SOM Statement RE: Hearing & Press Conference on CCCC v. COLA

September 25, 2024 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | FULL DETAILS BELOW

LOS ANGELES (September 25, 2024) — The Court held a hearing on the demurrers of the County of Los Angeles and Chiquita Canyon Landfill wherein the County of Los Angeles and Chiquita Canyon Landfill, LLC sought to dismiss the lawsuit brought forth by Citizens for Chiquita Canyon Closure.

Hon. Stephen Goorvitch, Judge, initially indicated he was leaning towards sustaining the demurrers, thereby dismissing the case and Citizens for Chiquita Canyon Closure's challenge to the County of Los Angeles's handling and approval of the Landfill's current activities.

Oshea Orchid, attorney at Sethi Orchid Miner LLP, argued on behalf of Citizens for Chiquita Canyon Closure. Orchid argued the current activities at the Chiquita Canyon Landfill - including excavation, drilling, treating, and storing of hazardous waste are causing a significant environmental impact on the surrounding communities.

Orchid argued these new activities trigger the responsibility of the County of Los Angeles, as the Lead Enforcement Agency under the  California Environmental Quality Act, to conduct a new analysis and determine if the impact on the community could be avoided or mitigated.

Orchid compared the response of the County of Los Angeles to this environmental crisis to that of the gas leak at Porter Ranch in 2015. Furthermore, Orchid argued the County of Los Angeles facilitated mass evacuations and placed greater resources at the disposal of Porter Ranch vis-a-vis the working-class minority neighborhood currently affected by the crisis. 

Judge Goorvitch indicated he would take the matter under submission and issue a formal ruling in the weeks to come.

Following the hearing, a press conference took place outside of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. California State Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, who attended the hearing, asserted the County of Los Angeles needs to take responsibility for its actions and call for a state of emergency to assist residents in this public health crisis. Orchid and other community members echoed her cries, pleading for the County to provide relief.

Media Contact: Oshea Orchid or Sami Fowler, (855) 588-7664