Out of step

Santa Barbara Republican Central Committee has Endorsed Christopher Mitchum over Abel Maldonado. Mitchum, son of late actor Robert Mitchum, has acted in 58 movies, written script, been associate director for a movie, made eight appearances as himself and never held public office. He moved here in 1984.

Abel Maldonado, son of a field hand, has been Santa Maria City Council member, Santa Maria mayor, state assemblyman, state Senator, executive experience as Lt. Governor all under the Republican Banner. He has never made a movie. He was born here and always resided here so he knows the territory.

Why the choice? C. Mitchum, writes a good script, can remember his lines, quotes Reagan chapter and verse and has a SAG card. What has he done to warrant being a congressman? “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” only works in the movies. Abel is recognized by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), by many national, state and local Republicans and independents. He is experienced at the executive level and even as the freshman congressman will be able to hit the ground working.

When I observe all the local informed Republican heavies endorsing and raising funds for Abel, I believe SBRCC is out of sync. I do note that San Luis Obispo, Ventura Republican Committee, the state Republican Party and the Santa Barbara Tea Party and Culpepper Society opt not to endorse either candidate, and SBRCC should have done the same.

William R. Gilbert

Goleta


Good times

The 23rd Annual Easter Eggstravanza was a fantastic success, filling River View Park with nearly 1,500 egg-cited souls. The gargantuan egg hunt was jointly sponsored by Solvang Parks & Recreation and Buellton Recreation with petting zoo, kids activities and carnival games produced by the SYV Presbyterian Church. Laughter, shock and elation could be heard throughout the park, as kids darted in all directions to find more than 10,000 hidden eggs and prizes and visit with the Easter Bunny. Kids proudly showed off their new Easter treasures to their friends and families.

It was a wonderful event that would not have been possible without the generous support of the community and all those who donated their time and efforts. Thank you to all of our generous donors: Rio Vista Chevrolet, Olivera’s Auto Repair, SYV Vision Source, Neary Chiropractic, Nielsen’s Market, and Dorothy Mastagni. Thank you to Julia Tipolt State Farm for fun games and information and to the SYV Jazz Band for the great music. A huge thank you to the Presbyterian Church volunteers for creating and working the multitude of game booths, Randy Jones for the goats and piggies at the petting zoo, and special thanks to Britnee, Barbara, Paul, the members of the high school football team and National Charity League and other volunteers who spent their Saturday morning hiding Easter Eggs. And thanks to the many excited Valley residents who participated in this year’s outstanding event.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year for the 24th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza!

Kyle Abello and Fred Lageman

Buellton Recreation and Solvang Parks & Recreation


Students and animals

What a great learning experience (“Sharing and caring at the zoo,” Valley Journal, April 5-11). I am sure the students will remember the trip for a long time and learned a lot while they were there!

I also want to say that if the teacher (or any pre-K-8th grade teacher) is interested in bringing an animal into the classoom, they should check out www.petsintheclassroom.org. The website is for the Pets in the Classroom grant program, which provides teachers with up to $150 for the purchase of classroom pets and pet supplies.

Animals provide a great opportunity for kids to learn, not only about science, but about nurturing and responsibility.

I’m glad these kids had the opportunity to learn through the Care and Share grant!

Rachel Van Hofwegen

Phoenix, Ariz.


Death and taxes

The liberals in power who are trying to demonize anyone who moves ahead chasing the American dream. This is called the Millionaire tax, but how does a small businessman or women making 200K qualify for the $1 million tax? This is just crazy envy jealousy pushed by wealthy liberals, who will do anything to hold power. The only fair tax would be one where everyone pays the same 12% no write-offs.

Business will cut staff and wages if this policy continues. Also watch the black market under the table and illegal aliens – this will explode.

You make $1, you pay 12 cents. You make $1 million, you pay $120,000.

There are just too many Americans leeching off the dole today, and the Democratic Party is now the party of Welfare, food stamps, Section 8 and illegal aliens.

Abused Boston tea party taxpayer. It’s coming soon. No new taxes.

Kevin O’Connor

Santa Barbara