Police Crack Down on Illegal Dumpers

The city of Los Angeles is putting illegal dumpers in the San Fernando Valley on notice that they cannot get a free ride when it comes to removing non-earthquake-related construction debris and tree cuttings.

In fact, says City Councilman Hal Bernson, it’s going to be downright expensive for people caught tossing such rubble onto city streets.

Last week, when the Devonshire Division of the Los Angeles Police Department began cracking down on illegal dumping, 13 people were cited for violating a state law that forbids throwing refuse from cars. Capt. Vance Proctor of the Devonshire Division said each citation carries a maximum fine of $1,000.

Within days of the Jan. 17, 1994, temblor, Los Angeles offered to haul away earthquake debris as a free service to residents. Over time, however, people have taken undue advantage of the service by dumping everything from regular construction debris to discarded couches on city streets for pickup.

Until recently, the law had only been spottily enforced by the understaffed Police Department. At Bernson’s request, reserve officers from the Devonshire Division and inspectors from the city Bureau of Engineering have recently begun a concerted effort to catch dumpers.

They have done this by keeping watch over areas that have been freqently used as illegal dump sites and ticketing those they catch.

“I hope these arrests send a strong message,” Bernson said. “Illegal dumping is a crime. Cheating the taxpayers will not be tolerated.”

Andres Santamaria, head of the bureau’s Earthquake Recovery Division, said the city will continue its free pickup of earthquake-related debris until July 17. People who would like this service may call (800) 498-CITY.