Crop Is the Problem; Bring Back Radishes

* As one of the people involved from the first in the struggle to prevent harm from pesticide drift into my neighborhood, the Lamplighter Mobile Home Park in Camarillo, I would like to reaffirm the basis for our objection to this plan.

We have always had crops grown next to this property. The evidence of pesticide poisoning of residents in Castroville and in Ventura, adjacent to strawberry fields fumigated with methyl bromide, caused us to object to this crop being grown next to us.

No one (including the growers and people who do the fumigations) questions the toxicity of this fumigant. If it is absolutely necessary to use methyl bromide, it should not be used near residential areas.

We pointed out the nature of our community at the Aug. 5 hearing: There are close to 100 people over 65 years of age, 56 preschool children, and many residents with allergies and respiratory ailments. We feel that these conditions should be considered when this chemical is used next to us. As Dr. Paul Russell, the acting county public health officer pointed out, it is better to err on the side of safety when a potential health risk exists.

We will do whatever is needed to protect ourselves, and it is a shame that anyone anywhere has to fight for safe air they must breathe each minute.

We have already heard of residents who are experiencing the flu-like symptoms associated with methyl bromide. Some doctors have told residents that they should not be present while the fumigation is going on. No one should have to vacate his or her home, or shut their windows because of an adjacent farming operation.

I say bring back the radish crop. Residents of this park are willing to make this protest an annual event, if necessary.

JO ANN VAN REENAN

Camarillo