Letters to the editor: For Costco in Camarillo; against selling fireworks in Fillmore
New Costco will benefit Camarillo
Re: Joan Handzel’s July 16 letter, “Report needed on gas station”:
In response to the letter writer’s concern of a new proposed Costco store and mega gas station off the 101 freeway in an already existing shopping area, one concern was about traffic impact and pollutants from idling cars at the gas station.
As far as the gas station goes most cars in the last few years have energy saving features that shut off the car’s engine when stopped, then restart when you accelerate like you hear at most traffic lights, less pollutants. We all know the 101 freeway has a lot more cars and pollutants on it, especially in the summer with people from the valley heading up to the beaches in Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara.
The impact of benefits of a Costco in the area are for the most part in the best interests for everyone, sorry to say no more Kmart’s or Sears around to shop at. Many people like to shop at Costco, and the Oxnard Costco is truly overloaded. The demand is there, why else would Costco go to the expense of putting up a new one so close to Oxnard’s Costco?
Plus, how about the tax dollars generated to the city of Camarillo, and convenience of shopping locally for Camarillo residents. And most importantly, as reported by many job outlets, Costco offers many decent paying jobs and benefits to employees and not just minimum wage jobs. Where can you find that in today’s economy?
Ken Boyd, Oxnard
Fillmore doesn’t need fireworks
Re: Karen Scott Browdy’s July 11 letter, “End Fillmore’s fireworks addiction”:
I absolutely agree with Ms. Browdy about the tradition of selling fireworks in Fillmore. There is nothing good about fireworks. She mentioned the harm to the earth and our pets. I want to add one more. Fireworks can cause flareups of PTSD in combat veterans. How disgusting and appalling is that? That something people say celebrates freedom causes harm to the very people who fought for that freedom.
Proponents of selling fireworks may point out that the money goes to nonprofits, and that nonprofits depend on these sales to continue the good works they do. It is warped and mind boggling that organizations that improve lives have to depend on sales of harmful products to raise money. Am I the only one who sees the disconnect here?
It is time for Fillmore nonprofits to get over their “addiction” (Browdy’s word) to fireworks and figure out a different way to raise money.
Alison Carlson, Ventura
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: For Costco in Camarillo; against selling fireworks in Fillmore
