North Western san pedro neighborhood council meeting

The Northwestern San Pedro Neighborhood Council, Land Use Planning and Public Works Committee held a meeting at Peck Park on Nov. 17. The meeting had discussions involving the new foods with genetically modified organisms testing and labeling state assembly bill that was recently proposed by state legislatures and how to solve leakage at the Rancho LPG  facility.

The new bill involving gmo testing is garnering much attention after its initial attempt on the ballot in 2012 resulted in a failure. This time, the bill has received backing from all state legislatures, except one. That one is our very own Joe Buscaino, who represents district 15 which San Pedro is a part of.

Those in attendance were somewhat perplexed and would like to know why Buscaino voted against the measure that would prohibit the growth and sale of plants or seeds which contain GMO's within the Los Angeles city  limits. According to a LA Times article, Buscaino stated that he thought this type of issue should be dealt with on a federal level and that his job was to assure that things on the streets of his district was taken care of.

“Let’s focus on streets and sidewalks," Buscaino told LA Times. "[The city] is not equipped to investigate or enforce this ordinance.”

The Rancho LPG  facility  came up again, as those at the meeting discussed the multiple leaks and minor accidents that have occurred  during the 42 years that residents have been fighting the facility's existence and location. Everyone also, with an astonished look wondered how they miraculously haven't been of a higher magnitude.

A lot has been done locally to contest the facility, such as letters from neighboring residents and organizations like Earth Justice, to the Environmental Protection Agency, the mayor  and city attorney. The council would love for the youth to become involved in the battle as well, giving the people any extra edge that it can get.

Once again, Buscaino says that this issue should be deferred to a federal level  and that there is nothing he can do about it. Still, this issue remains highly imminent  due to assumptions that the Pacific Rail line which is involved in a lot of transportations from the facility doesn't have enough insurance to cover a major accident.

These issues will be delved into more deeply at the Board and Stakeholders meeting on Dec. 9.

Visit www.nwsanpedro.org for more details, agendas and minutes from previous meetings.