An estimated 850 people listened attentively as three speakers expounded on several perceived issues facing taxpayers from the misinformation of global warming to the state budget crisis.

The convention center at the Santa Maria Fairpark was packed Thursday night for the conference and dinner presented by the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (COLAB).

Topics also included public employee pensions, fees versus taxes and private property rights.

"It was very informative. They were interesting things we all need to know to be truly informed citizens," said Santa Maria resident Anne Thompson.

Thompson heard about the event while listening to the local talk radio station, KUHL AM 1440, and she left with a book titled, "Green Hell," which was written by one of the speakers, Steve Milloy.

Milloy is the founder and publisher of JunkScience.com, a site devoted to debunking bad science used to advance specific agendas.

He focused most of his comments on Assembly Bill 32, also known as the California Global Warming Solutions Act, which tasks the California Air Resources Board with enacting regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve a reduction of greenhouse gases, according to the governor's Web site.

"The environment is the most important issue we face," Milloy told the audience, as he went on to denounce global warming and the dangers that have been long associated with carbon dioxide, diesel exhaust and even secondhand smoke.

"Every solution from environmentalists has been more government controls," he said. They're using what he called, "global warming alarmism" as an "excuse to get what they want."

"They want to decide where you live, where you work, how many kids you have, what kind of car you drive, what color car you drive, how much water you use. They want to tell you how long to take a shower. Nothing in your life is off limits to these people," Milloy continued.

First District San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Frank Mecham also purchased a copy of Milloy's book and said, "There's so much information out there, but no real data. At least (Milloy) laid out the facts."

Other speakers Thursday included Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and Damien Schiff, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation.

Both men outlined several threats to the economy and taxpayers, and at the same time assured the audience that their respective nonprofit agencies would continue to fight unfair and unconstitutional government actions.

"It was inspirational ... to know that these people are fighting for us, gives us hope," said Santa Maria resident Paula James. "I'm excited now for what's next."

The dinner was provided by Testa Catering and members of the Solomon Hills Grange and the Boy Scouts Troop 96 of Orcutt served the meal.

Mark Teixeira, general manager of Teixeira Farms and chairman of the COLAB board of directors, promised to advocate for more events like the one Thursday night.

"I don't think the average person is hearing this message of diesel rules, particulate matter and the endangered smelt fish, in the mainstream media," he said. "There needs to be more of these events and more people supporting them."