Lake Los Angeles WATCH May meeting

Lake Los Angeles – May 21, 2024 – The Lake Los Angeles monthly WATCH meeting was held at M&G’s Tuesday evening with 19 LLA folks attending.

LLA Resident Deputy Gilberto Borruel conducted the meeting. LLA Community Relations Deputy Laurence Green was assigned another event.

Joining Deputy Borruel in addressing the group was CHP Officer Jordon Church who is the newly assigned Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Lancaster CHP station.

Traffic, speeding and street doughnuts on the streets, illegal grows and illegal dumping, especially construction debris were discussed. Borruel also talked about school coming to an end and some kids will be unsupervised during both the day and night times. Being more watchful and aware of an uptick in nuisances and crime was discussed.

SBCC Organizer Erika Schwerdt reported on illegal dumping legislation going through the California Senate and progressing to the Assembly. It is expected to pass. Schwerdt will report the outcome as soon as it is available. SBCC and Lake Los Angeles residents will soon be boarding a bus for Sacramento in support of SB1359.

Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) announced his measure to combat illegal dumping, by increasing penalties and closing a loophole which has enabled the problem for years, was approved in the Senate Public Safety Committee today.

“The High Desert has been treated as a dump for too long, but it’s not a dump. It is home to families and vibrant communities, who are routinely disrespected by outsiders destroying their neighborhoods all for a quick buck,” said Senator Wilk.

“This will bring much-needed relief to residents forced to deal with the consequences of this problem, and bring consequences to those who continue to skirt the law.”

Senate Bill 1359 (SB 1359) would require a permit for any private property dumping, with or without the owner’s permission. It would also increase mandatory fines for each violation and makes illegal dumping a misdemeanor rather than just an infraction. Illegal waste dumping has been pervasive in the High Desert for decades. The problem persists due to a loophole, one which waste haulers and property owners take advantage of for financial gain. To avoid the permit fees required to dispose of waste properly, haulers work out deals with property owners to dump waste on their land. The landowner profits, and the waste hauler pays lesser fee. This under-the-table arrangement has led to high volumes of large trucks in residential areas creating loud noise, air pollution, damaged roads, toxic and dangerous substances contaminating the environment, and unsightly heaps of dangerous debris.

“By closing this exploitative loophole and imposing stricter penalties, SB 1359 sends a clear message to those who continue to trash the High Desert: enough is enough. You will be held accountable. Let’s clean up our communities, protect their health and wellbeing, and show people what a beautiful place this area truly is," concluded Senator Wilk.

For those who discuss criminal activity, etc., on Facebook and Instagram, you are encouraged to join in on the monthly meetings and bring your concerns to the attention of law enforcement. Law enforcement, Animal Care and Control and county agencies need to be informed so action can be taken. The next WATCH meeting will be Tuesday, June 18 at M&G’s restaurant starting at 6:00pm.

By Shirley Harriman

Sponsored Ad