Local News

Chiquita Canyon Landfill Controversy

The Chiquita Canyon Landfill near Castaic has become a major source of frustration for nearby residents, who are dealing with bad smells, health concerns, and environmental risks. Recently, protesters gathered at HasleyCanyon Park, calling for the landfill to be shut down. Meanwhile, government officials and regulators are struggling to address the growing problems.

The landfill has been causing issues for years, including a strong odor so bad it generates over 2,000 complaints each month. Residents in Val Verde, Castaic, and even parts of Valencia have had enough. They are worried about their health, the environment, and the long-term safety of their neighborhoods.

At the same time, a smoldering reaction deep inside the landfill is making things worse. This reaction, which burns at over 240 degrees, produces dangerous gases and millions of gallons of leachate— a toxic liquid that can pollute the environment. Regulators have also warned that this reaction could cause serious damage if there was an earthquake.

Residents have sued the landfill and Los Angeles County, claiming the smells and pollution are making them sick. A judge is currently reviewing their case but earlier this year, the court said residents could not challenge the landfill’s operating permit.

State officials have also stepped in. The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board denied the landfill’s request to expand, saying the landfill hasn’t done enough to fix its ongoing problems. CalRecycle, a state agency, is looking at other places to send trash if the landfill has to shut down.

Even though the problems are serious, there is no official plan to close the landfill yet. The county says it’s working on the issue, but some leaders, like Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, believe that more should be done. She’s calling for a state of emergency to protect people’s health, which is opposed by county officials. 

In the meantime, residents are at a loss for answers. The landfill’s problem is spreading, and the risks are growing. Regulators are asking for better solutions, residents want their health and safety protected, and everyone is wondering if the landfill can even operate safely in the future. For now, the controversy continues as officials, residents, and landfill operators argue over what to do next.

Whiteside Elected

In a closely watched race with national implications, Democrat George Whitesides was elected on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, defeating Republican Mike Garcia in California’s 27th Congressional District. The district, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley, Lancaster, and Palmdale, is known for its political competitiveness, often described as “purple”.

The race was one of the tightest in the country, reflecting the high stakes for both parties in determining control of the House of Representatives. According to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder, Whitesides won with 51.2% of the vote, leading Garcia by roughly 7,000 votes out of more than 288,000 cast.

Garcia, who has represented the district since 2019, conceded the following  Monday and praised his team and supporters. “Representing the people of California's 27th Congressional District the last 4.5 years has been an honor of a lifetime," Garcia said in his concession statement. “We truly made history and saved lives. I'm proud of all we've done.”

Whitesides, a former NASA official and businessman, called his election “the honor of a lifetime” and expressed gratitude to Garcia for his service. “In Congress, you can count on me to fight to create more good local jobs, lower everyday costs, build safe communities, protect Social Security and Medicare, and protect reproductive freedom.” 

Whitesides’s victory signals a shift in the political landscape for the northern region of Los Angeles County. His campaign promises to address local issues, such as job creation and community safety, while also advocating for broader policies on healthcare and reproductive rights.

New School Board Members

The 2024 General Election introduced new leadership to several school boards in the Santa Clarita Valley, marking shifts in representation and signaling fresh perspectives for local education. Among the noteworthy winners is Dr. Aakash Ahuja, who is poised to bring a unique voice to the William  S. Hart Union High School District governing board. 

In the Trustee Area No. 1 race, Dr. Aakash Ahuja leads with a 2,000-vote advantage over current board member Linda Storli and 1,200 votes ahead of fellow challenger Gloria Mercado-Fortine. Ahuja, a psychiatrist and community advocate, expressed optimism about his campaign’s position and gratitude for his supporters. “We have worked extremely hard to put us in such a strong position,” Ahuja said.

Storli, a veteran educator with more than 30 years of service, conceded during the Hard district board meeting, reflecting on her tenure with heartfelt remarks: “If I gave as much as I received, it’s been a successful life.”

In the College of the Canyons Trustee Area No. 2 race, Scott Schauer leads by 360 votes over current board member Edel Alonso, signaling potential changes in leadership for the board overseeing the community college. Schauer’s slate, which includes candidates Fred Arnald, Sharlene Johnson, and Darlene Trevino, has gained significant traction across all four seats.

Arnold, who leads in Trustee Area No. 3, emphasized the importance of moving forward. “The community has spoken,” Arnold said. “We’re excited to go through the process of hiring a full-time president and creating a vision for the college’s future.”

In the Trustee No.3 race, Katherine Cooper appears to be retaining her seat with nearly 57% of the vote. Her challenger, Mark White, acknowledged the challenge of closing the gap as vote counting continues.

Sue Solomon, the current board president for Trustee Area no. 5, leads by nearly 1,500 vores over challenger Mayra Cuellar. Solomon described her campaign as a reaffirmation of her long-standing relationship with the community. “I see this as a renewal of the relationship between the Newhall community and myself,” Solomon said. 

In Trustee Area A, Erik Richardson leads with nearly 60% of the vote over Steven Sansone. Richardson attributed his success to grassroots campaigning and strong community support.