Antelope Valley Today

Representative Mike Garcia and Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo have spearheaded a bipartisan effort, urging Governor Newsom to declare a State of Emergency for the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. The initiative, backed by 15 state legislators, highlights pressing concerns regarding the health and safety of residents near the landfill.

"The environmental disaster at Chiquita Canyon has only worsened for residents in Val Verde, Castaic, and the Santa Clarita Valley," stated Rep. Garcia. He emphasized the need for immediate action, citing severe health issues and financial hardships faced by locals. Garcia expressed gratitude for Assemblywoman Schiavo's partnership in addressing this issue beyond political lines to protect the community.

Assemblywoman Schiavo shared alarming details about the impact on local residents, including prolonged exposure to harmful emissions resulting in serious health problems such as headaches, nausea, asthma, heart palpitations, and a cancer cluster. "Last week, to get a full understanding of the impacts, I stayed overnight with a family in the area," said Asm. Schiavo. She recounted that out of 14 houses on one street, seven neighbors are battling cancer with one fatality reported. Despite acknowledging governmental responses at various levels, Schiavo stressed that more needs to be done to safeguard nearby communities.

Rep. Garcia has been at the forefront of responding to this crisis since it emerged last year. His actions include collaborating with the EPA, advocating for emergency declarations from the Governor, proposing suspension of landfill operations except for local waste collection, pushing for investigations into accountability, securing federal funding for emissions monitoring and emergency response measures, and introducing legislative relief through the Chiquita Canyon Tax Relief Act.

The full text of their letter is publicly accessible.