Azusa Group "Save Our Canyon" Opposes Vulcan's New Mining Plan
By Jorge V. Rosales
July 1, 2009
AZUSA — On Wednesday, June 17, a community group named Save Our Canyon held a community-based meeting at the Azusa Library Auditorium to discuss the Vulcan proposal to expand their mining operation in Fish Canyon. The purpose of the meeting was threefold. First to inform the community about the existing mining operations and Vulcan's proposed mining expansion. Second, to address reclamation concerns of completed mined areas. And third to address health concerns associated with the ongoing and proposed mining operations.
The presentation was made by two Save Our Canyon members. Richard Deem addressed the existing and proposed mining issues, as well as reclamation concerns. Xilonin Cruz- Gonzalez presented several facts with regards to health concerns resulting from the mining operations. The discussions were made with the aid of a power point presentation which they Azusa Group “Save Our Canyon” Opposes Vulcan's New Mining Plan indicated could be viewed in a link at their developed web site, www.saveourcanyon.org.
Nearly fifty persons, approximately half from Azusa and half from Duarte attended the meeting, including John Fasana, Mayor of Duarte, Duarte Councilman Phil Reyes, a representative of State Senator Gloria Romero's office, a representative of Assembly member Ed Hernandez, and Karen Herrera, Duarte's Assistant City Manager.
Several residents voiced concerns over dust from the mining operation, including one woman who recently developed asthma, and an employee of Azusa Unified School District who noted an increase in children suffering from asthma at her school. Many in attendance expressed an interest in volunteering to help get out the word about Vulcan's proposal to the community.
Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez noted a recent interest by Vulcan Materials in contributing to community projects, which was lacking in the previous 8 years. A member of the Azusa Chamber of Commerce noted a similar change in interest in Chamber events over the last couple of years.
Mayor Fasana talked about Duarte's opposition to the proposal and presented copies of their specific comments regarding the Notice of Preparation and Initial Study. Also included were copies of comments from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, the Native American Heritage Commission, and the City of Glendora. Mayor Fasana referenced Duarte's web site for more information relative to Vulcan's new mining proposal, http://www.accessduarte.com.
"Officials of the City of Azusa had indicated prior to the meeting that legal counsel for Azusa told them not to attend our meeting, so as to not appear prejudiced against Vulcan's application, therefore, no Azusa City officials were present," said Richard Deem.
All information and images provided by Save Our Canyon
(626) 629-8335
Send Page
