Mailbag: Commentary against columnist got too personal

Regarding the commentary by Oscar Rodriguez, “Minority communities suffer the brunt of environmental racism” (Forum, Sept. 24), I found it to be baseless and nothing more than a personal affront toward Chris Epting and his previous article regarding the use of the word “racism.”

I had read Epting’s piece questioning the use of that word in a campaign against the Rainbow [Environmental Services’] trash facility in Huntington Beach. And as I was reading it, I found myself nodding my head in agreement. To me, if you use a word (racism) in your campaign against a company, it cuts like a knife, incites, divides and alienates people and just creates negativity. It also is manipulative and dangerous, in my opinion.

I don’t see how it would be helpful to their cause when people who live outside of that district read and hear it being used. Do they not need our support too? They put it out there and then someone dared to ask them why and what they meant by that, and they couldn’t come up with an answer?

However, Rodriguez did write, “Whether these politicians and industry leaders actually harbor racial animus is irrelevant.” Really? Then why did they decide to use it?

Also, it seems to me that by teaching the kids by this example, it is another harm being done by the same people who say they are trying to protect them. Children should not be used as pawns in this ongoing issue or led to believe that their race is the reason for it. It makes me sad to think they might believe that is part of the reason when it is not true.

I think that what Epting was trying to find out in an interview (that he was denied) before his article went to print deserved an honest answer. I wanted to hear what they had to say about it too.

I have been reading and enjoying Epting’s column, In the Pipeline, for some time. I am also aware of his philanthropic involvement in the city of Huntington Beach and that his daughter Claire became Miss Huntington Beach in 2014. His heart always seems to be in the right place. and he loves Huntington Beach and its residents, as I have come to conclude through my readings of his many stories in the Independent about the city and its people. I always look forward to his column.

Therefore, I cannot understand why Rodriguez was verbally abusing him in his commentary. As I read Epting’s column, it felt to me that he was trying to help keep the Ocean View School District/Rainbow issue from getting out of hand by asking questions of those most involved in the campaign, and they denied him the answers he was seeking.

Rodriguez’s commentary seems personal, without merit and just an empty piece — I saw no answers in it. I am disappointed in the Independent that you chose to put this unworthy commentary out there.

Anne McGuire

Huntington Beach

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Complaint seemed a bit sensational

In the commentary Oct. 1 by Annemarie Boyer, she accuses both the Independent and a previous commentary writer (Oscar Rodriguez) of “going too far.”

She finds fault with Rodriguez for calling Chris Epting a “sensationalist,” then she goes on to use that same type of language when she criticizes the Independent for publishing “this clear attempt to tarnish the good name of Epting.” She considers it “so jarring,” “so beyond the pale,” “so alarming,” that your journalistic integrity has plummeted.

This sounds like the sensationalism she is accusing Rodriguez of.

Jeanne Whitesell

Huntington Beach

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Chris Epting’s column will be missed

I am writing to express my sadness about the discontinuation of Chris Epting’s In the Pipeline column. I’ve been reading his column for years and, during that time, Mr. Epting has written about many interesting and important topics relating to Huntington Beach.

I will greatly miss reading his passionate writings in his weekly column. It will be hard to replace Chris, as he is an excellent writer and loves his city.

Caroline Brandenburger

Huntington Beach

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Several issues cause problems for farmers markets

I had to write after reading your [Oct. 1] article regarding farmers markets, as I believe you’ve missed the point. As someone who frequents these markets, I can tell you the poor turnout at some has little to do with oversaturation.

Case in point, the farmers market held by the pier. First off, Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. is not a convenient time for most people who work, starting after their lunch hour and ending before their quitting time.

Second, parking downtown on a Friday afternoon, especially during the summer, is a nightmare, especially if you prefer not to pay beach rates for a quick run-through. Few locals are going to go out of their way to try and find parking and then have to hoof their bags of produce a half-mile or more back to their car.

These are the main reasons you won’t see many local people stocking up on fruits and vegetables there.

Tuesday night’s street fair, while more convenient for working stiffs, still suffers from the issue of finding close parking. And with the bands and entertainment, it’s more for young people than families.

The market down by Peter’s Landing and the one at Old World, while much better for parking and hours of operation, are a bit lacking in selection. The Peter’s Landing market seemed to be more a place to grab a lobster roll and crepe or pick up some earrings and scarves while the kids rode ponies than a place to get your produce for the week. Both markets have only a couple of actual produce stands. What happened to the “farmer” part of farmers market?

Perhaps, with the one at Peter’s Landing closing, if the two combine, it will make it more worthwhile.

In the meantime, I tend to frequent the one in Long Beach, which has free, close parking, operates on Sunday mornings when most people are off work and has a huge selection of produce vendors. And it is always mobbed.

So, in a way, maybe it does come down to too many markets, but that just gives us choices to find the one that works best for us.

Kathy Hanson

Huntington Beach