By Susan Brinchman
March 25, 2012, (San Diego's East County) -- On April 1, 2012, an event called East County Earth Day will be held at Mt. Helix Park, billed as a "free, family-friendly event [that] invites residents of East County to experience a local perspective on Earth-friendly practices". The event underwriter is San Diego Gas & Electric, according to the Mt. Helix Park Foundation website. While I commend those who planned the event, I suggest that an event underwriter should have been found that has a record of being Earth-friendly.
After all, SDG&E has been under severe criticism and litigation for allegedly causing fires that burned a significant portion of East County; many East County citizens are outraged about the new and some say, unnecessary "Powerlink" project that is destroying large portions of pristine backcountry and private property, may be a EMF hazard to wildlife and people, and will change our beautiful mountain views forever. The utility has solar and wind-farm projects that have generated wildlife hazards, community and health complaints; and has recently blanketed our county with pulsed rf radiation, forcing on every home and business wireless smart meters that many independent scientists and physicians decry as dangerous. Yet SDG&E insists that the meters stay there even when doctors ask for their removal and people beg for help! Sorry, I just don't find those actions family or Earth-friendly.
People at an El Cajon CPUC meeting in October wept, describing the harm to their beloved East County from SDG&E, portrayed by some speakers as "a bully." Does financing an Earth Day make up for these or erase the wrongs? Just why would SDG&E sponsor Earth Day? And why would their money be accepted? Is that what it's all about now, money? Will we sell the Earth short or will we truly defend and protect it? Is the Mt. Helix Park Foundation, a nonprofit, putting subsidy before the environmental interests of the region and our planet?
I find the theme of Earth Day compelling. But let's provide both an appropriate message and funders with a track record of environmental friendliness. What we all do now may determine whether we even have families or anywhere to call home. To SDG&E: stop throwing the money around and start treating all your customers like human beings who deserve respect, and their rights to property and health. Be a good neighbor and protect wildlife and our county's environment. THINK ABOUT IT.
Susan Brinchman is the Executive Director of the Center for Electrosmog Prevention in La Mesa, California.www.electrosmogprevention.org The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contacteditor@eastcountymagazine.org