reason, the shelter management decided against using them and sent the items to the landfill instead.

What were they thinking? They don't need the extra beds? Single cots are better than bunk beds?

In an effort to actually learn more about this, I read an editorial in the Lompoc Record. "If outsiders are given free rein to attempt to micromanage shelter operations, the community will have failed in its mission to help the less-fortunate among us." Oh really?

Apparently the bunk beds, similar to what's in use at other shelters on the Central Coast, were just not in their plan for the area's homeless. For church ladies to decide to make a donation and drop it off is characterized in the editorial as an "attempt to micromanage shelter operations."

Would a donation of a case of toilet paper be treated the same way?

What's the hubbub anyway? Ask Liann Noble, a county child welfare worker and one of the people who gathered the donated beds from PXP, a major oil company on the Central Coast. PXP uses these kinds of bunks for their crew in the offshore oil rigs.

Whether the shelter needs any new beds really wasn't why they refused the gesture.

Last year, Noble attempted to stay overnight to learn more, firsthand, about the actual homeless shelter conditions. She used a fake name and was recognized and later fired. Since then, she has won two appeals of her case and is waiting on a third appeal.

The full story is in this week's Independent. It's amazing how a personality clash, can interfere with an attempt to help single moms and their families have slightly more comfort and more privacy within the facility. For whatever reasons, these families are homeless.

If you want the Noble "was harrassing us" angle, here it is. It still appears to be a matter of "attitude" from where I sit in little old Lompoc.

Does improving things at the shelter make it more of a "country club"?
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New Radio Ownership: Less Local Morning News!

2007-12-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

Hello, dear reader. Yes, it's been some time since the last post.

I was waiting for something big locally to happen. Like when El Dorado Broadcasting actually took over KVEC and the other broadcast outlets they bought from Clear Channel some months ago.

The new owners of KVEC 920 AM, have officially taken over and less than a week later, changes have been made.

Last Friday, 11/30, the word came down:

News Director King Harris is history.
Program Director and morning news sidekick, Ben Greenaway, also gone.
6am -9am weekdays will be filled by the Laura Ingraham show.
General Manager and two other employees also cut loose.

Details here. Would it be a good move if King were to "anchor" the morning news on San Luis Obispo's Air America station, KYNS 1340 AM?

MoveOn Who?

2007-10-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

After two weeks of being hammered in the headlines, whaddya know?

More than two-thirds of the American public (67%) does not know or have an opinion about MoveOn.org, according to, ahem, Fox News' own polling.

The progressive lobbying organization has been doing just fine lately, where it counts: with money donations and membership growth.

Due to controversy surrounding the Petraeus newspaper ad, MoveOn has reportedly seen a spike in its membership and its fundraising, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Here are some questions and answers about how MoveOn.org operates and how it and others direct money to political candidates.

Telephone Polling The Central Coast

2007-10-01T12:42:00.001-07:00

Just received a call that quizzed me in a "survey" of voter opinions and attitudes. That's what I'd call it, and I played along with this 20-minute exercise to learn who was behind it.

I also learned how little I know of state politics when quizzed on certain names. Later, I found how crucially important know who is who can be. (The following are linked to essential public records information.)

Do any of these names sound familiar to you? Tony Strickland, Jim Dantona or Hanna Beth Jackson? What can you tell me about candidates and potential contenders for California's 19th State Senate District?

Not much, eh? Yeah, about as much as I knew, too. But this phone call, a polling survey, served to wake me up a good deal. As a progressive, I have been looking to make a difference on a local level and now I may have found another opportunity.

And of course, you already know what I think of our pro-torture, congressman Elton Gallegly.

The Power Of One MoveOn Ad

2007-09-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

Today, the Dave Congalton program (920 AM) is scheduled to interview me about MoveOn. I will freely say that I'm a member of this 3+ million member, grassroots group. I'll tell Dave what I know of the organization and how it operates. Guess it's time the so-called Main Stream Media (tm) deal with actual facts for a change.

Here is the text of the MoveOn newspaper advertisement as published in the New York Times, September 10th.

General Petraeus or General Betray Us?

Cooking the Books for the White House

General Petraeus is a military man constantly at war with the facts. In 2004, just before the election, he said there was "tangible progress" in Iraq and that "Iraqi leaders are stepping forward." And last week Petraeus, the architect of the escalation of troops in Iraq, said, "We say we have achieved progress, and we are obviously going to do everything we can to build on that progress."

Every independent report on the ground situation in Iraq shows that the surge strategy has failed. Yet the General claims a reduction in violence. That's because, according to the New York Times, the Pentagon has adopted a bizarre formula for keeping tabs on violence. For example, deaths by car bombs don't count. The Washington Post reported that assassinations only count if you're shot in the back of the head--not the front. According to the Associated Press, there have been more civilian deaths and more American soldier deaths in the past three months than in any other summer we've been there. We'll hear of neighborhoods where violence has decreased. But we won't hear that those neighborhoods have been ethnically cleansed.

Most importantly, General Petraeus will not admit what everyone knows: Iraq is mired in an unwinnable religious civil war. We may hear of a plan to withdraw a few thousand American troops. But we won't hear what Americans are desperate to hear: a timetable for withdrawing all our troops. General Petraeus has actually said American troops will need to stay in Iraq for as long as ten years.

Today, before Congress and before the American people, General Petraeus is likely to become General Betray Us.

Amazing how one newspaper ad can cause the US Senate to spring into action. Did they set a troop withdrawal date? Oh no. Our own California Senator, Dianne Feinstein, plus Senator Hillary Clinton and others voted to condemn the ad from the grass-roots organization, MoveOn. Time spent to memorialize their opinion instead of doing something substantial about the Iraq mess.

Telling the truth hurts. In a newspaper ad, in a Senate roll call vote and when that dark telegram arrives with the news of another young soldier killed in action.

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Net sources for the facts:
MoveOn history and activities (Wikipedia.org)
MoveOn's Comment on Petraeus Ad
News reports citing facts stated in the Ad

9/11 Anniversary: Are You Safer Now?

2007-09-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Dueling video presentations on this sad 6th anniversary of the "terrorist" attack on the World Trade Center in New York. The final death toll, 2,750, keeps changing.

Osama bin Laden's video team issued a "new" camcorder statement. Thus, he's still alive, ordering his followers to "join a caravan of martyrs."

General Petraeus testified in front of Congress with nothing new to say and many questions about how the military "counts" the death toll on the ground in Iraq. One NYT Blog commenter's says the General "merely informs you in diplomatic language that he does not have a military solution to a political vacuum."

Meanwhile, the day passed without any terror attacks on US soil. Just the quiet nightmare scenario of "ten more years" of our soldiers' on the line in Iraq as one observer close to the deliberations puts it.

Our seventh year after the 9/11 event begins tomorrow.

Did Your Representative Vote In Favor Of Torture?

2007-09-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

On December 14th, 2005, one of our Central Coast congressional representatives voted in favor of torturing "enemy combatants." This was during the series of votes which resulted in Senator John McCain's torture ban agreement. It was successfully attached to a Defense spending bill.

I've never been able to forget this simple fact--a heretofore sane, rational elected representative actually voted in favor of authorizing a US military policy of torturing prisoners, inflicting "inhumane" treatment upon battlefield opponents in custody. Forget any slack for captured US soldiers and allies.

When you sink to the level of the enemy's inhumane treatment of opponents, how can you even think yourself--or your country--has a higher, more noble standard? If you think you're better than "them," should we not have a public policy requiring it?

Fortunately, Senator John McCain won his fight to remove torture as an instrument of US military policy when the 2005 Defense authorization was amended to include a ban on torture.

When political bullsh*t gets this close to home, you know somehow, the wheels have fallen off the track. When I say it's close to home, I mean people living in the same 24th Congressional district as I live in, actually voted for a man who thinks torture is a good thing. And voted to make it public policy.

Because this blog is meant to reflect the three counties of the Central Coast--San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura--I have my attention focused on the congresspeople representing these areas.

Elton Gallegly, in office for more than 20 years--eleven terms!--representing Ventura and Santa Barbara counties is the one in favor of torture, by his own public vote. There is much in his record which shows he has been a benefit to us in California. He says on his own web page, for example, that he's a champion of providing for our nation’s veterans.

As a Vietnam vet myself, I'm all for making good on the promises we make as a country to our young men and women BEFORE they go off to war...and when they come back AFTER they have done their job. (It's that "after" part which lately seems to be getting the short end of the stick.)

But I'll never, NEVER, agree with a vote in favor of torture as public policy for the US military. Observers may say Gallegly is a loyal footsoldier for the Bush administration with lots of votes and evidence to support that claim. I don't recall anytime during his re-election campaign, where Gallegly stated a belief that torture was a legitimate interrogation technique.

So, has it come down to this? A candidate must go on record saying "torture is not acceptable interrogation policy?"

I say it all adds up to another good reason for voter action next election. Make this Elton Gallegly's last term. Get some fresh new blood that can do the right thing, vote for the right things. Someday in the near future we may even be proud again of what Congress may do.

May that day come sooner rather than later!

Labor Day And After

2007-09-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

One day after the big Labor Day Holiday. How many times did you thank a union worker for ringing up your groceries? The firemen for battling the summer fires? Or the driver of the bus taking you to your destination?

There are these people all around us, sometimes called the "salt of the earth," doing their best to bring home the daily bread with dignity and good working conditions guaranteed by a labor contract. Because labor laws exist, America's middle class wage earners have been able to raise and support healthy families with a decent paycheck.

America's post-WWII middle class boomed in the 50's and 60's. My stockbroker Dad raised a family of 12!

You are to be honored. Many have fought for the eight hour day and 40 hour work week. Some actually died in the struggle for economic justice. It is fully legal to join your fellow workers in a petition for a union vote at work.

Beginning with the Reagan era, all sorts of messages have been spreading throughout our culture about the importance of capital and how American businesses need tax breaks and special trade policies. For our own good.

But I dare you to find voices today equally loud on behalf of the labor issues for the working man or woman. If you want to suggest one who is a loud pro-labor voice, please email me:
CentralCoastNewsMission (at) gmail (dot) com. --Newsstand Greg

Central Coast Labor issues which continue to make headlines this summer:

Minimum wage raised by $2.10 per hour; vote supported by Congressperson Lois Capps. It was the first increase in the federal minimum wage in almost a decade. By the summer of 2009, all minimum-wage jobs will pay no less than $7.25 an hour.

Nurses working at Tenet Health Care’s Sierra Vista and Twin Cities hospitals have a new contract that includes a respectable 25 percent raise over four years. Other hospital staff are still negotiating what they call "a fair increase."

Sometimes the labor disputes are more public. Perhaps you've seen in Santa Maria, the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters has hired people to hold up large banners at the Broadway Street location of Community Bank of Santa Maria.

The signs proclaim, "Shame On Community Bank, Santa Maria."

This union only wants to draw attention to the fact that the bank's dry wall contractor is not paying the prevailing wage (between $14 and $33 per hour with benefits) at the Lompoc construction site. Right in my own backyard, so to speak.

The Santa Barbara News-Press labor dispute will wind its way through the courts for some time. One can only hope the brave group of reporters can stay employed and defend themselves at the same time. You can read about it at The Independent, the LA Times, The Tribune in San Luis Obispo and the Santa Maria Times and the Lompoc Record.

But, in my view, you'll never get an unbiased story printed about it in the SB News-Press itself.

[If you want to add to this list of Central Coast labor issues, snap me an email at the above address, and thanks!]
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Dick Cavett's Uncle And War

2007-03-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

Have you seen Ann Calhoun's recent posting? It's not about the Los Osos sewer saga, but it hits its mark.

What's happening in the streets of Santa Maria lately? Check out Renee's observations.

Scooter Libby has been convicted on 4 of 5 counts of obstruction of justice and lying to a grand jury. Think of it for a moment--a lawyer, paid to provide clear legal thinking--chose to lie rather than tell the truth about circumstances which blew the cover of a covert CIA agent's identity.

If you connect the dots, you see the president and vice-president did not like the article published in the New York Times written by Joe Wilson after he returned from a trip to the African continent. This is the op-ed piece that tore the administration a "new one."

The piece examines the lies we were told to justify the War in Iraq. White House hardball kicked in and Wilson's wife (known as Valerie Plame) was declared "fair game" and her identity was compromised. Then the VP's chief of staff lied about it to a grand jury. A very focused and sharp prosecutor made a convincing case. Now, justice has been served.

May this be the break in the system of denial that's been enabling the bogus war to continue. Let's hope the enabling is really over. Amazing what a well-written article in a widely read newspaper can do. --Greg

Foster Wins School Board Post

2007-03-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

It may have been the letter of support printed below, or the endorsement of The Tribune, but teacher David Foster won a seat on the Lucia Mar School Board.

Check the details of the election results.

But as you can also see, we didn't get an "avalanche" of additional letters of support, or this blog would have printed them. However, whenever we do get messages, we'll talk about it here.

A Vote For David Foster

2006-08-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

[We'll print the emails we get until the avalanche is so great we'll have to make the frequent writers into bloggers!]

Dear Editor,

I’ve had very few memorable teachers in my academic career and even fewer who were memorable for being good.

I am writing you today because my favorite teacher of all time, David Foster, is running for school board. As a past student of his, I remember what David’s personality and devotion to teaching meant to me. Attending Arroyo Grande High School is not a pleasant experience to recollect.

The physical school itself was a total dump; it was overcrowded, and I hated going there. So much of what I was forced to learn was boring and presented in the same manner. During second period of the first semester of my senior year I would finally escape high school hell, even if just for 50 minutes a day, in David Foster’s Bible Literature class.

He taught in a way that was engaging, interactive and, most of all, fun. He intertwined history, literature and anthropology to paint vivid pictures of some of the greatest stories ever written. He was there everyday with more energy and passion than any teacher I’ve ever had. I knew he truly cared about what his students learned, and I only wish there were more teachers like him.

Since I graduated in 2000, David has become a very close family friend. I’ve come to understand his deep commitment to education, teachers and above all, the students. His experience in and out of the classroom makes him the perfect candidate for guiding Lucia Mar Unified School District in a positive direction.

Please honor a great educator and community leader and vote David Foster for school board.

sincerely,

Cameron Taylor Edmondson

Farces Of Evil Trash The Naked Truth

2006-08-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

When I read the email post Monday afternoon from publisher Bob Banner, I just had to click and read what the heck the brou-ha-ha was about. Censorship! Here in River City!

Seems the SLO Library director wanted to "protect" children from the latest cover and sex-themed issue of Bob's HopeDance magazine. Brian Reynolds ordered the county’s 15 branches to "recycle it."

By that time I was ready to hear Bob's interview that afternoon with Dave Congalton on 920 KVEC. (Here's how Dave previewed the interview on his station blog.)

Surely a city's chief librarian should be able to withstand the farces of evil and resist book/magazine trashing. "Protecting children" is a good reason, but doesn't hold water when you understand The Tribune printed the magazine's art on its own front page coverage of the story. There are many art and photo books in the library stacks that are much more "graphic" than the cover of this HopeDance.

Or is it about HopeDance's thoughtful, adult goal to inform the public with "radical solutions inspiring hope?" Are there really people here in River City against the idea of...hope?

Side note: Nationally for decades, Utne Magazine digests thousands of news items from a variety of sources. Their feature called "From the Stacks," highlights "the independent and alternative media," throwing the spotlight on:

HopeDance - In an attempt to confront, and seemingly disestablish, the "very limited monoculturalist view of sex" that's brewing in the United States, the July/August edition of HopeDance throws the doors of sexuality wide open. No subject is too risqué for these pages: sacred prostitutes, a farmer's land buzzing with reproductive frenzy, a woman who's had enough with public masturbators. Also included are editorials on pornography, later-in-life intimacy, and much more. By and large, pieces avoid mining for shock value, focusing instead on presenting information and stories frankly, showcasing examples of how they'd like to see sexual discussion evolve.

Write Locally, Read Globally

2006-08-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder who else has been looking at a blog page? This blog page in particular in the last 24 hours?

Our site stats tracker has some useful info about our reader's locations.

Sure, we have our Central Coast fans by the palm trees in Morro Bay, Arroyo Grande and Buellton. Elsewhere in California, people are logging in from Bakersfield, Venice (next to Santa Monica) and Trabuco Canyon in Orange County.

Across the USA visitors check in from Charlotte, North Carolina and Spring Hill, Tennessee or Florida. Can't tell which city has clicked in; the power of the almighty computer stops right there.

Our modest lil' ole site has been spanning the globe! Viewers have come to us from Burnaby, Canada; Belgium; Paris, France; Al Musrarah, Israel; and in Monterrey, Mexico.

Welcome one and all and please tell a friend to read our blog--or leave a comment. It is a two-way street when it's a blog!

It's New And Improved!

2006-08-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Truth seekers and readers looking for local flavor, Newsstand Greg is back from the blogless sabbatical!

Needed some time off to consider what my priorities need to be. And whether I have anything to say. Heh, heh. Yes, I do.

Plus, my next birthday looms. The Big 6-oh. 60. I'm in presidential company, both George W. and Bill Clinton are getting used to being 60 years of age this year. In fact, the Census Bureau estimates that 7918 people will turn 60 each day in 2006.

In Santa Barbara county, there are 64,921 of us over 60; the majority, 36 percent, live in Santa Barbara. The second largest population of 60+ live in Santa Maria. All the numbers come from reliable 2000 U.S. Census Bureau data. Have a happy "Boomer" birthday!

Blogwise: You'll notice we have consolidated the North SLO blog page into the primarily SLO-oriented CCNewsMission home page. We have kept the most active writer's blog pages and hope to give you a fresh item here nearly every day. Wish me luck. As an added incentive to visit again soon, there will be no lengthy, fund-raising "pledge break" paragraphs. Not that there's anything wrong with one.

Perhaps getting older is good for me. --Newsstand Greg

Every Dog Has Its Year

2006-01-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

Have you felt the fresh rush of a New Year yet? When all good things seem not only possible, but probable? OK, for a couple of minutes.

We welcome more bloggers to the Central Coast!

Energized activists, SLO CodePink! Leggs Ortiz and friends, invite you to observe the State of the Union with a boatload of ideas for progressive change on the Central Coast.

Podcasting is coming next month from Bill Benica. He's planning on it and busy building a home studio. Ask him for his phone number!

Apples vs. oranges = pears? Ann Calhoun has looked at the latest Sewer Saga facts and lets the spin fall where it may.

Thom Hutchings presents a picture story of how the Vietnamese prepare for the Year of the Dog, 2006.

Last but not least, Renee presents a vote for "kindness" in her post from Santa Maria. She shows us how it's related to wisdom.

Be wise, and perhaps this new year will be more kind to us all!

2006 Best Wishes!

2006-01-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

It's 2006! Yea! Happy New Year! Somehow we got through another year. Which means there's lots of "best of 2005" lists to wade through, wherever you look.

Start here, because Reenee has a great list with lots of humor built right in. Such as #36: If you cannot be a role model for someone, at least serve as a good warning!

More peaceful wishes here from our neighbors in Lompoc and Santa Barbara county.

American Values: Progress, Taxes, Good Weather Forecasts

2005-12-30T23:31:00.000-08:00

Breaking Blog News...Dave Congalton, one of the founders of this CCNM Community Blog, has been given more Internet work. KVEC AM 920 wants him to blog for his afternoon drive program and will stream his show online to help him say "yes!" Congratulations, Dave!

Our other radioman/blogger guy, Bill Benica has some thoughts about why words are spelled the weigh theigh are and more...

What's another phrase that means "taxes?" Guy Murray reports from Nipomo, where people don't seem to complain when their "taxes" are increased...

Thom Hutchings writes on the "American Values" lesson a 700-mile fence can teach us and our youngsters...

Is "American Exceptionalism" alive and well? What is it? Jim Silva lets us stand in another's shoes until it gets a bit too uncomfortable. That's when you know you're closer to what's really important...

Thanks for visiting this year and get ready for what feels like a Great 2006 coming our way!

Great Debates Continue

2005-12-16T23:00:00.000-08:00

More and more, Americans think it was a bad idea to invade Iraq. CNN/USAToday/Gallup poll released in August, found 54 percent of those surveyed felt that it had been a mistake to send troops to Iraq.

Do we blame the mainstream media for not telling us about how bad a mistake it's been? Or should we take responsibility ourselves?
Mickey P. Rowe spells it out.

And to pull back to the largest of the Big Pictures, David Ciaffardini presents the do-it-yourself, Great Debate. Now that should get us back in the Christmas Spirit!

When Common Sense Is Needed

2005-12-10T21:43:00.000-08:00

Reenee, our blogger from Santa Maria, has new post and it's solid: what went wrong with how Arellanes Junior High School dealt with Hector Maldonado. Hector and three other boys were involved in a fight on school grounds. He was arrested and then...

Common sense disappeared in the process and Hector "disappeared" into the immigration enforcement system for six days. What's the Department of Homeland Security doing mixed up in this?

Further south, a commentary from the progressive point of view concerns whether the Santa Barbara News Press will give a "free ride," to Janet Wolf. Meaning no heavy criticism. It's a simple, common sense concern.

Supervisor Susan Rose has decided not to run again and Wolf has announced she will campaign for the 2nd District County Supervisor seat.

Meanwhile, we watch the SB News Press attempt a standard of journalism excellence: "free debate and fair reporting." Could we also have a large quantity of common sense to go with that?

Note: this blogsite now has a Google PageRank of 5 and many contributor blog pages have a PageRank of 3 to 4. As the web-savvy in our readership knows, this is major good news!

Gimme Some Truth

2005-12-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

25 years ago tonight was a Monday and Howard Cosell told the nation of John Lennon's gunshot death during "Monday Night Football."

Lennon was age 40 and creatively ready for the second half of his life, according to reports. Newsstand Greg asks, "where were you then?"

Nice to see Ron Fink again, blogging on how President Bush could, er, ah...lie.

Progressives in Santa Barbara have an all year 'round tradition: the Friday Night Film Series. Take a look, if you haven't been somewhere out of the ordinary for some time.

Thanks again for visiting the ole Yule Blog...and please send some one new our way too!

The Reason: 'Tis The Season

2005-12-03T22:29:00.000-08:00

Dave Congalton's latest post tells us of the latest change in local media management.

Los Osos water and sewer issues take two to tell the story, don't miss either Ann Calhoun or Steve Paige. They make it plain and simple to understand how government officeholders can vaporize taxpayer money.

Finally, a touching story from Karen Lee Stevens about the little pug that could. Something for everyone this first weekend of December. Our sincere thanks for visiting our blog of current comment and please return again soon!

Toward More Peace And Goodwill

2005-11-30T14:18:00.000-08:00

Monday night, 11/28, Congressman Bill Thomas (R-Bakersfield) was "officially notified to wake up and smell the reality," according to the post from Leggs Ortiz.

Iraq war protesters appeared at Thomas' annual "Academy Night" designed to sell the military academy experience to area high school students.

Third edition of the monthly RogueVoice is due to hit the newsstands and Stacey Warde gives us the inside look and his monthly rant at no extra charge, just below.

Steve Paige on how suing the State Water Quality Control Board on the grounds of "proximate negligence" could save Los Osos millions of dollars.

The Los Osos Sewerville saga marches on in a hot meeting tomorrow, December 1st. Remember to hide the dawg!

Will San Luis Obispo county soon be known as a golfing mecca? Guy Murray outlines plans for a new hotel in Nipomo to serve golfing tourists.

Reenee of Santa Maria expresses her thoughts about student sexual activity, school newspaper censorship and how some adults choose to live in denial.

Rogue Voice December Edition

2005-11-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

The third edition of The Rogue Voice is nearly completed. We go to press Monday and will be on the stands Thursday, Dec. 1 (look for our new polished black racks with the Rogue Voice logo).

It's hard to account for the focus and tone of each issue as it comes out. Our debut edition was a mish-mash resulting from first-time jitters, and number two contained a wonderful quality of pathos (although a few detractors found it depressing), and the forthcoming third edition is hugely political. We didn't plan these things. They simply happened.

Our only criteria has been literate, readable stories you'd want to read with a glass of wine, or with whatever medicine suits you best in those special quiet moments when you want to get away.

What's clear is that we're a bit quirky, maybe unorganized, but fully devoted to quality material. We're also hoping to encourage dialog among those who may disagree.

For example, the December edition's lead story by Jacqueline Marcus focuses on the government's case against John Walker Lindh. Is he a traitor or a scapegoat? Marcus makes it clear that the government was looking for someone to blame amid the smoldering ruins of 911. Have we delivered justice to the real perpetrators of that horrible crime? And does Lindh really deserve 20 years of prison time?

Then, Dr. Steven J. Sainsbury writes a compelling argument in defense of the death penalty, noting that Stanley Tookie Williams' execution scheduled for Dec. 13 will come not a day too soon. Once dead, he'll never hurt another soul again, Sainsbury says.

Miguel Rivera, in a piece titled, "The racial divide," inspired by Bill Cosby's controversial remarks of blacks taking responsibility for themselves, points out that violence is more likely to occur within one's own community than to come from outside. It's pointless, therefore, to blame others for the harm and injustice we do to ourselves.

The overall slant of this edition, though, tilts heavily to the political left of the spectrum with a key piece by West Virginia author Charles Sullivan, "Iron-fisted America;" my own "War talk" editor's rant which praises Jack Murtha for having the cajones to speak his mind; and Dell Franklin's "Sharing the misery," a critique of the "affluent" generation's refusal to partake in the sacrifices we all make to share in the burden of living.

We hope you enjoy our next edition and look forward to hearing your comments. Please eat and drink responsibly this weekend, and have a great holiday.

Editor's Rant for the December 2005:

Nobody Wants To Hear It, But It’s Time We Had A Conversation

By Stacey Warde

As we go to press, the House of Representatives is in an uproar, the Bush administration is on the defensive and Dick Cheney is still delusional about ties between Saddam Hussein and 911.

These things happen.

The mighty and the deranged fall, and--we can only hope--better, wiser men and women will take their places.

The mighty arrogant, of course, go to hell. And by the time they’re gone, things have gotten so bad that anyone who
replaces them--wise or otherwise--will be an improvement.

Don’t expect many esteemed wise or better leaders to arise from the centrist Democrats who continue to fail miserably at usurping conservative values from Republicans.

They can’t seem to locate themselves on the values map, so they’ve been mimicking their counterparts across the aisle in Washington, showing little of their own initiative, originality, creativity or chutzpa. They haven’t found it in themselves to articulate their own or their party’s values, let alone come up with any interesting talking points or compelling and worthy legislation.

Recently, however, Congressman Jack Murtha, a Democrat from Pennsylvania who’s managed quite well to extol conservative and sensible values, won both esteem and scorn in the House for being a much better, wiser politician than any who’s spoken in a long, long time.

Murtha, a decorated war vet, stood up in his formidable Marine Corp bearing and said, it’s time to bring the troops back home from Iraq. Bring them home, he said, not tomorrow or 10 years from now--but now.

Both Democrats and Republicans must have freaked when they first heard it. They’re so used to falling into lockstep with Bush that no one’s ever ventured a disagreement, or suggested charting a new course in the war on terror. We’ve lacked a good fight like this in Congress far too long.

We haven’t had much worthy debate or discussion in the nation’s highest offices in nearly six years. It’s about time someone stood and said, “Enough.”

Republicans, of course, initially called into question Murtha’s character, arguing that only cowards cut and run. Democrats responded angrily, demanding apologies, and finally, if only haltingly, rising to the occasion of a challenge. Reports from Washington said that during the heated debate House Democrats “surged” toward Republicans, calling into play images of soccer fans on the verge of rioting.

It’s great stuff, really, filled with drama, and a shift toward addressing and hashing out some substantive issues. The White House, meanwhile, has toned down its criticism of Murtha, agreeing that yes, indeed, he’s a real patriot, and someone who can’t be written off as another quack-mouthed liberal, but he’s wrong about withdrawal.

The whole debate thing has taken interesting turns, with Democrats rising in defense of Murtha’s impugned character, and Republicans reminding the nation that public discourse, even high-profile disagreement, is healthy in a democracy, which is a far cry from the “yer either fer us or agin’ us” post-911 rhetoric of George W. Bush.

Debate such as this ought to have occurred long before Congress gave away its power to wage war way back in 2002, turning over its war powers to the executive branch — one that, as it turns out, has had difficulty reading intelligence reports. But that’s another story. Simply stated, the Democrats have been a bunch of pussies--until now.

Finally, at least some members of the party have demonstrated enough courage to voice what a majority of Americans have known from the beginning: The Bush administration, whether knowingly or unknowingly, misled the nation in its call to arms against Iraq.

It was an unnecessarily costly and fatal mistake that could easily have been avoided had Congress initially engaged in a lively debate on the merits of such a war. From the start, the war against Iraq had nothing to do with weapons of mass destruction, fighting terrorism, or spreading democracy. It had everything to do with an administration
run amok, and no one stood in the gap to oppose it.

The problem with the Democrats, and this whole country, in fact, is that in the shadow of 911 we gave up our capacity for wrangling over competing ideas, the basis of democratic governance. We didn’t challenge, for example, the faulty theses for staging a preemptive war that had little or no basis in fact.

The rationale for war was presented as a slam-dunk to the American people, and even to the United Nations, and nary a Democrat uttered a single protest.

And it’s not as though there weren’t any signals along the way, on the road to Baghdad, to warn us that this was going to be a terrible mistake. Any armchair analyst could have seen the case for war with Iraq was bogus from the start.

Who couldn’t have felt badly for Colin Powell, for example, when he tried to convince the United Nations and the world of the urgency to take action against Saddam Hussein as Powell unveiled cartoonish drawings of alleged mobile chemical-biological units that the Iraqis supposedly kept in their arsenal and which was one example of several
terrifyingly immediate threats Iraq posed to this country and the world?

The cartoons suggested loudly and clearly that intelligence for this supposed threat rested on thin evidence. Where were the satellite images? Where was the hard evidence for weapons of mass destruction?

There wasn’t any. Even an unqualified analyst could have told us that. But we were too spellbound by the phantasmagoria of the Bush administration’s call to arms to question the source of these fantastic claims, a guy codenamed, of all things, “Curveball.”

Meanwhile, when it became clear that the U.S. was determined to strike Saddam Hussein, an estimated 10 million citizens worldwide marched in protest. Where were the voices of dissent in Congress? They, too, it appears, were fooled by faulty intelligence, and too absurdly kowtowed by the administration’s misbegotten crusade to liberate the world from a tyrant instead of bringing terrorists to justice.

Murtha’s right, we need to get the hell out of Iraq, reposition our combat troops where they can be most effective against terrorism, and return to the tradition of healthy debate in our public and political discourse.

Stacey Warde is the editor of The Rogue Voice, an independent monthly publication on the Central Coast of California. He can be reached at stacey warde at roguevoice dot com.

Mellow Sunrise, Vivid Sunset: Reasons To Be Thankful

2005-11-23T23:24:00.000-08:00

Dave Congalton remembers what happened ten years ago on a SLO county highway causing a seismic shift in the local media scene.

Steve Paige, our other blogger from Los Osos and a homeowner, says about the LOCSD loan problems: it's "Chinatown: the Movie" or follow the money.

Gary Ray Rogers has discovered the single most reported injury our soldiers returning from Iraq suffer--and it's probably nothing you expected.

Reenee from Santa Maria asks what can we do to protect our children behind the wheel? as car accidents keep killing. Please drive carefully this holiday season.

Getting Ready For The Weekend

2005-11-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

ere's an original question: what reason(s) do you have to be thankful? Writer and new guest blogger Karen Lee Stevens suggests there could be at least one more.

Are there too many office product suppliers in Atascadero? City resident Craig Louis Dingman examines the situation.

Should the parents of a child with disabilities "bear the burden of proof" in determining whether a school has failed to provide an appropriate education? Gary Ray Rogers points to the latest roadblock for disabled students and families.

Thank you again for checking in with us, and please tell a friend about our blog. And do come by and visit again soon!

Monday, Monday

2005-11-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

How dangerous is it for kids to play football in Paso Robles? Steve Boggan makes a point in a guest posting below this one.

Tomorrow residents of Nipomo will meet at the Nipomo public library to explore incorporation for the town--get the agenda here.

Dr. Don makes an impassioned plea for improving our system of voting, citing Euclid in the process!

Ann Calhoun in Los Osos, must be eating nitroglycerin heart pills like popcorn as she tells us about the likelihood of a potential, history-making loan default.

Reenee of Santa Maria praises the benefits of reading a go0d book while on vacation. She also says it time to "move on" from the Judge Diana Hall "story." Is it a story about lawbreaking...or can Judge Hall get a fair trial in Santa Maria?

Is Youth Football Dangerous In Paso Robles?

2005-11-11T14:30:00.000-08:00

Guest blogpost from Steve Boggan, Paso Robles.

Youth Football is becoming a dangerous activity on the Central Coast.

Everyone knows that football is a rough sport. But even football has rules to keep players from being hurt. For example, it is illegal to block a player in the back, or tackle him by grabbing his facemask. Serious injury can occur unless players respect one another's safety, and the rules are enforced by the officials.

But this season, having observed many youth football games in the area, I am noticing some dangerous trends. I see some coaches on a win-at-any-cost ego trip, allowing, and in some cases encouraging their players to do whatever is necessary to beat the other team.

I see some referees who are incompetent and untrained to look for and penalize illegal blocks. I see league officials who are arrogant and unresponsive to concerns. This has created a dangerous atmosphere for kids to try to play a good, safe, clean game of football.

It is also teaching them that good sportsmanship doesn't pay off.

I believe we need to reevaluate what football is all about; rough-and-tumble, yes, but also, with sportsmanship, respect for other players, and fairness. Kids need to learn that there is honor in winning only when it is done fairly, and with basic human concern for the safety of others.

Like Your Freedom? Thank A Vet

2005-11-11T00:04:00.000-08:00

Veterans' Day today...if you love the benefit of our country's liberty, thank a vet...a WWII vet, a Korean War vet, a Vietnam vet, a Gulf War vet, an Afghanistan War vet and returning vets from Iraq.

You might also help Veterans fight for the benefits this Republican congress wants to cut from the budget. May all vets receive the benefits they were promised. End of editorial. --Newsstand Greg, Vietnam tour, 1969-1070.

Dave Congalton asks: should we worry if wealthy, pro-GOP big business investors want to buy The Tribune's parent company Knight Ridder? Is this buyout good or bad for print media today?

Korie Bayer, citizen of Templeton, asks a Public Servant for permission to attend a meeting regarding public business and learns about access to power...who has it and who doesn't.

Thomas Hutchings views the US from halfway around the world, sees criminals in the White House and gives his perspective on the Iraq vs Vietnam comparison.

Guy Murray spots a change in Central Coast family customs because Holloway's won't be selling pumpkins this year. Guy also urges us to support local farmers who grow these treats.

Leggs Ortiz takes time to read The Tribune and recoils at a column written by Victor Davis Hansen. We offer our own right of center writer, Ron Fink, as a suitable replacement.

Ventura Actions Against Wal-Mart

2005-11-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

California and the Central Coast has a history with Wal-Mart. It's recounted in the cover story of the Ventura County Reporter. Community activists in Ventura have mobilized to keep Wal-Mart out of their city.

Since Wal-Mart filed their proposed pre-application September 30, 2004, with the City of Ventura to develop a store in the location currently occupied by K-Mart on Victoria Avenue, the Stop Ventura Wal-Mart Coalition has undertaken local advocacy, community education and policy development efforts.

The Ventura group is supported by the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, CAUSE, and leads the fight to keep Wal-Mart out of the city. The current VC Reporter article quotes a community organizer.

Why Wal-Mart Should Stay Away From Ventura

“There are many people who feel this isn't the kind of business we'd like to see--but we do recognize it's a challenge to keep a business from opening up,” said Cesar Hernandez, community planning director for CAUSE.

Hernandez argues that there is already a Wal-Mart in Oxnard, just six miles away and that the goal of the coalition isn't to just keep big boxes out; it's to create jobs that pay well.

Proposed Law Tightens Retail Requirements

But the city has an option, according to an article in the Ventura County Star co-written by Nan Waltman, chairwoman of the Stop Ventura Wal-Mart Coalition. It can require review of existing large sites when they change hands, but it would require a new city ordinance.

The current Victoria Avenue K-Mart lease is set to expire in 2007.

The Stop Ventura Wal-Mart Coalition has submitted an ordinance that would meet this need. Reoccupation of large retail sites would require approval of the Planning Commission--after the impacts on traffic, housing and damage to local businesses are mitigated by the retailer.

CAUSE has sought changes in the proposed 2005 City of Ventura general plan and has drafted a land use ordinance that would directly address Wal-Mart's proposed development. The draft ordinance has been endorsed by the Stop Ventura Wal-Mart Coalition and has been received positively by members of the Ventura city council and staff.

Learn About Wal-Mart's High Community Cost

You're invited to a movie presentation of
"Wal-Mart, the High Cost of Low Price"," sponsored by the Ventura Stop Wal-Mart Coalition, Tuesday, November 15, 2005 07:30 PM. Location: 3127 Trinity Drive, Ventura. Ticket price is free!

Join the team to stop Wal-Mart from opening a store in the K-Mart building on Victoria near the present location of Trader Joe's!

Directions to the movie: Main Street (from Downtown towards Pacific View Mall), Emma (right), Porter (left), Valmore (right), Channel Drive (left), Trinity (left).

Click for more about Bravenewfilms.org film screenings.

Dear Public Servants: Remember Me?

2005-10-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

I'm a taxpayer. I know that you probably get tired of hearing this one but I think I pay your salary. Sure, you spend a lot of time with the movers and shakers of the development world and they're probably a lot more interesting than I am but you're still supposed to be looking out for me. Maybe we should meet for lunch and get acquainted?

sincerely, Jane Q

Witness this "grassroots effort" by Westpac and the way that our public servants can be invited to private strategy sessions while the public is locked out of the process.

Carol is the project manager for the huge urban-style project being proposed in Templeton and has often made claims of a desire to involve the public in this process in a "grassroots" way. Names of county officials have been changed to protect...the names of county officials. The county tried to submit the project with a negative declaration based on a traffic assessment that is incompetent at best.

From: "planner A"@co.slo.ca.us
Subject: Traffic Meeting; Westpac
Date: October 25, 2005 2:10:01 PM PDT
To: (carol's e-mail)
Cc: koriebayer@mac.com

Carol,
I have a request from 2 members of the public (Korie Bayer and Jane Q) to attend the meeting on Thursday regarding traffic. Since Oasis and Associates is hosting the meeting I indicated to them that it wasn't appropriate for me to invite them.

Please send an email to Korie indicating whether or not they can attend. Thanks for you cooperation.

"Planner A"
Planner, Inland/Environmental Division
San Luis Obispo County

From: koriebayer@mac.com
Subject: Westpac Traffic Meeting
Date: October 27, 2005 1:50:45 PM PDT
To: Carol's address withheld.com

Dear Ms. Florence,

I have received your voicemail regarding the traffic meeting that you have arranged for today, October 27, with regard to the Ramada Project. I understand that this meeting will be attended by Caltrans, SLOCOG, a representative from the Department of Planning and Building, and a representative from the Department of Public Works as well as other agencies.

I also understood you to say that the purpose of this meeting is to ensure that all parties are "on the same page" on this issue. What I am having trouble understanding is your unwillingness to submit to our request to observe this meeting.

As you are aware, Citizens concerned for Templeton's Future has submitted a request for review of the mitigated negative declaration submitted for this project. A major concern with regard to our request for an EIR is that the traffic impacts will be tremendous and unmitigable. The previous traffic study has been found to be grossly inadequate and the models for the calculations are very unclear.

As it is our hope that we be "on the same page" as well, it makes no sense that Westpac is unwilling to allow us to attend. It also runs counter to the stated claim, as quoted in the Paso Robles Press, that it is your desire to involve the citizens of the community on a "grass roots level."

Please clarify your position on this matter. Your concern that the details of this meeting will "not be helpful" to us due to the "very technical issues" involved has been noted but I would respectfully disagree and submit that it is exactly these technicalities that we should all be allowed to understand. I am sure that Westpac shares in our desire to achieve transparency in this process.

Thank you for your consideration,

Korie Bayer, Templeton

(no reply received)

From: high-ranking county official@co.slo.ca.us
Subject: Re: Urgent - Meeting today
Date: October 27, 2005 11:32:01 AM PDT
To: koriebayer@mac.com
Cc: planner A and other high-ranking county officials

Ms. Bayer:
Thank you for your email regarding an inquiry into a meeting scheduled for today. I did some checking and was informed that the meeting you are referencing was initiated by a private party--in this case the applicants agent--and the meeting is not a county meeting.

Since an applicant or agent can convene meetings and extend invitations to who ever they want, I don't have the authority to override their action. I also understand that Mr. A informed you that he would forward any relevant information from the meeting on to you.

-- High-Ranking County Official

For The Vast Audio Radiance

2005-10-30T15:02:00.000-08:00

It's no secret to our blog readers that three of our bloggers are also experienced with radio. Bill Benica and Dave Congalton can be heard weekdays in San Luis Obispo county.

The subject of radio has come up in blog postings by David Ciaffardini and comments from readers.

Your blog publisher, Newsstand Greg, also has a radio career under his belt...and he recaps what it means.

"Activist" vs "Active in the Community"

2005-10-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was a wife, a mom, and a nurse practitioner. I didn't have a clue what a mitigated negative declaration was and I thought that if an empty lot was zoned 'Commercial Retail' it meant that it would not be covered with high-density housing but would someday have one or more buildings on it with a commercial function of some kind.

I thought that the unincorporated communities were represented by an advisory group which had some authority in assuring that the citizen-created community design plan was adhered to. I thought I had a representative on the Board of Supervisors...

What is the difference between an "activist" and someone who is "active in the commmunity?" I can't say for sure but the trend seems to be that if you're willing to just help out and do as you're told then you're "active in the community." If you want to help out but you see some elephants in the room and you would like to point them out -- then you're an "activist" which tends to carry some negative connotations.

It's unfortunate, really. I think that all of us want to live in healthy and balanced communities. We just need to try to figure out how to work together in finding the best way of getting there. --Korie Bayer

Tuesday's Latest Bloggings

2005-10-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

What's the cheapest gallon of gasoline where you live? Guy Murray asks if it's less than...well, let's let him ask the question.

Ann Calhoun is an astute observer of SLO county media...and compares The Tribune to Rip Van Winkle!

Jobs for disabled people, Gary Ray Rogers tells us, are still scarce despite nearly 70 years of federal programs to hire disabled workers.

The Road Goes Through Pismo Beach

2005-10-23T22:24:00.000-07:00

"The Road Less Traveled" is the name of Melissa Etheridge's new greatest hits collection. Look closely at the cover which shows Melissa standing on...Pismo Beach sand!

A breast cancer survivor, Etheridge was on the David Letterman show last Thursday night (10/20) and told Dave the photo was taken on the Pismo sand. The things one can learn from a little tv.

Have a great week and thanks for visiting again. Don't forget to leave a comment on any posting you choose, or send the editor an email. I read and answer every message. Thanks!

What is the Ramada Project?

2005-10-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

I guess this is another example where it's hard to define exactly what something IS, but it's easy to say what it's NOT.

What Ramada Is NOT--A Mixed-Use Project

In trying to come up with a definition of "mixed use" for this blog--you know, try to gain credibility by quoting facts--I've found that "facts" are hard to find. This seems to be the case with all of the land use issues I've been trying to educate myself on over the past few months.

Lots of gray area makes it easier to chase away those pesky community residents who say, "Hey. Wait a minute. That's not what they're supposed to be allowed to put there."

Like many others, I look at this project and I see a housing development with a strip mall and mini-storage thrown in to justify the demise of our last, large vacant commercial parcel on the 101 corridor. I see a developer who wants to maximize profits in a market where empty retail spaces abound while housing is still red hot.

I see an unincorporated community with no self-sustaining economy or hope of eventual incorporation--Heck, I'd settle for some hope that my kid could have a chance at a local job when he grows up--and a government that shows no motivation to correct that.

Too Many "Gray" Areas?

And I see a county planning department that is making decisions based on it's own budgetary mission without looking out for the long term benefit of the tax-paying residents of Templeton. I'm pretty sure our right to representation is guaranteed in the constitution but I could be wrong. It's probably a gray area.

Anyway, I did a Google search on 'mixed use project definition.' There are articles that describe the concept pretty well, but I've got to tell you I had a good belly laugh in the googling process.

Can you guess what showed up as number '5' on the very first page? There she was in all her glory: the Paso Robles press story, "Mixed-use Project Proposed in Templeton."

Come on. Click the link. On the page she was surrounded by mixed use articles from the Las Vegas strip and metropolitan Minneapolis. Imagine that and then our own supervising planner, Chuck Stevenson, describing why this is a great idea for a 40 acre commercial retail parcel in an area on the edge of town and surrounded by a tractor shop and a bunch of cows. Seriously, folks. It was a funny read.

What Is the "Mixed Use" Definition in SLO County?

The county will be seeing this "mixed use" phrase a lot in the coming years. It will often be juxtaposed with that sexy "smart growth" term. Some of the projects, like the fabulous Colony Square Project in downtown Atascadero, will be the real deal. But there will be many who exploit the terminology for personal financial gain or simply due to a lack of willingness to look at each project individually.

They will label all who oppose a project as NIMBYs and they will forge ahead with "political will" instead of trying to listen to our concerns and maybe recognizing that they are shooting themselves in the foot by plunking down a mass like this in such an unsuitable size, shape, and location.

If this gets built in a form anywhere close to what's on the table now, a mere mention of the term "mixed use" and Cliff and Harry had better start sharpening their pencils for the next big verbal spanking because the TAAG meeting for that project will have to be held at the football stadium.

Unveiling this project as a model for smart growth? Nothing smart about that.

Ramada Project vs Mixed Use Label

2005-10-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

When it comes to wanting to build homes or commercial structures, the term "mixed use" sometimes enters the picture. And it may be part of the discussion a lot more often if Korie Bayer's experience in Templeton is any example.

The case in point is the "Ramada Project." Is it, or is it not, a "mixed use" development?

Sure this is a tough question, but the people of Templeton need a good answer. Glad to have Korie asking the question in the first place, right here in our all slo county blog pages.

The Last Of The Titans

2005-10-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

Your'e looking at the Titan missile liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Wednesday, just before noon. Our new blogger, Guy Murray, shows the complete launch sequence here from Space Launch Complex-4 East on south base.

This marks the end of the 46-year Titan missile program.

Photo provided by Guy Murray

The Sun Begins To Shine

2005-10-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Cleaning house is just the first step to open self-government. Cleaning up the aftermath requires help and a few letters of request, such as this from the newly re-staffed Los Osos CSD.

..."Today, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) staff, in a breach of contract, unilaterally pulled our State Revolving Fund loan for a project under construction. This decision places our Los Osos Community Services District in debt to contractors for several million dollars..."

Ann Calhoun's Can(n)on prints the letter in full...

Welcome To South SLO County's Page!

2005-10-19T13:47:00.001-07:00

We debut a new regional page for our blogging conversations. Look for more people to join our south SLO county blog page from Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach soon.

Introducing a new south SLO county voice, Guy Murray, resident of Nipomo and a lawyer.

Nimpomo Hills photo: Guy Murray

What's Nipomo's biggest challenge? Guy says it is, "who will control Nipomo's destiny? People who have no attachment to our community; don't shop in our community; don't live in our community?

Or, will we have our own, those of us who work, live, and breathe here in Nipomo plan and control that destiny?"

Want To Read Some Good Stories?

2005-10-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

Gary Ray Rogers rolls his wheelchair through Costco and lets us know how how it rates for disabled accessibility.

Newsstand Greg asks: are there any "central coast censored" stories that need more exposure? Ideas wanted.

Ann Calhoun helps you help Los Osos. She proposes a model letter to state senator Maldonado and state assemblyman Blakeslee.

"Hooligans" Attend Templeton Advisory Group?

2005-10-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm Korie Bayer coming to you from the rowdy North County community of Templeton. Did you hear about the group of hooligans who attended the last regular meeting of the Templeton Area Advisory Group?

Those folks were so angry and abusive that there were citizens who feared for their safety.

Anyway that's Harry Ovitt's version of events but I'm not sure what meeting he was at. Well, come to think of it, I'm sure what meeting he was NOT at. He was not at the September 15 meeting where close to 100 citizens turned out to weigh in on a huge behemoth of a "mixed use" project that county planners are trying to plunk down in our little town.

Harry was definitely not in attendance, but if you read the Tribune you saw how he later sent his legislative assistant to deliver a scathing admonishment to the board of volunteer citizens elected to represent our unincorporated community on development issues. It appears the group is charged with allowing the citizens to actually speak.

Ovitt aide, Cliff Smith, barked out accusations of personal attacks and abusiveness to citizens, planners, and developers then threatened TAAG with dissolution. I was at both meetings and I can tell you that the Ovitt rep's passionate scolding and finger-pointing display at the second meeting far exceeded any emotion displayed at the first.

In the end, he refused to provide a copy of the complaint or the speech instead stomping out of the public meeting with a slam of the door. It was a shocking site even for me and I have a four year old.

There is significant cause for concern over the Ramada Drive Mixed Use Project yet the citizens at the first meeting expressed those concerns with a tremendous amount of respect and poise. Okay, there were a few short bursts of applause--against the rules outlined by the TAAG chair--but hardly worthy of throwing someone out. Only one citizen wrote in to say that he supported the project but felt too intimidated to speak out.

Placed against the more than twenty letters offering a different view, I'd say that might be a personal problem. It's never easy to speak out in public--especially when you represent the minority. Still, all views were welcomed and encouraged, the crowd was a diverse group of soccer moms, retirees, farmers and professionals, and there wasn't a club or a cattle prod to be found.

I'd love to tell you more about the project in question, the unusual way it progressed through the planning department, and the way it's trying to sneak by without the proper environmental studies but I think we're out of time. Stay tuned for more from those naughty kids of Templeton. Thanks for listening. --Korie

(P.S. I hear the Ovitt/Smith "speech" is available as an mp3. Any takers?)

Meet Korie Bayer, A Voice for Templeton

2005-10-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

Korie Bayer has a number of neighbors who like to go to community meetings. At a recent meeting in Templeton, she got an upclose view of how some county public servants react to criticism. Wow!

Your publisher spent a week on vacation, but now I'm back at growing our blog. Look for more bloggers joining our effort to better inform our neighbors on the Central Coast.

After all, this is that friendly back fence for neighborly chat. Thanks for stopping by for a while. Revisit soon!

Rogue Voice Update

2005-10-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Our first deadline passed without much fanfare, but we’re proud of the response we’ve received and I wanted to give you a little update.

Dell and I recently located about 20 sites throughout San Luis Obispo County that offered to let us distribute The Central Coast Rogue Voice from their places of business. We’ll fill you in as things develop.

We’ve got a great lineup of contributors and stories for our first edition, which will hit the stands October 1.

• Dell interviews Adam Pollard, co-owner and chef at Taco Temple in Morro Bay.
• Ben Leraux describes the freedom of the road as he embarks on his journey across the country to wash windows and seek adventure. First stop, Albertson’s in Flagstaff, Ariz.
• Tito David Valdez reminds us that life ain’t so bad when you consider what it’s like to eat breakfast in prison every day year after year.
• Joe Bageant tells us what it’s like to carpool with Adolf Eichmann, the guy who’s just doing his job making bombs for illegal wars.
• Dr. Steven J. Sainsbury offers castration as a viable, humane solution to preventing repeat sex offenders from destroying another child’s life.

These are just a few of the many wonderful offerings that have come to us since Dell and I embarked on this project. Many more talented contributors have offered their support and ideas. Needless to say, we’re excited and wish to extend our invitation to you to send material and suggestions our way.

The Rogue Voice
P.O. Box 491
Cayucos, CA 93430

Email: swarde805@charter.net

Deadline for the November edition is October 1.

Some of the things we’ll be looking for are point-counterpoint dialogs between artful and intelligent conservative and liberal opinion writers, political commentary, poetry, photos, illustrations, interviews with rogues, and humor. If you have any questions, contact me or Dell.

Meanwhile, we’ve been getting great support from our graphic artist, who wishes to remain anonymous at this stage, and from Cayucos artist Grady Houser. Both artists have helped us develop our roguish appeal. We hope you like it.

Stacey

Stacey Warde
805-995-3241
swarde805@charter.net

Idiot Box Or Benefit To Mankind?

2005-09-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Photo by NASA
Ahh, the television set--once viewed as a tool for education--is now under fire on the Central Coast.

Dave Congalton on payback: the New Times shreds KSBY Channel 6.

Ann Calhoun cites a public official saying public access tv channel 20 in Los Osos may have "shared enough of both sides of the (sewer) debate" so it's NOT going to air any more "voter education" programs about the project. Next Tuesday is the vote to Recall three LOCSD members.

Craig Louis Dingman sees the Atascadero Main Street vision as a choice between hometown kitsch and sprayed-on stucco structures.

Rounding out what's new on the blog:

Bill Benica's post asserts "our Constitutional Rights are in danger!" Gary Ray Rogers prints a letter from the National Council on Disabilities to the Department of Homeland Security requesting specific help for disabled people hurt by the hurricane. The high costs of medicine and medical malpractice suits are tackled by Dr. Don Regan's latest in response to recent viewer comments.

Thanks again for visiting and please drop by again!

Punch! Jab! Right! Left!

2005-09-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Is it the Hand of Fate hitting us in the face...or is it scientific reality?

You may be ready for the next Big Battle guest blogger Reenee sees coming.

Middle class healthcare could be better in Viet Nam than on the Central Coast.

Take a few minutes to peacefully read the Lompoc Peace reasons to protest on Saturday, the 24th, for a shout that will be heard from the Central Coast all around the world.

You may be "streaming" without even knowing it. On a totally different topic, have you seen our Accessibility blognews lately?

Thanks for visiting and please tell a friend about our blogsite. Our goal is to break last month's record of more than a thousand new, unduplicated visitors. We fully appreciate your support.

Same Topics, New Postings

2005-09-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Photo by NOAA

Hurricane Katrina's damage is now recognized as the worst natural disaster in US history. The recent Indonesia tsunami's cost estimate is $10 billion and U.N. estimates of insured losses from Katrina range from $9 billion to $25 billion in the last three weeks.

Ron Fink asks "what's next for New Orleans?" and offers numerous opinions plus three "shoulds."

Absolutely shocking to read "the confessions of a Bush-basher" written by David Ciaffardini, of all people.

Ever wonder why 38% did not evacuate New Orleans before Katrina hit? Gary Ray Rogers explains.

Read all about revising the history of the "Solutions Group" in Ann Calhoun's lastest.

Code Pink in San Luis Obispo has a goal to end the War in Iraq and a calendar of events to accomplish this.

MJ Juror Book, ESHA And Vietnam Battlefields

2005-09-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks for browsing by. Have you seen the view from Santa Maria?

Our guest blogger, Reenee, has the reaction to the Michael Jackson juror/reluctant acquitter/book author story.
Our Green man in Vietnam, Thom Hutchings, reads the US press with this response to a column by Thomas Sowell.
What's an ESHA? Those in Los Osos know, and Ann Calhoun provides the story of how the LOCSD may not fill in forms with all pertinent information, and at what cost.

You might want to check the comments section of your favorite bloggers, that's where some of the most fun is found on this here blogsite. Or leave a comment all your own, wherever you desire. It's our way of spreading democracy throughout the Coast.

Time To Make The Call

2005-09-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

You'll want to call in to Dave Congalton's talk show Thursday...listen to the case for the impeachment of George W. Bush! Dave also presents a timeline of government response when the last American city was destroyed by a natural disaster--the San Francisco earthquake, 1906.

Then there's Ron Fink with his take on the "darling of the wine and cheese liberals of southern SB County"...Representative Lois Capps. Has all she's accomplished been a tattoo removal program and a failed attempt (the Gaviota National Seashore) to federalize her coastal district's coastline?

How did you remember the events of 9/11? Our Lompoc Peace and Justice Coalition helped the next generation visualize the cost of war.

Closer to home, Dawn Legg gets near the reason why legislation is/isn't getting done in Sacramento.

Have your friends discussed how much responsibility George W. Bush shares for the Katrina aftermath--and preparations beforehand? Mickey Rowe pummels the keyboard for answers.

Leave it to David Ciaffardini to tell us where we can get chocolate marshmallow popcorn along with our first run moving picture shows. Yummy!

Two Questions, Three Web Sites, One Can(n)on

2005-09-08T00:52:00.000-07:00

Where is the post-hurricane "leadership" of George W. Bush? asks Mickey P. Rowe.

Another question from David Ciaffardini: has Dick Cheney gone AWOL?

Leggs Ortiz logs in recommending three web sites she reviews.

Ann Calhoun spotlights the Los Osos CSD and legal liabilities of airing ads less than 30 days before an election.

Thoughts For This Labor Day Week

2005-09-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ron Fink asks: should New Orleans be rebuilt?
David Ciaffardini outlines the hurricane test of our compassion.

Newsstand Greg pays respect to Labor Day's "salt of the earth."

Dr. Don explains the "symbiotic" tax code.

Talk About The WeatherTalk About The Government

2005-09-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

Lompoc Mary asks what's the worst kind of weapon in existence?

Guest bloggette Reenee wants a "today appointment" with her doctor.

Ron Fink shows how the weather can be politicized in a blame game.

Bill Benica's solution to lawless New Orleans: "shoot the loot!"

Doc Regan knows disaster news means we are prepared here, right?

Ann Calhoun finds a new wrinkle in the Los Osos sewer saga.

Margo Viers lives in a building where death knocks three times.

Leggs Ortiz "personal" hurricane tells what she wants from "them."

What Is The ABC Plan?

2005-09-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

More than one spectator has wondered just what is this "ABC Plan" that Joey Racano promotes? In fact, I emailed him the same question and he sent me this link to the complete document.

Now it's up to the people to look at it and see if it's an agreeable place to start reconsidering the Los Osos sewer/park fiasco. --editor, CCNM

Katrina Reaches The Central Coast

2005-09-02T23:44:00.000-07:00

The damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina is on our minds.

Photo by UW Madison, Wisconsin

Two views on what it means, from Ron Fink and David Ciaffardini.
A little coffee for the soul from Newsstand Greg and a quick visit to the newest "no spin zone," this time in Los Osos where Ann Calhoun tells it like it is.

Death Comes Knocking

2005-09-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

Death knocked two doors down a couple of weeks ago.
Death knocked one door down today.

The people who died were just people, not famous, not well known by very many people, but the people who knew them well loved them with all the love they had.

It does not matter that both of the people who died had been sick and there was warning that the end might come at any time. Death came as a shock. To those that died and the ones they left behind.

I worry about the ones left.

One of the women does not drive and has a bad back making walking difficult, food shopping has become an issue and cleaning is impossible. Her son lives many states away. He and his wife offered to move her but she does not want to impose. She has no one here, she says.

My other neighbor is still recovering from having her best friend Bear Bear, her little dog of 14 years, snatched and killed by a big dog. She tried to save her friend but the big dog was too big, too strong, and too intent on the kill and she was too frail. Her son's death may be too much for her.

Grief is present in the neighborhood this week and we still have one to go since it always knocks three times.

It just knocked again. --Margo Viers

Gambling For Dollars

2005-09-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Describing sound is rather like catching smoke. You can hear it in your head but the words elude you. The casino was like that--smoky and filled with sound.

Electronica gone amuck, with the people trying to catch it.

Shoulder to shoulder people, smoke wafting everywhere inside a building in California no less! Amazing. Up the escalator there is a woman smoking. I pause to see how security will handle it. And they just walked by. I knew I was in a different world.

Smoke was not the only item filling the air. Soun-- lots of sound. A cacaphony of sound. Whirs, beeps and pings but few human voices.

I pick a machine and promptly realize that once again in the path of life I don't know what to do, it has been too long since the last visit to a casino. It's time to figure it out.

Five buttons on the top row, 5 buttons on the bottom row. Pick and choose. Ok. But the machine won't take my bill. I take that as a sign and move on.

Second choice was not a good choice. Four spins, good-bye five.

Next machine is a 7-spinner and a good-bye five. Movin' on now. What's the reverse of ka-ching? ka-chung?

Hey, that Bandida looks like a good machine, another five in the slot and spin it down to the last 1 credit. But... there is a help button. Now that's my kind of button. Read the instructions. Play the last spin and up come 15 free games but I definitely don't know how to cash in.

My neighbor gestures to just let it run. I start to touch a button and he gestures again. I leave it alone. The machine spins up a 36 dollar win. I turn to say thank you to my neighbor and realize that once again, sign language has worked in place of words since he did not have the ability to verbalize.

Good bye Bandida. Goodbye casino. Goodbye gambling. --Margo Viers

Mickey Joins Our Bloggin' Bunch

2005-08-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

Give a great big welcome to writer, researcher and Santa Barbara jogger, Mickey Rowe.

Congalton's Medialogue recaps the Pulitzer typos and usual Friday Tribune critique session.

Once again, thank you for helping our blog reach its first 1,000+ unique viewer month! Please tell your friends of this URL--and we thank you again!

Mourning Our Fallen Giants

2005-08-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

David Ciaffardini says "love is the answer," but what is the question?

Ann Calhoun mourns the loss of a mighty eucalyptus grove in Los Osos.

Ron Fink asks how much does it cost to save our environment?

Dr. Don Regan wonders if it's worth it to "stay the course."

Mr. Rogers tells us a quadriplegic sailed the English Channel solo!

Could The Ocean Be Our Trash Can?

2005-08-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

Our sources point out a frightening plan for coastal dumping and how to stop it with your public outcry--now until Thursday, 9/1/05.

The state Bureau of Reclamation proposes to pipe 40 years of untreated agricultural waste from the San Joaquin Valley into Estero Bay at Point Estero near Cayucos.

This plan calls for untreated selenium and pesticide-bearing waste to be dumped a mile and a half from shore in an area rich with migrating marine mammals, birds and fish, and an area that is the habitat for a threatened species, the southern sea otter. The effects of this discharge would be devastating to our local estuary and marine ecosystem.

Please send your comments by Sept. 1 to: Ms. Claire Jacquemin, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-700, Sacramento 95825. Ms. Jacquemin's fax is 916-978-5094 and her e-mail address is: cjacquemin at mp.usbr.gov.

New Post Roundup

2005-08-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Calhoun's Can(n)on questions 'Lord of the Flies' analogy in Tribune editorial.

Bill Benica lets us know the citizen standoff is growing in Cambria.

Dr Don Regan speaks from the heart about adoption and thankfulness.

Gary Ray Rogers fills us in on the ADA and ADAAG and accessibility.

The Weekend Begins Here

2005-08-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Ron Fink asks: is Cindy Sheehan a pawn of the left?

Dave Congalton helps us remember a great joker.

Newsstand Greg brings down the hammer on SLO politics.

Bill Benica locates the "Gateway to the Far Western Tavern!"

Ann Cahoun confirms Los Osos tree cutting begins Monday!

David Ciaffardini details a "precisely accurate" editorial opinion.

Take a spin around the site. Snap us an email. Tell us what you want. Thanks, and enjoy your weekend!

End All 'Waivers' Of The Clean Water Act in California

2005-08-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

by guest blogger and community activist, Joey Racano,
check his site: Stopthewaiver.com

Dear Friends,

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am a Joey Racano, a founding member of the Orange County Ocean Outfall Group, dedicated to ending all 'waivers' of the Clean Water Act in California.

I am also the author of a book on activism and--perhaps most importantly--I am the author of the 'A-B-C Plan,' a regional wastewater treatment plan for the Morro Bay Estuary watershed.

The 'A-B-C Plan' (or more formally known as the Andre-Bay-Cayucos' Plan) has been officially endorsed by the San Luis Bay Chapter of Surfrider Foundation and elected officials from a coalition of central coast cities.

In the course of creating and implementing such a watershed-wide plan, it is necessary to address the fundamental problems impacting the Morro Bay Estuary, not the least of which is the swirling controversy surrounding the proposed wastewater treatment facility in Los Osos.

Let's begin by acknowledging the existence of a September 1997 report entitled "A Detailed Examination of the San Luis Obispo County Nitrate Sampling "Program" by Wade Brim which has convinced many, including me, that the entire 'high nitrates--we need a sewer' emergency was a complete fabrication. Mr. Brim's credentials and qualifications are too numerous to list here.

This report was submitted to all involved agencies (FED EPA, California Coastal Commission, CCRWQCB, DWR, SWRCB, etc) and found that seven of the ten test wells (like CSA-9, for instance) were never given sanitary seal and in fact some were actually a source of nitrate contamination of the upper aquifer!

Further, please be aware of a May 2002 letter written by Environmental Consultant James F. Kreissl, in which he states:

"I was distressed to see the misinterpretation of my 1994 report on possible solutions for Los Osos wastewater problems provided by (CCRWQCB)Gerhardt Hubner and signed by Ms. McGovern of USEPA..."

He goes on to say: "To claim that my report supported an areawide conventional sewer system is a gross misrepresentation of my report".

Until and unless these and other more recent unsettling issues concerning the CCRWQCB are addressed (see stopthewaiver.com), the wastewater treatment plant as currently proposed for Los Osos can neither move forward nor should it even be taken seriously.

I also have other enormous concerns with the Los Osos project of which I shall list ten:

1. A study must be done to identify what contaminants are in the upper aquifer in order to protect the integrity of the lower drinking water aquifer when effluent is disposed of at area 'C' beneath the hillside at Broderson. We may be about to poison our own water supply!

2. Contrary to misinformation being spread by the Los Osos Community Services District's deceptive PR spin campaign, the Los Osos Wastewater Treatment Plant as currently proposed does not address the #1 threat to this community--the peril of salt water intrusion.

A recent study has shown salt water is currently beneath Palisades Ave and moving in at 60 feet per year. My A-B-C Regional Plan would act to counter that advance by supplying treated effluent to agricultural interests, who currently suck 1 Million Gallons per day from the lower aquifer. They would no longer have to do so! The Los Osos plant as currently proposed does no such thing.

3. It is the height of recklessness to 'protect' the environment from pollution by placing a sewer plant right next to--and directly uphill from--the Morro Bay National Estuary.

4. Under the currnt plan for building the Los Osos plant, a small part of the community would have to pay for it all, causing an estimated 3,000 people to move from their homes. Many of these people are elderly. Others are Latino and their community was virtually excluded from the entire process when the LOCSD mysteriously ceased printing community information in Spanish.

5. There is money available for regional wastewater treatment plans for which the myopic LOWWTP as currently proposed does not qualify.

6. A precedent was recently set by the SWRCB in Sacramento as they stopped large-scale logging operations in two watersheds, ordering enforcement of the 'WWWDR', or Watershed-Wide Waste Discharge Requirement.' The 'WWWDR' certainly applies here in the Morro Bay Estuary watershed.

7. If you build a sewer in the center of town, all it will take is 12 odor complaints in a 24 hour period to bring on fines of Ten Thousand and up to twenty-five Thousand Dollars per day! Are you really that sure about controlling the odors from your bouquet?

8. There is great risk in a WWTP that costs nearly $200,000,000.00 (and rising) but doesn't recycle, or eliminate the need to import water, doesn't protect the estuary, doesn't stop salt water intrusion--and don't
forget the constant flow of sludge trucks in and out of the center of town, all laden with sludge so dirty it is neither class 'A' nor class 'B'--it is actually 'No Name' sludge! All this, and built with an accompanying park and 'tot-lot'? The risks are simply too great.

9. A system comparable to that proposed at Tri-W is being built at CMC for $17 Million but is costing $46 Million at Tri-W! The inflated costs are clearly associated with the Tri-W location.

10. The threat of Regional board fines can be addressed with legislation that would be available for a regional full tertiary system. Such legislation would exempt the participating cities from such fines, whereas the Los Osos Wastewater fascility is currently proposed to be built in a low-lying ravine just uphill from the Morro Bay National Estuary and so would be fined by the Regional Board when the plant 'surcharges' (spills sewage) every holiday and every rainstorm!

By building a regional plan, there will be no delay. Los Osos will still come on line in less than 3 years with Morro Bay and Cayucos hooking in later.

Remember: the cost of a regional sewer will forever drop as more and more entities join up and hook in. It is not a good idea to put a sewer next to the estuary, and it is not a good idea to spend $200 Million of 21st Century money for a 19th Century sewer being forced upon you by three guys about to be shown the door and a regional water board rife with embarrassing conflicts.

Vote YES on the recall. Let's go with the regional plan.

Joey Racano
Ocean Outfall Group, email: joeylittleshell at yahoo.com

Happy Thursday!

2005-08-25T03:16:00.000-07:00

The rockin' week is rolling on...with new postings and a new blogger to introduce.

Welcome to Nipomo resident and Santa Barbara county watchdog, Andy Caldwell.

Photo: University of New South Wales
There's a "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" in Los Osos, we're told Oceano and Nipomo are in a sloganeering slugfest, and Thom Hutchings considers why "the terrorists" hate us.

Cranky Anne is really irascible when she looks at her eye problems, Ron Fink relives basic training at Lackland AFB and guest Dr. Andrew Millar asks if the STAR test is all it's cracked up to be.

At Noon-thirty (12:30pm) citizens are set to converge on the Cambria Veteran's Memorial Bldg., 1000 Main Street, to protect their rights! Or is it a "terrorist investigation?" Take a look around and post a comment or two--and we thank you!

The Eyes Of August

2005-08-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

I recently experienced an--how shall I say this?--health adventure. Yeah, that's it: an adventure relevant to my health. I literally lost the sight in what used to be my so-called good eye (the left one). For all intents and purposes--like seeing furniture, faces, the fingers of a hand splayed right in front of your face, the numbers (forget about the hands) on a clock right under your nose, your watch, your face in the mirror--I went blind in the one eye that worked.

My right eye is clouded by a cataract as a result of eye surgeries five years ago. Ironically, the sight under the cataract is really pretty good. So, the sudden loss of sight in the "clear" eye was nothing short of traumatic. "Son of a bitch!" traumatic, and I'm not usually labeled a big curser on my worst days.

In a nutshell, I took an over-the-counter medicaton that is not recommended for people with my eye condition. As a result, a very real crisis ensued in which I couldn't see anything while battling a severe bacterial infection that I'd caught from my darling grandboy.

I was so dangnabbed incapacitated that a friend of mine drove up from Upland and moved into my flat to care for me. People who know me well know how fiercely independent I try to be; I couldn't even open a can of Progresso Wild Rice and Chicken soup--and it's a pull-off top. My friend stayed ten days.

As of today, I can see well enough to cook, read, write, walk, grocery shop, jog across a parking lot, and identify folks a good fifty to a hundred yards away. Good thing 'cuz I start full-time at my dream job next week, and I'm rarin' to beat feet to my assignment. All I can say is, "Thank God!!" And thank all the fine folks who've wished me well, prayed for me, brought me vittles, and carted my helpless arse to the doctor for all the follow-up appointments.

During the time I was down and out, marveling at the bizarre and wondrous dreams induced by the Vicodin prescription (Johnny Depp and Donald Trump in one dream!), it never ceased to amaze me how many "seeing" comments dot our most ordinary conversations. "I can't see how this is helping." "What an eye-opener!" "What is your vision for that situation?" And on and on and on.

I can only imagine that blind people are somehow inured to it all. I'll bet it drives people who are not blind from birth bonkers. It started to inhibit my conversations a little after a few days, especially when I struggled with moments of "What if my sight doesn't come back?" That was the worst because I'm a reader, capital r, and somehow the thought of a life of books-on-tape depressed me no end.

During those times I would consider bargaining with God, wondering what I could promise to do or be that would influence Him enough to heal my eye. Please notice I said "consider" because, good Catholic that I am, I know better. (Most of the time.)

The past weeks provided me with plenty of food for thought and gave me plenty of "cause to pause." All the adages concerning gratitude and a new appreciation and a commitment to health, etc. all show up in my mind a gazillion times a day as I take up living like a sighted person once more. Like a lot of people, I would give lip service to understanding how often I took the most important things and people for granted.

This month of August demanded that I do more than give lip service to that understanding. I am beyond grateful for the return of my sight because I found out something about myself that I needed to know: I am not anywhere near as brave as I thought I could be when faced with a serious disability. I need to buck up. And at least now I can see to do it. This I shall never take for granted. --"Cranky" AnnE

Hooray For Monday!

2005-08-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

Sure, the arrival of Monday means the rockin' weekend is totally over. And the rockin' work week is just beginning. It's also a time to point out new postings on the site:

Dave Congalton's much awaited Medialogue second installment is ready to view. "Bird flippin'" fresh content appears in our series of posts titled "Inside Morro Bay," courtesy of Mandy Davis. Ron Fink writes an ode to the presidential peacemaker, Ronald Reagan. Why are Santa Maria streets so narrow? Guest blogger, Reenee tells us.

A Gentle Flashback To 1969

2005-08-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

Photo: Mike Smolinski
The Central Coast arrival in Santa Barbara of a new aircraft carrier inspires many thoughts. For one blogger, an aircraft carrier was a very large house for more than two years. It was also a very cold home.

Newsstand Greg takes us into the time machine.

THEY'RE BAAAACK!! Part I

2005-08-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

I'm really, really, really cranky these days. Even crankier than usual, I'm ashamed to admit. You would be, too, if your sleep was interrupted over and over again by hooligans and their shenanigans. And it's only going to get worse, if years past are at all indicative of what lies in wait for us downtown types--those of us who actually live in downtown SLO.

I love my flat, I really do. There aren't a lot of places I would rather live nowadays and there certainly aren't any affordable alternatives at this point in my life. So I'm a town person. Used to be a suburb person. Maybe will be someday in the future. For now the convenience of the location and the ambience of my space are wonderful.

But with the return to the school year, heralded last week by Cuesta's first day of fall semester classes, comes the Great Stampede of The Stupids. And I do mean Stupids, capital S. The Stupids are those inconsiderate young alcohol imbibers who fill up at a downtown bar (or two or three) and then carouse their way back to their cars parked away from the bars so the local gendarmes don't bust them for drinking and driving. Enroute, they holler, curse, tussle, smack street signs, scream, and relieve their bladders in the damnedest places.

They are occasionally repentant when accosted, more often non-repentant and quite often belligerent. They sit on the street under my bedroom window, slurring loudly into their cell phones, demanding someone pick them up but, "Dude! I don't know where I am so can't you just find me?"

I've been privy to the good, the bad, and the ugly in relationship bendings and endings. I've confronted these people so many times that I no longer bother to change out of my flannel pajamas, simply donning my obnoxious fuzzy blue slippers and taking my angry bedheaded self right smack into their presences. Since I'm obviously a--pardon me while I gag--senior, the responses to me-as-flannel-shrouded-apparition are mostly positive. By that I mean the offenders are generally horrified and move on.

Some time ago I purchased a digital sound machine that produces the sounds of nature like surf, rain, lakeshore, bubbling brook, etc. It's a form of what some folks call "white noise" and it masks unpleasant sounds. Like the Stupids barfing into the bushes or yelling at no one in particualar that they can't seem to unlock their car doors. Only problem is I've needed to turn up the volume quite a bit since I bought the machine. And that's even with a diminishing in my hearing, for goodness' sake!

There was this brief shining moment of hope when I read of the temporary closings of several bars downtown due to retrofittings. And then I realized how many bars remained, and the hope of some temporary moratorium on the nightly egress of The Stupids evaporated. If the Stupids want to drink downtown, they'll drink downtown, and they'll continue to wend their noisy ways back to their cars and their homes.

I just wish the local police people would hang out along Pacific and Pismo between Osos and Nipomo and watch all the buffoonery (and worse) that goes on almost every single night. We (those of us in our little complex) have called to find out about citizens' arrests and stuff like that, so we are considering our rights in matters like these.

To think that I actually appreciate the spirit of W.O.W. when it happens. After all, one of the reasons I moved to SLO was because it was a college town, and when you live in a college town, well, you live with The Stupids. Some folks would call me stupid for complaining but it's better to air my frustration this way than to become an unpleasant termagant in an otherwise nice block. At least I think it is. And I've got a great supply of really outrageous flannel pj's for the more difficult nights.

And I can always turn up the digital sound machine another notch. --"Cranky" AnnE