For thousands of homeowners who are trying to protect their families from strong odors of decaying garbage and eye-stinging chemicals from the Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic, their problems are costing money, and a new county program was announced Tuesday that may provide some financial relief.
Los Angeles County is offering affected homeowners two ways to save some cash on their property tax bills, Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger outlined during a board of supervisors meeting. Barger, whose district includes the Santa Clarita Valley, said several affected residents had reached out to her about property taxes.
First, hose late on paying their tax bills can apply for a waiver for all late fees, explained Keith Knox, the county’s treasurer and tax collector. They can go to the Treasurer Tax-Collector’s website and click on the box “Request a Penalty Cancellation.”
If approved, all late fees and penalties will be eliminated. However, this is not a blanket program. Instead, each request has to be examined one-by-one. “I have dedicated a team of personnel to review those requests and work with residents based on their needs,” Knox said.
After breathing strong odors during the past year, residents from Val Verde, Castaic, Live Oak and Hasley Canyon — areas near the 639-acre landfill in the Santa Clarita Valley — reported asthma attacks, bloody noses, skin irritations, nausea and heart palpitations to authorities including the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Many stay in their homes and can’t go outside or use their patios or backyards. Last summer, homeowners reported running air conditioning 24/7, spiking electricity bills. Some have paid for home hardening, such as weather proofing to keep odors out. Barger said they deserve relief from these costs, and she also is concerned about dropping property values.
“I’m focused on helping homeowners who are worried about a possible decline in home values and who may not be…
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