In letters: Support for local candidates; offshore wind; and Donald Trump | Opinion
Why I support Cano
I have had the privilege of working closely with Elaina Cano during her time as SLO County Clerk-Recorder, and I have seen firsthand the professionalism, integrity and dedication she brings to this office every day.
The work of the Clerk-Recorder’s Office is complex and often behind the scenes, but it is essential to the public’s trust in local government.
Under Elaina’s experienced leadership, the office has modernized critical systems, strengthened election security, expanded public outreach and improved access to services across the county.
From implementing new ballot verification technology to transitioning important records to secure cloud-based systems, her focus has always been on accuracy, transparency and serving every resident.
I have also watched Elaina prioritize civic engagement in meaningful ways. She helped launch student voter registration initiatives, a student ambassador program and outreach efforts that connected with first-time voters, veterans and underserved communities.
Most importantly, Elaina leads with steadiness and sound judgment. She approaches every election and every public interaction with care, professionalism and deep respect for the responsibility entrusted to this office. San Luis Obispo County has benefited greatly from her leadership, and I am proud to support her continued service as county clerk-recorder.
Erin Clausen
San Luis Obispo
Verdin’s ‘stale’ campaign
Adam Verdin’s stale campaign promises to lower taxes while improving infrastructure underscore the fact that he does not have the skill set needed to manage the complexities of county government.
Jimmy Paulding has a degree in city and regional planning as well as a law practice. He was a member of the Arroyo Grande City Council and continues to serve on several advisory boards. As a member of the SLO County Board of Supervisors, Paulding always brings insight and clarity to the discussion of complex issues. Paulding’s voting record shows that he is not an extremist but a thoughtful member of the board who represents his district with integrity.
Adam Verdin says he wants to prioritize public safety, but Jimmy Paulding has already demonstrated a commitment to public safety and the ability to deliver for the residents of District 4. Supervisor Paulding sponsored a much-needed sheriff substation in Nipomo. He also helped to increase fire crew staffing in Nipomo and to fully fund the Oceano fire service.
This is no time to elect an amateur. Reelect Jimmy Paulding to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors.
Molly Machin
Nipomo
Oil is on the decline
Something good is happening beneath the headlines. The world is turning away from fossil fuels to alternate energy sources, particularly wind and solar.
Last year, wind power installations grew 40%, most of that being in China. As for solar power, in 2025 we saw an increase in generation of 30%, also especially in China. Overall last year, 99% of the growth in world electricity supply came from solar and wind power, with fossil fuel generation declining. The reasons are clear. Solar and wind costs are declining, energy security (think Strait of Hormuz) is a major concern, and fossil fuels are toxic to human health and the environment.
How does the USA, led by a “stable genius,” respond?
For one thing, last week “our” Department of the Interior offered nearly $1 billion to two wind energy ventures to abandon their offshore wind projects and instead invest in “conventional energy” (read fossil fuels). One of these, Golden State Wind, might have powered more than one million homes on our Central Coast. Unbelievable!
The climate is in crisis. Given that, two steps forward, one step back would be good. Lately we’ve often seen one step forward, two steps back. But the recent action of no steps forward, three steps back is crazy — and you and I are paying for it.
Tell this to your children and grandchildren!
Jim Wright
San Luis Obispo
Read Project 2025
Republicans want me to feel hopeless, exposed and submissive. Our country was built over 250 years by the diversity of people with their ideas who came here for freedom, looking to be appreciated for what they do, no matter who they are or where they’re from.
I think I’ve finally got a complete picture. It goes far beyond a continual bombardment of my senses and erosion of my rights and liberty. It’s more than diverting my attention with Trump’s crazy lies and obsessions with a ballroom or the Epstein files.
It started with the Republican Day 1 script: The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. Their often-denied plan to transform the U.S. federal government and squash opposition.
You got to read it folks!
It’s about people who have a very different vision of what this country should look like; its goal is reshaping our government by consolidating executive power with right-wing policies.
You got a taste of it when Trump ripped open every part of our government he could and fired staff who kept things like preparedness, accountability and aid going. The rest is only starting, from using executive orders to ignore the people and courts with excuses like national security, to misusing the military, and most importantly, keeping up that “ha-ha” attitude while looking past those who don’t agree.
Mike Broadhurst
Cambria
Carbajal must do more
Salud Carbajal didn’t do much at his recent town hall meeting to persuade us that he is changing his stance on supporting the genocide in Gaza. His statement that he is no longer accepting money from AIPAC is hardly compelling unless he stops supporting sending arms to Israel.
He could be more convincing if he demonstrated that he genuinely cares about stopping the genocide in Gaza by cosponsoring such bills as H.R. 3565. This bill seeks to restrict the sale and transfer of specific defense items and services to Israel unless certain conditions are met. It would require new legislation to specify the allowed uses for these items, and Israel must pledge compliance with international law and human rights, including bunker-busting bombs. Write to or call Carbajal and Panetta and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 3565.
Jill Stegman
Grover Beach