ANGLING ANGELIDES

Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Phil Angelides (pictured)
stopped in Santa Barbara on Monday as part of his statewide tour
leading up to the June 6 primary election. A sun-soaked Goleta
Beach Park provided the perfect backdrop as the current state
treasurer tooted his own environmental horn. Angelides railed
against liquid natural gas and offshore oil drilling, and pledged
his allegiance to alternative fuels and state limitations for
industrial emissions. About four dozen supporters listened as
Angelides badmouthed Governor Schwarzenegger for “taking no action
on the environment” and “cutting education and turning kids away
from college.” The 53-year-old Angelides received perhaps his
loudest applause of the afternoon when he pointed out that the
Governator came into office with seven Hummers, while his clan will
come into office as a “three-hybrid family.” He also pointed out
that his democratic challenger Steve Westly has only recently
promised to order a hybrid vehicle. Angelides also signaled his
endorsement of the Clean Energy Initiative slated for this
November’s election, making him the first gubernatorial candidate
to weigh in on the issue.  — Ethan Stewart