Residents protest against fire debris dumping in Calabasas

In the aftermath of recent wildfires that swept through California, a significant amount of toxic debris has been left behind, raising alarm among local communities. On Sunday morning, residents and local officials gathered outside the Calabasas landfill to oppose the federal government's plan to transport this debris from the Palisades area to their community, highlighting concerns for public safety and environmental health. They argued that the landfill's proximity to schools and residential neighborhoods poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of nearby residents. This event was organized by members of the group Protect Calabasas, who for the second time demonstrated against the waste transfer plans that began being implemented on Monday. Local officials, including Calabasas Mayor Peter Kraut, expressed frustration over the lack of communication and consultation regarding the debris transfer. Kraut indicated that while areas like the Palisades and the City of Malibu deserve a speedy recovery from the wildfires, Calabasas should not bear the burden of transferring hazardous waste to their community. These sentiments were echoed by Dallas Lawrence, President of the La Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education, who criticized the rushed nature of the operation and its potential health implications for the local population. The plans for debris disposal are being overseen by the LA County Department of Public Works, although they have been less than forthcoming about the specifics of the disposal, including timelines, hauling routes, and safety measures. This lack of transparency has raised further concerns among residents. Lindsey Horvath, an LA County Supervisor, has acknowledged these anxieties and urged state and federal partners to provide full disclosure about the cleanup process. The City Council of Calabasas held a special meeting on Monday after the protests to explore possible legal actions that could be taken to halt the dumping, emphasizing the community’s strong opposition to the federal decree. Many residents fear that the proposed debris dumping could lead to long-term environmental contamination and health risks, marking it as a second environmental tragedy for a community still grappling with the impacts of the fires. The combination of protests, government inaction, and minimal community involvement underscores the ongoing struggle between federal emergency management efforts and local community needs, posing questions about proper oversight and responsibility in disaster recovery.