To the Editor:
I live and have lived in the east side of Fillmore for the majority of my life, just west of the old toxic Texaco site. Over the past 25 years I have witnessed what genuinely appears to be a disproportionate number of my old neighbors dying of cancer. I am certain that if a study of this were conducted the evidence will substantiate my claims. Further, as you are already aware, that site has been designated as a contaminated area by the government as a superfund site.
What is most deplorable about the situation I have described above is that today, in an effort to clean the site as required by the government, there is heavy equipment pushing copious amounts of dirt and dust on that site on an exceptionally east windy day as unsuspecting schoolchildren are exercising their lungs in the schoolyard. This would NEVER be an acceptable scenario in more affluent areas in our county and I find it to be a total lack of judgment and consideration by those responsible for it. Someone should be very ashamed of this to say the least.
Please help me find a way to cease this unneeded exposure to our kids and to our community, at least until the wind blows the cancer causing, chemically contaminated dust in the other direction. This SHOULD NOT a matter of inconvenience to whomever company(s) involved in this debacle, it is entirely matter of what's right for these unsuspecting schoolchildren and already suffering surrounding neighborhoods.
I urge all of you to do whatever is in your power to put a work stoppage on the decontamination project during days when the east wind would blow the contamination towards the population. Let this letter be the first of many steps that I, and hopefully you, will take to make sure this is put to a stop immediately. This is NOT a matter of inconvenience, it is a matter of what is right for the community and for the children.
Best regards,
Ryan Shiells

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To the Editor:
Kudos for Fillmore's Art Walk
The Art Walk The Merchants of Fillmore sponsored on the evening of Oct. 26th was a terrific success, both for the participating merchants and the artists. Good art was evident at the various businesses and the exhibiting artists were able to enjoy an evening sharing their art. I'm speaking in particular of the Fillmore Artists Guild who's members were showing at Nanette Keller’s dress shop, we were there in mass enabling the public to see a large selection of each of our members work at one time. Enjoying the refreshments and enjoying the art - it doesn't get much better than that. Look for the next such event here in your own home town.
Judy Dressler
Guild Member

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To the Editor:
I'm Nobuko who lived in Fillmore for 9 years until 2008.
Yesterday, my friend living in Sherman Oaks sent me a letter about "film more in Fillmore" by fax. When I checked Fillmore Gazette at once, I found the article, “Palm trees will be removed". I was surprised at the news, but I fully endorse city's decision.
I'm looking forward to watching many movies with streets, mountains, and people of Fillmore. I love Fillmore. Thank you Fillmore!!
Happy Halloween!!!
Nobuko Oniki

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To the Editor:
Being Proud of Eduardo Gonzalez
I want Eduardo and his wife to know how proud I am of how they are handling all that they are going through. He is a gentleman to look up to and sets a fine example for the younger generation. They have many prayers from those of us in the community who care. Amazing for those who watched him give that wonderful statement at the open council meeting as it brought many of us to tears. And yet he's still being bashed by the other side.
Those opponents who sent the very disrespectful/untrue flyer are afraid of the truth. This is not how good business people act. They are not professional, considerate people and not examples of who we want to handle the problems of this city. Remember that what goes around, comes around.
We have a wonderful Board and hopefully will be there to continue the fine work.
Susan Lewis