Congratulations to last week's winners: Louis Arighi, Cathy Gilbert, Margie Harris, Debbie Neal, and Dan Wood. 

Responses to last week's question: Like respondents to a recent California Field Poll on the energy situation, Currents readers were generally in favor of state operation and ownership of power plants. The votes were 16 yes, 3 no, and 8 unsure. A sampling of readers' views follows.

On the yes side:

"It may be more bureaucratic, but profit won't be the driving force."

"We sure are vulnerable. But I kinda like that we are all a bit more tuned into our energy use. I think we should be cut back to the same levels as the rest of the world. It would give us all a good perspective."

"We've seen what has happened with the deregulation of the energy industry, and it hasn't been good. Let's take more control, as a state, of our energy."

On the no side:

". . . provide reasonable laws and regulation with respect to the power industry."

"I would encourage people to look into solar power systems for their homes. . . . This would free up energy for businesses and potentially eliminate the need for more power plants. "

Unsure:

"I can't say I know enough about it to make an informed decision. . . . Maybe people will pay a little more attention to the fleecing of California now that it is affecting each of us more directly."

"I'm not too sure that government can do a better job."

"I'm hopelessly lost in this area, but I'm convinced that no matter what happens, consumers/ratepayers will be screwed."
 

Tell us what you think: Each week, we post a question about a topic that's been in the news, is of general interest, or has been suggested by our readers. You have a chance to "weigh in" with a simple "yes," "no," or "unsure," or you may elaborate if you like. Responses are due by Friday at 8 a.m.

Win a nifty Currents Online coffee mug: Each week, the names of five respondents are drawn at random to win a mug. Participants must be UCSC staff, faculty, or students. Please submit your name and campus e-mail address on the response form. Only one mug per person.

This week's question: Should we widen Highway 1?

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