The Region : Slime Invades West L.A.

About 20 people were briefly evacuated from a West Los Angeles neighborhood after 500 gallons of food waste believed to be composed mainly of chicken fat was dumped into a storm drain, officials said. Officials said it was the latest in a series of food waste dumpings within the Los Angeles city limits, but would not elaborate on where or how many dumpings had taken place. The 8600 block of Beverlywood Avenue was cordoned off by police shortly after the discovery of the “brown, slimy material,” said Sgt. Rick Walker. The evacuation was ordered because of the bad smell and “because we don’t like to take any chances,” Walker said. “It looks like another instance of illegal disposal of food wastes. We think it’s chicken fat.” City crews responded to flush the mess down the drain with water.