School boards need business-like approach
It might be the understatement of the decade to declare that California’s public schools need a lot of help. From funding sources to quality of instruction to getting parents to take responsibility for their children, our public education system is in dire straits. It would be easy for business owners to walk away from the Read More →
Free press needed at Olympics
Another earthquake has rocked China just before the start of the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. This 6.0 shaker hit an area on Aug. 5 just after the Olympic torch passed through on its way to the games. Some irony can be seen in that. But the real irony is that China’s new media may Read More →
Tri-Counties
Three important annual events in the Tri-Counties appear to have had successful runs this summer. Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days drew record crowds at its parades, mercados at De la Guerra Plaza and MacKenzie Park and at its rodeos from July 30 to Aug. 3, organizers said. While they haven’t yet added up all Read More →
Emergencies underscore need for peaker plant
The California Coastal Commission hearing for Southern California Edison Co.’s Oxnard peaker power plant project is planned for Aug. 6. A peaker kicks in with extra electricity when demand exceeds the supply and the commission should give serious consideration to approving this needed project. In an area with relatively slow and steady economic growth, this Read More →
Independent moves up in media industry
Two years ago this month, the journalistic eyes of California turned to the South Coast where the Santa Barbara News-Press melted like an ice cream cone in the summer sun. Top editors quit or were fired. Reporters and columnists fled the News-Press as if the building was on fire. Some reporters wore tape over their Read More →
Caution required to fix the mortgage mess
It’s time to be wary about how the U.S. government is charging to the rescue to stem a collapse in confidence in the wake of IndyMac’s seizure and the crises at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The yellow light is flashing and storm warnings are up. U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has asked for Read More →
City taxes rear their heads again
Times could get even more taxing in the coming months as some South Coast communities mull over new taxes. In an abrupt move, the Goleta City Council on July 1 backed away from plans to place a city sales tax measure on the November ballot. If approved by voters, the measure could have derailed Read More →
