Christina Walsh, co-founder with William Bowling, of the American Cancer Museum of Education (ACME), emailed the following comment to the Conejo Post yesterday, 3-28, and I decided to publish it separately to make it more accessible. Christina Walsh: “Thanks so much Janna for your support and for being there today to witness history (at ACME’s closing gathering – ed.) as we take back the truth and move forward demanding real transparency and that all community voices are heard, not just one.
It was so great to have Norm back” speaking ”today, and we could all see that there is hope and possibility left, especially now as the truth comes out and people begin to understand the reasons why a CAG (Community Action Group) is needed.
We continue to press forward for a CAG, continuing to educate and raise awareness. DTSC assisting us in forming a CAG is the law, it is our right, and our petition is valid. We fully plan to see it through. The DTSC does not get to choose which community group they like, and ignore the rest, and the law states that they must assist us in forming a cag if we submit a valid petition of 50 signatures or more.”
We will continue to speak out, even though we are closing our doors. You can be sure that I will continue to share my knowledge with all who are interested in real clean-up…” “ The right people are asking the right questions and I am certainly looking forward to the changes that will occur with the next administration putting back real leadership at the top of CalEPA and DTSC. It is long over-due and with so many joining the Rocketdyne Information Society where they know they get the real information, it would seem at 227 members strong and over 4700 messages, it further exemplifies the community participation that is needed and is sorely lacking by the inadequate management team at DTSC today. Join the truth at talkingarmy@cleanuprocketdyne.org and TheRocketdyneInformationSociety@yahoogroups.com and use your voice!”
Post and photo of Norm Riley and Christina Walsh by Janna Orkney, text by Christina Walsh, slight editing for condensing purposes by editor.
Margery Brown // Mar 29, 2010 at 3:57 PM
Having worked for (County) Government for many years, I certainly do realize that it is considered to be fair game to criticize the powers that be. In this case, however, stating that the DTSC leadership is “inadequate ” is both unfair and hugely incorrect.
In spite of an extremely burdensome work load and three days a month budget imposed furloughs, the DTSC has been both planning and already delivering on a format of increased community meetings for education and discussion about the SSFL.
It really is terribly sad to lose the ACME Museum, and it is also completely understandable that the denial of a CAG has produced a lot of anger. However, we are still all one community that will continue to be devoted to bringing about an SB 990 cleanup of the SSFL. And, it cannot stop there, since there are several surrounding communites that have been affected by radiological and toxic contaminents that continue to migrate down from the Field Laboratory.
My hope is that we will all continue to care about each other, and work together as a united community toward our mutual goals.
Mary Wiesbrock // Mar 29, 2010 at 5:42 PM
DTSC is bound by their laws. Their law states that they “shall” allow a Community Action Group (CAG) if it is legally petitioned for. The community legally petitioned for a CAG. A CAG will allow the hiring of independent experts to review the SSFL studies now being done by the responsible party’s consultants who are inherently biased. Why is DTSC breaking their own law?
Christina Walsh // Mar 29, 2010 at 6:16 PM
Wouldn’t that be wonderful Marge! The reason a CAG is needed is because it will provide a community driven process where follow-up to issues at previous meetings can be dealt with, which is completely missing from the current format. Additionally, it will provide all interested community members with a voice in a diverse community where all those differing opinions matter. The lack of respect and inclusion of other opinions is not acceptable and that is why I certainly believe the current management is lacking leadership. Not one substantial decision has been made since the departure of Norm Riley accept to favor one community group over another AGAIN, by denying a valid petition submitted by real community members who want real change and real clean-up.