header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
September 18
1962 - Articles of incorporation filed for Golden State Memorial Hospital on Lyons Avenue [story]
Golden State Hospital


Commentary by Steve Lee
| Friday, Aug 12, 2016

steveleeI just got home from a meeting in Val Verde. The Val Verde Civic Association invited two special guests. The first guest was Geraldo Villalobos, chief environmental health specialist. The second was Edel Vizcarra, Supervisor Antonovich’s planning deputy. They were there to discuss why the Chiquita Canyon Landfill had not been shut down, and then to discuss the “clean hands” waiver – which allows the landfill to continue operating despite having reached its permitted capacity of 23 million tons.

The first speaker, Villalobos, brought the town up to speed on why his agency had not shut down the landfill. The reason they did not shut it down is because the permitted capacity is irrelevant to the state. They fly over landfills, and they care only about how much more garbage could be put in a landfill before it reaches a certain air space.

By their estimates, the landfill should be able to go for another 8 years. Then they would take steps to shut down the landfill.

Well, not exactly. They would then consider a new air space during the approval process of a new draft environmental impact report.

Then he used a visual image of a water bottle. You might think the example would show that when the bottle was full, they would shut it down. You would be wrong, because the garbage will settle, which would then increase the life of the landfill. Basically the state’s view is that Val Verde can take trash for years to come, and no ending date should really be put on it.

The next speaker was Vizcarra to explain the clean hands waiver. Most people in the audience were more concerned about why the county did not step in and enforce the conditional use permit. There were sections in the permit that said the county had to enforce agreements between all parties, and there were sections that allowed the county to ignore all such agreements. So basically it came down to the fact that the county can ignore the health and well-being of Val Verde.

One audience member asked: “Why are you here? You don’t care.” Of course he let them know he cared, and that was why he was there.

He did say one good thing. I do not think it was planned, but I think it was from the heated conversations going on. He said: Then sue the landfill, and this board needs to sue. I of course I’m paraphrasing, as I cannot remember the exact words. But the Civic Association took a vote to do just that, or at least to ask the community to allow it to take any action it deems appropriate.

Now, I want to face the real outcome that will happen. The county representative will say that he or she is against the expansion, or against the way it is written. The final vote from the five county supervisors will be a “yes” to expand it.

Four of the five have accepted political contributions from the landfill and friends of the landfill. The county will promise health surveys for the nearby residents. Just like 1997 and 2005, those promises will never come to be. People in Val Verde will get tired of complaining and will once again shut their windows and doors and pay higher electric bills to run air conditioners because to enjoy the natural air would be unhealthy, from the gases and chemicals carried with the smells.

This fight has been fought over and over. Sunshine Canyon Landfill was supposed to close, and at the last minute it was granted an expansion. Officials no longer listen to the people they represent; they can’t afford to. They listen to the money that either put them into office or that helps them stay in office.

“Interesting fact: They are seeking an expansion and extension at Chiquita Canyon from 6,000 tons a day to 12,000. They want to extend the life of that landfill until 2037. The proposed Sunshine Canyon Landfill order for abatement talks about cutting back on the amount of trash that Republic can take in from 12,000 to 6,000. Something smells fishy here, and I am wondering if they are planning on screwing over the people in Val Verde and the community around Chiquita Canyon, to make it seem like they are helping us here in Granada Hills and Sylmar. Extend their life and expand their facility, divert some of the trash from Sunshine to Chiquita, and everyone will think they are doing us (Granada Hills) a big favor. Even if they agree not to increase the amount of trash at Chiquita and say hey, we will only carry on as usual with the 6,000 tons but we have to operate here till 2037, it will still make it seem like they have thrown each of us a bone.”

Taken from an email sent to me earlier this week, chances are this person is right and we were never part of the equation. In the end, there will be another draft environmental impact report, and the county will pretend it cares. The people will speak about the injustice they have already endured, and the county will pretend it cares. People will cry, and the county will pretend it will stand up against the landfill.

In the end, the landfill will go on. The players think they can somehow change or influence the outcome, but the county and the landfill already know the outcome.

 

Steve Lee is a resident of Val Verde.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

2 Comments

  1. Richard Hood says:

    They are begging to be taken to court, but don’t believe Val Verde will do it. It may be the only option left for Val Verde, and depending on the judge you might succeed. It appears like impropriety due to the contributions – something elected officials are supposed to avoid even the appearance of.
    I would also be embarrassing Antonovich to the max – if he incapable of feeing any. It’s the opposite of being loved – and that, along with control, I feel is what politician’s motivation is. Let him know the entire community is angry and feels betrayed – by him. You guys have come so far, and are so smart – don’t give up now, follow through – you will always be glad you did.

  2. C.R. says:

    How can we get the name changed to “The Michael D. Antonovich Memorial Dump” as a thank you for this?

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Friday, Sep 13, 2024
As a father of three, I understand firsthand the importance of guiding our children through open communication and keeping them engaged in extracurricular activities and sports to foster their growth.
Thursday, Sep 12, 2024
You may have noticed that things look a little different around our city. Maybe you noticed the motion sensor lights at our parks, or the solar panels being installed in city parking lots.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
California State  Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is urging residents to prepare an emergency evacuation plan as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire and several other wildfires continue to pose a serious threat to High Desert and foothill communities.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
As we approach the November 2024 elections, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The choices we make at the ballot box will shape the future of our city, state and nation. Yet, in an era where soundbites often substitute for substantive discussion, how can voters truly grasp the complexities of the issues at hand?
Friday, Sep 6, 2024
As scorching triple-digit temperatures engulf Los Angeles County throughout the weekend and excessive heat warnings have been issued for many communities in Los Angeles County’s Fifth District, I urge residents to do their part to lessen the threat of wildfires.
Thursday, Sep 5, 2024
After being part of the Parks and Recreation Commission in the early 90s and spending nearly 30 years on the City Council, my life has been dedicated to creating a community where residents and businesses feel welcomed and safe here in Santa Clarita.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.
L.A., San Bernardino Counties to Open Joint Local Assistance Centers for Residents Impacted by Bridge and Line Fires
Valencia Gynecology Associates, owned by longtime Santa Clarita Valley OB-GYN physician Don Nishiguchi, MD, has joined the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital network. 
Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
Sept. 21: JCI Invites All Veterans to Upcoming Resource Fair
A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
Sept. 21: All Valley Showcase Comes to Valencia High
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station has announced the lineup for its inaugural “Year-End Bash” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7: CSUN Owned 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound Announces “Year End Bash” Lineup featuring Ben Gibbard
The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
TMU Women Win, Men Place Second at XC Invitational
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
The biology department at California State University, Northridge has stayed committed to promoting STEM research carried out by K-12 students and teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
CSUN Student Research Journal Celebrates 28 Years of Inspiring Scientific Imagination
Did you know the SCVEDC has an interactive, online tool that provides themed virtual tours of the amazing features the community has to offer? 
Take a Virtual Tour of the Santa Clarita Valley
California Institute of the Arts alum and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton (Film/Video 1979) was honored with the 2,788th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CalArts Alum Tim Burton Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
1962 - Articles of incorporation filed for Golden State Memorial Hospital on Lyons Avenue [story]
Golden State Hospital
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center welcomes back Jim Curry for an evening concert celebrating the music of John Denver on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Bella Vida.
Oct. 5: SCV Senior Center Welcomes Jim Curry ‘Take Me Home’
As part of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency's ongoing commitment to ensuring local groundwater quality and reliability, the SCV Water recently began construction on a new treatment facility to remove perchlorate and volatile organic compounds at Well 205 in Valencia.
SCV Water Begins New Water Treatment Project in Valencia
Get ready to set sail at the Pirates SENSES Block Party, presented by the city of Santa Clarita, Thursday, Sept 19 from 7-10 p.m. on main street in Old Town Newhall.
Sept. 19: SENSES Pirate Block Party
No. 21 College of the Canyons football team knocked off No. 5 Fullerton College 29-13 on Saturday night behind a stifling defensive effort and five field goals from Luis Rodriguez.
No. 21 Canyons Knocks Off No. 5 Fullerton 29-13
Six of the seven Foothill League Varsity football teams begin league play Friday night, Sept. 20.
Foothill League Football Begins for SCV Teams
The California Institute of the Arts will present the "NAACP Santa Clarita Masquerade Ball", Friday, Oct. 4, 7-11 p.m. at 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355.
Oct. 4: NAACP Santa Clarita Masquerade Ball at Cal Arts
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating two human cases of a rare parasitic infection, Baylisascaris procyonis, also known as raccoon roundworm.
Public Health Investigating Disease Spread from Animals to Humans
1879 - First official Newhall School building erected near Walnut & Ninth streets [story]
First Newhall School
The city of Santa Clarita is hosting Make A Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 26 and is looking for enthusiastic residents to volunteer for various projects that benefit local nonprofits, as well as the city.
Oct. 26: Volunteers Needed for Make a Difference Day
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and PathPoint announced the graduation of Aiden Land and Andrew Mendence from the Project SEARCH internship program.
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, PathPoint Celebrate Grad Interns
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced upcoming community information meetings about Learning Post Academy Independent Study School, Thursday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 19.
Sept. 18-19: Learning Post Academy Online Information Meetings
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Wednesday, Sept. 18, 5 p.m. in open session to interview and appoint a new trustee for Area 5.
Sept. 18: COC Board to Interview, Appoint Area 5 Trustee
The city of Santa Clarita wants to remind residents that volunteer registration is open for the 29th Annual River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo scheduled for next Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the William S. Hart Pony Baseball and Softball Complex, 23780 Auto Center Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Sept. 20: Last Chance to Register for the River Rally
SCVNews.com