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Articles by Gale Mcneeley
Ricardo Valencia will best represent the county’s 5th District
I stand behind Ricardo Valencia 100 percent in his run for District 5 county supervisor. I will vote for Mr. Valencia because he is a leader and not a politician. He is honest and not owned by the big wheelers and dealers in the Santa Maria Valley. When elected, he will be responsible only to us. When he votes on important issues, he will reach out to us in the same way he has done as a candidate. No big signs, just a big heart. That’s why so many young people go door to door for his campaign.
Time to Speak Up
For two years I have stood on the corner of Broadway and Main with a group of good people Mondays from 4-5 p.m., protesting America’s dangerous and illegal military aggressions around the world.
Speak out now against our endless wars
For two years I have stood on the corner of Broadway and Main with a group of good people on Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m., protesting America’s dangerous and illegal military aggressions around the world.
October 1 – October 8, 2026 - Santa Maria Sun
The Creation Station in Buellton celebrates 25 years Cozy slippers shuffling across tile flooring. Pillows cushioning the seats of chairs. A T-shirt reading: Sorry. Can’t. Quilting. Bye. It’s the sight that Linda Papenfus rolled up to at The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop after a tiresome, traffic-riddled drive from Folsom. She carried a suitcase behind her filled to the brim with fabrics…
We’re at risk of more than mutual destruction
Some militarists still claim that the country that has the greatest nuclear arsenal holds the best cards in the game of “mutual destruction.” “It has kept America and Russia from starting a nuclear war for 60 years,” they say. “Why change the equation?” They refuse to look at today’s total nuclear landscape and consider alternatives. When there were only two nuclear powers, their argument made sense.
'My Life in Song' to Play on Central Coast
Broadway singer Gale McNeeley, and Paul Marszalkowski, PCPA music director/pianist, will tour the Central Coast in August with McNeeley’s show “My Life in Song.” The show features songs from McNeeley’s Broadway performances with Christopher Plummer in “Cyrano,” and Raul Julia and Jerry Stiller in “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” There will also be songs from “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,” and “Billy Bishop Goes to War,” where McNeeley played the Ghost and Billy Bishop at PCPA.
Picking the Right Supervisor for District 5
I’ve studied all the candidates running for Steve Lavagnino’s seat on the Board of Supervisors. I am voting for Ricardo Valencia in the June 2 primary. Ricardo’s campaign is powered by dozens of energetic volunteers, and like Senator Bernie Sanders and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, he is funded by hundreds of small donations from ordinary people. No surprise then that he is endorsed by the same Working Families Party that supported Mayor Mamdani.
Ricardo Valencia is best for supervisor
I’ve studied all the candidates running for Steve Lavagnino’s seat on the Board of Supervisors. I am voting for Ricardo Valencia in the June 2 primary. Ricardo’s campaign is powered by dozens of energetic volunteers, and like Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, he is funded by hundreds of small donations from ordinary people. No surprise then that he is endorsed by the same Working Families Party that supported Mayor Mamdani.
April 30 – May 7, 2026 - Santa Maria Sun
April 30 – May 7, 2026 Apr 30-May 7, 2026 / Vol. 27 / No. 10 Beauty, death, suffering, monsters—all play into Joe Cerny’s new artistic passion of crafting wearable masks with the help of a 3D pen. The Lompoc resident creates characters you can hide behind, if you want, or hang on your wall. Though not all are inherently creepy, Cerny’s creations often lean that way as he aims to […]
Santa Maria City Council’s appointment process is seriously flawed
Ricardo Batalla was chosen to represent the voters of District 1 on the City Council by Mayor Alice Patino and Councilmembers Gloria Flores and Maribel Aguilera at the April 7 council meeting. I wish Mr. Batalla, father of three and director of youth development at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, the very best. He will be working with the council to solve complex issues, like the $25 million budget deficit each year for the next two years, and the city’s five-year general plan.
No to the process, not the person | Guest Commentary
Ricardo Batalla was chosen to represent the voters of District 1 on the Santa Maria City Council by Mayor Alice Patino and council members Gloria Flores and Maribel Aguilera at the April 7 council meeting. I wish Mr. Batalla, father of three, and director of youth development at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, the very best. He will be working with council to solve complex issues, like the $25 million budget deficit each year for the next two years, and the city's five-year general plan.
The world needs to tell the U.S. and Israel, ‘No more war’
While polls revealed that 70 percent of Americans opposed war with Iran, why has our government, at the behest of Israel and without a vote by Congress, begun bombing Iran’s major cities? The truth is that this war has been planned for 19 years. In March of 2007, Amy Goodman interviewed retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who pulled the curtain back on Pentagon plans for the Middle East. On Sept.
Gale McNeeley, Author at Santa Maria Sun
Posted inOpinion After two years of planning, community meetings, and a formal recommendation from the Planning Commission, our City Council decided not to listen to the community, the Planning Commission, or its own Recreation and Parks Department. Instead, they listened to the developers, who don’t want their projects to cost a little more, even if the money […] Want to memorialize a loved one? We can help.
The world needs to tell the U.S. and Israel, ‘No more war’
While polls revealed that 70 percent of Americans opposed war with Iran, why has our government, at the behest of Israel and without a vote by Congress, begun bombing Iran’s major cities? The truth is that this war has been planned for 19 years. In March of 2007, Amy Goodman interviewed retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who pulled the curtain back on Pentagon plans for the Middle East. On Sept. 20, just nine days after 9/11, Clark told Goodman that he was at the Pentagon visiting Secretary Rumsfeld.
It’s time to stand up to the bully
Like a big, out-of-control bully, America strides across the world, making enemies wherever it goes, acting as if there will be no consequences. Both our president and our country are behaving like spoiled children, demanding whatever they want and giving nothing in return. They claim the world is theirs by divine right, and the president’s morality is our gold standard.
Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria
Posted inOpinion Like a big, out-of-control bully, America strides across the world, making enemies wherever it goes, acting as if there will be no consequences. Both our president and our country are behaving like spoiled children, demanding whatever they want and giving nothing in return.
Jan 22-29, 2026 - New Times San Luis Obispo
Trump drives Europe away while trying to dominate it The first few weeks of the New Year have demonstrated that 2026—the “semi-quincentennial” of our nation’s founding—represents what Time columnist Ian Bremmer calls a “turning point in history.” If that sounds ominous, that’s because it is. My gut is feeling the same dismay I felt the year I turned 16, 1968: Our nation was torn…
It’s time to stand upto the bully
Like a big, out-of-control bully, America strides across the world, making enemies wherever it goes, acting as if there will be no consequences. Both our president and our country are behaving like spoiled children, demanding whatever they want and giving nothing in return. Our leaders insult the fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers who fought and suffered in two wars for the freedoms we have. They denigrate NATO and the promise it has kept to its members all these years.
The Time Has Come
Like a big, out-of-control bully, America strides across the world, making enemies wherever it goes, acting as if there will be no consequences. Both our President, and our country, are behaving like spoiled children, demanding whatever they want and giving nothing in return. They claim the world is theirs by divine right, and the President’s morality is our gold standard.
Freedom is peace,and peace is freedom
Peace. We all seek peace. In our lives. In our families. Among our friends and neighbors. In our country, and in the world. But we may ask ourselves, “Is peace even attainable?” And, “Is there anything I can do to bring peace into my life and into the world?” Deep down we know that peace begins with us, and that if we can find the peace that lives deep inside, we can share it with others.
New Times San Luis Obispo
Paso Robles yoga studio blends fitness and emotional well-being After confronting the emotional limits of her work as a trauma therapist, Victoria Hamilton chose a different approach to helping others. The result was The Well Studio, a yoga and wellness studio in Paso Robles designed around movement, regulation, and community. Opened in August 2024, the studio combines fitness and mental health principles. Founded by…
A Christmas Prayer from Palestine
(Sung to the tune of “Away in a Manger”) Far ‘way in an old tent a baby is born, The little boy, Omar, one cold Christmas morn. Dark eyes from above him peer down where he lay, The little boy Omar asleep on some hay. His parents so frightened for their baby boy. They prayed for his coming. He brings them such joy. Their hearts are both warmed by the peace on his face. A peace for their people, the whole human race. Be near us dear Omar. We ask you to stay close by us, to bless us, whenever we pray.
- The Santa Barbara Independent
On August 25, Israel attacked Nasser Medical Complex, the largest health facility in southern Gaza, and murdered 20 innocent people. They used what is called a Double Tap. First they attacked the 4th-floor stairway of the hospital with a drone strike, killing two and injuring dozens. The attack gathered rescuers, aid workers, doctors, and journalists to help the injured, and document the truth.
Time to speak truth to power about Gaza | Guest Commentary
On Aug. 25 Israel attacked Nasser Medical Complex, the largest health facility in southern Gaza, and murdered 20 innocent people. They used what is called a Double Tap. First they attacked the fourth-floor stairway of the Hospital with a drone strike, killing two and injuring dozens. The attack gathered rescuers, aid workers, doctors and journalists to help the injured, and document the truth.
We have to try
History has proved that Israel is guilty of both apartheid and genocide. "Apartheid is a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on the grounds of race." This describes what Israel has been doing to the Palestinian people for decades.
A plea to stop arming Israel | Guest Commentary
History has proved that Israel is guilty of both apartheid and genocide. “Apartheid is a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on the grounds of race.” This describes what Israel has been doing to the Palestinian people for decades.
A Plea to Stop Arming Israel
History has proved that Israel is guilty of both apartheid and genocide. “Apartheid is a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on the grounds of race.” This describes what Israel has been doing to the Palestinian people for decades.
Impose cease-fire now
The war in Israel and Palestine did not begin on Oct. 7, 2023. It began before the state of Israel was created. In his book, Gaza: An Inquest into its Martyrdom, noted Israeli historian Norman Finkelstein writes, "In 1947, the U.N. General Assembly approved a resolution partitioning British-mandated Palestine into a Jewish state incorporating 56 percent of Palestine, and an Arab state incorporating the remaining 44 percent.
America must do all it can to prevent nuclear war in the Middle East
The war in Israel and Palestine did not begin Oct. 7, 2023. It began before the state of Israel was created. In his book, Gaza: An Inquest into its Martyrdom, noted Israeli historian Norman Finkelstein writes, “In 1947, the U.N. General Assembly approved a resolution partitioning British-mandated Palestine into a Jewish state incorporating 56 percent of Palestine, and an Arab state incorporating the remaining 44 percent.
America can do something about Israel's indiscriminate attacks on Palestinians
"Israel right or wrong" is the approach America takes in its support of Israel against the Palestinians. Israel has a right to defend itself against attack. Israel has no right to commit indiscriminate crimes against the Palestinian people. Pope Francis recently said this, "I continue to receive very serious and painful news from Gaza. Unarmed civilians are subjected to bombings and shootings. A mother and her daughter were killed by Israeli snipers while going to the restroom.
Now is the time to end the Israeli-Palestinian war, establish peace in the Middle East | Guest Commentary Original
“Israel right or wrong” is the approach America takes in its support of Israel against the Palestinians. Israel has a right to defend itself against attack. Israel has no right to commit indiscriminate crimes against the Palestinian people. Pope Francis recently said this, “I continue to receive very serious and painful news from Gaza. Unarmed civilians are subjected to bombings and shootings. A mother and her daughter were killed by Israeli snipers while going to the restroom.
Israel Right or Wrong?
Israel Right or Wrong? We Must Convince Our Leaders It Is Time for Peace Talks By Gale McNeeley Fri Aug 23, 2024 | 1:14pm Add to Favorites Israel and ceasefire talks by Dave Granlund, PoliticalCartoons.com “Israel right or wrong” is the approach America takes in its support of Israel against the Palestinians. Israel has a right to defend itself against attack. Israel has no right to commit indiscriminate crimes against the Palestinian people.
Peaceful student demonstrations shouldn’t be disrupted by the university or police
American college students should not be forced to give up their constitutional rights to free speech, to peacefully assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. That is what is happening today on college campuses across the country. It began when protesters set up tents on the South Lawn of Columbia University and flew Palestinian flags. They held demonstrations in which they denounced the “genocide” in Gaza. Now students at dozens of universities have joined the protest.
We must not let free speech die on college campuses | Guest Commentary
American College Students should not be forced to give up their constitutional rights to free speech, to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. That is what is happening today on college campuses across the country. It began when protesters set up tents on the South Lawn of Columbia University and flew Palestinian flags. They held demonstrations in which they denounced the “genocide” in Gaza. Now students at dozens of universities have joined the protest.
The right to assemble
American college students should not be forced to give up their constitutional rights to free speech, to peacefully assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. That is what is happening today on college campuses across the country. It began when protesters set up tents on the South Lawn of Columbia University and flew Palestinian flags. They held demonstrations in which they denounced the "genocide" in Gaza. Now students at dozens of universities have joined the protest.
Santa Maria High School students deserve a theater program | Guest Commentary
I have spent most of my life as a performer and theatre educator. My love of theatre began in high school, where I performed in many plays, and where I won a theatre scholarship to college. After graduate school in theatre, I moved to New York where I performed on and off Broadway. Then I went on to years of performing in regional theatre. A job as a resident artist at PCPA brought me to Santa Maria, where I have taught theatre at local universities, high schools, middle and elementary schools.
Peace begins with open discussions between people who believe they're enemies
"Now, Therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the cessation of hostilities of World War II, effective twelve o'clock noon, December 31, 1946." I was a little more than 10 months old when President Truman proclaimed an end to war and the beginning of what the world hoped would be peace. But there has been no peace in the world during my lifetime.
An alternative to war
The following article was posted on November 9th, 2022, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 23, Issue 37 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 23, Issue 37 An alternative to war By Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria “Now, therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, president of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the cessation of hostilities of World War II, effective 12 o’clock noon, Dec.
Vote Karamitsos for council
The following article was posted on November 2nd, 2022, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 23, Issue 36 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 23, Issue 36 Vote Karamitsos for council By Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria Dr. Carol Karamitsos will be a great member of the Santa Maria City Council.
Where will the water come from?
The following article was posted on August 23rd, 2022, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 23, Issue 26 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 23, Issue 26 Where will the water come from?
Democracy is dead in Santa Maria, 'Waterfield Worm' lives on in the city's districts
The following article was posted on March 29th, 2022, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 23, Issue 5 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 23, Issue 5 Democracy is dead in Santa Maria, 'Waterfield Worm' lives on in the city's districts By Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria The leaders of our City Council do not listen to the people of Santa Maria.
Santa Maria leaders should follow all the rules, including their own
The following article was posted on February 15th, 2022, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 22, Issue 51 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 22, Issue 51 Santa Maria leaders should follow all the rules, including their own By GALE MCNEELEY There is a sign, topped with the city’s logo, posted on Santa Maria city buildings. It says: ATTENTION in capital letters, and shows the picture of a mask.
Leaders Lead by Example
There is a sign, topped with the city’s logo, posted on Santa Maria city buildings. It says: ATTENTION in capital letters and shows the picture of a mask. It then says, in capitals: MASKS ARE REQUIRED INSIDE CITY FACILITIES. This is followed by the words: “Thank you for your cooperation.” Mayor Alice Patino and Councilmember Etta Waterfield do not follow this city directive.
It's not too late for Santa Maria leaders to save homelessness project
The following article was posted on February 1st, 2022, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 22, Issue 49 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 22, Issue 49 It's not too late for Santa Maria leaders to save homelessness project By Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria It saddens me to see some members of the City Council reject funding from the county to house the homeless.
Officials must wear masks too
The following article was posted on September 28th, 2021, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 22, Issue 31 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 22, Issue 31 Officials must wear masks too By Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria The Police Department held a public meeting at the Minami Center last Monday evening, Sept. 20. There are signs on both front doors saying that anyone who enters any public building must wear a mask.
Why you should vote in the recall election
The following article was posted on September 1st, 2021, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 22, Issue 27 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 22, Issue 27 Why you should vote in the recall election By GALE MCNEELEY If Gavin Newsom does not receive more that 50 percent of the vote on Sept. 14, one of his opponents can become governor with as little as 5 percent of the vote.
Continue healing the world with love, understanding
The following article was posted on February 2nd, 2021, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 21, Issue 49 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 21, Issue 49 Continue healing the world with love, understanding By Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria Leonard Flippen was taken recently by valley fever, but he has not been taken from us at all. He lives in each person whom he blessed with his strength and wisdom and healing powers.
How can we do better to serve the most neglected and overlooked?
The following article was posted on May 26th, 2020, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 21, Issue 13 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 21, Issue 13 How can we do better to serve the most neglected and overlooked? By GALE MCNEELEY The current world health crisis shines a light on two groups of Americans we seldom want to see: the homeless and the incarcerated. It is time we looked directly at them and asked ourselves.
Elephant, donkey cartoon missed the mark
The following article was posted on April 22nd, 2020, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 21, Issue 8 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 21, Issue 8 Elephant, donkey cartoon missed the mark By Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria A cartoon can be ironic or satirical. But when it preaches at us, and lies at the same time, it fails miserably. Take the Mayfield cartoon of April 2.
Santa Maria should protect renters
The following article was posted on April 8th, 2020, in the Santa Maria Sun - Volume 21, Issue 6 [ Submit a Story ] The following articles were printed from Santa Maria Sun [santamariasun.com] - Volume 21, Issue 6 Santa Maria should protect renters By Gale McNeeley, Santa Maria On March 16, Gov. Newsom issued an executive order directing local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slow foreclosures, and protect against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by COVID-19.
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