In letters: Is there really a gas shortage? | Opinion
Where are the lines at the pump?
Approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum supply passes through of the Strait of Hormuz. Reduce the supply and as a result, demand increases along with the price of a barrel of oil.
Yet where are the signs of decreased supply: closed gas pumps and stations, long fill-up lines, widespread layoffs in petroleum industries and related service industries? I suspect that alternative supply sources have been rapidly tapped. The increased related costs of doing so have been minimal and supplies in the United States have not actually declined substantially.
In exchange for an explicit or unspoken accord to withhold criticism of the administration’s Iranian war, the petroleum industry in this country is reaping enormous profits in the short term.
An examination is warranted.
Joseph Andrew Ingraffia
Morro Bay
A new mission for Oceano Airport?
Oceano is a community divided — literally — by a land-heavy, extremely costly, fixed-wing airport, Oceano Airport L52. Is closure the best option? We think not. We propose modernization over maintenance. It’s an option that will take us past the same tired story of Oceano being abused by wealthier interests with a blind eye to the environment and environmental/economic justice. Oceano Airport is geographically redundant. Within approximately 15 miles, we have two full-service regional airports in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. Just beyond are Paso Robles, Lompoc, Santa Ynez and New Cuyama. Maintaining a seventh fixed-wing runway in a coastal zone is no longer a strategic necessity; it is a luxury the disadvantaged community of Oceano should not be forced to subsidize with its coastal land.
By transitioning L52 into a dedicated Helipad/Vertiport, they preserve the critical aeronautical functions and keep the ‘National System’ intact while liberating at least 60 acres of prime coastal land for uses such as wetlands, solar, recreation, visitor services, housing and more.
The Coastal Act requires maximizing public access and protecting sensitive habitats. This is not asking to “close” Oceano’s airport; this is asking to evolve it. Bonita Ernst, Allene Villa, Lucia Casalinuovo
Oceano Beach Community Association
Pinder vs. Skelton
I was disheartened to learn that Clive Pinder’s underwear is in a wad because a real columnist, George Skelton of the LA Times, responded inadequately (in his view) to a question Pinder had asked.
Pinder engaged in classic “what-about-ism” when he suggested that Democrats are just as guilty as Republicans are of practicing election denial. Never mind that the Dems never motivated their voters to storm the Capitol to kill and maim. No, it’s all equivalent, don’t you know?
As far as unmentionables are concerned, Pinder is no doubt uncomfortable enough, having repeatedly twisted himself into the proverbial pretzel to defend the current cultish, immoral, sycophantic Republican Party of Donald Trump.
But, where is his proof that election denial is equivalent on both sides? I’ll take his answer off the air. Like he is.
Will Powers
San Luis Obispo
Gun violence
June is National Gun Violence Awareness month. As a community member, mother to an elementary-school student, local business owner and Moms Demand Action volunteer, gun violence is a topic heavy on my mind and heart. According to EveryStat.org, 264 children and teens die by gun violence every year in California, and while it is the leading cause of death for kids nationally, it is the third leading cause in our state. As parents, we make daily decisions to keep our kids healthy and safe. We research car seats, lock medicine cabinets, cover wall outlets and teach helmet usage when riding a bike. Guns need to be a larger part of this discussion. With summer break beginning, please take a moment to discuss secure gun storage protocols with your neighbors, friends and family. If you are planning play dates, ask families if there is a gun in the home or car. If so, how is it secured? There are a variety of gun locks and safes available to prevent access by children and others. Let’s normalize this discussion to keep our kids and community safe.
Rebecca Turner
Los Osos
Mother’s Day treat
It was such a delight on Mother’s Day to read about the couple with 19 children; biological, fostered and adopted ones. What pure, good hearts they have!
With all the dismal Trump news and his insane behavior, it was most welcome to read this article!
Victoria Grostick San Luis Obispo