CATCHING OUR ILLEGAL DUMPERS.
These folks were caught dumping their unwanted waste on Compton Blvd & Main Street. Fortunately for us, the local business owner was able to capture enough information from their vehicles that we were able to successfully identify their residence. We posted the video on social media and within 12 hours someone from Argentina provided us with their home address. We visited their address and provided that information to Compton Sheriff, Public Works and Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office. The area was cleaned up on the same day of the dumping. It required a crew of 3 along with multiple trash trucks and took over 3 hours. The dumping of large items has subsided since this incident occurred on January 2nd. Sadly, these are local community members dumping in their own neighborhood.
Have Paint. Will Travel :-)
Our commitment to keeping the business corridors clean and safe requires a daily drive with paint, brushes and brooms. The reporting is one step in getting it resolved quick. However, when we are out on the streets and see it, we can react quicker.
NOW WHAT?
The “Illegal Dumping” case that you witnessed, under Sheriff’s Department case number 923-15847-2141-399, was sent to the District Attorney’s Compton Office for filing consideration. Unfortunately, the case (DA CASE #43580368) was declined. The charges were declined “in the interest of justice as outlined by the District Attorney’s Mission Statement and Special Directive 20-07.”
No Means No.
Clean ups took place on Monday, November 6th and were completed on Thursday, November 9th in the East Gardena area. Sixty one people accepted help and are no longer on the streets. 49 RV’s were removed from circulation and slated to be destroyed. Now, we must work to ensure the unregistered, nonworking RV’s do not return. During my early morning drive, we stumbled upon someone trying to set up camp on 157th. With the help of Compton Sheriff, we were able to have them move on.
Are We Next?
One of the most poignant metaphors for life and growth for me has been peeling back the layers of an onion. As a chef, peeling onions can sting and make you cry. As I work on the streets, life has a funny way of mimicking old experiences. One drive can result in the discovery of so many other issues. One clean up identifies the sins the of the past. Even working with the homeless, listening to their realities can be jarring.
We find ourselves with many issues that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. The clean ups have been one layer. The RV Encampment Removals have been another layer. Getting the homeless to accept the help has been another layer. Now, we have the environmental issues which have to be discussed, addressed and resolved.
The Overnight Illegal Fireworks Show.
We have been experiencing overnight fireworks displays on the magnitude of Disneyland. These “shows” are placing our businesses and residential areas at risk. Recently, one of the displays landed on a nearby home and started a roof fire. The fire destroyed a bedroom. If you own a business or a building on this street, please review your cameras and help us identify these individuals.
We Aren’t In Disneyland.
In all seriousness, what plan will the businesses implement to ensure the newly cleaned up areas remain clear? We did the work, removed the RV’s, removed the debris, cleaned the streets and housed the majority of homeless that were ready.
The following areas were cleaned up:
Broadway between Alondra & 157th
Main Street between Alondra & Redondo Beach Blvd
157th between Figueroa & San Pedro
San Pedro between 157th & Alondra
Avalon between 154th & Alondra
Businesses please clean your setbacks. They belong to you and are considered private property. (The setback is the area between sidewalk & the building or fence and is typically the area you are maintaining).
Community Clean Up (Saturday 11/11)
Received a call from the new Principal of Gardena Elementary asking who to contact regarding a mess behind the school in the Caltrans area along Estrella Ave. She asked how quickly it could be addressed. I offered to get a dumpster to the location on Saturday and asked her to get the parents & community involved.
Her response “It’s a 3 day weekend”
My response “And?”
If we stand any chance of getting our streets cleaned up, holiday or not, two hours is not much to ask especially if children see this mess everyday while playing on the playground. I have arranged to have a dumpster delivered at 8am so we can quickly remove the mess and enjoy the holiday weekend.
Re-addressing Basic Safety
Fire hydrants are designed to instantly provide the water required by fire fighters to extinguish a fire. The compromised hydrants have been my number one concern especially with the large amount of RV fires. Today, Golden State Water began checking the hydrants in the areas that were cleaned up. Replacement hydrants are being ordered. Leaking […]
Where Is Athens Way?
Athens Way is a street which runs north & south along Union Pacific Railroad property in the Unincorporated LA County area. It’s so confusing that the area identifies as one of three neighborhoods West Rancho Dominguez/Gardena/Los Angeles. To make it more fun, the roadway (on the west side) is shared by the County, the Railroad and an Energy Company. It was the very first location that caught my attention due to all the problems.