The human cost
Is funding California public colleges worth it? Our fathers and grandfathers thought so, building a system envied throughout the world, one that even enabled us students from workingclass backgrounds to get top-notch college educations. We helped create one of the world’s biggest economies.
However, judging by reading The Tribune, cutting hundreds of class sections at our local community colleges is less a concern than a hamburger joint’s soft-porn ads.
Do we not care about the human costs of such cuts? Maybe not. Maybe we are just too comfortable and well-off to care about other people’s kids.
Michael J. O’Brien
Nipomo
Expensive gas
It is hard for me to fathom the price for a gallon of gas today.
I recall the era of the ‘40s and ‘50s. Yes, I’m one of those “been there, done that” oldies.
The price of a gallon of gas was (give or take) 29 cents for regular. It is now $4.50 (give or take) per gallon of regular.
Has the cost of drilling gone up so much that, in order for the companies to make a profit, the populace has been snookered into paying for it?
For us seniors, who are on a fixed income (don’t get raises, etc., etc.) this can become, and already has for many, a financial problem. Enough said. I think my point has been made.
Helen Bourquin
Paso Robles
Global warming
According to a March 18 letter to the editor, “Emissions education,” the Atascadero City Council should be congratulated for its courageous action on March 13 in opposing the majority of the speakers in opposition to their actions on a climate change program. Most of us like to see council members supporting the majority views of the community that they are supposed to represent.
As a retired scientist and former consultant to the United Nations, I would like to point out that man-made global warming is still a subject of continued controversy. Scientific controversies are not resolved by politicians (like Al Gore) declaring the discussion is over and government funding huge grants pushing certain controversial energy programs.
Natural global warming and cooling have been going on for millions of years, and more than 30,000 scientists have signed a petition that all interested parties should be aware of www.petitionproject.org .
Robert Parkhurst
Atascadero
Sea Glass Festival
To the good folks of Cayucos who put on the second annual Cayucos Sea Glass Festival — as a first-time attendee who’d never even heard of sea glass, it was a real hoot. I learned all about sea glass, met some real nice people, tasted fine food and wine and came home with trinkets and bags full of sea glass.
Worried about the future of those who go out and walk the beaches in search of those gems, I bought myself a little bottle of Sea-Glass red wine, went to the end of the pier and guzzled it all down, then threw the empty bottle out to sea.
You’re welcome — the pleasure’s all mine.
Steve Howell
Morro Bay
Bowling a big hit
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County extends a big thank you to everyone involved in making our 2012 Bowl For Kids’ Sake event a resounding success!
Held on March 4 at Cal Poly’s Mustang Lanes, the event raised more than $22,000 in support of local youth mentoring.
A special thanks to presenting sponsors Charles Schwab, Promotions Plus and John Gibson Inc; our perfect game sponsor Lindsey Harn of Re/Max Del Oro; strike sponsors Founders Community Bank, Woodstock’s Pizza and Hal Sweasey of Re/Max Del Oro; lane sponsors Quaglino Roofing, Mission Community Bank, OEC Inc. and Adam Quaglino-Triad Real Estate.
Our thanks to our amazing bowlers, volunteers and donors; your time, energy and donations made this event possible. We appreciate your support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and your commitment to the youth of our community.
Patty Carpenter
Development director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County
