Earth Day 2008
(Submitted to the Daily Breeze as a letter to the editor)
As we celebrate another Earth Day in Torrance, there are many things for which to be thankful. We have many parks, a beachfront, and the Madrona Marsh preserve; all treasures that we must safeguard. Unfortunately, we also have our share of environmental downsides that will require electing strong leaders to make our city safe for all once again.
Recently, contaminated groundwater was found near the Exxon-Mobil refinery, Los Angeles County’s 2nd worst polluter. While testing is in process to determine cause and origin, many of our residents are concerned for their safety, as their families are being exposed to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.
Perhaps a lesser known hazard is the Class One Palos Verdes landfill on the southern edge of Torrance, where, on a daily basis, pollutants such as ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde are released. Children are particularly susceptible to these toxins: there are 20 schools located within a two mile radius of the landfill. Instead of closing the facility and finding a safe solution, the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts have proposed flaring these gasses into the atmosphere.
In the Torrance candidate forums so far, I have been the only candidate to raise awareness on these critical public health issues (read the Daily Breeze article here). On June 3rd, you will have the opportunity to elect four new city council members. With your vote and your support, I pledge to hold polluters accountable and make Torrance a cleaner, safer city for all.