Dear Friends at San Clemente Green and beyond,
Dear Friends at San Clemente Green and beyond,
Before you begin, please take a moment to consider those lost in Japan, those injured, and those lucky enough to have survived the natural disaster but now are left defenseless in the face of nuclear fallout. How could things be any worse? Our sympathies go out to them in abundance.
I am not being an alarmist when I draw a comparison between what we see in Japan and what could happen here at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). It is being discussed in all the media outlets. We are hearing the experts talking about the potential risk we face, but no one is hearing it from those of us directly in harm?s way. I will be going before City Council Tuesday night once again to ask them to please stand with us to challenge the questionable reassurances that the operators of SONGS and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission continue to tell us. We have seen with our own eyes how even the best emergency planning, the layers of redundant safety measures, and the ?infallible? technology holds up to the forces of nature.
Please join me at city council to be counted as concerned citizens. The meeting is at City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. It begins at 6:00pm and I will be speaking during Oral Communications early in the proceedings. We don?t need to be disruptive or have multiple speakers to make our point. In fact, a somber crowd and a few placards or flags of Japan or any expression of sympathies and concern would seem to be very appropriate. We?ll set up a temporary shrine if you?d like to leave flowers or letters of condolence. The news media will be invited and perhaps take a few interviews before the meeting if you would like to come a little early. NPR will be interviewing me earlier in the day and I?m sure others will take interest in hearing from the residents of San Clemente.
Showing up is all we ask. Take less than an hour of your time to stand with your families, friends and neighbors. This is your opportunity to show the world that we stand united in our concern about all nuclear power plants, and honor those across the sea that are suffering a fate that no one should ever have to endure. Spread the word on Facebook, Twitter and email. Become the next iReporter for CNN or post your cell phone video to You Tube. You can be sure that industry representatives will be on hand to reassure our City Council that all is well. We need you to tell them that we are not convinced and have serious concerns about our safety!
In solemn gratitude,
Gary