Commentary: Newspaper allowed op-ed critical of columnist to go too far

I’m writing to express my concern about a recent bit of commentary that you published in response to Chris Epting’s Sept. 17 column, “Trash-related problems are real, so why bring racism into the situation?” (Commentary: Low-income communities suffer the brunt of environmental racism,” Sept. 25)

I have written many letters in response to articles over the years. I realize the importance of allowing readers to have their say. I would have no problem with the response written by Oscar Rodriguez if it were simply an expression of a different point of view. But the entire piece, frankly, reads like an attempt to disparage Epting, and that sort of thing should not have been allowed in your publication.

For example, this statement by Rodriguez:

“One of Surf City’s finest sensationalists, Chris Epting, addressed his own distorted straw man of an argument by insinuating that we are accusing Rainbow of “some systemic, calculated scheme to punish a specific race.”

I doubt I need to tell you that Epting is one of Surf City’s most beloved and respected columnists. For years he has written eloquently and insightfully about all things Huntington Beach. People love his column. They love talking to him. They trust him because they know how much he loves their city. We are so very fortunate to have him as our voice.

So to see the statement I quoted published in your publication was shocking and angering, really. Rodriguez has every right to disagree with Epting, but to call him a “sensationalist”?

I don’t understand why you ran that.

And then there’s this from Rodriguez:

“The real question here is why did Victor [Valladares] and I ‘ignore’ Epting’s private Facebook messages and not submit to interviews? Well, considering Epting’s history and biased position regarding Rainbow, we felt he was unqualified to convey our message.”

Rodriguez admits that he ignored all of Epting’s attempts to reach him for comment, but then accuses Epting of bias! This is an entirely baseless accusation.

Epting has demonstrated consistently that he is an objective observer and reporter, with no bias toward Rainbow. For Rodriguez to be allowed to make such an accusation in your publication is appalling.

I am baffled by the appearance in your paper of this clear attempt to tarnish the good name of Epting. It is so jarring, so beyond the pale, so alarming, really, to see the level of journalistic integrity plummet so unexpectedly and without precedent. I cannot imagine why this was allowed to happen.

Those of us who love the Independent are hopeful that the editors will acknowledge that we are a civilized community that holds to higher-level rules of engagement than what you just published as Rodriguez’s “commentary.” That was not commentary. That was a low-handed attack on a journalist for doing his job.

ANNEMARIE BOYER lives in Huntington Beach.