A thank you to Lodi Funeral Home

Editor: I would like to thank the Lodi Funeral Home community outreach coordinator Esther Jimenez, for putting on a veterans appreciation luncheon and program for our veterans at the Woodbridge Country Club on Nov. 10.

There were approximately 40 veterans there and a few guests. Esther and Kristine Taylor, the funeral managers, presented three veterans awards for outstanding service to the community.

We saw a movie on how the national anthem was conceived and written. It was very moving. I think I saw a few tears from our veterans. After we saw this movie I asked the veterans their opinion on what they thought about eliminating our national anthem, which the NAACP is trying to do. It was an outstanding NO. They need to see this movie and see what our veterans sacrificed for this flag and country.

I recommend everybody go to YouTube and look for the video called “Star Spangled Banner As You’ve Never Heard It.” You will never forget it.

I again want to thank Esther and the Lodi Funeral Home Community outreach for their appreciation dinner. I know all the veterans appreciated it. KENNETH KRAMLICH Lodi

Are water guidelines tough enough?

Editor: Citizens of Lodi need to pay attention to a recent Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysis on tap water across the 50 states.

EWG obtained 28 million water records from 50,000 water utilities in the 50 states which serve over 280 million Americans.

They examined tap water contaminants at so-called legal levels set by government, but scientists will tell you pose health risks. EWG analyzed that 80 percent of all water utilities contain contaminants linked to cancers. According to EWG, 250 million Americans are exposed to hexavalent chromium, the “Erin Brockovich” chemical. It means Lodians are at risk even if so-called legal levels. Lodi’s water has this hexavalent chromium.

EWG’s Lodi report found 11 contaminants above health guidelines. These 11 contaminants are 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane(DBCP), arsenic, bromodichloromethane, chloroform, hexavalent chromium, radiological contaminants, tetrachloroethylene, total trihalomethanes, trichloroacetic acid, vanadium. 10 of these 11 contaminants cause cancer. Vandadium changes blood chemistry. 17 other contaminants were found above health guidelines.

The legal guidelines set by government entities are questionable. The state of Michigan charged six Flint, Mich., government employees for criminal charges. These city government employees knew they poisoned the citizens of Flint. They endangered the health and lives of Flint citizens. I urge citizens to read more at

www.ewg.org/tapwater. I urge citizens to buy yourselves good water filters from good companies that filters all these chemicals. Companies offer good water pitcher filters for less than $100. Reverse osmosis systems is good for your sink which range $300-$400. It takes personal responsibility to buy the best water filter on the market to protect your health. ALEX ALIFERIS Lodi

(Editor’s note: The City of Lodi was given an opportunity to respond to Mr. Aliferis’ letter. Following is the city’s response.)

The city currently provides and will continue providing clean and safe drinking water that meets or exceeds all state and federal regulations. For additional information regarding Lodi’s drinking water supply, please visit www.lodi.gov/public_works/pdf/2016AWQR.pdf<http:/ /www.lodi.gov/public_works/pdf/20

16AWQR.pdf> to review the city’s annual water quality report for 2016. This state required, comprehensive report provides in-depth information regarding drinking water quality in Lodi.

It is worth noting that even the information provided by the commenter, acknowledges that Lodi’s drinking water meets federal standards: “For the latest quarter assessed by the EPA (January – March 2017), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health based drinking water standards” (Environmental Working Group website: ewp.org<http://ewp. org/>\tapwater) CHARLES SWIMLEY Public Works Director City of Lodi