By Marilyn Russell Culver City
Thank you for Martin Rubin’s excellent article on jet fumes from Santa Monica Airport (SMDP, Aug. 11, page 5). I have been shocked to learn that jet arrivals and departures have jumped from 4,829 in 1994 to 16,210 in 2003. I do not live immediately near the airport, but when I drive over Bundy Drive I have to close my car windows. I used to think, “Wow, the car ahead of me must be putting out extremely obnoxious fumes,” until I realized it was happening every time I was in that airport range, and recognized the smell of jet fuel. It’s time for our government to take a serious look at this creeping menace and stop it from ruining the lives of citizens.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 18, 2004. Read the original PDF.