Posted on May 1 at 9:30 a.m.

First of all, county officials failed to use common sense in instructing department heads to cut budgets by only 5% . With 90% of most department budgets (fire, police, public works, public health) consisting of labor costs, department heads didn't really have to cut anything due to attrition. It was a "no-brainer" and short sighted. A number of years back at a time when there was a budget crunch, my husband was a department head with a local Santa Barbara government agency. The department heads were instructed to cut their budgets by 20% across the board - not an easy task by any means but they succeeded and each department managed just fine without that extra 20%. 5% is nothing! Now, to the issue of our senior citizens. Shame on Public Health. The cut of $850,000.00 represents a 1% cut of their TOTAL budget. They need to do some recalculations within their own department to find the necessary funds without relying on the General Fund. Stopping the use of county vehicles for personal errands would be a good start. And, the county supervisors need to take a closer look at the use of county vehicles (and gasoline costs) attributed to individuals who have been provided with vehicles as part of their employment. Some of these individuals commute 50 miles or so to get to work - at tax payers expense. This has got to stop.

On County Axes Senior Care

Posted on April 10 at 7:31 p.m.

Bicyclist in Santa Barbara seem intent on intimidating motorist. I don't understand it. They insist on pushing cars around as if they are surrounded by a metal cage unaware that "it's cyclists alone that get maimed and killed" quite often by their own "aggressive/negligent" behavior. I, too, believe that bicycle riders need to be licensed but I also believe that riders should pass a bicycle safety test before receiving that license - just like motorist. Ignorance of the law would be eliminated. And, one more requirement, before being allowed on the streets: they should be required to carry insurance to cover any damage in the event they cause an accident. If they continue on their current path of disrespect for laws and motorist, they'll need it.

On Thou Shalt Have No False Dogs Before Me

Posted on March 25 at 11:03 a.m.

I believe Mr. Nelson was guilty on all counts but am glad this is over for the victims. These memories will remain with them for the rest of their lives and are sure to affect their outlook on life. Like Joyce Dudley, I believe it was very heroic of them to put themselves through such an ordeal. It would an injustice to give Mr. Nelson probation. He needs some time in jail for causing such irreversible harm to these two women.

On Verdict in Nelson Sexual Assault Trial