PACOIMA : Residents Discuss Landfill, Recycling

More than a dozen San Fernando Valley residents discussed environmental issues ranging from the Lopez Canyon Landfill to the expansion of curbside recycling services at a public forum Wednesday in Pacoima.

The city-sponsored meeting is one of a series organized to educate residents on city environmental programs, while providing them with an opportunity to discuss issues relevant to their neighborhoods, said Adrienne Miller, a coordinator for the city’s Environmental Affairs Commission. The commission makes policy recommendations to the mayor and the Los Angeles City Council.

Suggestions made during Wednesday’s meeting focused on ways to reduce the amount of solid waste dumped at the Lopez Canyon Landfill by expanding curbside recycling services to the north Valley, Miller said.

Residents also suggested that city contracts be awarded to bidders who use recycled materials and to pay local manufacturers to do the same, Miller said.

“The community of Lake View Terrace has the burden of the Lopez Canyon Landfill for the city, so we need to start earnestly initiating a recycling program for all of Los Angeles,” said Melanie Bernard, a member of the Lake View Terrace Improvement Assn.

Residents’ concerns and suggestions will be compiled and distributed to the Environmental Affairs Commission, the Los Angeles City Council and other city agencies, Miller said. The next forum in the San Fernando Valley is scheduled for September and will focus on environmental issues in City Councilwoman Joy Picus’ district, Miller said.