Ten years ago a movie debuted that changed the way people think about their water supply and environment. The movie, Erin Brockovich, hit the screens starring Julia Roberts, where she won Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Erin Brockovich became a household name. She is a mother and environmental activist around the globe. If you have never seen the movie, rent it. It’s empowering, thought provoking and inspiring.
I sat down with Erin to see how her life has changed in the past 10 years. She was open and honest about herself and the problems we face all today.
HOW DID YOUR LIFE CHANGE AFTER THE MOVIE?
EB: I bought my first home. After escrow closed, I discovered it was filled with mold and had to be gutted and rebuilt. I’ve been the most requested speaker at the William Morris Agency for the past 7 years. As President of Brockovich Research & Consulting, I’m involved with consulting on numerous toxic waste investigations worldwide. We have a contamination case in Florida, New York, Michigan, two cases in Missouri, a case in Texas, four or five cases in California. There are problems in every state.
WHAT CASES ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?
EB: Since 2003, I have been working on the Beverly Hills High School case. Over 400 students and faculty members have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, Hodkins lymphoma and blood cancers.
There is a power plant and oil refinery next to the school that used Hexavalent chromium for over 20 years. Documents show that cars and buildings were being pitted. Kids were playing just underneath it and breathing it. The response was that it was chromium powder and “not to worry about it.” These kids have suffered, some have died. It’s in the Appellate court right now. I pray every day that we win that appeal and will be right back at it.
ON YOUR WEBSITE YOU ARE UNHAPPY WITH THE GARDASIL VACCINE. WHY?
E.B: One of the original doctors that worked on the vaccine, Dr. Diane Harper, recently declared in a public statement that the shot should not be given to girls under 18. I’ve looked at medical reports and there are so many adverse side effects. Mothers have called to tell me their daughters now have Guilliane Barr, lupus or just aren’t the same as they were before the vaccine. If your child’s doctor tells you that your daughter should get the shot, do your research first. It’s more important to teach girls about the side effects from sexual activity.
YOU ARE DYSLEXIC. WHAT CAN YOU SHARE WITH OUR READERS ABOUT DYSLEXIA?
EB: In second grade I remember being pulled out of class and labeled as the “stupid” one. Education should not be a process of conformity. Look at history, some of our most brilliant people are dyslexic (Walt Disney, Steve Jobs from Apple, Pablo Picasso, Thomas Edison). They weren’t told there is only one way to learn. They were able to creatively unlock their minds in other ways.
In high school, my teacher, Kathy Borseath, really unlocked my dyslexia. She realized I wasn’t reading right, so she started giving me tests orally and I aced the class. I developed a photographic mind and use my learning skills in the work I do today.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS?
EB: I have two legal thrillers in the works with medical writer, C. J. Lyon. The first will debut this Fall. I’m also thinking about going into politics and hope to make a difference in all our lives.
She definitely has my vote.
To learn more about Erin, go to her website: www.brockovich.com and read her best selling book. “Take It From Me. Life’s A Struggle, But You Can Win.”
