I read the Way-Back-Machine Article titled "From “Peace and Love” to Phoenix of Hate"
By Henry Schulte. I quote from Mr. Schulte as follows>
"One of the highlights of my life and the profession I enjoyed the most, was owning and operating the Goleta Valley Athletic Club. I never went to college and my father loaned me the seed money to purchase the club as an alternative to higher indoctrination." AND
"Even John Travolta honed his dancing skills in that studio." AND
"They worked. They took responsibility. They took pride in their job. They were wonderful employees."
Well, Well, Well Mr. Schulte our paths cross like Ships in the Night.
Every morning, I was at your GVAC when it opened, and Yes Travolta was there because it was me and him in the weight room early am. Then I was off to work at Research Park next door at Channel Industries and back at lunch for a quick swim. Do you remember Jeff M. your Manager?
As a group of Engineers, we ran out of GVAC at 5:00 pm and it was a bustling work-out center.
Great Place as you say with a very good staff and I have very good memories of GVAC.
In fact, many professional folks I met at GVAC and knew for the next 20 years all from GVAC.
So my Hat is Off to you for running a very good place for people to get to know each other.
Howard Walther, Member of a Military Family
PS1- I think we have met each other at GVAC. I was a fixture there.
Hey Howard. We must have met. Probably recognize you, though a lot of years half passed. If you’re speaking of the same Jeff M., it was his father I bought the club from. Always appreciate the kind feedback. Thanks
Thanks for the reply, Henry. Yes, I did not want to put Jeffs last name down here.
Really though GVAC was a gathering place for alot of us back in the day. After our
5pm group run, with Jeff M, from GVAC we all headed over to Woodys. Sad that alot of businesses left SB/Goleta and/or owners left as in downtown SB State Street. Not too many of the original folks here anymore .... most left or driven out.
Earlier this month, I celebrated my 50th high school reunion at Glendale Academy. It felt like opening a time capsule—reconnecting with classmates over shared memories and laughter. Despite differing beliefs, we left our egos behind. One person tried to stir conflict, but her remarks were ignored, and the evening remained filled with mutual respect and joy.
Like you, Henry, my path has been unpredictable—marked by gritty jobs and entrepreneurial ventures, all grounded in strong moral and spiritual values. We must remember there's a time and place for expressing beliefs, and sometimes, it's best to pause and celebrate how far we’ve come.
Your story of integrity and risk-taking is inspiring and deserves to be heard more often.
Just last week, a neighbor stopped to check out my CyberTruck. That chance encounter led to a surprising string of coincidences and a new friendship. We’ll soon be neighbors in the woods near Bend, OR.
Henry, it’s time America refocuses on its people's goodness. Let’s take the mic back from the loudest voices of anger and division and instead lift the quiet, respectful pursuit of happiness that unites us.
You start out with a drawing showing that trust in the media has been lost, but then try disingenuously to peddle a mainstream media narrative to your readers in your attack against free speech at Columbia University. Nice try. Free speech is an American value. Disagreeing with said speech doesn't make it any less so. You then mock and belittle parents who paid for their kids to attend college; kids who voice their morals against genocide with American money. You didn't stop at sneering at their parents, you wanted to go the extra mile by implying that an education is worthless as "they tossed all that money away." Sounds like you are jealous of the educated class, who has critical thinking skills that you lack.
How could you believe that a college education today develops critical thinking when 90% of faculty hold one set of far left beliefs? Did your sociology teacher tell you that it is so? Quite the opposite, today’s colleges indoctrinate students to a socially, morally and ethically depraved worldview not based on critical thinking but on conformity to the group.
What an incredibly stupid comment. My sociology teacher? No, people who have critical thinking skills do not parrot ideas just because a person or the media tells them so. This is why the protests took place. You need to re-read my comment since you missed the entire point of it. I'm not sure how you were an engineer without having gone to college.
I drove the little train at the zoo. I also freelance as a puppeteer and work part time as a nail tech. I sort nails by pennyweight for the construction crew. I also know that if your writing is an example of the fruits of higher education, you wasted your money.
Eye opening commentary today. Yes, trust for the media is running on empty. For some perspective, it’s interesting to travel outside of our little SB bubble as I did this week.
While attending a graduation party in Eudora, Kansas, held on a 1200 acre corn/soybean family farm, the folks could not have been more gracious and hospitable. This particular farm had been in the family over 150 years and was sold by a Native American Chief to the family ancestors.
Of course they asked me where I was from, and they all wanted to know more about Santa Barbara. A few had visited before, one guy is actually project manager for an apartment building going up in IV. He unloaded on me about the endless regulatory challenges. Total project cost is about $80 million with half going towards the various bureaucratic shakedowns.
Many seemed very curious about life in the “Golden State,” and asked me specifically about our recent fires.
I went on to explain how many fire hydrants were dry, reservoirs empty and multiple million dollar homes went up in smoke.
The look on these peoples faces were one of confusion, almost as though I was speaking a foreign language. One “old timer” farmer asked me, “why do you folks put up with that?” To which I had no cogent response! Explaining that reservoirs were dry in part, due to water spilling into the ocean in an effort to protect an endangered smelt was way too complicated!
Dear Henry Schulte, Thank you so much for your trip down a peaceful memory lane. The "kids" you mentored were blessed to have had the opportunity to work with you and to be able to prosper in a commonsense world you created for them - and yourself. Carol Redhead
I remember the hippie prof from UCSB. He used to boast that he never knowingly had a Republican in his home. As I recall he also got passed over in his career progress and was estranged from and bitter about UCSB. We often chatted in the locker room and though we agreed on nothing, it was always civil. I also remember a trainer about 5'8" tall and as wide with a huge moustache reminiscent of Paul Sr from orange county choppers. Thank you for GVAC. I have many fond memories from many years of membership.
Many complex issues facing 2026 voters. Where are the reliable sources of information to steer voters? If polls and reports are any indication, in 2024 Trump gained ground with youth. (Circle.tufts.edu and PEW). In 2024, the 25–29 age group leaned slightly toward Trump but the 18–24 favored Kamala Harris by 10–12 points (55–57% vs. 43–45% for Trump). Reported reasons:
2) economy (inflation, housing/ rent $1800/mo, student debt/ average $30K per borrower);
3) social issues (values: perceptions of divisive/ inclusive). Tik Tok and X were primary media influencers. Reportedly, lobbyists like Planned Parenthood ($20M) successfully targeted 60% of young women voters for Harris. Chambers of Commerce lobbies targeted young workers of both genders for Trump.
Nationally, only 42% of 18- to 29-year-olds voted (20 million out of 50 million eligible). How many voted in Santa Barbara County? What about District 2 (Capps) with SBCC & UCSB?
Local 2024 ESTIMATES registration only for Santa Barbara County demographic age 18-29: approximately 40,779 voters were registered.
• Democrats: ~24,467 (60%). UCSB & SBCC students driven
• Republicans: ~8,156 (20%).
• No Party Preference: ~6,525 (16%).
• Other: ~1,631 (4%).
County-voter party breakdown (all ages October 2024):
• Democrats: 46% (~117,241 voters).
• Republicans: 25% (~63,718 voters).
• No Party Preference (NPP): 22% (~56,071 voters).
• Other/minor parties: 7% (~17,841 voters).
Voter turnout remains one local challenge. Registration of 16-17 year olds in classrooms in public schools twice a year is another challenge. Why public school voter registration? Because students can NOT be asked citizenship status; and most are trained to do what they are told. Check the box, sign your name.
Do any of the Democrats bitch about how screwed up the state is? No? They like how it's going? If not, will they vote for the Democrats next time? Dumb-asses.
Henry says "But, dedicating 1% of the population, who decided they’re transgender, 90% of the attention, has pushed the common-sense barrier a bit too far." DITTO, Henry, so why is our country so dedicated to the needs of the wealthiest 1%, who have decided they're entitled to it, that the 99% must fight over the remaining crumbs - to the point that some of us would even cancel Headstart, SNAP, Medicare, and VA benefits just to keep a few extra bucks in their pockets instead of taxing the rich? That appears to me to be pushing the common sense barrier a bit too far as well.
A breath of fresh air once again. I remember your phone call about starting up a publication. You told me that you had gone to UCSB to study and become a Webmaster. I clearly recall me asking you: "Webmaster, what is that?" You have always been an exemplary leader Henry, in precept and by example. Thank you for all that you do for our community. It matters.
I thought this would be a contrast of the "Peace and Love" liberals of yesteryear (hippies) to the absolute pathetic haters the left has become. Peace and love has become burn it all down with violence.
A good article. Thanks Mr. Schulte. Let me add that during the time of the B of A burning, there was at least one death. Kevin Moran. He was shot. I don't think that crime was ever solved.
I vaguely remember that. And yes, there were “riots” over Vietnam. I wouldn’t be surprised Pelosi would have been someone at the airport spitting on our soldiers who did nothing wrong but follow orders.
Henry, memories do fade. I’ve yet to get rose colored cataract replacement lenses. Do you recall the 1970 Scranton Commission on Campus Unrest? In 1970, the year of the UCSB bank incident, nationwide there were hundreds of campuses protests, thousands of demonstrations, building occupations, property destruction with even deaths resulting in National Guard intervention. Authorities responded with tear gas, batons, and, in extreme cases, live ammunition. Thousands were arrested at Berkeley and Columbia, with violent clashes at Harvard (SDS-led occupation), Cornell (armed Black student takeover), Ohio State (police-student confrontations). An estimated 500 colleges shut down temporarily in May 1970 after 4 students killed at Kent State, protesting the US invasion of Cambodia. Students ‘Questioned Authority’ until then President Nixon ended the LBJ fueled undeclared Vietnam War. Our WW2 ‘government / father knows best’ parents were totally confused but soon learned that our government may be on the mountain top with intell unknown to those of us in the trenches, but wrongs must be made known in our pursuit of better governance to improve our country. In 1965, LBJ, mentored by Roosevelt, launched his many socialist Great Society taxpayer dependent programs that forever changed our country, while mindful critically thinking American youth grew increasingly angry. Students of 1970 made it known the lives of thousands of young American men had great value and that the draft, and the senseless Vietnam War must be ended. Back then my costumer mom worked annually on Bob Hope’s Tour so she had benefit of observation. My brother spared by a judge, sent for 3-years alternative service, thanks to testimony by dozens of teachers and neighbors. I continue to wish my mismanaged government were held accountable to actively support with our tax dollars the families, the children of the war wounded and disabled. There are always generational challenges to confront.
Gaza ended up being an existential threat to US military member Aaron Bushnell who could not accept orders to serve in the genocide of the Palestinian people. Look up the video for the last moments of his life. Prepare yourself.
There are so many things to point out it would require another column, and maybe that’s what it will take. But of note, when the left felt cocky and in power, they would shut everyone up with whom they disagreed. There was no such thing as free speech. It was do as we say or we’ll make sure you go down. And the 1% who earned their money pay most of the taxes in this country for the ones who bitch they’re not rich. And lest you forget, the wealthiest people are liberals. If they cared about “their” people, have them toss down some of their cash to you. Tell them to spread the wealth.
brilliant commentary And heartbreaking to realize where we are now.
Thank you, Dr. Laura. I have hope that those young ones coming up will be more clear eyed.
Yes Dr. Laura Schlessinger and getting worse by the minute>
Director of FBI Kash Patel>
https://x.com/C_3C_3/status/1924115865080840641
I read the Way-Back-Machine Article titled "From “Peace and Love” to Phoenix of Hate"
By Henry Schulte. I quote from Mr. Schulte as follows>
"One of the highlights of my life and the profession I enjoyed the most, was owning and operating the Goleta Valley Athletic Club. I never went to college and my father loaned me the seed money to purchase the club as an alternative to higher indoctrination." AND
"Even John Travolta honed his dancing skills in that studio." AND
"They worked. They took responsibility. They took pride in their job. They were wonderful employees."
Well, Well, Well Mr. Schulte our paths cross like Ships in the Night.
Every morning, I was at your GVAC when it opened, and Yes Travolta was there because it was me and him in the weight room early am. Then I was off to work at Research Park next door at Channel Industries and back at lunch for a quick swim. Do you remember Jeff M. your Manager?
As a group of Engineers, we ran out of GVAC at 5:00 pm and it was a bustling work-out center.
Great Place as you say with a very good staff and I have very good memories of GVAC.
In fact, many professional folks I met at GVAC and knew for the next 20 years all from GVAC.
So my Hat is Off to you for running a very good place for people to get to know each other.
Howard Walther, Member of a Military Family
PS1- I think we have met each other at GVAC. I was a fixture there.
Hey Howard. We must have met. Probably recognize you, though a lot of years half passed. If you’re speaking of the same Jeff M., it was his father I bought the club from. Always appreciate the kind feedback. Thanks
Thanks for the reply, Henry. Yes, I did not want to put Jeffs last name down here.
Really though GVAC was a gathering place for alot of us back in the day. After our
5pm group run, with Jeff M, from GVAC we all headed over to Woodys. Sad that alot of businesses left SB/Goleta and/or owners left as in downtown SB State Street. Not too many of the original folks here anymore .... most left or driven out.
Earlier this month, I celebrated my 50th high school reunion at Glendale Academy. It felt like opening a time capsule—reconnecting with classmates over shared memories and laughter. Despite differing beliefs, we left our egos behind. One person tried to stir conflict, but her remarks were ignored, and the evening remained filled with mutual respect and joy.
Like you, Henry, my path has been unpredictable—marked by gritty jobs and entrepreneurial ventures, all grounded in strong moral and spiritual values. We must remember there's a time and place for expressing beliefs, and sometimes, it's best to pause and celebrate how far we’ve come.
Your story of integrity and risk-taking is inspiring and deserves to be heard more often.
Just last week, a neighbor stopped to check out my CyberTruck. That chance encounter led to a surprising string of coincidences and a new friendship. We’ll soon be neighbors in the woods near Bend, OR.
Henry, it’s time America refocuses on its people's goodness. Let’s take the mic back from the loudest voices of anger and division and instead lift the quiet, respectful pursuit of happiness that unites us.
You start out with a drawing showing that trust in the media has been lost, but then try disingenuously to peddle a mainstream media narrative to your readers in your attack against free speech at Columbia University. Nice try. Free speech is an American value. Disagreeing with said speech doesn't make it any less so. You then mock and belittle parents who paid for their kids to attend college; kids who voice their morals against genocide with American money. You didn't stop at sneering at their parents, you wanted to go the extra mile by implying that an education is worthless as "they tossed all that money away." Sounds like you are jealous of the educated class, who has critical thinking skills that you lack.
How could you believe that a college education today develops critical thinking when 90% of faculty hold one set of far left beliefs? Did your sociology teacher tell you that it is so? Quite the opposite, today’s colleges indoctrinate students to a socially, morally and ethically depraved worldview not based on critical thinking but on conformity to the group.
What an incredibly stupid comment. My sociology teacher? No, people who have critical thinking skills do not parrot ideas just because a person or the media tells them so. This is why the protests took place. You need to re-read my comment since you missed the entire point of it. I'm not sure how you were an engineer without having gone to college.
I drove the little train at the zoo. I also freelance as a puppeteer and work part time as a nail tech. I sort nails by pennyweight for the construction crew. I also know that if your writing is an example of the fruits of higher education, you wasted your money.
Sounds like your class envy is just as strong as Henry's, as is your disregard for the first amendment and America. My money wasn't wasted.
Class? What class do I envy? Certainly not the Marxist left of recent college grads who do not know shit from shinola.
Defending free speech in America is not "marxist." Maybe if you actually went to college instead of insulting those who did, you'd know this.
Eye opening commentary today. Yes, trust for the media is running on empty. For some perspective, it’s interesting to travel outside of our little SB bubble as I did this week.
While attending a graduation party in Eudora, Kansas, held on a 1200 acre corn/soybean family farm, the folks could not have been more gracious and hospitable. This particular farm had been in the family over 150 years and was sold by a Native American Chief to the family ancestors.
Of course they asked me where I was from, and they all wanted to know more about Santa Barbara. A few had visited before, one guy is actually project manager for an apartment building going up in IV. He unloaded on me about the endless regulatory challenges. Total project cost is about $80 million with half going towards the various bureaucratic shakedowns.
Many seemed very curious about life in the “Golden State,” and asked me specifically about our recent fires.
I went on to explain how many fire hydrants were dry, reservoirs empty and multiple million dollar homes went up in smoke.
The look on these peoples faces were one of confusion, almost as though I was speaking a foreign language. One “old timer” farmer asked me, “why do you folks put up with that?” To which I had no cogent response! Explaining that reservoirs were dry in part, due to water spilling into the ocean in an effort to protect an endangered smelt was way too complicated!
Dear Henry Schulte, Thank you so much for your trip down a peaceful memory lane. The "kids" you mentored were blessed to have had the opportunity to work with you and to be able to prosper in a commonsense world you created for them - and yourself. Carol Redhead
I remember the hippie prof from UCSB. He used to boast that he never knowingly had a Republican in his home. As I recall he also got passed over in his career progress and was estranged from and bitter about UCSB. We often chatted in the locker room and though we agreed on nothing, it was always civil. I also remember a trainer about 5'8" tall and as wide with a huge moustache reminiscent of Paul Sr from orange county choppers. Thank you for GVAC. I have many fond memories from many years of membership.
It is a great read with many things I learned. Thank you!
Many complex issues facing 2026 voters. Where are the reliable sources of information to steer voters? If polls and reports are any indication, in 2024 Trump gained ground with youth. (Circle.tufts.edu and PEW). In 2024, the 25–29 age group leaned slightly toward Trump but the 18–24 favored Kamala Harris by 10–12 points (55–57% vs. 43–45% for Trump). Reported reasons:
1) abortion (Dobbs 2022 SCOTUS ruling removing protections/state bans);
2) economy (inflation, housing/ rent $1800/mo, student debt/ average $30K per borrower);
3) social issues (values: perceptions of divisive/ inclusive). Tik Tok and X were primary media influencers. Reportedly, lobbyists like Planned Parenthood ($20M) successfully targeted 60% of young women voters for Harris. Chambers of Commerce lobbies targeted young workers of both genders for Trump.
Nationally, only 42% of 18- to 29-year-olds voted (20 million out of 50 million eligible). How many voted in Santa Barbara County? What about District 2 (Capps) with SBCC & UCSB?
Local 2024 ESTIMATES registration only for Santa Barbara County demographic age 18-29: approximately 40,779 voters were registered.
• Democrats: ~24,467 (60%). UCSB & SBCC students driven
• Republicans: ~8,156 (20%).
• No Party Preference: ~6,525 (16%).
• Other: ~1,631 (4%).
County-voter party breakdown (all ages October 2024):
• Democrats: 46% (~117,241 voters).
• Republicans: 25% (~63,718 voters).
• No Party Preference (NPP): 22% (~56,071 voters).
• Other/minor parties: 7% (~17,841 voters).
Voter turnout remains one local challenge. Registration of 16-17 year olds in classrooms in public schools twice a year is another challenge. Why public school voter registration? Because students can NOT be asked citizenship status; and most are trained to do what they are told. Check the box, sign your name.
Do any of the Democrats bitch about how screwed up the state is? No? They like how it's going? If not, will they vote for the Democrats next time? Dumb-asses.
Henry says "But, dedicating 1% of the population, who decided they’re transgender, 90% of the attention, has pushed the common-sense barrier a bit too far." DITTO, Henry, so why is our country so dedicated to the needs of the wealthiest 1%, who have decided they're entitled to it, that the 99% must fight over the remaining crumbs - to the point that some of us would even cancel Headstart, SNAP, Medicare, and VA benefits just to keep a few extra bucks in their pockets instead of taxing the rich? That appears to me to be pushing the common sense barrier a bit too far as well.
A breath of fresh air once again. I remember your phone call about starting up a publication. You told me that you had gone to UCSB to study and become a Webmaster. I clearly recall me asking you: "Webmaster, what is that?" You have always been an exemplary leader Henry, in precept and by example. Thank you for all that you do for our community. It matters.
I thought this would be a contrast of the "Peace and Love" liberals of yesteryear (hippies) to the absolute pathetic haters the left has become. Peace and love has become burn it all down with violence.
A good article. Thanks Mr. Schulte. Let me add that during the time of the B of A burning, there was at least one death. Kevin Moran. He was shot. I don't think that crime was ever solved.
I vaguely remember that. And yes, there were “riots” over Vietnam. I wouldn’t be surprised Pelosi would have been someone at the airport spitting on our soldiers who did nothing wrong but follow orders.
Follow orders and step up to do what they thought was right.
The legacy media is like the boy who cried wolf.
Eventually the truth sneaks out
Henry, memories do fade. I’ve yet to get rose colored cataract replacement lenses. Do you recall the 1970 Scranton Commission on Campus Unrest? In 1970, the year of the UCSB bank incident, nationwide there were hundreds of campuses protests, thousands of demonstrations, building occupations, property destruction with even deaths resulting in National Guard intervention. Authorities responded with tear gas, batons, and, in extreme cases, live ammunition. Thousands were arrested at Berkeley and Columbia, with violent clashes at Harvard (SDS-led occupation), Cornell (armed Black student takeover), Ohio State (police-student confrontations). An estimated 500 colleges shut down temporarily in May 1970 after 4 students killed at Kent State, protesting the US invasion of Cambodia. Students ‘Questioned Authority’ until then President Nixon ended the LBJ fueled undeclared Vietnam War. Our WW2 ‘government / father knows best’ parents were totally confused but soon learned that our government may be on the mountain top with intell unknown to those of us in the trenches, but wrongs must be made known in our pursuit of better governance to improve our country. In 1965, LBJ, mentored by Roosevelt, launched his many socialist Great Society taxpayer dependent programs that forever changed our country, while mindful critically thinking American youth grew increasingly angry. Students of 1970 made it known the lives of thousands of young American men had great value and that the draft, and the senseless Vietnam War must be ended. Back then my costumer mom worked annually on Bob Hope’s Tour so she had benefit of observation. My brother spared by a judge, sent for 3-years alternative service, thanks to testimony by dozens of teachers and neighbors. I continue to wish my mismanaged government were held accountable to actively support with our tax dollars the families, the children of the war wounded and disabled. There are always generational challenges to confront.
Gaza ended up being an existential threat to US military member Aaron Bushnell who could not accept orders to serve in the genocide of the Palestinian people. Look up the video for the last moments of his life. Prepare yourself.
How are protests against genocide "deeply artificial" and "nihilistic"? Sounds like those words would be better at describing your comment here.
You didn't answer the question I asked you.
There are so many things to point out it would require another column, and maybe that’s what it will take. But of note, when the left felt cocky and in power, they would shut everyone up with whom they disagreed. There was no such thing as free speech. It was do as we say or we’ll make sure you go down. And the 1% who earned their money pay most of the taxes in this country for the ones who bitch they’re not rich. And lest you forget, the wealthiest people are liberals. If they cared about “their” people, have them toss down some of their cash to you. Tell them to spread the wealth.