You know how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency announced recently they are joining forces to clean up stinky Aliso Creek (finally), which spews its filth into South Laguna's Aliso Beach? Yeah, when have we heard that before? Oh, yeah, eight years ago. Anyway, you'd think such an announcement would be embraced by the local environmentalists who have worked tirelessly to clean that cesspool up. But, in the LA Times story on the agreement, Penny Elia, who chairs a Sierra Club task force dedicated to cleaning up the waterway, was skeptical.
"They promised us we would have an opportunity to bring in our own scientists for a second opinion or a peer review for this super project. And--wham, bam we have a press conference announcing it."
But the agreement was hailed by
Larry McKenney, manager of Orange County's Resources and Development Management Department, who promised environmentalists will have a say on the $45 million project to restore wildlife habitats along the creek and clean the water that runs through it.
Meanwhile, Roger von Butow, the Laguna Beach activist who has most closely monitored the work (or, more accurately, lack thereof) just sent this to us. He's pissed over the composition of a county designated Aliso Creek Technical Review Committee, and especially it being headed up by his most dreaded enviro-foe, Garry Brown of the Orange County Coastkeepers. Roger ticks off his problems:
--Neither Garry Brown nor his CoastKeepers ever attended a single Aliso Creek Watershed Study Meeting, the ones held monthly from late 1998-2004, hosted by the USACE & County of Orange.
--Aliso Creek is in Region 9, Cal EPA.
--CoastKeepers is in fact a Region 8, Cal EPA group out of New Porsche, with little effect, engagement & zero eco-product (history or success) in Region 9.
--Miraculously, he has been picked to head up the Aliso Creek Technical Review Committee.
--This is an outrage, to pass over legitimate Region 9 leaders with local grass roots involvement.
--Is this what the Sierra Club & South Laguna Civic Association intended by dragging in a Region 9 MIA with a questionable personal background?
--Shouldn't long term Region 9 groups be allowed to be part of this selection or appointment?
Von Butow then points to a couple
Weekly stories that detail Brown's, um, colorful background:
Poo Fighters and
Garry Quite Contrary. Von Butow also directs those interested to the
Times archives to read about Brown being a consultant to
Iger & Associates, the powerful state lobbying firm whose clients include the pavement-happy
Building Industry Association. Brown used to head the BIA's Baldy View chapter in San Bernardino County.
More Roger:
--It was Clean Water Now! who "outed" GB regarding his double-dipping employment: One check from CoastKeepers, one check from the "loyal opposition" at IGER a while back.
--So why HAS GB been chosen by Larry McKenney (County of Orange) to head up the most critical committee in this new series of Aliso Creek meetings?
--Is GB going to "green wash" or fast track controversial projects by invoking the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sacred & hollowed name (Keepers Alliance)?
--Where's a good investigative reporter when you need them?
Good question.
September 16, 2006 07:09
SOMETHING STINKS is an understatement. The beautiful Orange County is in the midst of a revolution along with other communities nationwide who still believe that elected government officials, agencies and legal advisors have the duty to serve the public -- NOT political, financial, economic or self-serving agendas.
In exercise of my guaranteed rights to free speech, press and opinion, the following is submitted, as my opinions.
There are many commonalities that continue to grow in the OC political and public forums. Unfortunately, CLEAN WATER may not be politically or financially rewarding enough to expect government agencies and elected officials to fight for in the interests of justice and public health/safety.
Afterall, this is an election year -- and the Republicans are fighting to protect their majority in government branches nationwide.
Let's hope that those who have exercised their guaranteed rights to free speech, press and opinion when it relates to CLEAN WATER fully understand what may follow for doing the right thing -- speaking out to demand accountability.
IN MY OPINION, if you are citizen or journalist who happens not to be RICH, FAMOUS or POLITICALLY-CONNECTED, please do not ever give up! Clean water, the protections of children and adults, and potential abuses of those in positions of trust and authority are very important. Unfortunately, this is an election year and IMMEDIATE RETURN has now been placed at the highest priority, even it means DIRTY WATER.
Please accept my apology if this exercise of free speech, press and opinion offends or appears to be defamation and/or slander -- that is never my intent and is not my intent in this posting.
If you have any concerns, need additional information or written documentation that has led me to the opinions posted herein, please feel free to contact me at bodkind@hotmail.com.
Debby Bodkin, Founder
www.catholics4justice.com
September 16, 2006 21:09
Don't you just love the smell of microwave popcorn?
Warmly yours,
Pete Fundy
Senior Editorial Writer
OCLegend.Com