10.24.09

Pico Residents Speak Out

At a public meeting, held on October 14^th, heard the many concerns from residents regarding the propose plans for the future Metropolitan Transit Authorities Expo Line Light Rail. The new rail system will connect residents from Santa Monica to Culver City.

Many residents came to voice their concern over a proposed maintenance yard that will be located in the Pico neighborhood in Santa Monica. A group of student from the Pico Youth Council picketed outside the meeting held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

“Our neighborhood has become a target for this kind of pollution,” said Johnny Ramirez, a member of the youth council and Pico resident. Referring to already having the community being next to the 10 freeway and a recycling plant already in the neighborhood.

The location of the proposed site is at Stewart St. and Exposition. The site will be used mainly for storage but also for maintenance on the rail cars. Residents cite noise and pollution as their main concerns, but also claim that their neighborhood has become a “dumping ground” for the city’s less attractive facilities. The site will be adjacent to existing residents as well as Stewart Park, which has banned BBQ’s based on possible methane leakage.

Steve Pelechronis, Project Manager for Expo Light line, said that the city has studied 40 different locations in search of one that fits the necessary criteria. That criteria being that the location is of a specific size and shape, as well as being adjacent to the path of the rail system. Of the 40 locations, Stewart St. and Exposition fit the criteria best. Pelechronis also said that recent studies do not show methane leakage at Stewart Park, a park that once was a landfill.

Other question brought up by the community included bike accommodations, restroom at station, wi-fi capability on trains, and possible compensation for business on Colorado Avenue that would be affected by future construction.

Battle for Cleaner Water Continues

While organizations like Heal the Bay do their best to keep our oceans clean, big business is doing its best to contaminate them.

In a recent study by Environmental California, an estimated 232 million pounds of toxic chemical have been dumped into our nations various bodies of water.

Gina Goodhill, oceans advocate for Environmental California, in a press conference Thursday said, “despite the clear intent of the Clean Water Act, polluters continue to use our waterways as dumping grounds for toxic chemicals."

In 2007 the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that Chevron Co. in El Segundo had dumped 386,773 pounds into the Pacific Ocean. Those chemicals and toxins flow right into the Santa Monica Bay

Those numbers place the Santa Monica Bay at #3 in the country for such discharges. Toxins in the water include lead, mercury and dioxin. Which can lead to Cancer as well as developmental and reproductive disorders in humans.

Sesame Street Turns 40

On November 7^th, Sesame Street will celebrate its 40^th anniversary, and the Santa Monica Public Library will take part in the celebration.

From 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the library will welcome people of all ages to join them in the festivities.

Planned events for the day include a viewing of the Big Bird movie “Follow that Bird,” arts and crafts, snacks and activities hour, and a puppet show to end the day.

The event is free but space is limited and will be on a first come first serve basis. For more information you can call the Santa Monica Public Library at 310-458-8600.