Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Opinion


Sorted by date  Results 3 - 27 of 6875

Page Up

  • Introducing 10 bills as a "Contract to Reform California"

    Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, 75th District|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    Taking a page from the successful "Contract with America" 30 years ago, today I'm unveiling our Contract to Reform California – a 10-point agenda that offers bold proposals to fix the state's pressing problems. The Contract with America was a plan advanced by Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and House Republicans in the 1994 midterm election, which promised specific legislation on government reform and gave Republicans control of the House for the first time in 40 years. I... Full story

  • Update on Sexually Violent Predators

    Supervisor Jim Desmond, 5th District|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    I wanted to share an update on the issue of Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs) being released into San Diego County. Last week, a judge ruled that Merle Wakefield, a convicted Sexually Violent Predator, will be conditionally "transiently" released. This marks the first time an SVP in San Diego will be designated as transient – a terrible precedent. Wakefield’s criminal history is horrific. He was convicted of lewd acts with a minor under the age of 14 and rape by force, vio... Full story

  • Kicking It with a 'free' device

    Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal, Special to the Village News|Updated Dec 5, 2024

    Through the power of advertising, I contacted our television provider to get our ‘free*’ device. I called to order this unit not really understanding what it was because my only motivation to order it was the one word “free” that kept appearing whenever I tapped the pause button on pre-recorded shows. A curious customer, I called and the service rep assured me that it was indeed ‘free” for us. Furthermore, once this dandy new device is installed, as I understood the gent wi... Full story

  • Not exactly the Hampton Inn

    Updated Nov 28, 2024

    Our firemen and women are remarkable first responders and deserve extraordinary credit. To illustrate the point, a Fallbrook friend is in the process of selling his surfboard to a fireman out of Riverside. Just before the deal could be closed, the fireman was “pulled for a Strike Team.” Here is his letter: “We were [pulled away to the Wolf Fire and] stayed on it all night. We had our 24 [hours] off yesterday. Miserable sleep. Slept in the hose bed [of a fire truck] in 37 degree temps. Ventura and Malibu are already poppi... Full story

  • San Diego County must protect its communities from sexually violent predators

    Supervisor Jim Desmond, 5th District|Updated Nov 28, 2024

    San Diego County is once again confronting the unsettling prospect of Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs) being released into our neighborhoods. These are not ordinary offenders; they are individuals convicted of the most heinous sexual crimes, with conditions that make them highly likely to reoffend. Despite years of public outcry and legislative efforts, the system continues to favor the placement of these dangerous individuals over the safety of our families. Now, our... Full story

  • Thankful, despite it all

    Updated Nov 28, 2024

    If you’re reading this, I want you to know how thankful I am for you. There are some years when I feel more gratitude than others, and the last three years – since the pandemic turned life upside down and almost cost us our business – have been some of the hardest in our 28 years. There have been more than a few days when I’ve seriously thought about throwing in the towel. But I love what we do, and I love the people I am privileged to work alongside every day. They, along with my family and the grace of God keep me going.... Full story

  • Re: 'Keep the Faith' [Village News, Letter, 11/14/2024]

    Updated Nov 28, 2024

    Mr. Rhodes recognizes that "forces" are trying to keep the American people in opposition; or as he says "forces ... trying to dehumanize us and pit ourselves against each other – trying to make us lose faith in American institutions." I can define the crux of those 'forces' for him: left-wing propaganda. Propaganda is what leads him to believe that President-elect Trump and his associates are liars, are ignorant, corrupt, misogynistic, racist, and criminals. Left-wing propaganda is what causes Mr. Rhodes to believe that M... Full story

  • Kicking It around San Juan Islands

    Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal, Special to The Village News|Updated Nov 28, 2024

    As recently as last month, the stars aligned to make it possible to meet my kid in Seattle. Our flights landed about the same time, hers from Anchorage and mine from San Diego. Initially we were going to splurge and enjoy a few days in Victoria, B.C. by pampering ourselves at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. While we both enjoy being spoiled, we also like afternoon tea and planned to indulge daily during our stay. It was all set until I called to book the float plane tickets to cro... Full story

  • Jones warns Californians to save now for higher gas prices in 2025

    Updated Nov 28, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) warned Californians, Nov. 19, to start saving for 2025 gas prices, which could increase up to 90 cents per gallon, according to a new study by the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. “I’m concerned Californians will face major sticker shock and be unprepared for the rapid gas price spike in 2025, which could be an additional 90 cents per gallon, thanks to Gavin Newsom’s political agenda to drive up gas prices and force Califor... Full story

  • It's been an honor to serve you

    Assemblymember Marie Waldron, 75th District|Updated Nov 28, 2024

    As you know, we had an election on Nov. 5, and due to term limits, I will be leaving office. Carl DeMaio will be your new Assemblyman, and when he officially takes the oath on Dec. 2, my 12 years in the Assembly will come to an end. Going forward, a lot remains to be done. Since most of our state’s legislators come from the big metropolitan areas – Los Angeles and the Bay Area – making sure they pay attention to the rest of California is a must. We need to enhance publi... Full story

  • Update on Friday Night Movies at the Mission Theater

    Updated Nov 28, 2024

    Well, what a contrast Friday night, Nov. 15 was compared to the previous Friday when I wrote my earlier letter to the Village News! This time, the movie “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” actually attracted over 100 viewers – thanks to parents who wanted to share Harry Potter’s adventures with their offspring. So… the word is spreading. All were glued to their seats for over two hours as Harry and his Hogwarts pals, Ron and Hermione, lived through amazing adventures and “Quid-ditch” battles! All ages seemed to love... Full story

  • Re: 'Making change on the Planning Group' [Village News, Mervich letter, 11/21/24]

    Updated Nov 28, 2024

    Fallbrook Community Planning Group on the whole, I believe, are doing an excellent job as volunteers. The volunteers are not a paid group. What is wrong with Mark Mervich thinking they should take on more responsibilities, is they would be donating more of their own time. Mark, if you think that people should be helped ..have at it. You can volunteer your time and help people follow through with the county. You don't need to be a part of FCPG to take that responsibility. Jan Scott... Full story

  • Merry Days should be safe

    Updated Nov 28, 2024

    Festive foods, drinks and a myriad of holiday events are coming now. For example, the Fallbrook Christmas Parade is on Saturday, Dec. 7. “Cheers” to holidays means planning ahead if drinking. A responsible driver can get folded like a pretzel after being hit by a drunken one. A drunken driver hit me in 1992 when I was 16. Years of medical care and therapy in San Jose, San Ramon, Stockton and Tracy followed. I have problems hearing, talking and walking. After 30+ years, I have adapted to this depressing change. Taking Int... Full story

  • California gas prices set to rise again

    Supervisor Jim Desmond, 5th District|Updated Nov 24, 2024

    California’s leaders seem determined to make life even more challenging and costly for families across our state. Recently, I shared how Assembly Bill X2-1, sponsored by Governor Gavin Newsom, passed the State Senate and gave the California Air Resources Board (CARB) the authority to mandate restrictions on gasoline distribution. This was alarming enough, but just days after the election, CARB has wasted no time in pushing policies that will only raise costs even higher. On F... Full story

  • Re: 'Making change on the Planning Group'[Village News, Letter, 10/31/24]

    Updated Nov 22, 2024

    I am happy to see that The Planning Group is paying attention to the concerns of our Community. Thank you Steve Brown for your response to the letter of two weeks ago. There are several issues at play here and all of them have representation of our community and keeping it informed in the mix. Steve says I do not know what has been happening with the Planning Group because I only recently started attending meetings again. This is also true of most of our community as attending the meetings or going to the county website to... Full story

  • To a specific Trump supporter

    Updated Nov 22, 2024

    I’ve only “known” you for a short time. You first came into my life the night you stole my Harris/Walz sign from my front yard. My husband and I got two additional signs, glued them to plywood, and secured them to our mailbox post. That didn’t stop you. We woke one morning to find you had stolen a second sign, damaging our mailbox post in the process. Your next move was to tape a Trump/Vance sign over the top of our last remaining Harris/Walz. On Thursday morning, we awoke to what I hope was your final act: both signs y... Full story

  • In response to President-elect Trump nominating RFK Jr. to become HHS Secretary

    Updated Nov 22, 2024

    Effective age regression interventions hold the potential to not only alleviate but also prevent diseases associated with aging. This groundbreaking assertion has garnered the endorsement of the majority within the scientific community who increasingly view aging not as a disease per se, but as the primary catalyst/cause for nearly all age-related diseases. Diseases caused by aging represent a staggering 85% of all diseases that plague humanity. The pharmaceutical industry is acutely aware of this catastrophically negative... Full story

  • Savoring Trump's victory

    Updated Nov 22, 2024

    On Nov. 5, a wave of optimism washed over America, bringing a renewed sense of patriotism and a restored faith in our elections. After nine torturous years fending off the evil forces arrayed to destroy him, Trump would ride atop a cresting wave of populism to emerge from the throes of political anarchy as our 47th President. It was a victory unequaled in modern times – putting an exclamation point on an embittered campaign fought by and for America's working class. Incensed by the endless acrimony targeting Trump and the MAG... Full story

  • The double standard of special session

    Updated Nov 22, 2024

    You may have heard that Governor Newsom is convening a special session to “‘Trump-Proof’ states liberal policies.” That’s an interesting thought. In fact, let’s take it a step further. What if our local municipalities adopted a similar approach to safeguard their common-sense policies from overreach by Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta? As the Governor and Attorney General prepare for a legal fight with the federal government, they appear intent on using taxpayer dollars with little regard for the cost. Cal... Full story

  • Thank You, Fallbrook Music Society and Bob Freaney

    Updated Nov 22, 2024

    Bravo! Outstanding! Incredible! These are just a few of the exclamations from the audience regarding the recent piano performance of Svetlana Smolina. It is a rare treat to experience such spectacular musical artistry, and even more remarkable to attend such an event right here at Fallbrook’s Mission Theater! As president of FMS, Bob Freaney continues to dazzle us with an outstanding variety of exceptional, talented musicians. Mark your calendar for Sunday, Dec. 15, for “A Take 3 Christmas.” This delightful group is retur... Full story

  • Enjoying Friday Night movies at the Mission Theater

    Updated Nov 22, 2024

    Why do so many Fallbrookians seem unaware of the joy of “going to the pictures” on Friday nights at the friendly Art Deco Mission Theater in the center of downtown Fallbrook? Could it be that only seniors have ever experienced the fun of a special date and a chance to enjoy a computer-and-TV-free evening with fellow film lovers? The theater holds 300 people, but Friday night attendance rarely reaches 100. My “date” David and I have been regular movie goers there for the past few years. I always enjoy a glass of wine, while D... Full story

  • The double standard of special session

    Updated Nov 22, 2024

    You may have heard that Governor Newsom is convening a special session to “‘Trump-Proof’ states liberal policies.” That’s an interesting thought. In fact, let’s take it a step further. What if our local municipalities adopted a similar approach to safeguard their common-sense policies from overreach by Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta? As the Governor and Attorney General prepare for a legal fight with the federal government, they appear intent on using taxpayer dollars with little regard for the cost. Cal... Full story

  • Homeland Security warns vicious Venezuelan prison gang expands its territory to 16 states

    Julie Reeder, Publisher|Updated Nov 22, 2024

    As we go to print, the case against Jose Ibarra, 26, who is accused of brutally killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley appears to be wrapping up. The killing of Laken Riley has added fuel to the national debate over immigration when federal authorities said Ibarra illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and was allowed to stay in the country while he pursued his immigration case. Ibarra has been reported to be a member of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang. He enjoyed a... Full story

  • Term limits and more…

    Assemblymember Marie Waldron, 75th District|Updated Nov 17, 2024

    Proposition 28, approved by 61% of California’s voters in 2012, established our current term limit system. California legislators may serve a total of 12 years – Senate terms are four years and Assembly terms are two. I’m now finishing my sixth Assembly term – my 12th and final year. Prior to 2012, legislators could serve a total of 14 years, but only three terms in either house. There are 99 legislative chambers throughout the 50 states. Of these, 16 states have enacted... Full story

  • Kicking It

    Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal, Special to The Village News|Updated Nov 17, 2024

    Whoopee! Oh, my gosh! Whew! The world is safe again. And that is all I have to say about the Nov. 5 results because America has spoken. Celebrating Veterans Day last Monday was a reminder of the high price of war. Like this new administration, I, too, believe our armed forces should never have to leave our shores to save anyone else’s hide, ever again. It’s up to the rest of the world to manage without us. Now that worry has lifted its ugly fingers from my brain, I can foc... Full story

Page Down