Residents and community leaders in Calabasas are voicing their strong opposition to the federal government’s plan to dump fire debris from recent wildfires at the local landfill. On Monday morning, members of the Protect Calabasas group, along with concerned citizens, gathered outside the landfill to protest the disposal of the debris, marking their second rally on the issue. Holding signs and chanting, “No poison dumped into our ground,” they stood firm in front of the landfill entrance, demanding change.
Concerns Over Health and Environmental Risks
The primary concern among protesters is the proximity of the landfill to schools and residential neighborhoods. Residents and parents are worried about the potential health and environmental impacts of fire debris being placed so close to areas where children play and families live. Dallas Lawrence, President of the La Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education, expressed his frustration over the lack of consultation with local entities before the decision was made. He also criticized the rushed process, which he believes did not include sufficient environmental testing to assess the potential health risks to nearby communities.
“This is one of the worst organized and coordinated events I’ve ever seen in government,” Lawrence stated. “We are taking one tragedy in the Palisades and creating another tragedy that will last for a generation.”
Call for a Pause and Further Dialogue
Many residents, including Lawrence, are calling for a pause in the debris dumping plan to allow for more discussions and the exploration of alternative solutions. They want to ensure that the community’s concerns are heard and addressed before any further action is taken.
In response to these concerns, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office clarified that while the Board of Supervisors has control over the hours of operation and tonnage limits at the landfill, they do not have the authority to determine where or how the debris is disposed of. Horvath also stated that she has called on federal and state partners, who oversee the fire debris removal process, to share their plans with the public, including details about timelines, hauling routes, and safety practices.
Legal Action on the Horizon
The Calabasas City Council is planning a special meeting Monday afternoon to explore potential legal actions they could take to halt the fire debris dumping. Mayor Peter Kraut emphasized that while Malibu and the Palisades deserve a quick recovery, it shouldn’t come at the expense of another community. “We don’t want to take one environmental hazard and move it to another location,” Kraut said.
Conclusion: A Community Standing Together
The ongoing protests in Calabasas highlight the community’s dedication to protecting their environment and their families. With growing concerns about health risks and the lack of consultation, local leaders and residents are determined to make their voices heard. As they continue to push for transparency and alternative solutions, it’s clear that the issue of fire debris disposal is far from over for Calabasas. The city’s efforts to explore legal options and demand more information from state and federal authorities will likely shape the future of the project.