SanLuisObispo.com: Opinion

Editorial: State needs to take measures to protect from future fires

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:02 PST

By Opinion of The Tribune -- This year, it appears we have been spared. While fast-moving wildfires leveled homes and caused injuries in other parts of California over the past several days, San Luis Obispo County escaped largely unscathed. The El Cerrito Fire did char 60 acres in the hills east of San Luis Obispo. Some homes were briefly threatened and evacuations ordered, but the fire was contained before it damaged any residences.

Elsewhere — in Montecito, Sylmar, Corona, Yorba Linda, Brea and other communities of Southern California — the story is grim. As many as 1,000 homes and apartments have been destroyed, and the cost of fighting the fires has put one more strain on the deficit-ridden state budget.

The state dipped into its $1.7 billion reserve fund to battle the blaze — a fact that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pointed out when he toured the devastated areas.

As We See It: A tribute to our unsung hero

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:36 PST

By Barbara George, Missie Hobson, Dee Lacey, Barbara Partridge and Pat Stevens -- Authors’ note: In the aftermath of our most historic election, we had prepared this article to remember again our county’s most historic Olympic successes. Then The Tribune’s editor challenged all of us to put forward a Thanksgiving example of one of our favorite unsung heroes. Our story was “in the can” as they say in TV news speak, so we decided to expand and rededicate it to our philanthropist friend Laura Coats.

In addition to our recitation of her Olympics successes below, we’d like to add that Laura has created and sustained the Roy E. Coats Memorial Fund for cancer research at UCLA and the John Wayne Institute. Her energy and generosity have directed millions of dollars to both research institutions and have been responsible for gains against cancer treatment and cures. She also has shared her resources locally, as a major donor to the Performing Arts Center, Cuesta College North County Campus, and was the first major donor (can it be almost 30 years ago?) to the then-fledgling Paso Robles Senior Center. Laura, this one’s for you …

Just the other day, there was another Tribune tribute to our local equestrian athlete Gina Miles. We don’t tire of reliving the victory she and McKinlaigh, the magnificent thoroughbred, claimed as they won silver in the equestrian division this past Summer Olympics season.

Dan Walters: $1.8 billion for schools boomerangs

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:28 PST

By By Dan Walters -- Eight years ago, the California Teachers Association, arguably one of the Capitol's three most influential interest groups, leveraged an extra $1.8 billion a year in school money from Gov. Gray Davis.

The state was rolling in money in 2000, thanks to a one-time infusion of income taxes on stock options and capital gains as the dot-com bubble began to burst and techies cashed in their stock options. But Davis was reluctant to use it for permanent tax cuts and/or spending.

The CTA, however, had ginned up a ballot measure that would require the state to match the national average in per-pupil spending, which would cost the state roughly $6 billion more a year. Davis agreed, in effect, to buy off the union with the $1.8 billion boost.

Bouquets and Brickbats: Housing affordability grows a bit

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:28 PST

By Opinion of The Tribune -- We’re not sure whether our housing market deserves a brickbat for winding up as the second least affordable in the nation — the nation! — or a bouquet for at least being affordable to 13 percent of our residents.

Yes, 13 percent is pathetically low. But it’s at least an improvement over last year, when only 7 percent of residents could afford a median-priced home.

It goes to show that even with prices dropping, we still have a huge backlog of demand for work force housing.

Opinion: Santa Margarita Ranch Project’s approval was premature

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:56 PST

It’s unfortunate — though perhaps inevitable — that the contentious Santa Margarita Ranch appears headed for court. A compromise palatable to both sides would have been far preferable, though the applicants and opponents may have been too far apart to make that a realistic option.

Still, we believe it would have been worth the effort to at least try to address some of the concerns about traffic, water, loss of oak trees, harm to wildlife and other negative effects that were raised in the environmental impact report, and echoed by many opponents of the project.

Instead, three members of the Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve the first phase, leaving themselves open to accusations that they hastily rubber-stamped a project before a new, slower-growth board takes office in January. That first phase — 111 homes on large lots of 1 to 1.5 acres — is not an immense project in and of itself. However, future plans may include 400 additional homes, wineries, a golf course, a horse ranch, a guest ranch, restaurants, shops, art galleries and other amenities.

Daniel Weintraub: Foundations look to enter the news business

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:10 PST

By By Daniel Weintraub -- MARINA DEL REY – For most of my 25 years in journalism, I have been covering the swings in the economy and the effects of those ups and downs on the lives and fortunes of Californians and other Americans. Now I am seeing the impact of the latest gyration up close and personal, in the layoffs, buyouts and restructuring that are changing the face of the news business.

It can be depressing to see friends leave or lose jobs they love, and unnerving to wonder about the viability of your own employer. But Monday, I got a glimpse of some light at the end of the tunnel, a picture of the bright side of the "creative destruction" that is reshaping the way we gather, distribute and consume information about politics and public policy.

Cutbacks in coverage of civic institutions – and dissatisfaction with the coverage that remains – is creating opportunity for a new entrepreneurial culture. For-profit companies, scrappy individual operators and nonprofit foundations are looking for a chance to step in where they see openings and a potential audience.

Dan Walters: Businesses brace for possible rise in property tax

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:15 PST

By By Dan Walters -- If you hang around those who deal with local and state government budgets in California long enough, sooner or later you'll hear about a "split roll" as a potential solution to the state's chronic fiscal problems.

The term is popping up again, not surprisingly, because the state budget is upside down by billions of dollars and many local governments are facing big deficits themselves.

A split roll would be a method for extracting more property taxes from business, but the fuller explanation requires a little historical background, specifically about Proposition 13, the landmark property tax law passed by California voters 30 years ago.

Opinion: Restoring a cultural gem in Atascadero

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:07 PST

It’s disappointing that nearly five years after the deadly San Simeon Earthquake struck, repair of Atascadero’s Rotunda Building has yet to begin, and may still be at least a year away.

However, we’re encouraged that city officials remain committed to the project, and we commend them for continuing to press for funding for this important work.

Given Atascadero’s fiscal predicament, it would be tempting to put off the repair of the Rotunda until the economy improves.

Dan Walters: California high court to revisit gay marriage

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:39 PST

By By Dan Walters -- Every so often, we California voters do something that reverberates far beyond the state's borders.

We did it in 1978 when we approved Proposition 13, a property tax limit that heralded a so-called "tax revolt" in other states and helped Ronald Reagan win the presidency.

We did it in 1994 when we passed Proposition 187, a measure aimed at ending public benefits for illegal immigrants that touched off a fierce national debate despite being invalidated by the courts.

Dan Walters: Lobbyists benefit from Schwarzenegger's plan

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:24 PST

By Dan Walters -- Nov.14--Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced this month that he would create a commission to study an overhaul of California’s tax system.

Only days later, however — and before anyone had actually been appointed — Schwarzenegger jumped the gun by proposing significant changes in state taxes, extending the sales tax to some services and imposing a first-ever tax on oil production. They were part of a nearly $5 billion revenue package aimed at closing some of the state’s whopping budget deficit, coupled with a like amount of spending cuts.

Within nanoseconds, the Capitol’s more than 1,000 lobbyists and their clients surged into action. Groups that would be affected by proposed cuts — the powerful Education Coalition most prominently — began beating the drums of resistance. And business sectors that would feel the higher taxes also mobilized.

Ask the Editor: Do you know an unsung hero?

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:22 PST

By Sandy Duerr -- As Thanksgiving approaches, we think it’s especially appropriate to honor our community’s quiet heroes. But we need your help. We’re looking for county residents who go out of their way to help others — perhaps through volunteer service, commitment to a cause, or by rising to the occasion in an emergency.

If you know someone who fits that description — a friend, a neighbor, a teacher, a volunteer at the local food bank or animal shelter — please let us know.

E-mail us c/o letters@thetribunenews.com. Explain why you believe your nominee is an Unsung Hero, and include contact information for that person. Or, write to us at Opinion Desk, The Tribune, P. O. Box 112, San Luis Obispo 93406-0112. Deadline for nominations is Friday.

Dan Walters: California entrants line up for 2010 governor's race

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:19 PST

By By Dan Walters -- Politics being what they are, as soon as one election campaign ends, another begins – witness the speculation over which Republicans will run for president in 2012.

Closer to home, would-be governors of California are busily positioning themselves in anticipation of 2010, when Arnold Schwarzenegger's roller-coaster political sojourn ends, or at least enters a new phase.

Why anyone would want to be governor of an arguably ungovernable state – witness Schwarzenegger's experience – is unfathomable. Why anyone would particularly seek the office two years hence is even more puzzling, since it's likely that the political and economic conditions that have largely thwarted Schwarzenegger will be even more daunting.

Dan Walters: Going green could put California deeper in the red

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:44 PST

By By Dan Walters -- Two years ago, as he was running for re-election to the governorship, Arnold Schwarzenegger did what he often did as a movie star – changed characters.

He transformed himself from a Hummer-driving tough guy who denounced legislators as "girlie men" into an Al Gore-like advocate for curbing global warming as he tried to persuade voters to give him more power.

A liberal Legislature seized the opportunity and enacted a climate change bill, Assembly Bill 32, which has earned the governor global publicity.

Bouquets and Brickbats: Restaurant info on Web site welcome

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:02 PST

We’re serving up a bon appetit bouquet to San Luis Obispo County environmental health for posting restaurant inspection reports online. If you haven’t checked it out yet, go to the county’s home page— www.slocounty.ca. gov — and click on the knife and fork.

Then type in the name of a restaurant or market and you’ll see a list of any violations discovered during the most recent inspection. One caveat: The violations are listed in general terms, and sometimes raise more questions than answers.

For example, here’s one acid-reflux-inducing violation we discovered in checking on one of our favorite eateries: A rodent, insect, bird or animal was spotted during the inspection, but the report doesn’t specify exactly what class of critter was found.

Dan Walters: Tax hike bid touches off lobbying war

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:13 PST

By By Dan Walters -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced this month that he would create a commission to study an overhaul of California's tax system.

Only days later, however – and before anyone had actually been appointed – Schwarzenegger jumped the gun by proposing significant changes in state taxes, extending the sales tax to some services and imposing a first-ever tax on oil production. They were part of a nearly $5 billion revenue package aimed at closing some of the state's whopping budget deficit, coupled with a like amount of spending cuts.

Within nanoseconds, the Capitol's more than 1,000 lobbyists and their clients surged into action. Groups that would be affected by proposed cuts – the powerful Education Coalition most prominently – began beating the drums of resistance. And business sectors that would feel the higher taxes also mobilized.

How not to solve county’s budget crisis

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:35 PST

County Administrative Officer David Edge —a master of the well-turned phrase — had it exactly right when he said that San Luis Obispo County will not be able to “unpaid leave” its way out of its current budget crisis.

So we weren’t surprised to learn that San Luis Obispo County will not require its employees to take unpaid days off over the Christmas holidays.

It’s a tempting proposition, especially when you consider that neighboring Santa Barbara County hopes to save $10 million by furloughing its nonessential workers over Christmas and New Years.

Dan Walters: Bigger deficit won't crack Capitol stalemate

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:22 PST

By By Dan Walters -- Legislative budget analyst Mac Taylor says the state budget deficit is even worse than Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's estimate – "truly awful" in his words.

Furthermore, he says that without decisive action the gap will average $22 billion a year for the next five years, even if the economy recovers quickly, clearly an unsustainable prospect.

But does the deficit's immensity mean the Legislature, which has been ideologically gridlocked on spending and taxes for years, will suddenly find the will to act? Will Republicans end their opposition to new taxes and Democrats to permanent spending cuts?

Daniel Weintraub: Prop. 11 paves the way for more reform

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:12 PST

By By Daniel Weintraub -- One of the ironies of Arnold Schwarzenegger's time as governor of California is how he has failed to do some seemingly simple things – like balance the state budget – while at the same time tackling some of the most complex and arcane issues in government.

Early in his first term, Schwarzenegger built public support for fixing flaws in the workers compensation system, the obscure insurance program for people injured on the job. Later, he led a campaign for massive new investment in the state's crumbling infrastructure. And he came within a few votes of passing a top-to-bottom overhaul of the health care industry in an effort to expand access to care for the uninsured.

Now the governor seems set to add one more item to that list. The final votes are still being counted, but Californians appear to have passed Proposition 11, which creates an independent commission to redraw political district boundaries every 10 years after the U.S. census. While the campaign was a group effort, Schwarzenegger deserves credit for focusing on this issue in his first run for governor, then sticking with it until the public finally understood what was at stake.

A salute to veterans and those who honor their lives

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:01 PST

Saturday’s dedication of the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial at Atascadero Lake Park is a shining example of what can happen when a lot of people—a whole lot of people—answer a “yell for help.”

The dedication ceremony would not have happened—at least not this year — if the community hadn’t rallied behind a last-minute request for donations.

As recently as six weeks ago, the foundation that spearheaded the project needed about $25,000 to complete the monument, which consists of a bronze sculpture and granite panels etched with the names of fallen service members from SLO County.

Dan Walters: Surge for Obama sealed Prop. 8's victory

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:01 PST

By By Dan Walters -- Supporters of same-sex marriage rights are fuming over California voters' approval of Proposition 8, which would place a ban on such marriages in the state constitution – especially since in other respects voters showed a somewhat left-of-center bent, including a massive victory by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Ironically, however, a mathematical analysis of voting and exit poll data indicates very strongly that it was exactly that pro-Obama surge that spelled victory for Proposition 8.

When Proposition 8's passage first became apparent, it was widely assumed that hundreds of thousands of first-time or occasional voters had turned out to vote for Obama, then left the rest of their ballots blank, thus allowing more conservative voters to dominate ballot measures.