Bottom line is motivator

Walmart can mean different things to different people, but at its core, Walmart is a creature of instinct — its reason to exist is to make a profit for its shareholders.

Nov 19, 2009 | 9:00 pm | (4) Comments

Diverse Lompoc giving thanks

Steve Petty/Look Again

Since my very first column in the Record, I have made it clear that I am a Christian pastor in the United Methodist Church.  I am unapologetic about being a Christian; I believe Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I share my faith with anyone who wants to know. I rejoice whenever someone comes …

Nov 19, 2009 | 9:00 pm | (0) Comments

Breaking up is hard to do

We asked in the editorial above for readers to remember back a few months, when lawmakers thought they had a workable budget.

Nov 19, 2009 | 9:00 pm | (0) Comments

Peering down a budget hole

California government’s level of fiscal irresponsibility in recent years gives new meaning to the word “chronic.”

Nov 19, 2009 | 9:00 pm | (0) Comments

No support for veterans

With the tragedy at Fort Hood fresh in our minds, and Veterans Day close behind it, the magnetic ribbons on many cars with “Support Our Troops” we have been deluged with tributes to the men and women in the military, and promises from politicians at all levels that they will never for…

Nov 18, 2009 | 9:00 pm | (1) Comments

Spay/neuter law works

I have been an animal rescue volunteer since 1985. Over the years, with help from VIVA, Catalyst for Cats and CAPA, dozens of abandoned cats in my care alone have been spayed and neutered.

Nov 18, 2009 | 9:00 pm | (2) Comments

Spay/neuter hopes rise

Less than 24 hours after the Board of Supervisors approved a spay/neuter ordinance, results are already being seen.

Nov 18, 2009 | 9:00 pm | (5) Comments

Debt, job losses shadow recovery

Trent Benedetti/Improving North County

The headline from the California Employment Development Department press release last month touted the drop in unemployment to 12.2 percent, from the previous month’s high of 12.3 percent.

Nov 18, 2009 | 9:00 pm | (0) Comments

Confronting bogeyman in the closet

In case you wondered how hysteria spreads, we offer the following “news” item, gleaned from a recent Web search. The item’s headline screams:

Nov 18, 2009 | 9:00 pm | (0) Comments

Pizza deal, fire safety

I would like to thank Fire Chief Linual A. White Jr. and Battalion Chief Stan Hart from the city of Lompoc Fire Department, as well as Fire Chief Michael W. Dyer with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, for working with Domino’s Pizza.

Nov 17, 2009 | 9:25 pm | (0) Comments

Remember, it’s your life

And while the Big Debate over health care continues to boil, there is a subtext argument going on about breast cancer-detection protocols.

Nov 17, 2009 | 9:25 pm | (0) Comments

The high cost of defense

In the world of sports, the prevailing belief is that a good offense is the best defense. Score enough points, and you don’t have to worry about stopping the other guys from scoring.

Nov 17, 2009 | 9:25 pm | (0) Comments

Connecting DMV, health

I recently received my vehicle license renewal notice in the mail, and decided to pay online, because it is fast and convenient.

Nov 17, 2009 | 9:20 pm | (0) Comments

Big Brother is counting

I wish to comment on your editorial that the every-10-year census. If I were a Muslim today, I am not sure I would fill one out.

Nov 17, 2009 | 9:20 pm | (1) Comments

Health reform is not free

In Sunday’s Valley Voices, I was mystified by the people who answered the question, what is the most important aspect of health-care reform?

Nov 17, 2009 | 9:20 pm | (0) Comments

Too many seek handouts

I don’t want to come across as being selfish or uncaring, but I need to voice my opinion regarding people asking for money in front of businesses in Lompoc.

Nov 17, 2009 | 9:20 pm | (1) Comments

Pocket park has shallow pockets

The proposed pocket park on South H Street, which drew some hard questioning from the newer councilmembers in an earlier session, was one of the topics discussed during a City Council workshop on Nov. 2.

Nov 16, 2009 | 10:10 pm | (0) Comments

Getting rid of old drugs

Have you taken a close look inside your medicine cabinet lately? You know, the one in the bathroom, with its lineup of prescription medicines with expiration dates going back to the Clinton administration.

Nov 16, 2009 | 10:10 pm | (0) Comments

Close watch on politicians

To all obstructionist lawmakers, we are watching you.

Nov 16, 2009 | 10:05 pm | (1) Comments