Proposed School Site
In a recent advertisement, the superintendent of the Oxnard Elementary School District stated that it is a mystery to him why anyone would oppose the Juan Soria School site that sits next to active farm fields.
If it is still a mystery to Supt. Richard Duarte why it is dangerous to the children to go to school next to farm fields, it is time to replace him as administrator.
It is no mystery to Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner Earl McPhail, who publicly advised us not to build schools in the middle of agriculture. It is not a mystery to a great many others in positions of expertise and responsibility, too numerous to mention. It is no mystery to the Physicians for Social Responsibility, who have written a number of books warning of the dangers of exposing children to chemicals day after day, year after year. Among them, “Generations at Risk” (1998) warns of cancer and reproductive harm, and another, “In Harm’s Way” (2000), warns of nervous system damage, such as attention deficit disorder.
We suggest that Duarte read these books. He certainly has the time to waste our time and tax dollars pursuing the folly of Juan Soria School instead of creatively researching alternative sites and plans where the children will be safe.
The children of Oxnard deserve better.
MARCIA CUMMINGS
Safe Air for Everyone
Oxnard
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